Egay: Maternity portraits

Baby Sam, who is Paco's cousin, just turned 5 months old a few days ago, but earlier this year, I first photographed her when she was still in Mommy Egay's tummy.:)

Egay (aka Niña to her family) is Pete's little sister, and has been one of my favorite models from the time I was still studying photography. She is probably my most photographed person, next to Paco.:) I usually ask her to model for me whenever I want to try something out or when I just want to practice. I've done her headshots a couple of times, did a fashion shoot with her, and even did a boudoir session with her! When I learned that she was pregnant, I knew I wanted to do her preggy shots as well.;)

Niña (sorry, I feel weird calling her Egay.:D) was a few weeks away from giving birth to Sam when we did this portrait session last January.  This was probably the shortest portrait session I have ever done. We were finished in about 30 minutes! We originally agreed to meet up at UP Diliman at around 3:30PM. But because she and hubby JC were coming from a pre-natal check-up, while Pete and I were coming all the way from Cavite, we knew none of us would make it on time. We rescheduled for 4:30PM. And then we got stuck in one of the worst traffic I have ever experienced in a long time (Ok, maybe not. I'm just not used to Metro Manila traffic anymore, since I've been living in the suburbs for years.) and I was worried we would lose the light before we got UP. We probably got there just after 5PM, and the light was perfect! We got to work at once, and we got really great shots!:)

As soon as we parked and said our quick hellos, I quickly searched for the best light. I asked Niña to stand in a spot and started shooting right away. This was one of the very first test shots I took. Framing is so-so, and the building in the background is distracting, but I really love the light. And doesn't Niña look amazing?


Same spot, just a slightly different angle. Couple of shots of the proud parents-to-be.





They brought a few props. This was part of the Christmas gift set Pete and I gave to Niña last year.:)

One of my favorites.


This was part of the decorations during the baby shower Niña's officemates threw for her.


Of course, Baby Sam had to make an appearance in some of the photos.:)


Love this.:)

 

Yep, Niña is one of those lucky ladies who look really good when pregnant. And Daddy JC isn't looking too bad either.;)

















As I said, the onesie was part of a set.;)





Last shots just as we were heading back to our cars.

Matthew: 1st birthday party

December 4, 2011
Oceana
Party theme: Dr. Seuss

The day didn't exactly start out smoothly. It had been raining the entire morning, so we were worried about getting stuck in traffic going to the venue. Also, rain usually means I don't get to take outdoor photos of the birthday family, so it was kinda bumming me out. Oh, and Paco had just recently decided he wasn't going to take the bottle anymore so Pete had to wait with him in the car while I worked, and I had to go out (in the heavy rain) during breaks just to feed him. So, yeah. Things weren't exactly going well that day for me...


But, as soon as I entered the venue, all my worries disappeared. Matthew's party turned out of be one of my favorite parties last year! I always love it when I get the chance to shoot parties with unique themes. And the details! J'adore! :) Mommy Ria really did a fabulous job planning Matthew's party!


Mommy Ria and Daddy Allan made the cute invites themselves.:)

Venue set-up by Party Station--and what beautiful decor they had!


I just loved the table centerpieces featuring titles of Dr. Seuss books.


But you know what I really really really loved in Matthew's party? The cakes! Yes, there were two of them. Here's a photo of one.

Let's take a closer look, shall we?;)


Little cuppies with green hams and eggs, and hats, and blue fish as toppers. How cute!


And check out this dessert buffet. Yum!


Party favors and prizes.

Flooch was host and as usual, he was a hit with the guests.


Here's the cute birthday boy with Mommy.








Candle-blowing





Oh yeah. It was still dark and rainy after the party. But we found a nice spot at the cafe at the back of the venue where we were able to take nice family photos.:)


How cute are their outfits?





Yep. It was a great day after all.;)


Caterer/Venue: Oceana - MOA
Party planner/coordinator: Party Station
Party decorator: Party Station
Cake/cupcakes: BecauseILoveCakes
Host/Other entertainment/performers: c/o Party Station (Flooch)
Outfits: Dr. Seuss' Thing 1
Candy buffet: Sweet Royals
Invitations and Favors: DIY by Mommy Ria and Daddy Allan

Ethan: Baptism and 1st birthday party

December 3, 2011
Immaculate Conception Parish
Andrea North Tower Clubhouse
Party Theme: Safari

Ethan's party was one of the last events I photographed in 2011. I knew it was going to be extra special for me because the baptism was going to be held at the same church where I shot one of my very first baptism! And I also knew how creative and talented Mommy Aira is, being a cake designer and owner of Big Tummy Cakes, so I was excited to shoot all the cute details.

Here are some shots from the baptism and party.

Mommy and Ethan sharing a light moment just before the start of the baptismal ceremony.


Some shots of the baptism.











And here are some photos of the cute party details! Check out the cool invitation that looked like a passport.:)


Lovely photo display. I really love these white frames!


The centerpieces were different stuffed animals.

The cute birthday cake by Mommy Aira herself.

Dessert spread! Yummy!





Symond was there to entertain everyone.


The birthday boy getting his balloon teddy from Symond.


While the program was already starting, I took the birthday family outside to take some photos. It was almost high noon and I was worried we wouldn't find a good spot. Fortunately, there was this wooden shed that was perfect for photos and even went great with the party theme!:)

I've photographed this Mommy Aira, Daddy Ernie, and Ethan before when we did Ethan's mini portrait session, so I knew it was not going to be difficult to take great photos of them.:)


Such a beautiful family, huh?


Some photos of the cute birthday boy.


Then it was time to go back to the party.


Prizes! Prizes! Prizes!


Candle blowing.


Pretty Mommy Aira blowing the candle for Ethan.


Caterer: Queensland Catering
Party decorator: Mr. Balloonatix and Dream Theme Events
Cake/cupcakes: by Mommy Aira (http://bigtummycakes.multiply.com)
Host/Magician: symond
Outfits: SC for Kidz
Candy/Dessert buffet: Dream Theme Events