Marianne Pasion Fotografi [blog]

Flight of Classy

2012-02-24T18:46:00.001+08:00

Something to keep my blog back in track. :) I am sorry (how many times have i apologized in my own blog already??) for the short unnoticed break. It's just that the past weeks have been crazy busy and I am about to get well from cough and colds from all the stress that has eaten up my immune system. Ever since the year started, life just got busier and it breaks my heart not to be able to update my favorite online space which is why a couple of weeks ago we did a portrait shoot with my lovely new friends! It felt relieving for quite a while to be able to shoot for personal folios and for fun and passion of course!

Enjoy!

Fellow blogger Miss Tricia Domingo

Hair and Make-up: Miss Mara Manuel

Lovely, lovely dresses: Miss Jaynny Lao

Lighting Asst.: Miss KC Rosario

Sliding on Ilocos sands with the heat on high!

2012-02-15T01:13:00.000+08:00

The FIRST EVERRRR Sand Boarding Competition last Saturday was a blast! The sport which was innovated and pioneered by the Laoag Eco-Adventure Development (LEAD) Movement way back 2009 is now ever so treasured like a piece of fine art in the Philippines. Thanks to the LEAD Movement, another tourist destination is carefully making it's way in the scene and FYI, Sand Boarding is the latest MUST-TRY tourist attraction in the country.

Just recently LEAD Movement tied with Havaianas Philippines in cooperation with the City Government of Laoag to make history. It was held in Barangay La Paz, Laoag City, the ONLY Sand Dunes with breath-taking and endless "sand hills" view in the country. The competition had 49 participants and endured the scorching heat for the sake of sand boarding. I too had to endure the hot sands and summer-like heat to be able to take photos... wearing a maxi skirt... on a huge hill of sand. Yes I did, yes I did... and it was worth it!

Major thanks to Blauearth and Surprisingly Kitsch for picking me on the last minute to cover in LEAD Movement's behalf. I was planning to go there to watch, chill and take a couple of photos at the same time but to be offered to take photos of something that's going to be a part of history is so much better-er-er!

Some of these photos were used for Blauearth's article in Rappler :D I blushed a little when I saw my photos on the website. Haha!

Here are more.. ENJOY!

Tina Tan of Blauearth.com

Ericke of Surprisingly Kitsch

Moroccan inspired set-up by Ava's Cakes & Designs

If you just SMILE

2012-02-12T01:10:00.001+08:00

Last friday was our city's official fiesta date and the usual street dance pageantry is one of the most awaited event to most photographers in the vicinity. It's been a routine for me to glue myself in front of the capitol under the high sun earlier before the parade starts just to have a good spot to take photos while enduring the heat. It's been like this for 4 years. O.o

This year, I refused to do so. :) Since i've had a huge collection of dance parade pictures from the same event in my external harddrive, I decided to ditch the parade, go to the venue when the sun is not too harsh, and enjoy a hassle free shoot.

I usually go at 1:00 PM and by that time, the venue wouldn't be too packed yet so i get to have one of the cooles spots but this year, Eric and I went at 4:00 PM. Just like it is every year, the venue was choked with expectators and I barely watched the competition. Like I said, I wanted a hassle free shoot. :)

That is why i celebrated the opening of our fiesta, Pamulinawen with my fellow ilocanos soliciting to smile at my camera! I randomly approached people who were watching the parade, roaming around, sitting on the park, passing by, and stuff like that. I've been wanting to do this project for quite a long time and eventually forgot about it. It came back to me when I realized that there's nothing more heart-warming in welcoming everyone to the city's fiesta with the people who live in it sharing us a thoughtful smile.

I got rejected a couple of times though while asking permission from random people to take their portraits. Others even ran away from we while laughing, others asked a lot of questions why I would want to take their photo then eventually refuse, i even had to persuade some until they give in, while most were very generous enough to share a smile. To all of the faces who contributed a warm smile for this post, THANK YOU so much!

Happy Fiesta Laoag City... The City of Sunshine and SMILES! <3

Enjoy!

Behind the Twigs and Stones: PART 2

2012-02-10T03:25:00.002+08:00

Remember when I posted about this again last year:

http://maryaneeephotography.blogspot.com/2011/06/behind-twigs-and-stones.html

Well, SHOTPOOF has been on hiatus for quite a long time and found it hard to continue shooting because of mixed schedules and maybe because of procrastination until just a couple of weeks ago, they made it to the national news. Their first video on youtube entitled "Battle Twigs and Stones" became viral ever since the nation wide exposure through Marc Logan's segment on TV Patrol came about. They gained a lot of fans, had numerous views on youtube in an instant, while others even came up with their own version inspired with the same concept using vegetables! Because of that, the public demands a part II of Twigs and Stones ASAP!

