Pre-wedding photography of Phath and Naro @ Melbourne

Here's some pre-wedding photos done a few months back. The weather was not very kind that day. There were strong wind and rain, but Phath and Naro braved it all and we managed to get some shots done in between rain periods.

Photos below were taken at Docklands, King's Domain and St Kilda, Melbourne:

Seeing how windy the day was, I felt appropriate to do a "flying" shot. You might recognise the cow in tree statue at Docklands.

A similarly themed photo as above.

Liked the way the veil was lifted up by the wind.

This is one of the last shots of the day, taken with the lighting from the street lamps only.

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pre-wedding photography location virtual scout

Looking forward to go to the Great Ocean Road for pre-wedding photography shoot this coming Friday. Although I had been to this stretch of road no less than a dozen times, I feel that there could be locations worthy of stopping to appreciate, yet I simply drove past. I did some research and chanced upon this cool website:

link: http://www.panoramicearth.com/1602/Great_Ocean_Road/

It has 360 degree panoramic photos of locations all around the world, including the Great Ocean Road, and you can contribute your own image too. Pretty handy if you want to scout for photoshoot locations without leaving the house.

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Surprise award

Today, I logged on to Waverley Camera Club's website and discovered that I had won the EDI (electronic display image) of the year!

This comes as a surprise as I didn't win a single monthly competition for this entire year. I didn't get to bring the trophy home as I wasn't present at the award presentation. But here is a photo of the trophy from last year.


Yup, won it in 2009 and now again in 2010.

And here is the image that brought home the trophy:

DJ Duchess Kay

I still remember we were rofl-ing half of the time during this photoshoot, because of all the funny poses suggested by her brother.

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Quick update

Helloooooo....

Sorry for the lack of updates. November has been an exciting month. From the drive to Mildura and back, to being stuck on the Western Freeway for an hour in a limousine with the bridal party (we arrived fashionably late for the wedding), from the unusually wet weekends , to the equipment being stolen, each experience has made me a better photographer.

Time to catch up with some photo editing until the December madness starts.

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Effects of makeup on wedding photos : Interview with Liren Neo

Wedding Photos portal is delighted to have the opportunity to interview Liren Neo, a renowned makeup artist consultant to share with us her thoughts on how makeup affects your wedding photos.

Who is Liren Neo? Liren Neo is part of a rare breed of Professional Makeup Consultants in Singapore whose philosophy is all about bringing out every woman’s natural beauty through makeup. With a career spanning some 15 years, Liren’s forte is in the Bridal Makeup industry. She provides actual day and night bridal makeup, ROM wedding makeup and overseas wedding shoot services. She also brings a wealth of experience and credibility to the field of makeup in the film and fashion industries. Her diversified portfolio is a testament to her reputation as a renowned makeup artist where celebrities, show hosts and fashion models have witnessed her magical prowess. Besides her work as a professional makeup artist, Liren finds the time to impart her knowledge and skills through her makeup, image and styling classes at her boutique studio in Tanjong Pagar Plaza.

Q1: Why is good makeup so important for bridal couples?
A: Good makeup is important especially for brides. Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so you definitely want to look beautiful, because it helps boost your confidence. Also, you want to be able to look through your wedding photographs years after and still feel that you looked great during the wedding. If a bride’s makeup is done properly, it will inspire the photographer to take better pictures too.

Q2: Should makeup be the same for both weding photography shoot and actual wedding day?
A: No. I discuss with a bride about details such as location, theme and wedding photography style, and propose a suitable look after that. My style of makeup is natural, as it can enhance a woman’s features better. I focus more on sharing skincare tips with her, and pay more attention to foundation because the coverage must last through the day.




Q3: How should a bride prepare for her wedding photography shoot?
1) Take good care of your skin. Besides a proper skincare routine (cleanser, toner and moisturiser), exercise regularly and get sufficient rest. That way, your skin will look radiant and smooth
2) Avoid drinking excessive water the day before your shoot
3) Communicate with your makeup artist clearly regarding your requirements – for example, discuss with him/her the wedding theme, venue and colours you prefer
4) Get your hair trimmed
5) Don’t try new skincare products as these may cause allergic reaction
6) Stay away from unhealthy food
7) Improve your body language by flipping through magazines to learn about poses for photographs.

Q4: What is the most important element in bridal makeup?
A: Good bridal makeup brings more colour to the face and enhances your natural beauty. The eyes are especially important, so the makeup in this area must enhance your emotions and expressions. Good eye makeup begins with contouring because it helps create the appearance of bigger and brighter eyes. It draws attention to the bride’s face instantly.


