Meet Darren Mamaril | Photographer, Videographer, Litigation Paralegal

We had the good fortune of connecting with Darren Mamaril and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darren, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and I’m a proud son of Filipino immigrants who came to the U.S. in the ’80s. My parents worked tirelessly to give me the best life they could, and I’m forever grateful for everything they sacrificed. (Love you, Ma and Tay!)
I’d say I get my work ethic from my mom—she’s one of the hardest-working people I know. She taught me the value of perseverance and commitment. My love for photography definitely comes from my dad; his creativity and passion for the craft were infectious. Both of them showed me what it means to work hard, stay focused, and approach everything with heart.
Beyond that, I’ve had some incredible influences in my life who’ve shaped my mindset and drive. My cousin Janelle taught me the importance of communicating and presenting myself in a professional atmosphere, a lesson that’s been crucial in both my paralegal work and communicating with my photography clients. And last, but not least, my son Aiden and my fiancée April are biggest motivators. They push me every day to work my hardest and set a strong example for them. Their support and love keep me going, reminding me of the bigger picture and why I do what I do. They mean the world to me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I know it’s a bit of a cliché, but I genuinely love telling stories through portraits. For me, photography isn’t just a way to make a living — it’s a form of art and a way to express emotion, character, and narrative through a single frame. What sets my work apart is the intention behind each portrait. I want to focus on capturing moments that feel personal and real, whether it’s a quiet glance or a bold expression. I’m most proud of how much I’ve grown as a portrait photographer — both technically and creatively. Each session pushes me to see people in new ways and tell their stories more thoughtfully.
My growth didn’t happen overnight. Getting to where I am today has really been a mix of a few key things: building strong relationships, staying visible, and constantly pushing myself to improve. Networking has played a huge role — connecting with other professionals and clients has opened so many doors and taught me a lot along the way. Word-of-mouth has also been a big part of my success. When clients are happy, they share their experience, and that kind of organic growth has been incredibly valuable.
Staying active on social media has helped me stay consistent and visible. It’s a great platform to share my work, highlight my style, and connect with people who really resonate with what I do. But at the heart of it all is my commitment to learning. Photography is always evolving, and I make it a priority to grow with it—whether that’s through new techniques or refining my creative process. That drive to keep getting better is what really keeps everything moving forward for me.
Of course, it wasn’t always easy. I started freelance photography while I was still in film school, and when I officially launched my business, I didn’t have a formal budget — I started with less than $500. It was a steep learning curve, especially trying to balance the creative side with the realities of running a business. I built my early clientele mostly through word-of-mouth and spent my off-time reading finance books to figure out how to manage and allocate funds effectively.
It hasn’t been that long since I started, but looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. The biggest lessons I’ve learned are to stay resourceful, keep learning, and trust the process. Every challenge taught me something valuable, and those small steps added up over time.
What I want the world to know about me — and the Jadiem Films brand — is that this journey didn’t come from instant confidence or a perfect plan. It came from pushing past self-doubt and finally choosing to believe in myself. When I was 23, someone told me that starting my own company would be a waste of money, and I listened. I was young, ambitious, but unsure of myself, and that one comment stuck with me for years.
It wasn’t until 2023 that something shifted. I had a epiphany and asked myself, “Why am I still letting that one opinion hold me back?” That spark changed everything. I stopped hesitating, did my research, and launched my company. Today, I look back knowing I proved that person wrong.
With Jadiem Films, I want the brand to reflect authenticity, creativity, and resilience. I see my work as a collection of techniques, experiences, and even mistakes — all the things I’ve learned and grown from over the years. My story is a reminder that some of the biggest breakthroughs come when you stop waiting for permission and just start,

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting the area for a week, I’d definitely make sure they got the full LA experience — good food, great views, and a little bit of everything that makes this city special.
We’d kick things off with breakfast in Alhambra for some of the best dim sum in LA. NBC Seafood is my go-to — hands down, the best dim sum spot in the city. From there, we’d spend the week exploring different pockets of LA, starting with a day of shopping at the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica. After some retail therapy, we’d stroll down to the Santa Monica Pier for those classic ocean views and laid-back SoCal atmosphere.
For Friday night, I’d introduce them to one of my favorite dining cultures — Korean BBQ. We’d start the night at Bud Namu, a spot that’s personal to me because it’s where I had my first date with my fiancée. I’ve been going there for years – Brisket all night. One of the best things is that you don’t have to wait for side dishes — there is a self serve area where you can help yourself. After dinner, we’d head to Honey Night, a cozy, lounge-style restaurant where everyone gathers over soju and shared plates. Their spicy cheese chicken is a must. To end the night (if we’re not too full), we’d stop by Mama Lion if we’re trying to drink and dance OR Pharaoh Karaoke Lounge, if we’re trying to sing. Whatever we choose – it’s always a good vibe.
There’s so much to do in LA, but for me, the best experiences are always a mix of great food, local spots, and the kind of places that carry personal memories -That’s the LA I’d want to share.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my beautiful Fiancee and My Son. April and Aiden, you are my world.

Website: https://www.jadiemfilms.com

Instagram: @jadiemfilms

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jadiem-films-alhambra-2?osq=jadiem+Films&override_cta=Ask+for+information

Image Credits
All photos taken by Darren Mamaril of Jadiem Films.