You know what they say that when you wake up next to the person you love, you feel compelled to wake-up the same way everyday for the rest of your life? Starting early with the one person you consider your partner, your other half or your “life” is something my mentor’s Don and Ivy have shared.
It was on a Wednesday morning at around 4 am when Ica and I scrambled out of bed. Our gadgets were ready the night before, so all we had to do was look comfy and get some breakfast. We met mentor Levy and Ervine down by 7/11 and bought ourselves a few breads at Pandemanila, some chocolate soy milk and anything for the road.
In a short while we have met the happy couple, all smiles and ready to start our little road trip to Subic.
Don Sepe, slim built with a humble stature, was behind the wheel of the car. He was a quiet man, brief in responses but his words were all good. His eyes expressive and his smile sincere. Beside him was the every energetic Ivy Dela Cruz. Her smile was the same, only wider with delight. Her face would light up naturally like things were made of God’s good grace. She was asking question and making great conversation. They were both very interesting considering their age aligned to their success, they have done well for themselves. They were ready, the car filled with a variety of clothes, shoes and other props.
Mentor Levy and Ervine were in a separate car. They were leading the way to Subic. We all went for a quick burger and bibingka break, some bathroom stops and engine heats on the road but at around 2pm, we have reached our destination!
Since my Canon 450D was still collecting dust on the condo cabinet, my battery-drained 350D was the only thing I can keep my hands on. I had made the most out of it I think and was very happy with the pictures.
My flash gun and triggers were the ones that were most used and made Ervine and mentor Levy’s shots look like it was in a fixed studio in an outdoor set. The colors were superb and well taken. Ica and I were the behind-the-scenes shooters and had a nice set of our own. The candid ones were simply the best.
The locations were done by parking on random. Places that we think were nice and sufficient for the mood was grabbed by the collar and bagged like a dog on a mail man. In other words, we were but a positive impulsive bunch of kids on a prenuptial road trip shoot. It was F.U.N !!!
We had lunch at a local Subic mall and had some beef stake and tempura at Tokyo Tokyo. My battery as I’ve mentioned was dying down so I had to ask a new friend of mine, (her name is JD, the manager) to charge a few for me. Ironically, there was a mass black out at Subic so I was left without a camera on hand.
Luckily, after getting through the many leaves of the man-made forest, I was pumping balloons and was enjoying the props making. I watched as the three shot their pictures and was observing how our lovely couple were taking their angles.
At one point, Ms.Ivy had these killers heels on her. She had expressed them as a brief beautification since they were 4 inches high. We were on guard to catch her just in case.
Posing was not easy. But Mr. Don Sepe was a natural on this. Ms.Ivy was having fun and laughing as we dodged cars when we decided to take pictures in the middle of the road. The rush something else, specially if you’re wearing killer heels!
The last three locations were the best ones. We were quick since the sun was our muse and we would like to catch her before she calls it a day. We drove up next to a pier where Ms. Ivy and Sr. Don took out these huge letter cut outs of the first letter of their names. Gigantic plastic multicolored sun glasses were also worn, making them look rather funny. (Alas these shots were on Ica, Ervine and Mentor Levy’s cams. I’ll leave it to them for other succeeding posts.)
Then there was the beach! Oh yes the sun was almost down and a splash of colors were abound! Indigo, purple, orange in different hues were playing, painted on the sky above and reflected on the waters below as a small boat went passing by. It was magical.
Then we shot by the beach side were sand was between our toes as they posed beside their car. It was a bokeh challenge too as we tried to play with the far off city lights.
We called it a night and ate more burgers and some hot wings at Hotshots. God that was a good dinner! Our bites were so big our jaws were happily sore from eating! Luckily, two banana splits were order to level out the pain.
We got home by 3am, exhausted and sticky but contented and happy of the whole day. I flopped down the couch, rested a bit and thought about the wedding the two will be having. I am very much excited to say to them, “Congratulations and best wishes to you…Mr. and Mrs. Sepe! Cheers!”
Benz is Street Snapping 