Martes, Abril 22, 2014

Latest Summer Photography Ideas

            The refreshing sea water, fun and extreme activities, mouth watering seafoods and the amazing sceneries are the reason why Beach is the best summer destination. Here in the Philippines, the most popular beach is Boracay in Aklan Province. Since going to Boracay is very expensive for those people living in south, tour packages is the best recommendation. Sometimes, a vacation with your family or friends is only happening once a year, mostly every summer, Lenten season or Christmas vacation so every single moment is worth to capture. These are the common shots that we used to capture:
Classic Group shot (image source: www.flickr.com) Jump shot (image source :iamabeachwhore.blogspot.com)
Selfie (image source: whattalking.com)               Romantic shot (image source: www.backpackingphilippines.com)

But if you want to make viral pictures to trend in Facebook, Twitter and Instagram you must do the latest kind of shots. These are the summer photography ideas that you may try:

Shadow Photography

           In this kind of shot, angle and timing is a must. You need to wait for the perfect position of the sun. Around 12nn to 3pm the sun is overhead so this is the perfect time to take a shadow shot, but you also need to know which angle is fit to the shadows before capturing. If you want to be the actual shadow, sunset is the best time. This photography technique is best with a group of 4-6 people or alone.


Image source: www.flickr.com, www.gmanetwork.com


Force Perspective photography
            
               This shot is taken in different position, angle and distance. In taking this kind of shot, you are creating an illusion on making your subjects look like smaller or bigger on than their actual size. The technique here is to position the subjects near your camera while the others are positioned in a far distance then set the perfect angle and focus the camera on the nearest subject. Your both subjects (the nearest and the farthest) are acting something that will coordinate with each other.
Image source: www.gmanetwork.com



Stolen Shots
                You can see the fun and enjoyment in the picture on unexpected shots. Taking stolen shots is not just clicking your camera and taking some embarrassing poses of your friends. If you really want a picture that worth to remember, you need to have the timing on when will you capture the moments. You can take stolen shots when your child is playing on the water or sands, when your friends are laughing, when you spotted your girlfriend/boyfriend in their beautiful angle while walking, sitting or playing in the water.


Image source: digital-photography-school.com, exposureguide.com

Interesting Subjects
            Choose an interesting subject. There are many things on the beach that we commonly see, but taking with the art of photography will make it different. Sands, stones, sea shells, footprints, pair of slippers, and a glass of juice are some example. In photography, you can create a simple story with these simple things. The technique here is to focus on your main subject, use some effect like a Polarizing filter or UV filter.
Image source: fineartamerica.com

Always remember that the most important part of your summer vacation is the happy moments with your family and friends that should captured by your camera.

Linggo, Abril 20, 2014

Choosing a Wedding Photography Style

Weddings are beautiful, lovely and grand. In the hands of an expert wedding photographer, it could have an entirely new meaning in just a few clicks. They have the ability converting dull and plain pictures into works of art. The Philippines has wedding photographers who can do the job effortlessly.

You must specify to your wedding photographer beforehand what kind of style you fancy. If you fail to do this, he will go on his own way and you don’t want that to happen. Somehow, you already visualize what your wedding pictures will look like. There are different wedding photography styles that yield different outputs. Some photographers will have the decency to discuss with you the possible techniques he can apply. So, before you set a schedule with a wedding photographer, better be armed with lots of information regarding on how they work.

We will focus on the styles of wedding photography as shown below:

     a.    Traditional Wedding Photography
Image source: www.steveholmesphotography.com

As the name implies, this is the first form of wedding photography style. The basic instructions are standing still and smiling directly at the camera. No one will be excluded because the entire guest list will be part of the photo shoot. The wedding photographer has the right to intervene. It exudes formality and less appealing to some couples nowadays.

      b.    Photojournalistic Wedding Photography
Image source: www.austinweddingphotographer.com

Compared to the traditional, this is informal and less rigid. The wedding photographer will document the whole event as it unfolds. The photographic works in the background and let his subjects act freely. It is also called “reportage” and is gaining popularity in the wedding scene.

      c.    Contemporary Wedding Photography
Image source: bestofbritishweddingphotography.co.uk

It is a mixture of the traditional and the photojournalistic styles. Since older family members prefer the formal approach and the pair wants an air of spontaneity in their pictures, this could be a fair choice for both parties. The photographer makes use of his surroundings as his backdrop. No setup, as is, where is.

      d.    Candid Wedding Photography
Image source: www.darincollisonphotography.com.au

The photographer roams around the venue and takes stolen shots. This “fly on the wall” technique produces a more natural and more human output. Your album will contain real and unguarded expressions.


It doesn’t necessarily mean you can only choose one style. You could request a hybrid of two or three styles that will fit your preference. Your big day captured in different shades, moods and perspectives.

