E-SESSION: PHIL + CESS

The widely respected husband-and-wife team, Jeff & Lisa of Jeff & Lisa Photography talks to Vatel Manila about Phil & Cess' fun, funny, & memorable engagement shoot at The Fort.
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Tell us about the concept of this shoot:

Simply put, it's just Phil, Cess, and their son, Aaron, in a bookstore, really. We love shooting couples in contexts they often find themselves in. A nice and engaging environment, some delicious ambient light, and we're pretty much golden. This is what we do best, shooting couples as they are. We make it a point to draw them out and get them comfortable enough to be themselves with us. And that's what we take pictures of.
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How do you make couples feel comfortable?

We chat them up. We make them laugh. It's easy for us because Jeff and I are a married couple who've gone through all this wedding planning madness not too long ago. It feels more like two couples just hanging out rather than them being put on the spot.
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Why was a bookstore chosen for this particular shoot?

We were supposed to have a Tagaytay shoot, by the lake, but Cess and Phil decided to have it in Metro Manila instead. We had to think of a location near the place they were staying at and Fully Booked was the most promising. It's funny how things worked out. It was the perfect location for them. We couldn't have asked for more.
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How is doing a pre-nup of a family different from say, just a couple?

If this was shot by just one photographer, I don't think the results would have been the same so I can't really answer that. I think it would be more difficult then, but it was easy for us because Jeff and I know each other very well (understatement!) and the minute we found out it was going to be a family shoot, we immediately & simultaneously agreed I'd be in charge of the kid, and he'd be shooting the couple. Also, a lot rides on the child's temperament. Aaron is a lovely young boy, very charming, very intelligent. We had it easy. :-)
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Your favorite element(s)?

Aaron, ha ha! It wasn't really part of the plan having him there, but he didn't want to be left behind and they ended up bringing him along to the shoot. I adore kids, and he and I just bonded. Jeff took most of the couple shots, and I took most of Aaron's solo portraits. Also, it was an empty bookstore and we had the run of the place. For geeks like me and my husband, that's pretty much heaven.
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Favorite memory of this day?

When I lost the kid, ha ha ha! Maybe not my favorite, but it certainly sticks out. I was carrying Aaron and I put him down by the elevator. The doors opened, he went in, and it just closed behind him before I could even blink. No amount of pressing the button would open the doors. Cess and I both ran down the escalators. She managed to stop it at the floor directly below whereas I ran all the way down to the basement because I didn't know. I don't think I've ever ran that fast in my life!
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Your wish for the couple?

All the love and happiness in the world. It sounds trite but I mean it with all my heart. Jeff and I have much, much, MUCH love for these two. Also, more children. Because man, those are some good genes!
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Tips to couples on how to prepare for an e-session:

Sleep. Please, for the love of all that is good, sleep the night before your shoot. Have fun. Don't be afraid to look silly. Drink lots of water. Eat well. Laugh out loud. Love fiercely.
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Special thanks to Cess Thomas and to Jeff & Lisa for allowing us to post these photos and for doing the interview! :-)
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Location Guide:

Fully Booked & Starbucks, Bonifacio High Street
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
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jeff & lisa photography
info@jeffandlisaphotography.com
{mobile}0917.854.5472

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We're featuring engagement session shoots as a prelude to the wedding photos to show our readers how couples prepare for their big day. We also feature the photographers involved as they share with us their thoughts on the shoot. If you want your own e-session to be featured on this blog, get in touch with us! :-)