December is one the busiest season for wedding photographers and our studio was no exception as we had tons of weddings. There were quite a number of weddings where we had 5 weddings and not to mention some of us shot 3 to 5 consecutive days. I believe this month really sharpens and defines a wedding photographer due to the volume of shooting. One is constantly challenged to be creative and avoid repetition. The goal is to produce images that are original, different and unique.
I hope to share a preview of images that define my style and who I am as a photographer. I love what Joe Buissink said(a US wedding photographer and one of the legends in the industry), that whenever we take pictures, we leave a piece of oursleves in that image. When I heard that, it really made me think about how I shoot weddings and I realized that its really true that we shoot what we love…what means most to us.
Here’s my share of December weddings. I want to share some of the behind the scenes stories and walk you through what I thought that day before I shot the image.
December 6 – Raymond and Minnie.
A wedding in Tagaytay. The cabin setting in Canyon woods brings a different mood and feel for this shoot.
I was looking for a place to shoot Raymond and Minnie and I got attracted to the to the entrance door of Calaruega Chapel. I used the door’s iron leaves design to create this effect.
Playing with the light available around you.
December 7 – Jeremy and Ces.
I still need to get the couples go signal before I post their pics as they have requested. Ces was one cool and fashionista bride. I second shot for Jayjay here.
This was their invitation-clutch bag designed and manufactured by the bride…way cool!
December 9 – Mek and Mau.
We usually stop shooting prenups/engagements during December because of shooting lots of weddings. However we make special exceptions to couples who are based from other countries and will be getting married in the same month. Mau is based in Melbourne, Australia and she arrived in Manila a few weeks before her wedding and so I had to squeeze them in my schedule. It ended up as one of my most memorable engagement shoots for the year. This couple took to heart the ideas I gave them and came really prepared.
A “from the movies look” inspired shot, like their about to escape 🙂
December 11 – Paolo and Bambi.
No this is not a wedding but a prenup/engagement shoot. This really gave me an idea to encourage couples who have limited time during their wedding day to have couple portrait shots to have it done during their engagement session…why not, right? its something new and interesting. We travelled on location to Tarlac for this shoot.
December 13 – Dennis and Marjorie.
A wedding in historic Bataan. This couple was really game and we shot them at the Bataan Monument right after their morning wedding and reception. I second shot for Jason here.
Lately, I’ve been really been looking for streaks of sunlight like this one. We were blessed at the Bataan monument to have found one and I just had to placed the bride where the light was and came up with this idea.
December 18 – Algene and Marife.
This couple really loved to pose in front of the camera. They were like pros. I second shot for Erron here.
December 20 – Paolo and Bambi
Our friends from Singles for Christ Community. I heart the urban feel of shooting at Rockwell Club.
A day of rest the following day and on to my 3 days straight of shooting.
December 22 – Mek and Mau
I was really looking forward to shooting Mek and Mau. I’ve been coordinating with them for almost half of last year and I was really glad and anxious to help them in anyway I can. They both have such wonderfull families who made our team feel at home and part of the family. Finally that day arrived…
On a side note this day was also one of the most stressful day of my life. Hours before my shoot, I had to rush my mom to the ER since she had severe stomach pains and she could not breathe. It turns out she had a raptures kidney and it had to be removed. More on this story on a separate blog.
I almost did not shot this wedding had my mom’s condition worsened, but God is truly great for he allowed me to fulfill my obligation to shoot Mek and Mau and at the same time heal my mom.
I really thank everyone who knew and prayed for our family since it was really at test of faith for us. As much as I wanted to be at the hospital with mom, I had to be a professional and finish my weddings and at the same time not get distracted.
As much as I like to take stylish and fashionable portraits, I love capturing genuine emotions. Images like this one as a father gives away his daughter, for me, evokes and captures the true essence of weddings wherein one feels the emotions of that moment.
and more tender moments…real men cry.
and of course it would not be the a complete day for me without couple portraits. This scene really seems magical for me.
Dec. 23 – Jeremy and April
A morning wedding full of surprises. The couple is based in Northern California and it was my first time to meet them on their wedding day. It turns out the groom’s Dad was the one who booked us as he was friends with our mentor, John Ong. I thought they were shy, but they were so game.
The rock.
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Bellevue hotel offers so many visually appealing areas to shoot our couple. Its a good thing they were still game to have their portraits after lunch. Don’t you just love this wall, its so rich in texture and like you’re on a futuristic scene.
Lots of patterns and lines that lead to the couple. Really cool!
December 24 – Raymond and Sharon
Another early wedding. I’ve hardly slept and have a bad cold and sore throat. I’m just very thankful that day for by God’s grace he gave me the strength to shoot. Also, I only found out that morning that our boss, John Ong, was their ninong for the wedding. Pressure!
Finally…I get to spend Christmas with my mom and family at the hospital and get some quality rest. Two more weddings to go.
Dec. 27 – Erwin and Beng
It turns out Erwin is my neighbor. We live in the same village and same street! How’s that for a small world. Meanwhile, Beng is the Events Manager for Sofitel…cool! I only met this couple on wedding day. It was a great day of shooting.
I’d say this shot was made by being at the right place at the right time
The couple really wanted to have sunset shots by manila bay so after the church we rushed to the scene. However, the sun was hiding but we had nice cloud formations. A relaxed and sweet setting for the newlyweds.
Was looking forward to shooting inside Sofitel. Here’s my favorite shot for that day.
Dec. 28 – Ninoy and Cherrie
The last wedding for the year! I really wanted and prayed for a great shoot to end my year of shooting weddings and God answered my prayers.
The drama unfolds as the bride leaves for the church.
Our secret garden. All of us at Imagine Nation go all out whenever we shoot our couples. We’re always on a look out for new venues to shoot them. This is our secret garden.
An enchanting forest for our couple being bathed in a lovely golden afternoon light.
Looking forward to a great new year ahead! I pray that this year God continue to bless our studio and reveal more to us his plans for us. On a personal note, I also pray that he grant me more destination weddings and that he allow me to travel in his name.
