Behind-The-Scenes: Polecats Manila 2012 Calendar Shoot

Last September, Polecats Manila and I had a photoshoot for a project which was a little secret until, well, last week. We shot for their 2012 calendar, which had a pretty theme which will make anyone smile: PINUP! But instead of the regular pinup photos we see, what separates this calendar from others is that the subjects also showcase their awesome pole skills and strength.

I will show you the contents in a bit.

10 dancers, one photographer, one makeup artist, and one hairstylist. It was time for a rocking photoshoot. The shoot started at 9 am and we started with hair and makeup at Kris's apartment.

I brought out the big guns here - literally. I used airbrush makeup on them. Instead of identical makeup, they each had different themes, depending on the month they represented, which was just so cute. I think my toys were just as excited too because everytime I do gigs/shoots like these, they cooperate so well. Anyway, Lorybelle Barretto, a hair and makeup artist I met online via common friends and network did hair for the shoot. It was our first time to meet personally actually. She worked fast and did all ten heads before 4 pm, even switching hairstyles.

After half had their makeup done, we proceeded to Pioneer Studios where we started doing the photoshoot. I told you about different themes right? Here's a preview of Amaya's summer theme - beach ball, shades, bandana, and all.

with matching balancing act and pointed toes. The Polecats always emphasize on pointed toes all the time, in heels or barefoot or boots and I agree it really makes everything look prettier. (Note: As I am typing this, my toes are actually pointed for practice because I have class later.)

Daemon showing the results to Amaya and AJ.

Caryn, Chot, and Myla by the couch, waiting for the group shot.

One of the prettiest shots is the Christmas themed shoot. I love the white outfits on them with the matching Santa hats. Usually, I use a yellowy red on them but for this shoot, I used a different wine red, to make everything deeper, but still keeping with the festive red theme. Subtle smoky eyes because I want it to be pretty and festive. During the entire shoot, it was drizzly or rainy outside, but we all didn't feel it. We were having fun working and picture-taking.

The Polecats Manila 2012 calendar is already available at Gen Studios Ortigas for Php350. Here are some more shots to convince you to get one:

Mara as a witch for October. She had crimped hair and green smoky eyes and hot pink lips here, I took inspiration from Bewitched and Barbie dolls. After crimping her hair, Lorybelle curled her hair into soft curls for the next photoshoots.

I asked Lorybelle to put Kayleen's hair in a high ponytail, just like the Cheerios in Glee. Sweet pinks were used on Kayleen here for makeup. I asked her if she could sign also my calendar. Heehee. Fan mode!

I won't post more pictures because that means you have to get a calendar to see all the photos yourself. And probably, this could also convince you to try out pole fitness. :) Currently, my calendar is in my workstation here at home, by the living room. When time comes that it's 2012 and I get to use the calendar, friends who come over might see it and ask me, "Who are those in the calendar?" I would reply, "They are the Polecats, they are my teachers in pole dancing and they are awesome!"

credits for the calendar shoot:

• Polecats Manila
• photographer: Daemon Becker
• makeup: Bambi de la Cruz Makeup Artistry
• hair: Lorybelle Barretto
• location: Pioneer Studios

Spikes, Bodysuits, Bling, and Bang!

I was watching Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2 when my phone rang in the middle of a very intense scene (I'm sorry guys! I really forget to put my phone on silent!) After putting my phone in silent then texting that I'll be on conversation after the movie, it was my awesomest Dennis asking me if I would like to do a shoot with him with Christine as a photographer. I love Dennis a lot and I know I'm in for a really fabulous shoot so I said yes.

The day of the shoot, I met up with Christine first and we went to the venue after my Wendy's to go. Our model for the day is Fatima, one of Dennis's close friends and actually, I did her makeup 3 years ago. She looks really great now, very happy, content, and confident. It was very easy to transform her into the ravishing beauty Dennis wanted.

Dennis's accessories are beyond my wildest imagination, like this skull ring with a spike on top. If it were an engagement ring, it would perfectly say "Till death do us part"

Dazzling bodysuit with jewels and baubles.

Fatima's gotten really good with posing. Her lines are amazing, it's really cool because in my first ever shoot with her, she was very shy and timid. She knows now her angles and what works for her. She's also super prepared. When I left the house, I forgot my dramatic falsies for the smoky eyes for her, and brought my wispy bridal falsies instead. Good thing she has a stock too at home, cut to her eye shape.

Preserving the color in this photo, here's how my makeup looked on her. She bears resemblance to two very famous beauty queens, and you could guess who.

