Mother and Child Photos are Beautiful Keepsakes

 

This photo shoot set is just simply beautiful! From the mom to the baby... Love love love! Tender and sweet and simple - what I love to do. Hoping they will treasure this forever :) I sure will. I can totally imagine these photos on a wall in their home, priceless mother and child photographs to last a lifetime.

Maternity Shoot Manila: Mason is coming!

 

Met this lovely couple prior and was super excited to plan their maternity photography shoot because we wanted to do a styled shoot setup with She Dreams In Ink - who is my regular props stylist. We opted for a country chic theme armed with the cutest props and outfits!

Little Mason is one lucky baby - his parents are the sweetest people and super excited to meet him :)

The maternity photos came out beautifully and I am thrilled to share them with you.

Manila Newborn Photography

Haven't been posting in awhile, lots of things happening - moved houses in the middle of it all.

This little newborn baby gave me some amazing newborn photos! She was perfect all the way.

I love simple - simple baby JOY.

 MANILA NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY

Manila Newborn Baby Photography: Some teeny tiny loveliness

Little A Newborn Photo: 12 days new

Mommy was super excited for this newborn shoot. Little A was excited too that she decided to come out a few days early! She was such a good sleeper during her newborn photography session and her big brother was such a tender big brother too! I  really enjoyed using some new props on her and glad that her mom loved my ideas :) what a breath of sunshine on an otherwise gloomy/rainy day.

Child Photography Before and After: Enhancing your images (mind first)

Shooting kids outdoors is not a joke, toddlers especially lose interest pretty quickly so a child photographer needs to be quick and to think quicker. A siblings shoot is even more difficult. Getting a toddler and a baby to sit in one area for you to take a couple of shots takes nothing short of magic at times. Choosing an area to shoot is also not always ideal, but you gotta make do and have a vision in mind for your output. 

With this photo, the sky was clear and not a cloud was in sight but I knew that wouldn't stop me. I made sure my exposure was correct (no blown highlights).
Then I used some photoshop actions to lighten it up and give it better color and adjusted the skin tones to my liking and added some clouds as well to improve the overall image. I would have wanted to have a bit more light reflection on their faces though to lighten the shadows a bit more on the younger brother's face, but had to move fast 'coz big brother was running around. Anyhow, I'm pretty happy with the result and mommy was thrilled - that's what matters most ;)



                         BEFORE                                           AFTER

Camera settings: ISO 160, F4, 1/320

Canon Mark III, 700-200 2.8 IS

Home Service Family Portraits Manila: Hong Kong Baby Photography

There is nothing I love more than GREAT Home Lighting. Big windows are MAGIC for a photographer and these lovely parents had a dream window in their apartment for me to shoot with. I would rather shoot natural light than strobes any time, so I was delighted to have this chance. It also helped that it was raining outside and the fog in Hong Kong was pretty thick that day - so it gave me a natural and beautiful diffused light. This gorgeous little love bug was all smiles for me and we had so much fun together. Loved this family to pieces :)

Just because Stork has STUDIO in it's name doesn't mean that I only shoot studio setups - in fact more often than not, I'm outside shooting or in clients homes or apartments, on location or whatnot. A PROfessional photographer goes everywhere :) It's just finding the right light mix and willing families who want to try something new. 

 

There were so many great photos in this set, I can't choose what is my fave! Which one is yours?

Manila Newborn Photography: Rollllssss

There is nothing I love more about shooting newborns than their baby rolls! 

Check this little cuties out :) gosh... I loooove cuddling with 'em!!

NILMDTS: The Gift of Remembrance Photography

Today, I did what was probably one of the most emotionally challenging shoots of my career.

It was early this year that I got accredited by NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP (NILMDTS) which is a global non-profit advocacy that helps bereaved parents with the loss of a child by offering remembrance photography for free. 

