Finally, my first blog entry for 2016. ๐ I have been meaning to write about how the past year went – well, more of dumping all the travel, portrait and event photos in one long winding post. In the end, I decided against it and resolved instead to post frequently here in small chunks.
As always, my weekends have been busy with photo-related stuff. Apart from shooting, I’ve been spending more time studying about photography. I realized that no matter how long I’ve been shooting events/portraits (since early 2009, 7 years ago!), there’s always something new to learn. I’m always on the lookout for new inspirations, new workshops, new photographers to stalk online. 3 years ago, I joined the Jeff and Lisa Photography Workshop, Firestarter, which I wrote about here. In 2014, I had the opportunity to join a workshop in Australia with JinkyArt Photography by Barb Uil (who, for me, is the best children’s photographer out there. ๐ ). Last year, I got really interested in shooting lifestyle sessions, so I enrolled in a Creative Live class by Kirsten Lewis. While I still enjoy shooting beautifully styled portrait sessions and gush at every cute prop/detail, I have a lot of fun shooting sessions that are more raw, honest, unstyled and candid. It seems to draw out the character of each subject more effectively. Also, the kids’ smiles are more authentic, not forced, when you give them more freedom to do what they want. (I might have gained a lot of practice taking candid photos of my nephews and nieces while they were a lot younger.) Watching Kirsten’s videos inspired me to take more lifestyle shoots, including “A Day in the Life” sessions which I will post about soon. ๐
Late last year, I had the chance to do a lifestyle portrait session with the Dychiao family, with Tin of Manila Fashion Observer, her husband Harvey and their 3 bubbly kids, Berry, Xavi and Tepper. Harvey’s a photographer as well and appreciates natural morning light so we started really early (hooray for this morning person haha). The kids were energized (at such an early hour! ๐ ) and they genuinely enjoyed being in front of the camera ๐ I had fun working with the entire family. The only problem was having to keep up with the kids’ energy! Had to keep my Tita mode off for a two hours. LOL
Berry and Xavi weren’t tired yet so they spent some time at the playground while waiting for their orders. By this time, Berry was very comfy in front of the cam, and she had her own ideas on where I should shoot. Xavi used up all his residual energy and was all over the place. Hehe. I’m still amazed at how he was able to climb up a pole so quickly and without any adult supervision ๐ He made some new friends at the playground, too. Interesting how kids can be without their parents around.
Thank you so much to the Dychiao family for letting me shoot! ๐ Will still get clearance from Auntie Lorr if I can post the Part 2 shoot with the extended family. LOL
