Since this is the Holy Week I thought I'd make this post sooner rather than later. My camera, a Canon 50D, died on me yesterday, just as I was about to go on a family portrait shoot for a former schoolmate and her family. I was shaking, didn't know why my camera was suddenly having seizures like some sick epileptic child, the shutter firing off uncontrollably whenever I turned it on. It was a good thing that another photographer friend was available to do the shoot for me, since after that scare I was in no shape to shoot anything.

I learned a lot of lessons yesterday, or rather, some lessons I already knew were hammered pretty hard into my thick skull. For example, never agree to shoot if you don't have a trusty back-up (I had none) and buy a brand new camera! I'm still in the process of doing the second one, although I am hoping it will be sooner (LOL!) rather than later.

I allowed myself to go through the stages of grief last night, I bawled my eyes out so hard that I couldn't see what I was typing for work, but thankfully I am out of the funk and everything's back in perspective again. I especially like how that experience made me reflect on deaths and rebirth, how one cannot happen without the other.

I've read somewhere that in order to live again you have to die first, which is terribly apt given how some things are never given a chance to come to life when something old and rotten is in the way. That's the notion of salvation that I've learned since childhood, but there are just certain ideas that strike you differently when you're older and you begin to look at things a new way. I guess it's one of those things, hitting me like differently in a way that makes more sense now. (Whew, who would've thought that a camera malfunction would lead to this kind of reflection? Not me.) 

Easter is perhaps the best time to do some major personal reflection, about where  I am spiritually and how I've progressed, knowing that I still have a lot of ground to cover when it comes to this aspect in my life. I am thankful, however, for the chance to reflect and for the opportunities to do things better tomorrow.

Happy Easter everyone :) 

I love shooting details. There's no rush, and it feels a lot like playing. I especially love it when I'm shooting wedding-related stuff, which is exactly what I got to do for Engrande Events one day back in February. I love, love, love their stuff, from the hand-painted signboards to the dainty flower baskets with pearl handles (gaaahhhhh!!!). And those cute little flower crowns! Where were these things back when I was a little girl and the perfect flower girl material???

I was shooting in a sea of white, baby pink paper roses and lace that day, and there was no other place that I wanted to be. 

There are a lot of wedding styles that are popular these days, but ever since I could remember, I've always gravitated towards the shabby chic, white-and-pastel aesthetic whenever I though of my own wedding. This is perhaps the reason why I had so much fun shooting Engrande's styled set. Engrande Events offers wedding planning and styling, with most of the items I shot below also available for rent. You can visit their showroom at Rianna's Enterprise # 96 Cervantes Street Dumaguete City or head on over to their site.

I am back. It feels weird, saying that. I have so much to do, so much to write about! Best take things one at a time though. I've had the most interesting month. Everything was a blur of lessons and challenges and moments of anxiety, introspection, and appreciation of everything that I have. I have emerged learning a few valuable lessons that were crammed into a few weeks of frantic activity, and I wouldn't have had it any other way.

I've been reading the blog posts of a famous US photog who's had her share of mistakes in the past year, and it has made me realize that screwing up is definitely just a part of being human. We may cringe when we recall the times when we made mistakes and reacted accordingly, but when we step back and assess everything from a new perspective, it becomes clear that things happen not to make us feel insecure but to teach us a lesson (or lessons, whichever fits). My recent brushes with mistakes and failures has made me  realize that indeed, life lessons often come to us as mistakes that frustrate and scare us, and how we react can make a world of difference in how things eventually unfold. Will that mistake make or break us? It really all depends on how we react, how we view each setback. We can choose to be beaten and feel scared or we can see each failed expectation, each stupid blunder as the Universe's way of saying that you are ready for the next challenge, so here you go. 

Wishing you guys a great Friday :)

I don't know why food gives such comfort, even if they can't give you hugs or tell you that things will be OK. During the most stressful times of my life, I unconsciously turned to food as a way of rewarding myself for getting through the day. I packed a few pounds, certainly, which is why I am glad that the usual sources of stress are lying low and for now I am able to breathe. But I thank God for food, glorious food, whether its homemade paksiw or sweet and cheerful cupcakes. Edibles just make my day. 

There are just days when I feel like I've left the major parts of my life behind and I cannot wait to get back. The stress of finals week, the uncertainty brought by things that are out of my control, and the desire to just get back into the fray that is my life outside of law school leaves me itching, and I mean itching, to write! Work and writing have always been my refuge, and frankly, this month has not been pretty, so I  pretty much feel like I want to get away from it all, hide in a cave somewhere, bawl my eyes out if that will make me feel better.

I have returned to working again, although not  really fully into it. I missed my clients, their warm, kind words when they receive work that they like. Stuff like that warms my heart, and they become dear friends, these clients who I've never seen or met in person, as well as clients who are here in Dumaguete. I also miss shooting since I know that I need to practice more. I met a friend for the first time today and although we just talked for less than an hour, he gave me words that encouraged me to shoot more and overcome deep-seated insecurities when it comes to using the camera. He also gave me a precious gift from a close friend of his who's been a real inspiration when it comes to shooting (excited to blog about this meeting more!!!)

Anyway, I am dying to post on a regular basis again. I still have a lot on my plate, responsibilities that need to be checked off before the week is over. I am hoping though, that Saturday next week will see me with a brighter, sunnier face, an even happier disposition, ready to enjoy what this summer has to offer :D

For now, a few photo box shots. I love making these boxes. I decorate them myself and wrap them in twine for an organic effect. I also fold the paper CD case to turn it into something cute and functional without having to use glue or tape (I thank the crafty tutorial gods for stuff like these). Part of me feels like this is the most enjoyable part of shooting, which has nothing to do with shooting at all haha! Simple pleasures--I'll take what I can get ;)