Behind-the-Scenes with David Archuleta // A Photographer’s Diary

Posted by in Art, Culture, Featured, Music, Thought Bubbles | 37 comments

 

It all started last night when I saw this retweet by my friend Joanie (@suttygal) of a message by another friend, Kari Sellards (@kariontour), whom I had the pleasure of meeting during her visit to the Philippines last February.

Kari was traveling with American Idol’s David Archuleta as his manager, and I had worked with her when I shot David’s album cover for Forevermore, his collection of covers of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) songs. I was thrilled to stay in touch with her ever since.

So here was my response.

Fast-forward to an hour later… There I was, happily sifting through images in my archive, from which I put together additional photos of candid moments with David. Let’s start with a photo you may recognize from my first post on My Afternoon with David Archuleta.

This is one of my favorite images from that session — A light moment between Kari and David. Now in case you're wondering what was going on in the other side of the room…

That's Jon from Ivory Records, who, just like me, was waiting for David's "Vangie" video to load on Kari's laptop. The spoof video had just gone viral that morning, and now has over 125,000 views.

Nothing beats sitting in during a studio recording session — As David prepared to record Forevermore, the title track of the album, I told myself, This is much better than a front row seat!

I watched with nervous excitement as the magic began to unfold between David and Jimmy Antiporda, one of the most talented composers and musical arrangers in the Philippines. A legend in his own right, Jimmy also wrote the songs Hold On and Maybe, which appear in the album.

As always, David was in top form that morning and was done recording the entire song before I could even finish one of my camera cards. Hats off to you, David!

What I will probably remember most from that afternoon was how David kept the energy in the studio light and fun for everyone attending the recording session. And yes, he's easily prone to the occasional giggle. Lol!

David took a breather in between songs, giving me the perfect opportunity to slip into the booth and pretend that I, too, was about to record my very own album. (Yes, Ivory Records. That was a hint. Hahaha!)

I have always loved the song, Forevermore, which was originally performed by the group, Side A. This song won them the 1996 Awit Award for Best Performance by a Group for the third consecutive year and Song of the Year.

You can find the lyrics to Forevermore here.

I tiptoed my way around the booth, taking extra care not to make any sound that could be picked up by this incredibly sensitive microphone. The only thought in my head was, Don't sneeze, don't sneeze… Lol!

Outside the booth, Kari shared stories about David's experiences here in the Philippines while filming the local mini-series, Nandito Ako, which is Tagalog for "I'm here." Did you know it only took 15 days to shoot? By the way, that's Anna, also from Ivory Records, sitting with Kari.

No matter where he is, you can count on David to immediately locate the nearest keyboard for a quick jam session. Hahaha!

This one's dedicated to all of David's loving fans — I know you guys are missing him very much and continue to wish him all the best for his mission.

I've always loved this portrait of David — A souvenir from a wonderful afternoon with a person whose incredible talent and genuine personality I admire very much.

Forevermore is David's fourth album and is released under Ivory Music and Video.

Let me end by saying that I am so happy to have met a lot of David’s fans who sent some very nice messages after the first blog post. I would love to stay in touch with you guys, so feel free to add me on twitter (@arlu and @helloballoon). And don’t forget to send a shout-out to @IvoryMusicVideo and Jimmy Antiporda (@jamcreations) too!

Take care, guys! Hope to hear from you. Let me know what you think of the photos! As a bonus, here’s one of my favorite songs from the album.

 

  • Bella

    Thanks so much for sharing these with us! It’s always interesting to get a bit of the behind the scenes perspective. You capture David beautifully too.

  • Kara Nestell

    Thank you for sharing your photos. David is loved all over the world. You have made fans from every corner very happy :)

    Abrra
    thevoicedavidarchuleta.com

  • Anonymous

    Thank you for all of your beautiful photos of @DavidArchie and @kariontour :)

  • http://www.helloballoon.com Hello Balloon

    The pleasure is mine! I enjoyed working with David and Kari on the shoot! Hope to work with them again soon. :)

  • http://www.helloballoon.com Hello Balloon

    That means a lot to me… If you guys are happy, I’m happy too. BTW, I’m a fan too! (big smile)

  • http://www.helloballoon.com Hello Balloon

    It was a great experience working that closely with David in the studio… He has such an amazing talent!

  • http://www.helloballoon.com Hello Balloon

    I saw the messages on Twitter last night and knew that I had some photos to share. I’m overwhelmed with all the great feedback… You guys made my day! Seriously!!! :D

  • http://twitter.com/ariesWL247 chirpyRHODA247

    very lovely!!! not only the photos, but your whole experience as well… thank you for sharing these to us :) Godbless…

    i really do love your every shot of David… :)

  • http://twitter.com/erlindita Linda Spivey

    Arlu thank you. You took such good photos of @DavidArchie and @Kariontoours.

  • Pandujarfranco

    Thank you for the pictures! And Reaching out is probably my favorite from the album.

  • http://twitter.com/erlindita Linda Spivey

    Thank you Arlu. Your captured @DavidArchie and @Kariontours so beautifully. Love that your a fan too.

  • Ian

    Dear Arlu, I cannot begin to imagine the wonderful experience working with such a young and talented artist. Those images that you captured are priceless!