Q5: Do you have any tips for grooms?
A: Of course, because it is also an important day for the groom. Besides exercising to keep himself fit, he should eat a balanced diet. The groom can discuss clothing options such as moustache and spectacles with the makeup artist. I usually encourage him to explore a different look, such as styling his hair in a new way. Any haircut should be done at least a fortnight before the big day. I’ll also recommend a facial and manicure.


By: Liren Neo
~Beauty Magic by Liren Neo~
Blk 1 Tanjong Pagar Road,
#02-29,
Tanjong Pagar Plaza,
Singapore 082001

Mobile: +65 9768 6075
Website: http://www.lirenneo.com/
Email: enquiry@lirenneo.com
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/BeautyMagicbyLirenNeo

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Relive your memories with your wedding photos

Original article by Wedding Photos Singapore



Worth More than a Thousand Words

When I ask my parents about how they met, they always show me pictures of their courtship days. The bulk of yellow-edged wedding photos that describe their joy. They may have their quarrels and fights (typical of any marriage), but those wedding pictures always remind me that the essence of their marriage is him carrying her over the threshold. A commitment to hold on to each to other.

It is perhaps a cliché to say that a wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime stab at happiness, but hardly anyone can deny that there are few days which are capable of bringing you true bliss. Your weddings should be one of them. Sometimes, wedding photos fade from proud displays in newly-bought homes to being kept away in storage boxes in the store-room. No matter where they are tucked away, wedding photos are like compact books of blissful happiness that reminds married couples and their children of what they had set out to have.

Some say that wedding photos are a waste of money, the more cynical complain of its vapid one-dimensional character. However, if you are of the mind that they remind you of something more inherent to your marriage, then there is value in your wedding photos. Personally, I think that wedding photos symbolise the beginning of a journey. Many wedding photos used to be taken below an archway, an open gate. I believe that they are gateways to a journey (hackneyed as they sound) because both parties have taken an oath. Behind the physical photos lie deeper meanings in ceremonial clothes, a rite of passage into a new place.

Yes, encrypted in wedding photos are memories that you hope you can show to your children, and your grand children.

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behind-the-scene photos from Tasmania pre-wedding photography trip

Here are some behind-the-scene photos from our recent pre-wedding photography trip to Tasmania, the one that I had to work in knee-deep ice.

Photos courtesy of Beauty Magic by Liren Neo.

4 degree celcius at Cradle Mountain, FREEZING!!!! That's me holding CF's waist to prevent him falling into the river. It's a brotherly act, and the purple scarf certainly made me look manly.


Picturesque Tassie.


Folding the impossible-to-fold reflector


The wind pressing the reflector against my magnificent and gorgeous frame.

Guess who's driving? Nearly 1000km covered in 2 days.


Dinner on the Spirit of Tasmania, polished them off in 2 minutes.

and finally, THE GANG!!!!!!


Visit this link for more behind-the-scene photos! Video coming soon.

For pre-wedding photography enquiries, please call Teddy 04 05642535 or email ted@teddytan.com.au

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Food and beverage supplies for the road trip

Driving up to Mildura and Warburton over this coming weekend, for 2 separate wedding photography assignments. I wouldn't say I am a road trip veteran but I do know a thing or two that will make the trip more enjoyable.

Something that ranks high on my priority list is food and beverage. Here's what will sustain me physically:



3 x 1.5L water (for the thirst)
1 x 1.5L lipton ice tea (for thirst with a twist)
4 x 500ml V energy drink (for extra kick when energy level is low)
2 x buns pack from bread top (taro and gree tea, in case can't find food during the journey)
1 x extra chewing gum (to keep awake while driving)

Setting off in 10 hours time!

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No-Rain guarantee

It was a weekend of wet weather here in Melbourne. The weather forecast predicted flooding in some areas, and the monthly average rainfall was to be poured over the weekend. It was also Melbourne Cup Racing Carnival. In addition to betting on the horses, the punters even came up with the idea of betting how much rain to fall on Derby Day. Such was the severity and publicity about the rain.

I was shooting an outdoor wedding (Phath and Naro) on Derby Day. Luckily, we were blessed with clear skies for the 4 hours we were outside. The limo driver Burgz (probably spelled wrongly) said he had connection upstairs. Funnily, I had connection upstairs too, wondering if it is the same guy. If you are thinking of having an outdoor wedding, consider hiring wedding photographer melbourne and Exclusive Limousines for your guarantee against being rained out.