When I got accepted, I didn't know how to spread the word here in Manila. Because the concept is fairly new and there are so many stigmas/superstitions and judgements that could be made of it and me. But anyways, I have no other way of saying It so here it goes...

The concept behind NILMDTS is quite simple actually - these photos help families heal and remember their little angel. Remembrance photography is a very important step in the healing process. Photographs are one of the most precious and tangible mementos that a parent can have, showing the love and bond that was given and shared with their baby. These portraits will last for generations, and will honor and remember a tiny life that is forever loved and cherished.

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep is committed to assisting parents and families experiencing early infant loss. NILMDTS connects families with volunteer photographers who donate the gift of infant remembrance photography.

I chose to be a part of it because I wanted to give back, I've had some clients who have lost a child and I know how precious photos can be and I wanted to be able to share what I could in my capacity with them, and so NILMDTS was perfect.

Today, I got my first contact with a family that lost their baby boy this morning at 35 weeks. Words cannot express how emotional the experience was to photograph him - and to see the parents grieve, to hold his little hands and feet... Grabe, it was so difficult for me to hold it all together - my heart ached for the parents event more. At the same time, I felt so honored to be able to give them something that they will surely treasure forever. As I was on my way home, I had to call a friend to explain what had just happened because I felt like breaking down, ang bigat pala nito grabe. No regrets though... And then just now - the sister who found me (who lives in Australia) sent me this text message:

"Oh, there are no words appropriate enough to say that would adequately explain my gratitude. I have been following NILMDTS since my eldest boy was about six weeks old, he is nearly 8. What an amazing organisation to be a part of. In my distress last night I didn't even think to see if NILMDTS had a photographer in Manila, instead I emailed the president of Heartfelt in the middle of the night (Heartfelt is an Australian organisation that does the same as NILMDTS) and Gavin found you.

I am an oncology social worker so I am around death a lot but it is so different when it is your own family and so hard when you are in another country and so far away. I would give anything to have been there to meet Junior and hold him. I will treasure your photos as much as Gus and Mez will.

Thank you for your gift and your generosity. To be a part of someone elses darkest hour and deepest sorrow is such a privilege. You did good Sofia, you will forever have my appreciation and gratitude. Sarah x"

Lord, thanks for sending me this Family today via long distance nonetheless and for giving me the strength to go through with it. Please Bless little Junior and his wonderful mom and dad, and supportive family.

To know more about NILMDTS and what it stands for please
visit their website at https://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/families/services-for-families/

I hope that other photographers will also be inspired and apply as volunteers for this worthy cause.

Please spread the word to doctors and families who you may know that would benefit from this priceless gift.

Newborn Baby Photography: Summer Baby Portrait Love

Was so excited to shoot this newborn baby portrait session in her parents home because they had a wonderful garden, little did they know that it would be in a small patch of these beautiful plants that I would select to shoot in! Sprinkled a little Stork Studio magic and viola - the output was fantastic. This little woodland fairy slept the whole time and was such a sweetheart. Her parents were the nicest and I'm so happy that they have their new baby joy.

Manila Newborn Photographer: Baby Toes!

There is nothing more adorable in the world for me than itty bitty newborn baby toes :) 

Oh how I love them to bits, don't you?

Manila Newborn Photographer: Four Handsome Brothers

And then there were four!!! 

I was so excited to hear that their mom was expecting the 4th addition to this gorgeous brood of brothers. This newborn shoot was a little more complicated than others since I had a toddler to pose as well on top of the little one, good thing the two big brothers were awesome as usual and I was able to capture this priceless shot of them :)

Manila Newborn Photography: Baby Safety

Everyone loves the hands under the chin pose but shots like these should not be done by just anyone. There is a correct way to do it and it is actually a composite shot. Real Professional Newborn Photographers are trained on proper safety and on posing newborns. Don't compromise for a trendy pose like hanging on a tree or cloth, putting babies in  glass bowls or even this one, the shot is never more important than the safety of the child. 