  • http://twitter.com/erlindita Linda Spivey

    You took great photos of of David and Kari. So happy to know you are a fan of our DavidArchie. Thank you

  • Sarah Sy

    I’m not much into digital photography but these photos are just awesome. I love how the lens focuses on David with the background being blurred. (I’m not sure but I think the term’s “bokeh”)

    Keep up the good work Mr. Arlu! :)

  • http://twitter.com/Marylee_DA2014 ♪♥Marylee~#DA2014♥♪

    Thanks so very much for all your great pictures of David & Kari ~two of our very favorite people. I especially love the “naturalness” of those taken in the recording studio. It gives the fans an inside look into a place where he finds inspiration to bring us this beautiful music. Thank you for all your kind words about working with David. He is truly a GEM ~blessed to be his fan :)

  • http://twitter.com/Marylee_DA2014 ♪♥Marylee~#DA2014♥♪

    Not sure if my first comment is under moderation still but, just in case, would like to say thanks so much for not only your great pictures of David & Kari, two of our favorite people..but also for your kind & genuine comments about working with David. He is so loved & respected by his lucky fans. We are truly blessed. :)

  • http://twitter.com/janey79 janey79

    And you, Mr. Hello Balloon, made my day <3 :) ))

  • connie_da2014

    Hi Arlu, Thanks for these beautiful photos you posted. You know fans like us depends on people who work hand on hand with David to get a glimpse of him. These things brighten up our day especially in times like this that he is away for 2 years. Thanks again.

  • http://www.helloballoon.com Hello Balloon

    Hahaha! Yes, that’s what it’s called! :) Thanks, Sarah!

  • http://www.helloballoon.com Hello Balloon

    He was such a pleasure to work with! Of course, this could not have happened without you, dearest Ian! This is dedicated to you! :)

  • Bee Laugan

    With all these, my family going INSANE including myself of course. Please help us all to calm down, even a bit. He he he he

  • http://www.helloballoon.com Hello Balloon

    Thank you for your comment, Bee! May I suggest listening to Forevermore to calm you down? Hahaha! You guys are so cute! Big hug to you and the family!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000086816370 Bess de Guia

    I never stopped admiring your great artistic work and your culinary taste. I am so proud of you. I am a friend at Richmonde Hotel. Hope you remember me. Regards :) ))

  • http://twitter.com/suttygal joanie s

    Arlu, I LOVE the blog!! Your photos are beautiful and your captions are poignant, touching, and personal. :) Thank you so very much for bringing us inside the studio and into your special experience of working with David. It must have been incredible to hear him record these OPM songs that were already so close to your heart. :) I really liked your description of how he kept the “energy in the studio light and fun.” He has and shares so much joy with everyone around him. Thank you for including the link to Forevermore lyrics as well as the audio of “Reaching Out”~ another lovely song on the album.
    LOVE the pic of Kari..so very pretty and the “portrait of David” (souvenir) is simply awesome!
    We are very blessed as fans and I’m so happy to know that you’re a fan along with us!! Thank you Arlu ♥
    ~Joanie PS..Hope you’ll get to do that recording of your own one day soon *shout-out to Ivory Records* :)

  • http://www.helloballoon.com Hello Balloon

    Of course I remember! Hahaha! How are you? Thanks so much for your message — It means a lot to me.

    All good here. Can’t wait to tell Anthony that we’re in touch through the blog too! Hahaha!

    Warmest regards, friend! :)

  • http://www.helloballoon.com Hello Balloon

    Hey Joanie! This is one of the most touching messages I’ve received… Thank you so much. Let’s continue to stay in touch through Twitter. Who would have known that I’d make so many friends through one photo shoot?

  • http://www.helloballoon.com Hello Balloon

    You guys just made my day! So much love coming from the Archies… It’s giving me a natural high! Hahaha! Mabuhay to you too!

  • jackryan4DA

    Did you take just pix? No clips/vids? Just love to see David at work :)

  • http://www.helloballoon.com Hello Balloon

    Yeah, just still photos for me. There was a separate crew shooting video as well.

  • Sonny Mangundayao

    Love this song…. And I’m glad this episode was shot in our house.

  • Brunildaguinez

    David Archuleta, un ejemplo para todos., dejó por dos años su carrera, su fama, su dinero, familia y amigos., por venir al fin del mundo a enseñar a otros lo que él sabe es verdad y que cambiará para mejor la vida de muchos chilenos., yo lo admiro.

  • http://twitter.com/hazeleyd71 Michelle G

    I really love your blogs! You really get David and his eternal light ♥ Thank you so much for sharing with all of us:)))

  • yolanda

    Thank you Arlu for sharing these gems with us. These are all amazing . David is a great talent and so are you.

  • Archeyangel

    Thank you so much for sharing your story and photos with David Archuleta’s fans. I miss him so much…so any special goodies that people are willing to share are treasured by the fans – believe me. The pictures and your story are very heart warming. David is such an amazing artist and person. Thank you again so much… I have been listening to Forevermore every day…it’s soooo good.

  • http://twitter.com/WyzeArchie Mary-Rose (Marot)

    Thank you for sharing! Love the gorgeous photos and your comments. :) Have you read his book, “Chords of Strength”? You will admire him even more. :)

  • http://www.helloballoon.com Hello Balloon

    Hi Sonny! It was the PERFECT setting! And that handsome car! Hahaha! Thanks again. Hope to see you and Pin sometime! Hugs to you both!

  • http://www.helloballoon.com Hello Balloon

    Exactly! The songs just brought me back to my younger days, when I was still a spring chicken. Hahaha! Major “senti” trip, right?

    Hope all is well over yonder, Jen! Big hug! :)