Raised on ‘90s-2000s cartoon logic, Hong Kong cinema, and a households where inside jokes held the same weight as family traditions, Mark Anthony Gallardo brings a playful yet cinematic approach to photography and directing. At the heart of his work is a simple but powerful intention: connecting with people’s inner child. His images tap into nostalgia, wit, and stylized storytelling—where every frame is either setting up a punchline or simply capturing a euphoric moment.

Born in the Philippines and raised in Canada, he grew up surrounded by art, music, and an ever-expanding cast of cousins and unofficial family members. Laughter was their form of currency, and storytelling became second nature. Inspired by his father’s work as a graphic artist, he picked up painting and drawing at five years old—an obsession that later evolved into a love for photography, filmmaking, and crafting imaginary worlds.

Before stepping behind the camera full-time, he honed his eye as a Designer and Art Director in the agency world, learning how to make big ideas work on tight budgets and even tighter deadlines. Now, his signature style—uplifting, theatrical and witty—brings a vibrant, escapist energy to every project. Whether making people laugh, feel deeply, or both at the same time, his work is always in service of one thing: making that inner child chuckle.