This is the first time that I’ve ever attended an organised photoshoot. I’ve never really been to one before. I guess part of the reason is the horror stories I’ve heard. As a beginner-newbie-first timer-rookie in these sort of events, I was quick to splurge over S$200 for the photoshoot. Sometimes, I wonder if it was prudent to go for those S$30-40 ones first.

The day started pretty slow with a quick warm up session. I’ve never had the experience of having 5-6 photographers shooting the same model at the same time. With so many photographers, I found it hard to really suggest certain things like change of location, different poses, etc. But I did walk away with new found friends and a bag load of different poses I can use for my next pre-wedding.

Here are some shots from that photoshoot.

Ok guys, here is Part 2 of the series from the Pre-Wedding shoot of Ban Yew & Esther. At sunset, we headed up to the garden rooftop of Marina Barrage, the sky was just plain beautiful.

We started playing with off camera flash with my PocketWizards.

Since it’s dark, it’s time to play with some video light!

I love this shot. I think I told Ban Yew to do something funny and I got the following shot.

While we were shooting, Andrew noticed a reflection on a marble slab and we took the chance to shoot a few shots here. One video light and one waterproof torclight from Melvin’s diving gear was used

Melvin’s shot of the couple kissing.

One of my favourite from Part 2. Melvin was inspired with a Jerry Ghionis shot and tred to replicated it but instead, we got this, which reminds me of some TVB Drama poster.

And my personal favourites for the evening.

There was this little spot outside the Marina Barrage that had a viewing platform, we got Ban Yew to try to kiss Esther.

That’s all for now folks. Hope you’ve enjoyed this series as much as I have. Thanks to Andrew and Melvin for helping out that day, it was great to have the both of you there.

Tomorrow would be another exciting day for me. Hopefully I’ll get to meet one of the top photographers in Singapore and get to learn from him. It’s been my dream to meet him in person.

As promised, here is the first installment of a two-part series of Ban Yew & Esther’s Pre-Wedding shoot last weekend. It was indeed a very beautiful day at the Marina Barrage, although the sky was gloomy and it rained for most part of the afternoon. But things took a turn right before we started and thank God, the sky was just magnificent.

If you’ve never been to the Marina Barrage on weekends, you probably won’t know that this place is like a people magnet. You’ll see families, lovebirds, teenagers and foreigners enjoying the cool breeze and the scenic view of Singapore. It was rather hard to shoot when you have onlookers and people just walking in front of the camera now and then. Nonetheless, we came back with awesome photos and we just love them! Most of the shots were taken right off camera with very minimal post processing.

Melvin and Andrew were my tag-along buddies that day. It’s great when you have people helping you carry the video light, occasionally taking a few beautiful shots of the couple and giving creative ideas. I think we all learnt a lot that day and Ban Yew and Esther would be proud. Ok, enough said, on to the photos… here is the first part of the series. Do check back tomorrow for more!

On rooftop of the Marina Barrage. Doesn’t look like it does it?

God is just awesome for creating such a beautiful blue sky that matches the green grass. Beauuuutiful!

I really like this shot a lot. Been meaning to try something like this for a long time.

Andrew took this beautiful shot of Esther as well as the next shot below.

While I went up the next floor to take this shot.

Then we went indoors to play with some video lights…. oooh.. I’m so excited! Check the next few shots out!

These were some shots that Melvin took.

Ban Yew trying to act cool!

…..and one of my favourite shots from that day!

You probably have seen this from the previous post, but I just love the silhouette. This was taken right off the camera with no post processing. Power of the 5D Mark II. Woot!

I guess that’ll be all for now as I continue to post process more photos. Do visit again tomorrow at 12PM, Friday for the next installment! So what should you be expecting? Well, remember we were there since 5pm? Naturally, the sun had to set and we went up to the rooftop again to take more beautiful shots of the sky.

Here is one from tomorrow’s post just to wet your appetite.

Last weekend, I had a pre-wedding shoot at one of Singapore’s latest attractions, The Marina Barrage. Ban Yew was my schoolmate back in the day. I’ll also be covering Ban Yew and Esther’s wedding in June.

