After hustling and bustling in the professional photography scene for almost a decade, Prabowo "Bowo" Prajogio learned what he considered the most important key to being the crème de la crème in his craft: That the best way to succeed is by being in a class of itself. Long story short, Bowo is now regarded in his community as the lensman known for his colorful compositions and polychromatic portraits.

During a conversation with The Jakarta Post on Dec. 14, however, the 30-year-old photographer let slip a little secret. "To be honest, back in the day, I wasn't an avid fan of colors," he said with a grin.

"The thing is, I think it was around 2015 or 2016 or 2017 when most Jakarta-based photographers would capture photos in muted colors, what was trendy back then was photos that were monochromatic or photos whose [color] tone was more on the dark side. That's why I was like, 'Hmm, how can I stand out, then'," he said.

Bowo's strategy ultimately paid off. Over the years, he captured some of Indonesia's most regarded public figures such as Ruangguru's cofounder Iman Usman, Raisa, Ramengvrl, Samo Rafael and jazz-pop outfit Maliq & D'essentials, in their, quite literally, most prismatic form. Lucky for the photographer, he eventually started developing an affection for color compositions as well.

"There's a saying, 'When you take photos in black and white, you capture the [subject]'s soul.' I don't think that's me, though. I like to capture the energy and the joy," he continued.

Copy the light: Netflix commissioned Prabowo “Bowo“ Prajogio to capture photos of the cast of the 2021 Indonesian feature film “Photocopier“, starring Shenina Cinnamon (pictured). The photos were notable for its use of green-hued lighting. (Courtesy of Prabowo Prajogio) (Courtesy of Prabowo Prajogio/.)

Colors of you

Born in Bandung and raised in Bekasi, the younger Bowo was first smitten with the visual arts when he was an adolescent. Japanese comic books and animation, in particular, were his most influential muses.

"I loved Japanese pop culture, you can say I'm a wibu," he chuckled. "I used to love manga and anime so much. I [also] enjoyed fan-drawing [Japanese comic book] Naruto," he said.

As Bowo entered high school, his parents gifted him with his first camera: a Nikon D40. Eventually, the teen Bowo grew from drawing to tinkering with his camera and teaching himself about the basics of photography. Jump ahead to the year 2012, Bowo secured his first professional gig in photography; he was hired as a photographer's assistant for the Jakarta-based FREE! Magazine.

The gig led to his encounter with a seasoned photographer, Michael Timothy, whom Bowo considered his "first mentor."

"I followed him around for three months, whenever he was doing coverage," said Bowo. "That's when I started opening my eyes. I was like, 'Oh, so this is what a photographer's work in real life looks like'."

A couple of years later, Bowo started interning at South Jakarta-based Studio 47: A creative agency that manages and represents photographers, models, make-up artists and fashion stylists. He was fortunate enough to learn more about the nuances of photography from another experienced craftsman in the business: Beauty photographer Glenn Prasetya, who is also the founder of Studio 47.

Feeling more amped up to master his craft, Bowo also applied for a photography class mentored by another veteran fashion photographer, Nicoline Patricia Malina.

"I learned so much from those two figures," he enthused. "Glenn was the expert in beauty and commercial photography, whereas Nicoline was more about fashion. I was a sponge for knowledge back in 2014. I remember clearly. I even delayed my college graduation by one year just so that I could attend her class."

Bowo might learn a lot about the refined aspects of photography. However, one very simple lesson is etched into his brain to this day.

"You have to know yourself, you have to know what you like and you have to be confident in what you shoot, even when the present-day trend says otherwise," he asserted.

A splash of colors

After a brief stint in the private sector, Bowo made up his mind to go all-in with beauty photography. His colorful vision might appear too far-reaching for the trend in the 2010s, but he was certain of one thing, "I think the right clients will come to you [eventually]."

To boot, Bowo was convinced that, in time, photos of splashing colors would, no pun intended, make their splash.

"The world changed when black-and-white photography transitioned to color photography. I think that, with colors, you get to explore more and you get to express more," continued Bowo.

As he further developed his portfolio, Bowo's clients started getting more high-end and prevalent. He had shot for various fashion magazines such as SICKY Magazine, KALTBLUT Magazine, CLEO, CosmoGirl! Indonesia, Nylon Guys Indonesia and The Editors Club. He also worked with notable brands that included Samsung Indonesia, Bioderma Indonesia and UNIQLO Indonesia.

Working with the latter brand, in particular, was a fond experience to remember for Bowo.

"That was pretty 'wow'," he chuckled. "Even my friends in Japan were impressed."

In recent years, Bowo started taking a dip into music photography as well, capturing single cover artworks and publicity images for musicians such as Nadin Amizah, Ramengvrl and Warren Hue. More surprises came his way afterward, case in point, when Netflix Indonesia commissioned Bowo to take photos of the cast of the 2021 Indonesian feature film Photocopier, starring Chicco Kurniawan, Shenina Cinnamon, Giulio Parengkuan, Dea Panendra and Lutesha. The resulting photos were unique for incorporating green-hued lighting.

Turns out, Netflix was interested in Bowo's vision after checking out his past portfolio.

"It was quite a shock because I had never dreamed of having a film client. Fashion is usually clothes or purses or make-up. This offer, however, came from the film industry. I had never dreamed of having Netflix as a client, either," he enthused.

When it comes to the subjects of his photos, no one left a bigger impression than Indonesian actress and model Asmara Abigail.

"Asmara is actually more into kebaya or traditional garment. But, when I gave her a Harajuku concept, she was able to deliver. Not all artists or public figures, I think, can do that," he applauded.

Master of color: Photographer Prabowo “Bowo“ Prajogio is regarded in his community his flair for colorful compositions and polychromatic portraits. (Courtesy of Prabowo Prajogio) (Courtesy of Prabowo Prajogio/.)

True colors

Bowo's play of colors does not stop at his subject's props, settings or clothing. Unlike most beauty photographers, he refused to edit his subject's skin complexion to appear lighter as the in-vogue, Korea-influenced trend might dictate.

Ultimately, beauty comes from authenticity.

"We all happen to share the same idealism; we don't want to modify skin tones. In fact, it never crosses our minds to falsify our complexion. We're just being real," he quipped.

Lastly, as the New Year approaches, Bowo divulged what he wished to be his ideal palette and canvas, the goals he wished would come true in the foreseeable future.

"This might sound shallow, but I would really love to shoot for a K-pop agency," he concluded with a laugh.

To find out more about Prabowo Prajogio, visit his website prabowoprajogio.com