In the evening of day 52, I attended the Miss Earth cocktail party and of course my camera came with me! 😉 The first person I saw was Miss South Africa as I was walking to the bar. Said Hello and we ended up chatting for some time. 🙂 When it was time for the contestants to introduce themselves, everybody came out their point-and-shoot camera! Well… I put my 70-200mm lens on and people soon stopped getting in my way! 😉 Long lenses are great sometimes!
The lighting wasn’t that great and I didn’t want my photos to obviously look like they were flash lit. So I ended up using ISO 800, 1/80 sec, F2.8 and the flash at -0.7 FEV.
My first few images weren’t that great because when the contestants were talking through the microphone giving their “save the world” speech, all I got was wired looking expressions. So I decided to shoot the contestants waiting to come on to the stage area. Nobody was shooting here and I instantly got much better results. And when the girls saw my long lens pointing straight at them, they often did a little pose or smile.
I also had the pleasure to meet with Miss Wales’s family. I spoke with them for quite a while and the evening was a joy.
Tonight (Day 55) is the main event. I’m trying to get a pass to be with the other photographers so wish me luck!
I don't normally do head shots, but I figured this worked. Notice how the -0.7 FEV didn't make the contestant look too obviously flash lit.
Miss England.
Miss Honduras.
Miss Japan.
Miss Korea.
Miss Mexico.
Miss Philippines.
Miss Scotland.
Miss South Africa who is from Durban.
A couple of nights ago I met Miss South Africa's parents.
Miss Thailand.
Close up of Miss Thailand. I used Lightroom's tone split adjustment to get this look.
Of course the drink at a cocktail party! 😉
Yes... its me...
Miss Wales.
Miss Canada
Me with Miss England and Miss Wales. 🙂
The winner of Miss Earth 2008.
Miss South Sudan is one of the tallest women I have ever seen!
Miss Thailand enjoying some of the finger snacks.
It was great to mingle with everybody...
Miss Thailand posing for me...
Photo Rebel 
Awesome Gwyn, did you get the pass?
I didn’t get a pass unfortunately 😦
Jammy, jammy, jammy, jammy 🙂 Oh, and nice shots. Did you know that event was on when you planned your trip?
I had no idea the event was on… So a nice surprise! 🙂 Thanks for the comments…
Now, that’s what I call a good use of a camera! 😉
Well… yes… 😉
Oh Gwyn … Where did it all go wrong.
It all went wrong when the party ended! 😉 giggle…
Hiya,
Photos are fab. The winner of the Miss Earth 2008 is called Karla Paula Henry.
Have you been to Diniwid Beach yet?
To the right (Passed the Nami hotel and the only lift on the island) are caves, it actually looks like you are walking into peoples houses, but if you keep to the right you will eventually come to the hotel called the West Cove (A sign actually says ‘This way’). It looks like a collection of little hobbit houses and houses built like mushrooms built into the caves. You have to charm your way passed the security guards (The owner is called Mr Chris and he goes to the hotel once a fortnight), but what a photo opportunity.
The West Cove do the nicest Iced Tea on the island.
Back on the beach call into Mamas Fish Bar which is the name of the restaurant attached to the Microtel and and ask for a Calamansi frozen shake – This is the most refreshing lemon drink in the whole world and the Microtel the best at making this drink on the island, one won’t be enough.
Looking forward to your updates – enjoy your stay.
Wales’s family
Wow!!!! Thanks so much for the suggestion! What an amazing place! Just blogged pictures of West Cove. Your detailed plan above of how to get there really helped! Especially the “This Way” sign!!! 😉 giggle… I forgot to pop into the Mamas Fish Bar.. Opps, better make another trip tomorrow 😉 hehehehe