Tags: Content Marketing in Davao City Philippines creative collaborations in Davao City Philippines Davao Photographers Edge Davao Havaianas Hungry Ape Kaayo Modern Mindanao Lifestyle Blog Lifestyle Blogger in Manila Philippines Lifestyle photographer in Davao Meg Hernandez Meghann Hernandez Metro Mom Mommy blogger Mommy blogger in Manila Philippines mompreneur Soul Kitchen Co. The Kreativ Gypsies TKG
Whatever the purpose of your photograph, whether it’s for brand marketing or for artistic expression, turning your subject into a powerful vision has a lot to do with composition, lighting, and styling — regardless whether you’re using a DSLR, a simple point-and-shoot, or a smartphone. After all, your eyes and style are superior to any lens in the market.
In this day and age, smartphones and photo sharing sites have revolutionized photography and brought out the artist in many. A burgeoning set of talented individuals have exposed themselves to new opportunities in events and marketing, simply with their creative portfolio of Instagram photos that impressed discerning spectators.
Product styling and shoot for Kaaya Modern Mindanao. Photo courtesy of Helen Co.
Take for example this trio of moms in Davao City, who turned their hobby into a style-and-shoot collective, now catering to local and global brands and restaurants operating in the region such as Kaayo Modern Mindanao, Project Paella, Soul Kitchen Co., Hungry Ape, and Havaianas, to name a few.
Creating content for Soul Kitchen Co. Photo courtesy of Helen Co.
Meet Helen Salingay – Co, Anna Ibaretta – Santos and Apple Chua – Quiñones, also known as The Kreativ Gypsies. These modern mamas were brought together by a common love for photography, flatlays and set design, and they’re stepping up the Instagram and styling game with their personal takes on different products, spaces, food, events, window displays and tablescapes.
Product shoot for Hungry Ape. Photo courtesy of Helen Co.
Helen’s mobile photography and prop-styling workshop paved the way for them to form a stronger friendship offline. They instantly clicked and became regular taste buddies. Their coffee and lunch dates are well documented and posted on Instagram, which displays their natural flair in photo styling and composition.
With their individual styles and shared passion, they are able to bring out the beauty in any space or product, like you’re looking straight at a magazine editorial or an advert. Their posts sparked the interest of other ‘grammers and hobbyists, which eventually led them to conceptualize workshops and create content for brands.
Fun at work. The Kreativ Gypsies enjoying a cup of joe after styling the window display of FTU Creamery. Photo courtesy of Helen Co.
Each of them has something special to bring to the table. “We call ourselves ‘The Kreativ Gypsies’ because we are wanderers, to begin with,” Helen quipped. “We are inspired by our everyday adventures and we find beauty in the common and ordinary.”
Anna and Apple describe Helen’s composition style as clean and always according to the rule of thirds. “She effortlessly mastered the art of putting things together.”
As for Anna and Apple, their style leans towards subjects that have meaning and connection. These are reflections of their love for adventure and the scenes they encounter in their daily lives.
Location shoot for the Hungry Ape. Photo courtesy of Helen Co.
Asked for tips on product photography and styling, Helen pointed out the importance of understanding what it takes to compose an appealing image and the confidence to execute your vision.
Product shot for Osvaldo’s Cakes. Photo courtesy of Helen Co.
“Always give emphasis on the subject you want to shoot. You can also breakaway from the rule of thirds, if that will help add layer or put more focus to your subject. Also, be mindful of the background.”
“Find your light and angle. When instincts tell you that the composition is just how you want it, then that’s your ‘moment shot’.”
Stay tuned to @thekreativgypsies on Instagram for announcements on their upcoming photography and prop-styling workshops. For special projects and collaborations, email them at thekreativgypsies@yahoo.com.
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Story published on my newspaper column in Edge Davao.
A1 and A3, INdulge, Edge Davao, Vol. 11 Issue no. 58, 6 June 2018.