Just this month, the hiatus has stopped and they've worked their asses off to continue and finally finish part II. The moment they announced the shoot dates, we all made time for it.. i count myself in of course! I wouldn't want to miss any of it! Haha! It was an awesome 3 Saturday shoot with Shotpoof and they've finally finished shooting just for the sake of their avid youtube viewers, facebook friends, and how could i ever forget to mention the first reason of them making these awesome videos, they did this just for fun! Who would've thought they'd get into the spotlight and became the talk of the town for quite some time. :) Unlike most actors and artists, despite the ZERO budget for the shoot, except for the generosity of Playa Tropical Resort and Chowking Laoag feeding us, Gyver Lauricio and EM Prod's cameras and equipments, Jonathan Lafrades' and Dondee Tayamen's direction and post-processing skills, not to mention all the actors, P.A.'s, costume and prop handlers, everyone's effort was compensated with countless laughters, get-togethers, food trips, and a couple of late night drinks... which was okay with all of us because we really didn't have any choice. Haha!

I am so proud of Shotpoof! They are so cool, they care less about getting paid for creativity's sake! *although it always depends if a big-time offer is at stake, that i believe is hard to resist* HAHA! I sure can't wait for Part II to hit the interweb! I hope they won't keep us waiting longer than last year :)

"Like" Twigs & Stones on Facebook for updates on when they're going to air part II:

https://www.facebook.com/twigsandstones

Here are the behind the scene photos.. get ready for a photo spam!!! ENJOY!
*click photos for larger views*

Dra. Dina G. @ 50

2012-01-30T17:16:00.003+08:00

It was my first time to photo-cover an event that's organized by these two love-ley ladies. :) They put their GORGEOUSNESS in all of your events! Like from head-to-toe is to from prep-to-fin! ♥

For fabulous events and classy make-up, contact BELLADITAS:

>>Ms. Mara Manuel<< and >>Ms. April Rafales<<

Laoag La Paz Sandboarding Competition

2012-01-28T20:54:00.000+08:00

This one's a shout out to all board riders, extreme sports enthusiasts, the young, the young once, the care free and the fashionable. Practically everybody and anybody who wants to experience sand boarding, oh and guess what?! free rides for the kids!

If you wanna feel cozy and laid back, no worries because we're asking guests to bring blankets, mats, tents and have a picnic of sorts. Of course, don't you ever forget to bring your cameras! I bet there's going to be a lot of photo opportunities we don't have to miss! Get your cameras ready for some sports photography, people watching and sunset shoots! Oh yes!
The Laoag La Paz Sandboarding Competition is the first of its kind in the Philippines. Presented to you by the LEAD Movement, “the innovators of Sandboarding in Ilocos” & Havaianas® in cooperation with the City Government of Laoag for the annual Pamulinawen Festival.

Saturday, February 11, 2011, 1:00 PM.

Havaianas kits will be given away to the first 50 registrants. FREE REGISTRATION. For inquiries and details check out the Ilocos Sand Boarding Page on Facebook or contact LEAD Movement or Red Dot Boutque in Laoag.

Darion's Christening

2012-01-25T01:31:00.004+08:00

Cutie baby Darion Torralba Herman's Christening

010412

:D

Walk that mile until the end starts

2012-01-04T12:42:00.003+08:00

Charles + Tin

122711

Jerize and Jemimah Pt. II

2012-01-03T10:27:00.000+08:00

I've uploaded a first set a couple of months ago: http://maryaneeephotography.blogspot.com/2011/10/jerize-and-jemimah.html

I miss taking girly portraits! Seriously, these two girls are so adorable! I super enjoy taking portraits when the subject is having a moment. That's when I feel like it triggers my inner stealth mode because I always make it a point to capture personality with moment without butting in the scene. It is an overwhelming feeling to be able to capture what we all felt during the photo shoot and be able to preserve it in photos. I hope you hear every little giggle and feel every micro-gush of wind of these two lovely girls the way I did!

Enjoy the photos!

The wind blows so sweetly on this side

2011-12-29T23:45:00.001+08:00

Nathan + Belle

12 27 11

For the love of singing!