Dennis is a bundle of energy on his own, and he does kid around in shoots, making me giggle every so often but when it's time to work, he's very serious, passionate, and hands-on, making sure that everything is not just alright, but perfect.

The shoot ended when the sun decided to dip down the horizon. After packing up, it was a lot of more catching up with everyone without me hurling into laughter every so often. I really love working with fabulous and talented people. They give me such positive energy, especially needed for me to be inspired.

Bridal Shoot BTS

It was an early start for me yesterday for a photoshoot in the morning and a client call in the afternoon. Fortunately, they were within the area anyway. The day for me started by getting to Santana Grove in Sucat to meet up with Christine and our model Karina for a bridal-inspired shoot. I got to the area first since I took SLEX, with the southbound lane faster since everyone's going north to work. While at it, I waited for Christine and Karina with a second breakfast of Chowking hot noodle soup and chicharap.

As soon as we all met up, Christine drove us to BF Paranaque for the shoot, where she did a little set-up of the venue so we could do makeup as she fixes the necessary permits. We were going to shoot bridal gown shoots today in ethereal and whimsical settings, so the one thing I had in mind was of course, bridal makeup.

Christine brought tables, chairs, and furniture as props too, but while at it, the furniture doubled as a makeshift outdoor makeup "room", throwing in my tambak.

Christine's tinted car functions as storage room/dressing room for Karina.

I spotted cute goats while shooting too. :)

For her makeup, I did a very warm palette first, my trademark bridal look inspired by Karina's golden color. Christine just said to let her hair loose since it was going to be outdoors.

She does look like Nicole Scherzinger right? This look I chose for the gowns with a clean palette, or those who want a natural no makeup look on their wedding.

The thing she's actually holding is a bag.

Look! The dress has a mini-version!

It's my third time to shoot here actually, the first one it was a hot summer day. It's a good thing that it was a warm windy day, so Karina's makeup hardly melted and the lash glue gripped on the lashline amazingly well. The location, Tropical Ruins used to be a resort hotel that burned down years ago but the place has got so much character it's been used for photoshoots and all. Would you believe delivery services could actually find the area and there was a time that KFC delivered here? How cool is that?

The second look was a sample of how I could do a smoky eye on a bride, since there are some brides that request for smoky eyes, especially those who are going to have a nighttime wedding. Smoky eyes are possible in the wedding day, but it all depends too on the time and theme of the wedding.

This time, I had to let go of the comfy chair since Christine would be using it to shoot the third layout. While at it, though I played bodyguard to Christine's camera bag.

I had to guard it with my life or die. Anyway, among the roster of furniture Christine got was a humongous antique harp, which we were supposed to use for another layout but we ran out of time since Karina and I had already appointments. But the harp was too cute so I wanted a picture with it.

Not wearing makeup today, hah. Thank you shadow of the big tree! The FitFlops I've been wearing have really lessened my back pains and are perfect for climbing uphill. I'll post the complete credits when the pictures are up. :)

Legally Blonde Week 2 in Pictures

Where else do I spend my weekends at least for this month of July? In Meralco Theatre of course. Week 2 of Legally Blonde was just last weekend and here's my update.

Saturday surprise: Gifts from the UPS Guy
Calvin gave corn chips to the cast and crew. I got the barbecue flavor. Yummmm! Thanks Calvin! Isn't it cute? The package says, "Do me a favor and have yourself a SUPER Day!"This orange tabby kitty was outside waiting for his (or her) two other tabby kitty friends.

Okay.... back to the makeup room. Cay here does makeup on Yannah, who plays Margot, one of Elle's sorority sisters at Delta Nu.
Mikee and I do a photo-op in-between work.
Anthony and I after makeup. It's his birthday today, by the way. Happy birthday Anthony!

View from Cay's fabulosa makeup case/light source.

The show's already halfway through its run and I'm really having a lot of fun working my weekends here. Anyone watch the show yet? Twas fun, huh?

Avante Garde Shoot Behind-The-Scenes

Omigod, this is super-duper delayed. Oooopsie... but since I was so swamped with lots of stuff, I just got to posting this today, while everything's all fresh. Anyhow, this was my shoot last year, my second-to-the-last shoot in fact, with my muse, Rachel.



This is the behind-the-scenes documentation I took while we were shooting and we asked also Rachel's assistant to hold the camera while I was being filmed doing the makeup. This was my no-sleep day, yet it was still a lot of fun :)

BLUED Shoot: Whee!!!!!!!

This shoot was done a few months ago, but I just got to posting the materials and behind-the-scenes when the official materials are out. What's the shoot? It's the shoot for BLUED. :D

I'm talking about the clothing company that made waves during the 90's, and it still continues to be a hit until now. I did own a shirt before by BLUED (a hand-me-down). Now I get to work for their campaign! Weeeeeeee!!!!!!!!

