Flash of Genius: An Interview with Photographer Filbert Diego Kung

From Hollywood red carpets to Milan exhibits and Hamptons fashion shoots, Filbert Kung has photographed the world—but it’s his quiet, unguarded, and attentive nature that reveals the artist behind the lens.

I met Filbert Diego Kung at a Grey/Ven fashion event in Amagansett last summer. He’s one of those rare photographers who instantly puts you at ease—calm, composed, and naturally good at making anyone feel like they belong in front of his lens. Had I known then just how in-demand Filbert is in the fashion and photography world, I probably wouldn’t have asked him to snap a few shots of me goofing off on the red carpet. But maybe that makes me a model? Either way, it was my first glimpse of how effortlessly he captures people as they are. In my case, goofy-but-make-it-chic.

Since then, I’ve seen him popping up around the Hamptons, often between flights to LA, Miami, or wherever the next big editorial or campaign takes him. Originally from the Philippines, Filbert has spent over fifteen years building a career that bridges Hollywood red carpets, high-fashion editorials, and fine art portraiture. 

Kung’s recent Milan exhibition, Chronology of a Mind, at a private showroom on Via Spiga and featured powerful images from across his vast portfolio—editorials in New York and Los Angeles, landscapes in Africa, and portraits of names like Lady Gaga, Chris Evans, Brian May, Pia Wurtzbach, and Catriona Gray. 

His work has been likened to Richard Avedon and Annie Leibovitz for finding emotional depth beneath the glamour—a signature style that’s earned him a loyal following among celebrities, designers, and peers across the industry. 

Despite a jet-set lifestyle, he’s deeply grounded in connecting with his subjects—whether through editorial collaborations or his personal artistic projects. My conversation with Filbert touched on preserving identity, his upcoming exhibition in Milan, finding stillness in motion, and letting intuition guide the lens.

We first met here in the Hamptons, but let’s rewind a bit—where did you grow up, and how do you think that shaped your vision as a photographer?

I was born and raised in the Philippines, with my roots deeply planted in the southern region of Mindanao. Growing up in a small city, life was simple—but it was that very simplicity that made it so rich and inspiring. The Philippines is a country full of vibrant culture, diverse traditions, and breathtaking natural beauty. That richness has always shaped the way I see the world.

My father, an avid photographer, sparked my interest in capturing moments and telling stories through images. Watching him work made me curious about expressing myself creatively. Over time, I found my own passion—not only in photography but also in creating artwork inspired by nature and culture.

Nature has always brought me peace, and our traditions have always given me a sense of belonging. These two things—beauty and identity—continue to inspire my work today.

Was there a defining moment when you knew photography was it for you, or did it sneak up over time?

It was actually my father who inspired me to start photography and my mother as my first model. I grew up surrounded by cameras, as photography was my father’s hobby, and being around it naturally sparked my own interest.

Did you always imagine yourself in the world of fashion photography, or did that path unfold naturally?

I did, I’ve always loved fashion, and I’m greatly influenced by my parents, who really dressed up well when they were younger. I love watching people dress up well and eventually capture it through my lens. I have always loved the art of fashion. 

Who were the early inspirations that made you think, ‘This is how I want to capture the world’?

Again, it’s always been my parents first, and Filipino culture. It’s a colorful and vibrant culture. I started by loving my own and eventually saw myself capturing the world as I saw it. 

Fashion photographers sometimes get a reputation for being a little over-the-top—but you seem to have such a calm presence behind the camera. What’s your approach on set?

I’m usually quiet on set, but my mind works nonstop. I usually play music and discuss the vision with my team and collaborators. And so, during the shoot, things just flow. I’m calm, but my mind is not, especially when ideas keep coming and I want to capture everything. 

Portraiture feels like your sweet spot—what is it about capturing a person’s essence that keeps you inspired?

I love portrait photography. I love seeing people, staring at the camera, feeling people’s emotions and capturing not just the person but the soul.  

On the flip side, what’s one thing you see in amateur photography that makes you cringe? And is there a photo trend you’re ready to shutter for good?

Nothing really, I always believe that we start from somewhere, then eventually evolve.  I started as an amateur photographer with a huge vision. 

You’ve worked with some serious star power. What’s the key to making celebrities relax enough for a truly great shot?

I usually research every personality I photograph. It’s important to see how they work, how they register on camera first. I usually check their favorite music, and make sure I’ll play it on set, to establish the mood and open up light conversations.  

Between jet-setting for shoots and your role as Editor-at-Large for NOW Magazine LA, your calendar must be insane. How do those worlds intersect for you creatively?

I’ve been travelling nonstop for the past few years. Most of the time in Milan and other parts of Europe and Brazil, since I started doing exhibitions. It has always been a dream to see the world and capture every scene through my lens. It fuels my creativity and motivation.  It is draining at times because I have to take long flights, but every experience is rewarding. 

Your recent exhibit made headlines overseas—can you tell us about it? And should we be crossing our fingers for a Hamptons exhibition soon?

It was last June 2024 in Milano, organized by my amazing agent and friend Carlo, it was also supported by BI.CI an Italian architecture and design studio. I never expected that hundreds of people would come, mostly from the high society of Milan. The honorary President of Camera Moda came to introduce me and the gracious Daniela Javarone presented me and opened my exhibition. It was an honor for me to present my work outside of the US. 

I would love a Hamptons exhibition; if that happens, it will be my first US Exhibition. Last month, my work was presented at the Monaco Art Fair organized by my friend David Bitton. Also, some of my photos were part of the Grey/Ven booth at the Hamptons Fine Art Fair last July.

I’m excited to present my work again, this time in collaboration with the Milan-based Jewelry brand Maison Antoine, during Milan Fashion Week this September.

How often do you get out here to the East End, and what first brought you to the Hamptons?

I came often last year since I work with an East Hamptons-based clothing brand, Grey/Ven. I was still living in Los Angeles then, but I decided to move back to New York last year, and perhaps I can come to the Hamptons more often now. 

When you’re not on assignment, what do you love to photograph just for you? Is there a Hamptons moment—sunsets, the surf, quiet streets—that always catches your lens?

I love photographing scenery now; my subject is usually nature. I also started to experiment on some black and white photos of different textures and still life subjects. The Hamptons is beautiful, the sea, nature, and sunset make me feel alive, capturing every moment.  Even if it gets too quiet at times, it’s a great escape from the noise of the city. Stillness often gives me power.