The Beauty Profile: The NY-Based Photographer Who Captures Beauty Through Expression and Intention
This is an excerpt from MEGA April 2026 Beauty Profile
Subjectively, the most memorable images offer a subtler and experienced perspective of the world. How a sheet of paper glides through the air, a hidden gesture, the act of someone picking up a piece of fruit. As an artist, I find myself drawn to these subtleties. There is an insatiable desire to learn what truths might reveal themselves in these moments. Within them, I’m often searching for seductive contradictions. What if it’s grunge, alternative, but also ethereal? In many ways, Megan Collante’s work captures that tension perfectly.
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Let’s start simple. Could you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hello! My name is Megan Collante. I am a fashion and beauty photographer based in NYC. I mostly focus on beauty and fashion editorials and campaigns. I really try to have a personal perspective on every shoot I do. My compositions and scenes lean into something more cinematic. I also love to explore the Asian-American perspective and identity.
How did you begin your journey as a photographer, and if you could share your experiences of being a Filipino-American creative in New York?
I grew up around my family taking lots of photos and my grandpa’s film camera collection. Coming to New York was really a way for me to find people I could relate to, because I grew up in a small, dominantly white town as the only Asian girl in my class. I did feel different, but I accepted my situation and still enjoyed sharing those differences. New York has so many talented people, and it was inspiring to be around them with different techniques and paths.
Identity-wise, I leaned more into becoming my own person. Not necessarily to rebel, but to create work that speaks to my experiences and interests instead of following the status quo. Coming from a place of isolation and figuring out my path on my own, then being placed in a melting pot, I realized I still needed that isolation to create. I go through periods where I spend time with a lot of people, and then I become a bit of a recluse, only really seeing the people I’m working with at the time. I think it’s important to maintain a bubble so you can focus on your work, while still creating bridges to collaborate. I don’t want to be too easily influenced by the opinions of others until I’ve fulfilled my project.
I’ve always been intentional about sharing that culture with people around me. Every year I host a big dinner where I cook sinigang, pancit, and bibingka for my friends. Most of the time it’s their first time having a home-cooked Filipino meal. Sharing food with family is such a huge part of our culture.
How do you consciously stay connected to your Filipino heritage through the work you create and your approach to beauty?
Beauty is such a big world of expression. I love the idea of transformation, and capturing a person and seeing what they could be. But I also love seeing people for who they are. So there are moments where I’m creating, and other moments where I’m simply there to capture them as they are.
Being Filipino, I feel like it’s an opportunity to be multifaceted. It’s being bold and honest. Expression isn’t limited in our culture. I know I may not be a performer or secretly an amazing dancer, but I do feel I can express myself by transforming people.
I’m drawn to the subtle details in your photographs. There’s an image where you placed a flower and a square pin on top of the subject. What goes through your mind when you make those kinds of decisions?
I love the idea of mixing mediums. In some images, I layer actual 3D objects and rescan them into the photo. It adds a bit of texture, which I like. I usually play with prints of my photos on my desk before releasing them. Sometimes I find interesting compositions that way, and then I immortalize them.
A lot of these decisions are really just putting the ingredients on the table and mixing them around. It’s like cooking. I’m not the best at graphic design, but I am better at making things with my hands. Sometimes the decisions we make on set are ultimately up to what works for the world we are in, at the time.
What does your routine look like? Are there products you genuinely swear by?
Every morning I start by journaling or doing reflective exercises. I think it’s good to start the day by taking care of your mental health. It sets the tone for the rest of the day. Then I do a simple skincare routine. Just two products: the Skin1004 Calming Cream and the Kineff Night Moisturizer.
I will say, I do have a complicated beauty routine one day of the week where I do my lashes, nails, micro-plane my face, trim my eyebrows, and do facials. I do my own lash extensions, just one wispy clutter at the end of my lash line. My nails are a constant side hobby for me. If I wasn’t a photographer I think I would run a nail salon, truly.
For hair, I usually use my heatless curl rods, they are the best! Get the velvet ones so they don’t damage your hair. I also have been trying out the Dr. Groot system for washing my hair and I can honestly say I have never felt my hair more clean and healthy. Thank you Bretman Rock for the rec!
I also make sure to take certain vitamins that support my skin, hair and nails. I always take NAD, Seamoss, and Lustriva.
As for makeup, I try to keep it really simple since I have sensitive skin. I love the Tirtir Red cushion foundation. I also love the NYX Lip IV lipstain for a more natural lip, it goes on like a gloss but you can kind of customize where the stain goes so I use the “Water bout wine” shade. For bronzer, I use the DiorShow eyeshadow palette in 689 Mitzah. Just a smidge on my cheeks and nose for a bit of glow.
Read more about Megan Collante in MEGA’s April 2026 issue, now available on Readly, Magzter, Press Reader and Zinio.
Photographed by TYLER WU. Producer MARA GO
The post The Beauty Profile: The NY-Based Photographer Who Captures Beauty Through Expression and Intention first appeared on MEGA.
The Beauty Profile: The NY-Based Photographer Who Captures Beauty Through Expression and Intention
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