Plus, I get to work with one of my fave photographers. The shoot was practically the whole day, but it was really fast. we shot like 3 racks of clothes, and the photos were awesome.

The look for the day is cool, clean, casual, and carefree. So I made the models look fresh and glowing.

Here's the BTS footage I did during the super fun shoot.



Thanks to Mike for holding the camera on the instances where I asked to be on camera. The camera is back at the service center since my lens conked out again. URGGGHH!!!! Need new cam and need a little handy video cam too (christmas gifts please, and a lappy with windows movie maker)

And here's where you get to see our work, thanks to Rafa for sharing these to me. I dunno yet if they have it on ATC or Glorietta. Last week, it wasn't up at ATC, but they already have it in Trinoma.

Yes, I recommend their clothing being affordable and comfy. :)

Working Holiday

Yesterday, I had a shoot with a really great photographer, Adrian. I met him through Rudge when Rudge started raving about a new but hella talented photographer. I browsed through his portfolio and was really amazed at his style and stories.

Anyway, a shoot was organized and there were three of us models, and one makeup artist (ME). We did have pegs in mind and we shot at the apartment of one of the models. Before we entered, she asked if we were okay with cats, because she had 3 cats at home. When we saw the kitties, they were absolutely adorable and they got so curious with my makeup stuff.

ooooh! What's this big pretty bag hold?

This little kitty (same as the one above) was just staring at the brushes as I started setting up.

And this little fiesty kitty decided to hide while the action went on.

And this little kitty just wants to cuddle her mommy Brittany.

We got so inspired too as Brit's house was so full of inspirations with wonderful interiors and so much character. We were like okay, so we're shooting and then we were going, "what if we do this?" Most of our impromptu shoots turned out really nice, even the one that we were drying out after we were submerged in the pool. The pool was absolutely fantastic. I mean, when we first saw it, the tiles were dark to begin with so the color of the pool looked like a deep blue-green. Thinking that it might yellow out our tones, we were contemplating of using the pool in another location. But when we tried the pool, we saw in the camera that it looked like dark water, which gave a mysterious effect so we went on in the pool. Oh, and makeup didnt budge despite that Nathan dove in. Yay! Water-resistant makeup!

Working with Nathan was an absolute charm. I've met Nathan only online and he's one fantastic model that I've worked with. Super game in everything and he photographs quite well. He's also smart with a great sense of humor. Fun person too. I'm just glad to meet him in person and finally get to work with him. Adrian is an absolute genius. While we were talking, we both saw interest in desaturated pictures and pictures that tell a story. I like how he composes the photographs and doesn't just shoot and shoot. Makeup peg, was as Brittany would say, "an angel but about to fall." but I got inspired with the kitties and made smokey cat's eyes the same color scheme or a complementary color to the kitties.

Our group shot. Brittany, our gracious host and also a model, who lent her house for the shoot, our sole male model Nathan, and me! Yes. I'm so short here. heeheeheehee. This was taken by Adrian. I really hope that there would be a part 2 of the shoot as it was so much fun. It's a great and productive way to bond with friends while work on our creativity.

Behind-the-Scenes: Men of Leq

Yesterday, I did makeup for Rachel's project, Men of Leq, featuring some of her favorite male models and closest friends.

The shoot was held at Cielo Salon (thanks to Cielo Petines for lending her salon as location). Rain was heavy and traffic plugged up at EDSA and Buendia (as usual, Monday morning post-payday weekend). I arrived panicking thinking they'd all be there waiting for me but i was the third to arrive, the two models arriving before me. I introduced myself ("Hello, I'm Bambi, you know, like the deer in the cartoon. I'll be doing your makeup after I set up the makeup station and catch my breath in 2 minutes. In the meantime, relax and take deep breaths for the skin to relax and be prepared for skin prep and makeup.") and went back to business.

Rachel arrived a few minutes after me, then Dennis, then Apy. As you've seen Rachel modelling, another surprise is that she's also a photographer. She holds a Fine Arts degree and not only has she been taking pictures she's also been painting as well, and she's been really good at both.

Of course, behind-the-scenes pictures are a must.

Dennis taking a break from QA-ing the look I'm doing on Mauricio

Ay... kilig! With our Swedish model, Victor. (note my cute Hello Kitty baby wipes packet)
The fabulosa Dennis Celestial accessories.

Victor with the two photographers, Rachel and Apy.

Watch out for more Men of LEQ pictures and more results from Rachel Lobangco's Men of LEQ series.