From once being known as a Promil gifted child—a young genius expected to become a doctor—Shaira Luna chose instead to carve her own path, find her voice, and fight for her passion. Today, she stands as one of the most prominent photographers in the Philippines, having worked with numerous brands, personalities, and publications.

Her story offers today’s youth valuable lessons about embracing mistakes, learning from them, and discovering the path that truly feels like their own.

Actually, nothing. Everything I went through, whether troubles or hardships, I think was necessary for me to grow as a photographer. I don’t think I would be where I am now if I hadn’t gone through those challenges. So I don’t think I would want anything to save me from any of that because it really builds character.

I went through a lot of not-so-pleasant experiences, especially as a young photographer. There are times when you get taken advantage of, or there are things you don’t understand, or things that are taken for granted or not communicated well. But I think to get to this level, and to stay in the industry for as long as I have, everything I went through was super important.

I’m not sure there are any, because literally every opportunity that came, I tried to take. But I think what was important for me is that, for example, when I say yes to one project and something else comes along whether it’s bigger or better I always honor my word. I still stick to the one I said yes to first, unless it’s a life-or-death situation or something extremely important that requires me to take the other shoot. So I think keeping your values is very important.

Always keep your eyes open. Always observe even if you don’t know what you’re reviewing or studying, or even if you don’t know yet what you really want to be. I think it’s important that you’re always learning. Learn about everything.

Even if it’s photography, for example, I still love looking at fashion, architecture, and other fields. You have to learn a little bit about everything. Or not even “learn,” just be interested. Have interests outside of what you want to pursue. You always have to add to your knowledge.

Discipline, number one. Then willpower. Kasi madalas siguro may mga napanghihinaan ng loob (most of the time, some people lose courage) or are super sensitive to a lot of external factors. But I think emotional regulation is also very important.

I think that’s a skill set—being aware, being open. I don’t think I can recommend a single skill that would benefit everyone, but it’s really about trying a lot of things until you find what will help you improve.

I don’t know who gave this advice, or if I heard it somewhere, or if I just deduced it from something. But: “Oh wells” are better than “What ifs.” That’s it. Super simple. If it doesn’t work, “oh well.” If you learn something while trying to achieve something or trying to help someone, nothing is ever a waste of time.