700 Innocent Smiles and a heart filled with Joy: My ID Shoot Story

As an intern for FPS Media, I’ve had the opportunity to witness and participate in a variety of media productions but nothing quite as meaningful as our recent ID photo shoot at Caniogan Elementary School. Held on July 15 and 16, 2025, the activity wasn’t just a regular assignment. It was a hands-on experience rooted in purpose, service, and community.

A Project with a Purpose

The ID shoot was part of FPS Media’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, aimed at helping public schools by providing free ID photographs and printed ID cards for students. Over 700 students were scheduled to receive their new IDs through this initiative. Being part of something that directly benefited so many young learners made this more than just another project it became a personal learning experience for me.

Learning on the Ground

From setting up lighting equipment and adjusting camera angles to assisting with crowd flow and helping students get camera ready, I was involved in multiple aspects of the shoot. I got to see how the team works efficiently and professionally under time pressure while still maintaining patience and warmth toward the children.

Some students arrived with nervous smiles, others with excited grins, some even cried and were scared but we did our best to make each one feel comfortable in front of the lens. As an intern, watching how the team communicated with the students and handled the technical workflow gave me insights I could never get from a classroom or textbook.

A Community Collaboration

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Caniogan local government, especially Brgy. Councilor Mon Karlo Mangaran and Brgy. Councilor Ruzzel Acuña. Their coordination allowed us to work smoothly and efficiently. The school staff also played a huge role in organizing the students and assisting with logistics. It was inspiring to see how collaboration between a media team, a local government, and a public school can create such a well-executed initiative.

More Than Media Work

What struck me the most was the impact of something as simple as an ID card. For many students, it was their first official identification. Knowing that the ID they receive will be something they carry every day inside and outside school made me realize how our work contributes to something far beyond images. It contributes to identity and access.

An Internship That Matters

As the shoot wrapped up on the second day, I felt tired but fulfilled. This experience reminded me why I wanted to intern with FPS Media in the first place to learn, to grow, and to use media to make a positive difference. Being part of this CSR project allowed me to develop my skills while being part of a cause that truly matters.

This wasn’t just an internship activity. It was a meaningful moment in my journey, one that taught me the value of service, teamwork, and the quiet power of helping others, one photo at a time.