Behind the Lens: School Portraits in an Aeta Village, Tarlac, Philippines
A Studio in the Village: Photographing Aeta Children in Tarlac
As a portrait photographer based in the Philippines, I often find myself drawn to the stories that don’t make the headlines—the everyday lives, traditions, and dreams of people who deserve to be seen. Recently, I brought my studio setup to an adopted Aeta village in Tarlac to take school portraits for children who rarely get to experience professional photography.
Building a Studio, One Light at a Time
This wasn’t a natural light shoot. I came fully prepared to create a controlled lighting environment, right in the heart of the village. I used my Sony A1 paired with the Sony 50mm f/1.2 lens to ensure I captured every fine detail. My lighting setup included the Godox AD300Pro with a softbox for soft, even illumination, complemented by a neutral Kay backdrop that allowed the children's expressions and personalities to shine.
The idea was to give these children the full studio experience—professional equipment, high-quality portraits, and a sense that their stories matter.
Throughout the day, I photographed 35 children from the village. Some wore school uniforms, while others came in casual clothes, but each stood before the camera with a unique presence.
Key moments from the shoot:
Precision Lighting: The Godox AD300Pro allowed me to highlight the natural tones and textures of their skin while maintaining a soft, flattering light.
Professional Setup, Local Context: Bringing a studio setup to a rural area demonstrated that high-end portraiture doesn’t have to be confined to urban spaces.
True-to-life Portraits: The Sony A1’s resolution, combined with the wide aperture of the 50mm lens, brought out the depth in their eyes and the authenticity in their expressions.
Why I Did This
Photography is more than just images—it’s about dignity, identity, and representation. For the Aeta children, these portraits are a reminder of their value. For me, this project is part of a larger mission: to bring professional photography into spaces that are often overlooked.
This was not just about creating beautiful images. It was about creating moments of recognition, where every child could see themselves in a way that’s both empowering and enduring.
Looking Ahead
This visit marks the start of an ongoing journey. I plan to return, document more stories, and share them with a wider audience. My lens will continue to focus on the vibrant lives within indigenous Filipino communities, and I hope to inspire others to see the richness of these cultures.
If you're moved by these portraits and want to support or collaborate, let’s connect. Together, we can shine a light on the people and places that deserve to be seen.
The setup and operation of the outdoor portable photo studio.
The Joy of Seeing Themselves: Delivering the Prints
One of the most unforgettable parts of my visit to the Aeta village in Tarlac wasn’t behind the camera—it was in the moment when I handed each child their printed portrait.
As I laid out the prints, there was a quiet anticipation. The children gathered around, eyes wide with curiosity. For many, it was the first time they had ever seen a high-quality photograph of themselves. Their fingers reached out slowly, almost reverently, as if unsure that the image was truly theirs.
Then came the smiles—shy at first, then growing brighter as they held the photos closer. Some laughed, nudging each other playfully, proud to show their portrait to friends and family. Others stared, captivated, taking in every detail of their own face. It was a powerful moment of self-recognition.
Parents and elders joined in, many expressing gratitude, their voices soft but filled with emotion. These weren’t just photos. They were memories captured, identities affirmed, and dignity preserved.
For me, watching their reactions reminded me why this work matters. Photography isn’t just about creating beautiful images—it’s about giving people a chance to see themselves as valuable, seen, and worthy.
