Our Story

Sam Orlanes in action photographing a family

Who We Are

Two Creatives,
One Shared Vision

Sam Orlanes Creative Studio was born in 2016 from a deep belief that the very first moments of a child's life — the quiet weight of a sleeping newborn, the glow of a mother in her final weeks of pregnancy, the laughter of a toddler discovering the world — deserve to be preserved with artistry, intention, and warmth.

We are Sam and Marge: a husband-and-wife creative team based in Cebu City, Philippines. Sam leads every session with a photographer's eye for light, emotion, and authentic connection. Marge transforms each raw frame into its finished, luminous form through meticulous, warm editing. Together, we deliver a complete and coherent creative vision from the first inquiry to the final image gallery.

What began as a personal passion has grown into one of Cebu's most trusted names in family photography. With 47,000+ Facebook followers, 6,000+ Instagram followers, and thousands of families served, Sam Orlanes Creative Studio is a beloved institution in the Cebuano photography community — built not on trends, but on genuine relationships and enduring images.

Our Approach

The Philosophy Behind Every Session

Unhurried & Intentional

We never rush a session. Every newborn is handled gently, every family is given the time they need to settle, and every image is composed with care. We follow the baby's lead — always.

Safety Above All

Sam is a formally certified, safety-trained newborn photographer. Every pose, every prop, every setup is executed with the wellbeing of your baby as the absolute first priority. No image is worth a moment of risk.

Timeless Imagery

We create photographs that outlive trends. Simple, clean, emotionally honest images that feel as fresh and relevant twenty years from now as they do the day they are taken. We photograph life, not aesthetics.

What We Stand For

Our Core Values

Genuine Connection

Every great photograph is built on trust. We invest in knowing every family before we ever pick up a camera — understanding their story, their rhythms, and what matters most to them.

Uncompromising Safety

As certified newborn photographers, safety is not a policy — it is a personal commitment. Every session is conducted with protocols designed to keep your newborn comfortable, warm, and protected at every moment.

Artistry With Purpose

We approach every session as artists with a clear purpose: to create images that move you. Technical excellence serves emotional truth, and every creative decision we make is guided by what will matter most to your family in the years ahead.

Community & Continuity

Many of our clients have been with us since their first pregnancy, returning for newborn sessions, milestone celebrations, and family portraits year after year. We are honored to be a continuous thread in the story of Cebu families.

Creative Collaboration

We love bringing our clients' creative visions to life. Whether you want soft florals and natural light or a themed concept session complete with props and styling, we partner with you to make something uniquely yours.

Our Journey

Studio Milestones

2016

The Beginning

Sam Orlanes launched the studio with a simple camera, an eye for light, and a passion for capturing families in Cebu. The first newborn sessions were booked and the foundation of a lifelong creative practice was laid.

2017–2018

Newborn Certification

Sam completed formal certification as a safety-trained newborn photographer, deepening the studio's commitment to the highest standards of infant safety and posing technique. This certification became a cornerstone of the brand's identity.

2019–2020

Marge Joins the Studio

The studio became a true husband-and-wife creative partnership. Marge took over all editing responsibilities, bringing a consistent, warm editorial style to every gallery. Sam shoots, Marge edits — a division of creative labor that elevated every image.

2021–2022

Growing Community

Reaching 10,000+ Facebook followers and continuing to grow through word-of-mouth referrals from the Cebu family photography community. Hundreds of "Certified Sam Orlanes Photography Babies" were welcomed into the world and photographed with care.

2023–2024

Creative Sessions Expand

The studio expanded its creative repertoire to include themed concept sessions — including the now-celebrated dimsum-themed family session — bringing joy and playfulness to the already warm body of work.

2025–Present

Trusted By Thousands

With 47,000+ Facebook followers, 6,500+ Instagram followers, 4,295+ posts, and nearly a decade of sessions behind them, Sam and Marge continue to capture life's most precious moments for families across Cebu City and beyond.

Begin Your Story

Ready to Create Something Beautiful Together?

Every session at Sam Orlanes Creative Studio is an experience — never rushed, never forced. We follow your baby's lead, honor your family's energy, and create images you will return to for the rest of your life.

Reach out today to check availability and begin planning your session. We would love to hear your story.

Inquire Now View Our Work

Two Creatives,One Shared Vision