This Studio That Takes Pictures of Your Aura Is Coming to Manila

(SPOT.ph) Back in the late '90s to early 2000s, we believed in the magic of mood rings that were able to tell us through its changing colors our emotions, be it happy, sad, or angry. Fast forward to the 2020s and we're still amazed by similar concepts. So make room in your holiday calendar to try out aura photography wherein, as the name suggests, your aura (a.k.a. your vibe or energy) is captured on film, manifesting as cool colors in the snap.

aura obscura is a traveling portrait studio that does aura photography. They are currently touring Southeast Asia, and it's making a two-day stop in Manila this December. 

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Here's what you need to know about aura obscura and how aura photography works

aura obscura is a traveling portrait studio run by Andrea (@hyggelosaurus on Instagram). This studio specializes in capturing a person's distinct, one-of-a-kind aura on film using a specialized camera that uses biofeedback sensors which come in the form of two small blue metal boxes that the subject places their hands on as their portrait is being taken by the photographer. As these sensors capture the electromagnetic field or "aura" surrounding the person, these will be translated into varying gradient colors on the printed photo. 

According to aura obscura's website, the colors that show up on the photo mean different things—both in where on the photo the colors show up and what color appears. The color placement that shows up above the head is "your current mental state," and the colors that show up on the left side of the photo are "what you keep to yourself," and on the right is "how you show yourself to others."

The colors that will appear on the photo range from tan, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and white, and all of these colors mean different things. Andrea, the photographer, can help in interpreting the colors that show up but note that this comes at an additional cost. You, the subject, can opt to analyze the colors for yourself using the guide on the aura obscura website.

How much + how to book a session with aura obscura

aura obscura will be in Fairmont Makati on December 16 and 17, Saturday and Sunday. A session starts at P3,600, which includes one aura portrait printed on an Instax Wide film and a DIY interpretation, then the option with a five-minute interpretation of the auras costs P4,750.

Ther Couple's Package costs P10,800 and includes two solo portraits, one couple portrait, and a free interpretation of combined energies and how these influence each other. But for those who want to experience it with their ride or dies, aura obscura has two Friends' Packages that are good for five people who will receive one aura portrait each. The group package that does not come with interpretation costs P14,300, and the one that does costs P18,600.

Not to cause panic but... the studio only opened veeeery limited slots for their visit, and when we say limited, there are six slots per day. These are strictly by appointment so it would be best to book as soon as you can via the aura obscura website.

This type of photography dates back to the 1970s, but it's only recently that it has made big waves in countries like Singapore and Hong Kong. And even though there's no science to back it up, our gut tells us that it's likely going to be a hit in the Philippines too—especially for the spiritual seekers, the horoscope gals and guys, and even for film and photography enthusiasts.

For more information, visit aura obscura's website.

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