Behind the Lens: Deanne Drake's Fashionography Journey

An Exclusive Interview

By Editorial Staff Tom Alder

Long before she became recognized for her international runway appearances and decades-long career in fashion, Deanne Drake (then Deanne Hankins Ferrer) was continuously investing in her craft. One memorable milestone came in December 2008 when she joined Fashionography II, a fashion photography and modeling workshop that brought together photographers, models, stylists, and creative professionals in Baguio City, Philippines.

Organized following the success of Fashionography Part I, the workshop provided aspiring and experienced talents with hands-on experience in editorial fashion, posing techniques, lighting, and collaborative photoshoots.

Magazine Interview

Interviewer (Alder): Deanne, what inspired you to participate in Fashionography II?

Deanne Drake: Every opportunity to learn was important to me. Modeling isn't just about walking a runway—it's understanding how to communicate with the camera, how lighting affects every movement, and how to work as part of a creative team. Fashionography gave me an opportunity to sharpen those skills while working alongside incredibly talented people.

Interviewer (Alder): What was the atmosphere like during the bootcamp?

Deanne: It was energetic from the very beginning. Everyone arrived eager to create something beautiful. Hair and makeup artists were preparing each model while photographers experimented with different lighting techniques. You could feel the excitement because everyone—from the directors to the volunteers—shared the same passion for fashion photography.

Interviewer (Alder): Tell us about the creative team.

Deanne: We had an amazing group of professionals. The styling featured designs by Tedd Mabitazan and Rian Fernandez, while Joey Sadsad transformed every model with beautiful hair and makeup. Director Elay Gutierrez guided the creative vision, and photographers Carmellie Salvado, Jannice Posadas, and Franz Agustin captured every moment with incredible artistry.

The lighting engineers and volunteer assistants—Drew Jardenil, Archie Vergara, Mika Tanedo, and Neo Paiso—deserve tremendous credit as well. Great photography is truly a team effort.

Interviewer (Alder): You worked alongside several other models. How was that experience?

Deanne: It was inspiring. I shared the experience with Christle Sanchez, Sofie Deliu, Faith Warren, Stanley De Guzman, James Anthony Mallari, Thea Krissa Llamido, Bryan Marius Adres, Ivan, and Randolph Mayaco. We encouraged one another throughout the workshop, exchanged ideas, and celebrated each other's successes. Those friendships made the experience even more meaningful.

Interviewer (Ader): What lessons stayed with you after the workshop?

Deanne: Fashionography reminded me that growth never stops. Every photographer has a different vision, every designer tells a different story, and every editorial requires adaptability. That experience helped strengthen my confidence in front of the camera and reinforced the importance of professionalism, preparation, and teamwork.

A Building Block for a Lasting Career

Held on December 7, 2008, at City Travel Hotel, No. 15 Kisad Road, Baguio City, Fashionography II served as more than a workshop—it became a collaborative learning experience where creativity met technical excellence. Following the success of its inaugural event, the seminar continued its mission of developing both photographers and fashion models through real-world editorial production.

For Deanne Drake, the experience represented another important chapter in a career built on continuous education, discipline, and artistic growth. Years later, those lessons would carry her onto fashion runways, editorial campaigns, and international fashion events, proving that successful careers are often built not only on talent, but on a willingness to keep learning behind the scenes.