In the morning, it was really cloudy and it rained most of the afternoon. I was praying that the weather would change, despite the fact that I was prepared for a wet day at Marina Barrage. I was telling my wife that each time I want to go out and shoot a pre-wedding, it is always raining. I’m a master in “dramatic skies” due to the rain clouds, I told her. It’s been a long time since I last shot a pre-wedding with a blue sky. But thank God, everything turned out the way it did because at 5pm, the sun was up and the sky was nothing but spectacular.

I was accompanied by two friends, Melvin and Andrew whom I met at Louis Pang’s Workshop in KL. They helped by giving ideas and snapped a few photos for Ban Yew and Esther.

Here are some photos from behind the scene. (Wide angled photos courtesy of Melvin)

The Marina Barrage.

I had to pixelate part of the photo below. Teeheehee.

Andrew taking a beautiful shot of the couple.

Melvin lining up for the shot.

What was not to like about the sky that day! It was pure awesomeness!

As the sunset came, we definitely walked away with several great shots.

Me showing Esther how to pose. (Photo courtesy of Andrew ;-P).

I’m very excited as there are so many great shots that we got out of our little trip to Marina Barrage. Ban Yew and Esther were also very accommodating as we shot from 5pm to 9pm. However, I’m sure they would be very pleased with the shots we’ve got. The next update would be a two-part series of the pre-wedding session.

For now, here is a shot we took from the shoot that day…

Alright! Here is the final part of the multi-part post for Andy and Kelly’s wedding. Enjoy!

The wedding was held in Avillion Legacy Melaka.

Pastor Joanne and the couple during the exchange of vows.

After the wedding ceremony, we headed off to take a few portrait shots. I was only given 20 minutes and here are a few shots that I manage to get in that short period. Really reminds me of the 3-minute challenge I did during Louis Pang’s workshop in KL.

The beautiful ceiling at the lobby.

Kelly was still at it before the dinner started. She even posed for me. Thanks Kelly, you are a natural!

Hope you enjoy this series. Please remember to write your comments!

I think I pulled a hamstring or something during my last pre-wedding shoot or my muscle hurts. Whichever the case, I’m like limping right now when I walk. Hope I get better for my upcoming shoot this Saturday. I’ve got more photos to post process these few days. Most awesomeness coming… stay tuned!

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to capture Andy and Kelly’s wedding in Malacca. I was introduced to Andy and Kelly through a friend who happened to be my second shooter for that day. Since there are too many photos for me to post process, I have decided to make this a multi-part post. Starting with the morning session in Part I while the wedding reception and dinner to follow later.

This is probably my 3rd trip to Malacca. The first was when I was in college and we went on a road trip with some friends. The second time was when a local radio station was having a “Win a Plasma TV” contest where they gave out clues every hour. I must have misread the clues because I ended up in Malacca when the actual prize was sitting somewhere in Johor Bahru (A story for another day).

Anyways, my lovely wife decided to join me during this trip and be my assistant for the day. I’m so glad that she decided to tag along because I’ve always wanted her to see what I do and my prayers is that she would help out in this little passion of mine one day. So, to start of the series, I’ve decided to post the first photo where my wife gave me this idea on how to photograph the shoe (See, my wife has potential in this business!)… Enjoy!

My wife’s idea of the shoe shot.

The bride getting ready.

I love Kelly’s smile. She’s a natural and she’s one gorgeous bride.

Andy enjoying a cup o’ joe in the morning before heading over to pick up his lovely bride. Shot this with a video light.

Andy saw one of the shots I did for Zero2Hero shoot and he insisted that I take a similar shot with his groomsmen. We call it the “Young and Dangerous” shot.

Not giving up, the Chee Mui’s were having fun on their own as well…

Kelly and her lil’ sis.

Let the games begin! Unfortunately, due to the graphic content of the proceedings, I’m unable to show more. You’ve gotta leave the rest to imagination!

Andy seeing Kelly for the first time in the morning.

And finally, the ring shot! Every wedding, you’ve gotta have a ring shot! For those who don’t know, “Cinta” is Malay for “Love”.

I’m busy post processing the rest of the photos and will post them in the next couple of days.

On Sunday, I had the opportunity to shoot a friend’s pre-wedding with two friends. I’m so excited because there were so many great photos that came out of it. I can’t wait to show you guys the pictures we took that day! Stay tuned!