2011-12-29T15:26:00.000+08:00

Way back my grade school days, I've always been a member of our school choir. I have no idea how I always ended up singing in a choir but it was something i never thought i'd enjoy doing. When I entered high school, I ended up as a choir member again and during my high school years, that's where I felt how little i know about notes and musical stuff. As long as I hit the right notes with my alto voice, all is well. In the long run, I eventually learned how to read a piece, poke the piano keys every time we learn our lines during choir practice, I even learned how to always have an imaginary metronome in my head to stay with the beat as we all sang our hearts out.

You see, high school is always the most unforgettable part in my life. The very popular Samiweng Singers now has a super special place in my heart. Seriously, as i am typing this post, i can't help smiling while my eyes are starting to get teary. As a Batch 2005 graduate of Ilocos Norte National High School (Special Program for the Arts), I feel super lucky enough to be part of the core members of the Samiweng Singers founded, headed, conducted, mothered, and disciplined by the super duper loved and respected Mr. Pompeyo Robert Caluya way back first my year of high school. :D

Yesterday was a reunion of the Samiweng Singers from the first batch to the current. Some of us showed up since not all was able to come home for the holidays but it a splendid day indeed. I went there with BJ and Mondy, 2 of 10 my choirmates turned high school friends. We all wished all of our batchmates were there... we all know how much jealous they are right now! Haha!

Anyway, it was very heartwarming to see how much the choir has grown. Most of the SPA's population are now music majors, almost more than half, actually and the school was able to form 2 more choirs: INNHS Youth Choir and the Laoag City Children's Choir!

It's an amazing feeling and as i come to think more of it, I realize that it all started just for the love and passion for music and singing... nothing more, nothing less.

Pictures!

i waaaant!

THE Sir Caluya (middle) with his co-conductors Sir Beck and Sir Winnie. He has been mentoring them for years!

BJ, friend and co-choir batch mate!

the choir during our years. Haha

rachel, gich and BJ

Sir Beck, now conducting with FIERCENESS! Way back, he was the shy type watching us singing while Sir Caluya's conducting us. Hihi

reminds me of high school choir days *tear

the alumni who showed up. Haha!

the piano used during rehearsals. I still remember my first audition!

My heart takes off on a high speed chase

2011-12-27T15:00:00.000+08:00

Charles + Tin

12 . 27 . 11

If it hadn't been for photography love

2011-12-24T14:00:00.000+08:00

I thought of celebrating the holiday with something I have been secretly keeping to myself...well, not really because if you've noticed, I tweaked my blog a little and added the "Portfolio" link on the navigation area and if you click on my header photo, it leads you to another site which is arrrghhh! I wanted a good intro for this but I guess I minght end up explaining my blog layout...so here goes.

I finally have my own website designed just the way I imagined it would be: neat and sleek! Thanks to Pixelfluent for keeping up with my requests. Although I wanted it very simple, he made everything I hoped for exactly down to the most invisible detail.

I'm too excited to share my very own portfolio in my my very own simple space. *teehee* This year truly has been wonderful and I've been feeling more than blessed as I continue on with photography. Forever I will not give up wandering like how we should never give up on living life.

For all the heart-warming comments and messages i've received from facebook and blog readers, to those who just stumbled upon this blog, to the ones who still visit my old folios (multiply, tumblr, deviantArt and flickr) which I barely update ever since i had this blog and to all random and accidental visitors across the web, thanks a huggable bunch! :D

I hope I get to inspire you the way I was.. don't forget to keep inspiring until you become the inspiration!

Don't forget to visit my little portfolio of portraits and personal works. :) and like I always say before posting photos, enjoy!

MERRY CHRISTMAS my loves! <3

Éblouissant by Dei Cimatu

2011-12-24T10:00:00.000+08:00

Finally had the chance to do a little beauty shoot for my portfolio. I've been meaning to try it a couple of months ago but do not know how to start. Super duper great timing, Dei has started her own line of jewelry, particularly neck pieces and asked if she's willing to lend her designs for a shoot. She was down for it and again, super great timing, Dei was able to have a quick visit to ilocos for some important appointments with a very tight schedule. It was frustrating to set dates, goes to show i'm no good with coordinating even for just a super short photo session. Haha!

Anyway, once Dei was down for the idea, I immediately mentioned it to Ericke since Dei imagined her to be ze face of Éblouissant and she said Yes. We had some schedule issues but thank God it all went so well.