Make sure your photographer knows what they are doing - ask for training credentials and their safety measures/techniques (ask to see samples from past shoots of safety techniques).  You will be surprised to know that most "amazing hanging shots" are actually composites and there is a way to hold the baby and a specific way to pose them when hanging - it isn't at all how you imagine it to be actually and most parents say "wow I never thought it was done that way" when they see it. 

So be safe and Choose only a PROFESSIONAL photographer, don't just take anyone's word for it - do your research and choose safety over savings - a life is in their hands after all.

 #newbornsafetyinphotography

Learn How to Take Better Photos of your Kids! with the Xpert Workshop

Hi everyone! I'm giving a free mini-lecture workshop on "How to take Better Photos of Your Kids" this Saturday, March 16th at the Xpert Workshop.

Details Here:

Moms and dads, whether you're expecting, or simply planning to have kids, this workshop is for you!
Join us on March 16 at the AIM Conference Center for Xpert Workshops: A Beautiful Journey for Expecting Parents.
Registration is free, visit www.xpert.ph/workshops or call us at 814-0311.

This workshop is presented by Xpert.ph, in collaboration with Encouraging Communication and media partner, Blink Cinema — at AIM Conference Center Makati

A touch of Filipino tradition: Newborn Shoot

I really try to be as simple and authentic with my newborn photo shoots. I keep colors as real as possible (in my opinion, babies skin tones should be respected and not color treated) - the most would be a pretty black and white for me - that's it. I also like to keep my setups clean and timeless. I'm not into trendy photos/setups for newborn shoots as my style is really a modern classic - I aim to have my photos withstand the test of time so that 30 years from now, they still show the delicacy and adorableness of the child. 

For this shoot, I wanted to add a Filipino touch - using our native "balut" or duck egg basket but set against a simple backdrop :)

Valentines Mini Sessions

This Valentines, I did another themed mini-session set with a bunch of wonderful kids!
Loved my setup made by the super talented Kary of She Dreams In Ink. I can't wait for my next shoot this coming Easter :)

my favorite twins!

 sweet Bella

 this is LOVE

 pretty little sweetie pie

 love her eyes :)

 handsome heartbreaker

 pure joy

 a very happy baby!

 one of my favorite little models, her smile is adorable!

 my heart melted with this photo

 pucker up!

 moments come in the blink of a flash!

A Suuper Newborn Shoot!

This little superhero's Dad is an avid comics collector so we decided to incorporate it into his newborn shoot. Manu was a little chomper for our sessions and drank a whole lotta milk to super charge his powers ;)

Newborn Shoot: Baby in "Duyan-land"

I've been wanting to do this for awhile now and finally had this prop made 

and the perfect newborn to use it on :)

Please note that the utmost safety and professional photographer techniques were used to achieve this photograph. Safety is always #1.

Love at first sight with little G (10 days new)

I've been shooting this little man's Big Brother for the past 2 years and when mommy came for her pregnancy shoot, I couldn't wait to meet the new addition. He turned out to be just as gorgeous and sweet as his big brother. We got to play and do so many setups with him as he slept peacefully along for the ride :)

i-Mag Magazine Cover and Feature!

Incredibly thrilled and honored to land i-Mag's cover and 8 pages worth of a feature his July 2012!  I was interviewed last month by EIC Neil Garcia and Coco Saito who came to the studio for a visit. We had a great time sharing stories and anecdotes together and didn't expect this at all. In the interview/article I discuss newborn photography and child photography with a focus on safety and tips. Grab a copy now!

Newborn Photography Philippines Asia: The great outdoors newborn shoot

I always try to find the magic in a location and for this one, it happened to me a sweet potato patch. This little girl was a great model and it only took me two minutes to get this shot setup and done. Can you say priceless? I love it when parents trust me enough with the safety of their babies - because that is always #1 for me and this shot was taken with that in mind.