Kristen is our buddy. She’s a local beauty queen who holds more than a few pageant titles, including the current Miss Asia San Diego title and Miss San Diego Cities. We first met Kristen back when we covered the Miss Philippines California pageant in 2010. She asked us to shoot photos for her portfolio early last year, and we had such a great time–and got to create so many great photos–she asked us to shoot some more for a possible magazine feature she had in line. Kudos to our friend and occasional collaborator, Ron Pareja. Check out his stuff.

Now unlike the last time we had a shoot, this time we shot in a very public place, Downtown San Diego. More than a few carloads of gawkers slowed down to look, and even a few creepy knuckleheads followed us as we wandered through the alleys shooting. It made Kristen a little uncomfortable at times, and I felt really bad. I should’ve anticipated that.

But then we had a costume change where Kristen wanted some shots of herself in her pageant gown and tiara. This also attracted crowds, but this time they were significantly less creepy and rude. All these little girls gathered around Kristen, wide-eyed and awestruck. “Are you a princess?” some asked her. Even the few adult males who came around were decidedly more sweet and respectful, asking to be photographed with her. Amazing what a difference a change of clothing can make. The next four shots are Ron’s. Wonderful!