Tucked Ronan along and he brought James Burn which made the shoot more fun. We had a lotta laughs and chikas. :D Eric and I set up a "studio" with some DIY lights and stuff which he's so awesome at and voila, did the shoot in a couple of hours and we all went off to La tabacalera's opening. :D

Thanks Dei, Ericke, Ronan, JamesBurn and Eric. ♥

JUST RECENTLY, I found out Dei's pieces are getting popular so fast! Heard from her when I was about to reserve an order that some of her pieces were being used by THE Venus Raj for a photo shoot and Lovi Poe too used it on a TV show. I feel super lucky to be able to take photos of Dei's pieces first before she gets super popular! And of course, i'm super proud of her! :D Her pieces are now displayed just beside the city museum, so if you happen to be in Laoag City, don't forget to drop by Lacasa at La tabacalera and grab Dei's classy neck piece designs!

Enjoy the photos!

Ericke Tan of Surprisingly Kitsch for Éblouissant by Dei Cimatu

You'll pay me back in kind and reap just what you sow

2011-12-22T00:57:00.002+08:00

Had an impromptu photo-sesh for the most fiercely real person I know. I want you to meet the fabulous Ey. :D

Took me so long to finally upload his shoot because i've been super busy ever since the month started but oh yes, finally and update! Here's an editorial-esque slash fashion portrait shoot on a wonderful sunny afternoon at the city stadium.

And to my dearest Ey, i fabulously love-love you forevah! Thank you for letting me take your portraits!

You remind me always-always everything about Pot Ledom! :P

And when I'm quiet you break through my shell

2011-12-14T10:39:00.000+08:00

Here's a quick post before I procrastinate any longer on updating this blog for this month. I'm sorry it's been quit here lately. Time becomes shorter and tighter during my Decembers but as much as I can, i promise to keep this updated so here goes!

This was a shoot for my very pretty make-up artist, Ms Mara Manuel with her BFFs! She all did their make up! :D It was a bit frustrating before the shoot started because we had to wait for hours for one girl but it all went so well. We caught the sun almost on time but it was enough although I really wanted to capture them longer outdoor.

Enjoy the photos!

Hold me any way you can

2011-12-06T23:25:00.001+08:00

A late upload of my last November wedding. :)

Falstaff & Marian finally ties the knot.

*so cute, i gots the same name as the bride.. tihee!*

The Memory Book

2011-11-30T00:14:00.001+08:00

I always thought that there is nothing more sleek, slim, and a classy picture album than the coffee table book type. Here's a preview of my events picture album. I always wanted everything to look minimal. No crazy lay-out backgrounds and designs, no over the top colors and borders. Everything must be neat and simple. Like this blog, if you've noticed. Besides, it's the pictures that should stand out and speak for itself, i believe.

I'm planning to have another one printed in all-black background when I find time.

CROWN PRINTERS

Hernando Ave. corner Gomburza St.

Laoag City
077 7720927

Imagewrap Hardcover in matte

i super LOVE the semi-matte paper used for the inside!

Not too thin, not too thick, and not too glossy.

of course, a little part of me on the back cover. :D

I don't want to let go of us

2011-11-29T13:04:00.001+08:00

Little white and blue get-away

2011-11-24T23:33:00.001+08:00

We had a mini get-away to Poro Port, La Union after a short check up at Lorma hospital. Also had a hearty lunch at the port's famous Thunderbird Resort. Everything was so white and blue and the resort had a wonderful view of the sea. Lovely, lovely place!

Sky + Lines

2011-11-21T12:36:00.001+08:00

Merrick D.

2011-11-19T10:00:00.000+08:00

It's my second time to feature another photographer and this time, he's someone I haven't personally met yet but i've been introduced to him thru my childhood friend Joy who's in the beautiful hawaii right now. Met this cool guy thru facebook (of course) and during that time, he was just starting to explore photography.

It's super inspiring to see the transition of how someone becomes good at what he's doing specially when you've seen a person's work from where he started. It's like watching a little kid grow. And because of his non-stop exploration in taking pictures, he's been a part of my inspiration list.

I would likeyou guys to meet Merrick. :)

Name: my name is merrick daligdig

Age: i'm 21
Where are you from: everywhere, but currently staying in hawaii

Your equips: just a nikon d5000 with a stock lens and a 35 mm and a fisheye filter. I really need to get some new and better glass.

Influences and photographers you stalk:
stalk?? lol ummm:
- Luke Takes Photos, Brooklyn Hawaii, Marianne Gaces Pasion Photography, Sarah Ann Loreth Photography, Kathleen Davenport Photography, deadmau5 (who has/is a great photographer), zeamotion, jack batchelor photography

Tell me something about yourself:
when i'm not taking photos i like to cook but never really good at it, but i do like to bake. that, i'm actually decent in. I also play a li'l guitar and bass for fun and I want to make photography my career
How did you start photography?

i know this sounds bad but...but the answer to that is cause i was lazy. i was originally interested in video but the whole process just tired me out and i ended up doing photography. but now i realize they're almost the same haha.