Linggo, Abril 13, 2014

Know Thy Wedding Photographer

Image source: ashtonphotography.co.uk
Almost everyone could attest the “I do” part is one of the highlights of the big day. The perfect way to preserve this moment is through the lens of a wedding photographer. Besides learning to say the “I do” without stuttering, you should be able to seek one of the most talented wedding photographers in the Philippines. The exquisite way a photographer captures the tender looks of the groom and bride as they exchange their vows. All those sweet and endearing moments of the couple saved in an album that they can revisit until the strands of their hair turns gray.

From this line of thought, we have a list of sample interview questions below that may help you choosing a wedding photographer:


     1.    How long have you been in the business?
Years in the business reflect the photographer’s experience throughout his career.

     2.    May I see your portfolio?
To see is to believe. The photographer can blabber all he wants about his experiences and years of his chosen profession. You can measure the photographer’s caliber through the quality of his works.  

     3.    Will I own my pictures?
Some photographers will not give you the full rights in terms of distribution and reproduction of the proofs. Is there an additional fee required?

     4.    What is your style or technique?
An artist must be versatile yet he has a style of his own. Determine what technique he specializes. Is it photojournalistic, traditional or creative? It should match your taste or preference.

     5.    Are you available on my date?
This is a direct question needs a precise answer. If not, better move on the next one, as simple as that.

     6.    How many days we should book you before our wedding date?
Wedding preparations should be a year or so because it is not just your wedding photographer’s schedule you will need to consider.

     7.    What is your craziest/most difficult experience you encountered while working?
This one will surely elicit candid conversation between you and the photographer. It is an icebreaker as well.

     8.    How did you handle it?
This reveals the true purpose of question #7. Of course, you want to know well your photographer on how he handles pressure. Is he the first one to panic whenever a bad weather hinders the day?

     9.    Can you tell me more about the packages you offer?
Each package must be discussed in detail. In addition, his terms and conditions should be set in black and white.

     10. Would you able to commit to our day exclusively?
This means his sole focus from start to finish is only your wedding day. He should not be doing any projects in the sidelines because this might affect the output of his work.

It is not an exaggeration if we also suggest that you must like your photographer. We are not just talking about the quality of his works or the affordable package he offers. You should be able to build a rapport with him. If you’re not at ease with him and unable to communicate well with each other it will produce an output opposite of what you’ve been expecting.


Martes, Marso 11, 2014

Tying the Knot as the Sun Sets



Image source: www.alvinguevaraphotography.com
Summer season is a cool and refreshing way to tie the knot. Beaches and resorts are not only booked for vacationers who want to frolic at the beach and have a tan. It is also for couples wanting to fulfill their seaside-themed wedding. Wedding photographers consider the Philippines as a photography haven. The white sand beach, pristine cerulean waters, rows of giant palm trees and the sun setting on the horizon is an instant romantic backdrop.

A beach wedding has many perks. There is no need for an all-out wedding decoration because the scenery is perfect as it is. It is a complete wedding venue where the ceremony, reception and even the honeymoon could be held. It is better to side on a minimalist approach as possible to create an authentic beach-themed wedding.

Settle with seashells, torches, parasols, starfishes, and lanterns. Make your guests and the entire entourage slipped on flip-flops to avoid sandy feet. For the safety of the elderly and physically challenged guests, provide chairs that will not sink in the sand and a makeshift padded area to stand. Use indigenous materials such as bamboos and thick ropes for the aisle and canopy.

Dress down and wear attire made from light fabric suitable to endure the summer heat. Provide refreshments to cool down guests as they witness the ceremony. Ice-cold fruit drinks, sunblock, umbrellas or parasols, and fans will be the favorite items. Message in a bottle, miniature paddles, or sailboat, or beach balls are quirky souvenir ideas.

The Philippines developed into a prime wedding destination venue since 2008. Starting that year, the country experienced a 14% growth rate on foreign couples who want to exchange matrimonial vows according to the Department of Tourism. We listed some of the favorite tourist destinations below:

      1.    Boracay Island = Experience a wedding in a world-class tourist destination famous for its white sand beaches.
      2.    Palawan = A hidden sanctuary in the northern part of the Philippines, couples may exchange their vows solemnly.
      3.    Camiguin Island =  An isolated paradise in the Northern Mindanao, couples could kindle their love for each other a bit more concluding into an everlasting union.
      4.    Bohol = Expect more than Bohol’s chocolate hills because its coastlines are perfect for serene wedding events.
      5.    Cebu = A province rich in culture and history, dotted with famous heritage sites, for instance the Magellan’s Cross, it is also known as an international romantic wedding destination.

Thrill-seeking couples could take advantage of the resort’s fun water sports. The bride can make an exhilarating entrance riding a speedboat or galloping on a horse. If there’s a desire to go beyond and under, an under the sea wedding ceremony could suffice.  Schedule your wedding as the sun sets for an added romantic scenery.


Just keep in mind a wedding is more than the exchanging of “I do’s”. Whether the venue is on a beach or in a chapel, what is important is the exchanging of vows is between understandings of two hearts united as a sign of an undying love and commitment to each other.

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Baby photography Philippines | Top photography in the Philippines | Wedding photographers Philippines