Ren + Mae = Cayla

Mae is a "mom-tog" (that is, a mom who has a fancy camera and shoots great photos of her kid/s) and is always shooting fabulous photos of her little Cayla. So, I was very honored when she contacted me to take their family portraits last summer. The family session was also extra special because it was going to be their first set of family photos since Daddy Ren left to take on a new job abroad when Cayla was only a couple of months old. For many months, Cayla only knew her dad as the man in the monitor that she and Mommy would regularly talk to. After almost a year, the family was reunited when Ren flew home for a short vacation. The sad thing about vacations is that they always seem to end too soon. However, I was happy to know (based on Mae's FB updates.:D) that Cayla and Mommy Mae will soon be joining Daddy Ren again! I love happy endings.:)

On a sunny April morning, Pie and I travelled all the way to Clark, Pampanga to shoot this lovely family. It was warm and humid, and Cayla wasn't very comfortable in the heat. But we did get some great outdoor shots before we retired to the cool comfort of McDonald's.

Here are just a few of my favorites.



Mae said the grass at the park was green the last time they were there. I didn't mind the dried grass though. I love how they made the photos "warmer".

Cute! Cayla has the best wardrobe a little girl could have!


One of my favorite shots of Cayla...

It was around 8AM when we started and the light was just awesome!








We tried a few things to try to make Cayla smile including having Mae sing to her while lying down on the blanket. Cayla didn't buy any of it. Haha.

After a while, we trooped down to the nearest McDonald's for a quick breakfast. And then we got back to business.

Who knew McDonald's could give you fab lighting?

I love this one.


Cayla looks like a little angel praying here.:)


McDonald's can also provide colorful background.:)

Aside from taking photos of Cayla, Mommy Mae's other hobby is buying super cute clothes for her baby girl! I love love love this yellow-and-black ensemble! Cayla seemed to enjoy it as well.:)


Beautiful family!

And finally, a couple more shots of Cayla cute outfit.

Lyncee: 3rd birthday party

April 25, 2010
GGS Clubhouse
Party Theme: Little Einsteins

When Lyncee was only a year and a half, I photographed their family holiday portraits in Antipolo.  Last year, I photographed Lyncee's 2nd birthday party.  So, this was the 3rd time for me to be working with Lyncee, and every time, she gets more and more comfortable in front of my camera.  Of course, it's always a pleasure for me to work with Mama Cindy and Papa Laurence.

When Cindy texted me about photographing Lyncee's party, she told me this year, they opted for a very simple celebration--compared to Lyncee's past two parties, that is! And knowing Cindy, I knew the party details were going to be anything but simple.  As soon as I walked into the venue, I took a deep breath before diving into the sea of wonderful colors!






Cindy and Laurence are good friends with Imma Ongteco so of course they had Kidstar Kastles do the party decorations.  As you can expect, the place looked fabulous!

Cindy helping Lyncee with her shoes.


Lyncee was such a pro in front of my camera!


The birthday family.


The cake was huge! And it featured the Seven Wonders of the World.

More family photos before the party started.





Look who dropped by!


The kids and adults enjoying the games.

Flooch doing his magic show.

Kobe: 1st birthday party

April 24, 2010
Big Red Barn, Fun Ranch, Westgate
Party theme: Mickey Mouse

Kobe lives overseas with his mom and dad.  For his first birthday, the family came home to celebrate the big day with family and friends.  And they did something else that was quite special.  In lieu of presents, the guests were requested to bring pairs of flipflops that were donated to grade school kids in certain schools in Metro Manila.  Mommy Cathy said that they have decided the best way to celebrate Kobe's birthday every year was to try to find ways to share their blessings with others.  And I thought it's a fabulous idea!

Below are some of my favorite shots from the party...




A closer look at the cake.


Mickey Mouse cupcakes!





Some photos of the birthday family.

Kobe's lovely grandma.

The kids during one of the games.


Flooch was host/magician for the day.

They were able to collect tons of rubber slippers because some guests brought a lot of pairs!  I'm pretty sure they made a lot of kids happy.:)





Mommy Cathy thanking the guests.