Acid, as the dictionary defines it, is "a corrosive or sour-tasting liquid chemical substance that dissolves some metals. Don't worry there is absolutely nothing in this post that will show a couple making romance in a liquid that will actually melt their bodies to death - despite the title. Futhermore, sour-tasting is definitely not a way to describe the love of BIm and Gen (maybe Bim's face during crunch-times for his onsite videos), it's far too cute to even go there. So why romance in acid? I'm thinking it's a metaphor to describe how the couple "sizzles" when they are together, similar to the reaction you get when you dip something in acid. If that is correct, im not sure. What I'm sure of is that "Romance in Acid" is the overall title of the shoot. 

Bim and Gen are good friends of mine from the Philppine wedding industry. Bim is the guy behind the fast-rising and popular Pheoben Teocson wedding videos who I have worked with countless times already. This month, it's their turn to be part of wedding videos and photographs as they set to formally promise forever to each other. Of course before that, engagement photos first. I have to warn you that some of the photos that you will see here could be disturbing so please do take caution (don't say I didn't warn you. hahaha).

  Bim Here we all are after shoot. All sweaty and sticky. =)

This Saturday, Ramon and Zerline will tie the knot. And before that let me share their lovely photos from the e-session we shot in the Ateneo campus where the couple met and fell in love (cheesy ba?! hahaha)... thus it was a super special location =) 

What's also special is that THE Jason Magbanua together with his awesome team went to the prenup shoot to yours truly for the metrophoto promotional video =) See cool out-takes at the bottom of the post. =) 

Fresh from Iloilo, Madge Lejano also dropped by to make sure that I look fab in the video. =) woohoo! can't wait to see the video? Keep checking the site! hahaha. In the meantime, enjoy the photos =)

Lions, as we all know it, are the huge and fearsome predators that rule the jungle. The Lyons, whose workshop I attended last month, are equally huge but awesome wedding photographers that should rule the world! ok, maybe not the world, but they are huge and they are viciously good. While I would be awed to see lions up-close, it's nothing compared to being up-close with the lyons, Amelia and Justin, as a participant in their wedding photography workshop (The Lyon Shop), where they share everything, and that means everything, that they know in creating out-of-this-world-beautfiul photographs. 

The workshop was intense. There are slots for only 15 attendees (I begged to be #16 when the schedule fell right smack on my US trip) to ensure maximum exposure, focus, and fun! =) An unbelievably packed experience all in one heck of a day in the stunning Laguna Beach. Best part of it? Everyone agreed with Justin to give the free copy of the TRA 2: The Revenge to the person who travelled the farthest, and the only one that will beat a person from the Philippines is someone from Papua New Guinea. hahaha =) Of course I have photos to share as evidence =) Enjoy. Neat! handmade materials with the Lyon brand ;) Amelia, all set to shoot with her fave lens, the 35mm ;) Final reminders before we headed off... ... to this beautiful location outside for the first shoot. See Justin's vintage Canon strap? Looks circa '67 and it's totally kick-ass Workshopmates Nice angle of Amelia's nice angle See Amelia in this photo? This was the moment she shot her fave shot of the entire day ;) And apparently, Justin just shot his fave shot as well =) yeahbaby! lunchtime! Shoot # 2 Showing the correct exposure for a shot with an off-cam lighting... ... expose for the sky =) Oh and a nice dinner at Las Brisas to wrap everything up. =)

Metrophoto's recently concluded US trip was by far the most grueling set I've ever done. It's unbelievable to know how much one can put himself to a challenge, not only physical, but more over, of mental exhaustion (think consecutive e-sessions that must be unique to each other) in different climates and in different cities. Fine, it sounds exaggerated and like an intro in the next episode of Man vs. Wild... but hey it was just also me (without any camera crew) if any more comparison is needed. hahaha. 

Despite all those whining and self pity, I must say that it was such an amazing experience. I am truly blessed with the best of clients and the best of friends. Check out samples of the shoots in the round-up below. All of these incredible destination e-sessions were only paused by me attending the equally incredible workshop of Amelia and Justin Lyon in Laguna Beach, California (I'll blog about the workshop next). Enjoy the photos and watch out for the complete galleries and posts soon! =) 

Remanda Xiang | Portland Bridal Shoot

Tony and Joy | Downtown San Francisco Engagement Session

James and Jaygee | Las Vegas Strip Engagement Session

Chris and Melody | Greenwhich Village New York Engagement Session

Derreck and Mary Ann | Times Square New York Engagement Session

Bryan and Dinah | Brooklyn Bridge Engagement Session

Jon and Mary | Lancaster Engagement Session