In celebration of its 10th anniversary, smartphone brand vivo organized a Photography Masterclass led by acclaimed fashion and celebrity photographer BJ Pascual. The event took place in One Ayala on July 12, 2025, and was also streamed live on vivo Philippines’ official Facebook page.
Attendees and online viewers got an inside look at professional photography techniques using the newest vivo V50, which features a 50MP ZEISS All Main Camera. Beauty queen Nicole Cordoves hosted the said event.
READ: vivo V50 Review
BJ Pascual’s Photography Journey
Long before becoming a sought-after photographer for celebrities and top magazines, BJ Pascual was a young creative with a passion for storytelling. His interest in photography began early, as he experimented with an SLR camera as a hobby before pursuing formal training.
During his school years, he honed his skills through graphic design, managing a fan blog for Christina Aguilera, and even designing the official shirt for his batch at DLSU. His big break came when his photos were featured in his school magazine, proving that his talent could open doors—even without industry connections. What started as a personal passion eventually turned into a thriving career behind the lens.
Mobile Photography with vivo V50
The masterclass offered hands-on insights into professional photography using just a smartphone. With the vivo V50’s ZEISS-powered camera system, BJ demonstrated how to capture stunning portraits, fashion shots, and beauty close-ups—all achievable on a mobile device. Nicole Cordoves served as the model, showcasing the phone’s advanced capabilities.
1. Learning the basics with Portrait Mode
BJ emphasized the fundamentals of photography which are lighting, composition, and framing. He explained how Portrait Mode enhances depth and focus, especially with proper lighting.
Pro Tip from BJ: To create an elongated, runway-ready look, position the subject’s face in the center of the frame, allowing the legs and background to stretch naturally. He also discussed how to use distortion creatively for more dynamic storytelling.
2. Taking Fashion Shots with vivo 50’s ZEISS Multifocal Portrait Mode
BJ explored different focal lengths available in the ZEISS Multifocal Portrait Mode demonstrating how each setting impacts the shot:
Wider focal lengths create dramatic, expansive backgrounds. Tighter focal lengths bring intimacy and focus to the subject.
Pro Tip from BJ: Treat focal length like a styling tool where you choose the right one based on the story you want to tell.
3. Stunning Beauty Shots with ZEISS Bokeh & AI Aura Light 2.0
One of the most exciting features of the vivo V50 is its ZEISS Style Bokeh Effects and AI Aura Light Portrait 2.0, which replicate high-end studio lighting and lens effects. BJ showcased three standout bokeh styles:
- Biotar – Creates a dreamy, swirling background (comparable to a Php23,000 lens).
- B-Speed – Adds subtle motion blur with curved highlights (similar to a Php 219,000 lens).
- Distagon – Delivers a smooth, creamy blur with hexagonal light effects (mimicking a Php 83,000 lens).
Pro Tip from BJ: Match the bokeh style to the mood
BJ shared how amazed he was that these premium lens effects, typically requiring expensive equipment are now accessible through a smartphone. The vivo V50 allows users to achieve professional-quality shots without bulky gear.
He wrapped up with a key lesson: Great photography isn’t just about technique but about storytelling. Whether using a phone or a DSLR, the best images come from intent and creativity.
Limited-Time Offer for vivo’s 10th Anniversary
As part of its anniversary celebration, vivo is offering the V50 at a Php2,000 discount. It is available in vivo stores nationwide and online via vivo’s official website, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. Whether you’re an aspiring photographer, fashion lover, or casual shooter, the vivo V50 brings professional-grade photography to your fingertips.