Jaimee and Cezar's big day

by Ray



For the rest of the guys, this was their first time meeting Jaimee. The first time I met her was when her sister Joy got married in 2008. I was a backup photographer at Randall and Joy's wedding. I enjoyed myself two years ago and I enjoyed covering Jaimee and Cezar's wedding as well. I don't know, maybe it's their place? Maybe it's their "kalog" mom? Or maybe because Jaimee and Cezar are fun to be with.

After the ceremony, they originally planned to walk from the church to their reception place. That could have been an interesting shoot for they would have to pass the public market to get to their reception venue. It was unfortunate that it rained.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yearning for a quiet life

by Ray

 

The quiet life. Most of us yearn for the quiet life or at least most of the people who grew up in the bustling cities anyway. But some country folk prefer the busy streets and neon lights of the cities, often migrating to the urban jungles looking for work but ending up in urban poor communities regretting their decision of leaving their hometown. I can do a research paper on this subject, cite many sources and studies but it will probably send me into catatonic state so I think I’ll pass. For now, let’s leave the discussion to the policy makers, politicians, NGOs, analysts, columnists and the rest of the “ists” and “ians” out there.

Iisang bangka tayo....

by Ray
 



Our friend from Cassiel Wines and Spirits was kind enough to give invites to their launching party last September 17. Rizal Roots Reggae, Humanfolk, Sugar Hiccup and The Dawn were there. I haven't seen any band performances in a while and I was just grateful I was able to take some photos of the event. The crowd was okay, the food was good and the booze? Well I don't know. Not a drop of beer passed my throat that night. I was too engrossed taking photos that I forgot that the drinks were free, hehehe. Anyways, I enjoyed taking pictures.

Wedding doves are tricksters

by Ray

 
I often find myself in a situation where doves don't go exactly where I predict (or want) them to go during the traditional dove release in weddings. Those wedding doves can be difficult sometimes. Maybe it's their way of getting revenge against the whole wedding industry for the whole caging, wing clipping and bad handling they get. (I'm not in favor of clipping the wings so organizers can "use" the doves again and again for wedding events. They should be left alone to fly away if they want.)

I have this particular image in my head where the doves are flying in unison, with wings perfectly spread while the couple is clearly seen with wide smiles on their faces and maybe in one corner of the frame a part of the guests clapping their hands, smiling, laughing or gaping in awe. That is my image of  perfect shot.

Shooting in mid-day

by Ray



I know it's bad to shoot in mid-day. The lighting is harsh, the shadows are strong and you and your subject will be sweating a lot. But sometimes you just can't control all the factors so you just have to adjust and adapt to the circumstances. Look for some shade, use some fill flash and shoot as quickly as you can so your subject won't end up scorched by the noon sun.

Aris and Tina's mid-day prenup.

Gears

by Ray



"Wala sa pana yan, nasa Indian yan." How many times have we heard seasoned, amateur and even hobbyist photographers say those words? Maraming maraming marami ng beses. Yes, I do agree that you need to develop your skills first. You need to learn and re-learn the basics. You need to practice and practice and practice some more until everything is second nature to you. But gears are equally important. It makes your life easier and makes you more efficient.

Just writing out loud.

JR and Bhem at Cagbalite

by Ray



Our friend, no less then the big boss himself, will be taking the plunge into married life this year....Akala ko magre-relax lang sa Cagbalite, yun pala magtatrabaho pa rin, hehehe.