Focus on Pauline Amelinckx

Graceful. Grounded. Genuine. Those are the words that come to mind when I think of Pauline Amelinckx.

The day began as a planned shoot for Rayna & Son. Pauline was judging Miss Cagayan de Oro, wearing pieces from Rayna & Son’s fine jewelry line — elegant, luminous, and full of meaning. Our goal was simple: capture her portrait before the show, highlight the craftsmanship, and let her natural charm carry the images.

But just before the event began, she looked at me and asked, “Would you come backstage and shoot me there, too?”

I hesitated. It wasn’t part of the plan — and I wasn’t ready. I had only one softbox, a single flash, and no assistant. The light was uneven, the space was cramped, and the air was filled with the electricity of a show about to begin. Still, something in me said yes.

So I did what every photographer eventually learns to do — I trusted the moment.

Under the Lights

Backstage was alive — gowns brushing past, people calling names, perfecting final looks. Amid it all, Pauline was calm. Centered. Completely unfazed by the commotion around her.

I hand-held my flash overhead, balancing exposure by instinct and experience. Every shot had to count. The light bounced softly off the gold tones of her jewelry, catching the calm in her expression and the quiet confidence that defines her presence.

She was, without question, one of the chillest and most down-to-earth personalities I’ve ever photographed — no airs, no ego. Just authenticity.

That night, with limited gear and pure intuition, we created images that felt raw, real, and alive.

Special thanks to Hale Demetrio for tagging us along while doing makeup for Pauline, and to Rayna & Son for commissioning us for the portraits. That collaboration turned what should have been a simple documentation into something far more personal — a reminder that artistry often happens between the plans.

The Essence of Pauline

Pauline isn’t just a titleholder — she’s a woman of grace and purpose. As Miss Supranational Philippines 2023 and Mutya ng Pilipinas Global Beauty Queen 2018, she’s carried her advocacy for self-love, body positivity, and mental health with honesty and warmth.

Her energy in person matches her message — kind, intuitive, and real. She doesn’t need to pose; she simply exists in the frame, and that’s enough.

Why We Celebrate Her

That backstage shoot was a lesson — not in lighting or technique, but in trust. In saying yes, even when you’re not ready. In remembering that sometimes, the best shots come from the least perfect conditions.

For The Factory Studio, Pauline represents that truth. That creativity is instinct, collaboration is courage, and authenticity will always find its light.