Last weekend, I had the a great opportunity to shoot with Amru from EnchantedForest. I met Amru at Louis Pang’s Ordinary to Extraordinary Workshop in KL. I jumped on it the moment he offered me the rare opportunity to tag along and experience how a Malay Wedding was like. It was the first time that I ever photographed a Malay Wedding.

The bride and groom, Kamarul and Maslina were Amru’s clients and long time friends. It was really great to see how Amru works and how he communicates with his clients. Here are some of the photos that I took that day.

Amru at work.

Bride getting ready.

I love this shot. A lil’ bit of mystery and beauty to it.

Kamarul looking macho.

Using the video light to illuminate the background and create the shadow at the background.

Another shot using the video light.

The ceremony.

After the wedding reception, we went to a park nearby to take some portraiture shots. It was raining slightly and Kamarul and Maslina were very patient and endured the raindrops with us.

It’s truly a great experience in photographing a Malay Wedding. When I left for Singapore the next day, I just couldn’t help but craved for more. It’s different from the weddings that I normally shoot but I just love photographing people and seeing two people in love, it is just priceless. Kamarul and Maslina, thanks for letting me tag along on your wedding day and keeping up to my persistence. It was a lovely wedding and I really enjoyed the whole event… especially the delicious food! If you’ve read Amru’s blog, you would know that I even tapau‘ed the food back for my wife that day!

As for Amru, thanks for letting me tag along. I love the fact that we got to know each other quickly and shooting with you was indeed a fun experience. Looking forward to shooting with you again!

I was asked by my marketing team at work (yes, some of us do have day jobs) to hand them a portrait shot of myself for a newsletter that we publish periodically to our customers. As a photographer, I love to photograph people but seldom do I photograph myself. Partly due to the fact that I’m hyper-super-overly-critical about photos of myself. Needless to say, I have very few self portraits and none where I’m wearing a suit and tie. So last evening, I got my lovely wife to help me take a few photos of myself at home. All in the name of self sacrificial love and passion for my work.

I got my wife to take several photos as I was not too happy with them. I think I got her to take about 50 shots in all and the picture above was probably the better one. Best part of it all, is that this photo was the first few shots she took. Doesn’t the picture look awesome?! Look at that handsome man! Woohoo! My wife sure is a lucky woman! Bwahahahaha!

Anyways, when you set up self portraits at home and not a studio, you tend to be lazy. You don’t setup the lights properly nor do you setup a muslin background just for a shot like that. The self portrait above was taken at our very own wall at home.

… and at the comfort of your own home, you probably don’t need to dress to the nines to get a shot like that!

I’ll be traveling back to KL this weekend for Malay wedding. My dear friend, Amru, has invited me to tag along. It will be the first time that I will be shooting a Malay wedding and it’s really going to be exciting! Can’t wait for this weekend to arrive and try out my new lights! Woot!

**** UPDATE ****

Updated the post with another photo of me smiling. Tell me which you prefer.

I just got back from KL and found out that there’s water leaking from the roof at my apartment. I had to clean up the mess and it’s no joy cleaning up rain water after a long drive from KL to Singapore. After picking up photography, I spend more of my weekends back in Malaysia than I do in Singapore. Which wasn’t what I intended it to be when I first moved to Singapore, two years ago. The constant traveling is reminiscence of those days when I traveled back to KL on Fridays after work to spend time with my then fiancee, preparing for our wedding and then back to Singapore on Sunday evening. It was a tiresome journey but it was all worth it. I absolutely loved it back then. I started to miss those days because it was something that I looked forward to during the end of the week.

Just as it is now, it is truly worth it. It gives me the excuse to come home once in a while to spend time with my family and loved ones. This weekend, I managed to catch up with close friends and to meet new people. I had appointment after appointment and I was really enjoying myself. I was practically camping at McDonald’s which seemed to be the best meet up place for me.

If you would like to catch up with me over coffee or tea, just give me a call or message me on Facebook. I will squeeze in some time with you if possible as I would love to know how your life has been going. I’d like to hear which TV Drama series you are following or what you did to your neighbour’s cat or your opinion as to why Brad Pitt didn’t win the Grammy’s.

I’ll be traveling the next few weekends to Malaysia again and hopefully, I will have the chance to meet up with you in the coming weeks. I’m excited how adventurous my life has become. I only wished that I could clock frequent flyer miles on my Vios