In the midst of the complexities and challenges that come with shooting in unique locations, lie the beauty of exploring and then re-exploring places that aren’t as featured or as popular than their more extravagant counterparts but are nonetheless as spectacular. Today’s feature has brought me back to the North of Luzon – not the more popular western part (where Ilocos and their well-liked attractions are) but the more laid back – and more flat – eastern side.

The Callao Caves was the highlight of the trip. And why not, it is unlike any other that you can find in the Philippines. It is incredible (see those butterflies) and vast and surprisingly accessible. It was an amazing place to have a shoot, albeit a difficult one because it requires an equally amazing subject to shoot for it to be successful. The rock formations and the perspectives available would be for naught if the people involved (both the shooters and their subjects) doesn’t have the vision and are not on the same page in terms of what is required to achieve what they were set to do. And as you will be able to judge from the photos that will follow below, Hannah and James we not only capable, they were sensational.

From the caves, to the Pinacanauan River and the Buntun Bridge, nothing seemed to stop them – not the treacherous climbs, the suffocating smoke or even the sudden downpour. It was one heck of a shoot and much more heck of an experience. Enjoy the photos.