I spent two days of pure R&R in my hometown, where the Globe signal strength is always down to a measly 2 bars and where everyone goes to bed when the clock strikes 9. It also gave me the time to do an afternoon shoot that I've always wanted to do. I wanted to capture the light as it struck the ground and hit the trees in Pansil, where my Lola is buried. I was primarily inspired by Alexandra Sophie's shots (more about her here), but I also wanted to go for a darker, brooding mood after the most recent play shoot collaboration with Kat, where we got to talking about dark, moody photos and how they seemed to invoke something deep and mysterious that you cannot figure out just by one look at the photo. 

My model is my niece, very pretty Dianna, who was so game I almost forgot this was her first time posing for someone else (like most teenagers, Dianna likes to take pictures and she takes them well.  She is also a great model, a great delight for me since it made the whole thing so much easier.) The shoot was made extra fun since my aunts tagged along, with Lolo and Dionley, Dianna's little sister, not far behind. For some reason the whole thing turned into a delightful little group effort, since Tita Libeth helped me make the wreaths for D's hair, and Tita Verlisa, handy with make-up, added a bit of color to her eyes. Her mom also tagged along for moral support. 

portraits, portraits, portraits, portraits, portraits, portraits,portraits, portraits, portraits

I love reconnecting with friends who live far away. Ken is one of my friends who I got to know online before we actually met in person. We hit it off right away, perhaps because we think alike about so many things. Although she spends most of the year in Oman because of her work, her vacations are filled with reunions and catching up with her friends. We've been talking about doing a portrait shoot and this vacation was the perfect time to do it, although with the few hours we had, I felt like another shoot is really a must! (LOL!) Despite the almost hurried way we did this shoot it was a great way to reconnect and catch. Plus, I got to see some of the beautiful pieces of Mideastern jewelry and dresses that she was selling. 

We have always talked about dreams and passions and following your own path in life. Ken is surely on her way. Although she works as a nurse, she finds time to pursue her other passions, like fashion and staying fit, which in my opinion, is such a great way to live a life. You are not your work or your profession or your hobby. We are so much more than that. Part of living a full life is enjoying life after work, having other things that fulfill you and make your heart full aside from making a living. Friends like her remind me of that, especially when we finally get together and have these conversations. 

portraits, portraits, portraits, portraits