Your photography style:
- how did you come up with it?
umm, idk. i just did? i guess you could say i was inspired by other people's work that i just wanted to imitate it and see how they did it. i still have a lot to work on.

Here are some of his works!

Elsewhere :D

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/eAIn1C

Tumblr: http://bit.ly/nNCr8v

Flickr: http://bit.ly/oqQDOu

Blurb: http://bit.ly/vqBdc7

Tan-ok Fest in B&W

2011-11-18T10:00:00.000+08:00

We attended the event late because I was out of town, had a little family trip and the moment we arrived home, Eric and I went to the stadium to watch and shoot the festival.

Tan-ok Fest is a first in the province. Also known as the "festival of festivals," each town from the province showcased their own festive celebrations through dancing, dancing, and more dancing. It was a super colorful event and I'm super glad Eric and I was able to enter despite the thick crowd. Others couldn't even get in anymore but thankfully, we had photographer passes reserved earlier days before the event. Another purpose why we went to watch was to mingle with our fellow photographer friends but because we arrived late, we never ever found them. Haha! Good thing I was able to stay in front, had a wonderful view of the participants before Eric had to leave for a gig.. and I left alone when it was almost about to end because I was super hungry. Haha!

Anyway, I think i'm taking a risk with these photos. The event was so colorful but i was overwhelmed with how the dancers were perfectly lit! I hope you enjoy my takes of the Tan-ok fest.. and i'm serving 'em to you in black and white.

Royalty Heels

2011-11-17T10:18:00.001+08:00

I had another product shoot for Royalty Heels and Dresses and this time, it's less catalogue-ish and a bit commercial. Other than that, it excites me to see how it finally turned out. The product pops + Models' persona shows naturally = makes me and client happy. :D

Models: Angel Dei Peralta & Stephen Chua

These photos were shot behind the church in Sarrat. Lovely, lovely place!

Enjoy and don't forget to visit ROYALTY HEELS

Ignite the Light: A Photography Tip

2011-11-11T23:46:00.001+08:00

Have you ever noticed how some photos have that summer-y, fun and happy atmosphere in them, it somehow gives you a magical feeling? If you ever wondered *like i did* how in the world do photographers do it, I'm here to show you how super duper easy it is to achieve the magic because you don't need to be a pro to be able to take lovely photos. All you need is the right amount of love and obsession for taking photos. Shall we start? This is going to be fun, I promise!

There's no need to panic on how to achieve that "magical feel" because all you need are 3 things. You have to have your camera, your subject, and some magic = which is light. Now before you head out and start taking photos, let me just give you some tips I've learned throughout my little photographic journey because this is one trick photoshop can't even manipulate to make it look natural.

Always keep in mind that Gold means Light:

The Golden Light - this is the time of day you would want to shoot in order to make your photos achieve the effect. Usually, it's during sunrise and during sunset. These times are also often called as the Golden Hours because it is during the time of the day when the sun shines from the side which gives a lovely soft, warm, directional light that's just perfect enough to take photos.

It's soft because more than often, you can let your subjects face the light straight on. If it weren't, how can we ever enjoy a lovely sunset!

The warm tones of the golden light makes your subject's skin tone look a bit tanned and flattering. Also, the color temperature it gives is just stunning!

Now that you're familiar with our secret ingredient, I would like to show you some of the simple techniques in using the magic for your photos.

Front Lighting - let your subject face the light and shoot to your heart's content! Who needs fill-flash when you have magic!

Back Lighting - you can also shoot with the sun behind your subject. This gives a warm glow around your subjects and when shooting portraits, it makes hair glow! *teehee*

Silhouette - It's a photo that's intentionally total back-lighted! Let your subject block the sun and you get this lovely shape from your very under-exposed subject. It's fun to experiment with silhouettes!

Flares - Just like backlighting, let the sun peep a bit from the edge of your subject, do not let the subject totally cover the sunlight or else you'd come up with a silhouette. Once you get that amount of light peeping through, it reflects on your lens and gives that magical flare!

Shadows - shadows are more defined during directional light. Try to play with shadow patterns as you take photos with golden light!

Here are more of my photos taken during the golden hour.

Enjoy the magic! :D