Chasing light and dreams.

It was nerve-wracking taking her pictures. What else could I feel when I am taking portraits of one of the most amazing photographers in the planet? I'm not saying that because she's my sister, but because she really is a talented photographer.



What if she wouldn't be happy with her portraits? What if? Questions ran through my mind while I was clicking away. She's pretty perfectionist when it comes to her work, so imagine how nervous I was.



We went to Luneta to shoot. She brought a picnic mat, which amused me because she felt immediately right at home in Luneta. That's another thing I admire about her - she finds joy in simple things and beauty in the mundane.



I've seen her in action. She'd crawl, climb, and do just about anything to get the shots she wants. I've worked with her in many occasions and she's indefatigable. Her passion is admirable.



She also asked me to do her makeup and that was another challenge. She didn't have any sleep the night before the shoot and her eyes were a bit swollen. How do you make that disappear? And she's an amazing makeup artist. Her hands can weave magic and I was going to do her makeup!

I felt like I was gold tested by fire that day.



She is not used to having her pictures taken. She felt awkward and shy and I had to teach her how to pose.

My favorite picture of her that day was one where she was sitting on the grass and was laughing so hard with the children. That's the Ate I know - bungisngis and kiat. But I'm not going to post that picture because she's going to kill me. Hahahaha.



And here I am; I survived it! She took this picture of me so I have a remembrance of that day. We grabbed some popcorn after that and spent time talking over dinner.

When I got home, she texted me: "Thank you for everything, Baden. You've done a lot for me." That was enough for me to know that she loved the pictures I took of her.

Now, I feel more ready to do more shoots!

Chasing dreams,
Dionne

P.S. One (or two) of these photos will see print in the coming days. More of her dreams are certainly coming true. And I am so proud of her!

Kirah.

When Ate told me that we were going to have a shoot and that I was going to do the makeup, I was very thrilled. I've been taking more interest in makeup in the past months and I take every opportunity to do it.

It wasn't very hard doing Kirah's face. She's beautiful and her skin is flawless. We did the makeup in the car and although we didn't have a comfortable space, we did have a lot of fun.

I am looking forward to do more makeup assignments and photoshoots with Ate. And hopefully, another shoot with Kirah.

Before I go, let me share with you what Ate Michelle, Kirah's Mom, wrote on her FB page when she posted a link to Kirah's photos. Ate Michelle is an amazing writer. She and Ate Aileen were both in the school paper. I think this is just so heartwarming.

it was around this time of the year, 17 years ago to be exact, that I fought to have u...it's been 16 years hence of bliss since I first held you in my arms...you mirror so many of my ways, you reflect so much of my spirit, yours, however, is purer...continue to shine with the radiance and reflection of being a true daughter of God...the very thing I have desired and envisioned you to be...

Here are some photos of Kirah. Isn't she beautiful? She's actually beauty and brains. And she's a very sweet girl, too.

I'm off for taping now. Thanks for dropping by.

Chasing dreams,
Dionne

Bo and her black tutu.

Last Christmas, I gave my five-year-old niece Bo a little black tutu. She loved it very much and was so excited to wear it, so we scheduled a quick shoot for her. But sadly, it rained endlessly on January 2. So we made a mini studio out of our living room.

Bo certainly rocked it.

Her Mom and her sibs were all there cheering for her.

And oh, amazing new year, everyone!

Chasing dreams,
Aileen