Here's a photo I took 2 months back.

Rainy Days

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My life as a wedding photographer

Some of my friends commented how nice it is for me to be able to bring my wedding photography work to locations in country Victoria such as Yea, Shepparton, Mildura etc. What they had in mind about my work is something like this:



But in reality, my work often extends beyond the 9 to 5 working hours, and is actually something like this:


Just like any businesses, a huge portion of the time is dedicated to back-end work. For a start, I spent an entire Saturday last week just to do my taxes. Much of my time is dedicated to editing and album designing. Business upkeep pretty much fills up the rest of the time.



Pie chart courtesy of ISPWP

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Tax time grrrrrrr

A reminder for everyone like me, who do their taxes at the last minute, the due date is approaching soon. I plan to do mine this weekend.

WPJA has some tax tips for wedding photographers here.

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Chemistry between a wedding photographer and wedding videographer

Original article

Wedding photos and videos are a huge part of your big day. They will be what lives on as memories after the magical moments of the wedding itself. So naturally, you would love to have these moments to be the best they can truly be. To make the most out of your wedding photographer and videographer, there has to be some chemistry- some understanding between the two roles. Instead of covering technical aspects of the shooting, the following suggestions are to help you decide how to plan your wedding photos, wedding videos, and work them into a gorgeous symmetry of breathtaking beauty.

Firstly, for the wedding photos and videos to turn out right, both photographer and videographer have to have the same theme in mind. You wouldn’t want the wedding photos and videos to seem to be taken on separate occasions would you? So to establish a harmony between the two, do take some time to have a chat with both photographer and videographer and decide on a common theme which would run through the wedding photos and videos, say traditional or perhaps the four seasons. All these considerations will help in capturing those picture perfect moments in your wedding photos and the videos for the many years to come.

Another thing you should try to do is to communicate to your photographer and videographer about key events during the wedding. For example, if you wish to pay special attention to a speech the best man makes during the banquet, inform them of its importance to you. As such they will be able to devote special attention towards these special events, and produce lovely wedding photos and videos pertaining to these events. This will help them familiarise with the layout and events on the day itself, leaving lesser room for error.

In addition, it will help alot when the wedding photographer and videographer have worked together before. They will understand each other shooting styles and know how to compliment one another instead of blocking or fighting for the best angle/views.


Finally, don’t be overly concerned with the details of the wedding photos and videos on the day itself. It’s your special day, go ahead and enjoy yourself! By communicating well, and making your wishes known, your wedding photos and videos should turn out just the way you’d want them to.

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Melbourne - Numurkah - Melbourne

I love country weddings as each place has its unique character. This time, I drove all the way to Numurkah to photograph Gareth and Allison's wedding. The Garmin GPS proved to be reliable and I reached the place without drama.

To keep myself entertained along the way, I tried to strike up a conversation with Karen, but was being responded with her telling me to turn left or turn right. Karen is the GPS.

Total travelling time (two ways): 5 hours 45 minutes
Distance travelled: 485 km

Photos will be up when I get around to pp them. Meanwhile, here is a photo of Gareth, me and Allison, taken just before I left.

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Minor updates on the website.

1. Added Michelle and Harry's pre-wedding photos to the gallery, check it out here
2. Removed article links from all pages except the "about" page. Homepage now has article link that directs to "about" page.

That's about it. If anyone encounters a broken link, please kindly let me know.

This post is written while packing up for a wedding in Numurkah this coming Saturday, with the Commonwealth Games on the tv. Can you believe Jamaica sent their 8th fastest guy to represent their country in the 100m race, and he still beat all runners from the other countries.

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Wedding Photographer - The cheaper the better?

An article sourced from wedding photos, our affiliated wedding photography company based in Singapore.

Original article here

Wedding Photos portal is delighted to have Jason and Jiaqin to share with us their thoughts on engaging the ideal wedding photographer for their wedding day. Jason and Jiaqin will be having their ROM 10th Oct 2010 and their actual wedding day on 31st Dec 2011.

Below is an article shared by Jason and Jiaqin
Wedding Photos – The cheaper the better? Think again!!
When it comes to wedding, everyone who earns a humble income will naturally thinks that engaging a service or services – “the cheaper the better”. One main reason for the philosophy for most is because it is less painful to our pockets.

BUT.. Have you ever consider that having less pain to our pockets might in turn put on more pain to our once in a lifetime event.

Initially, when I started planning for our Actual day, I started out looking for affordable wedding photographers. During then, I do not have any understanding with wedding photography. To me, photography is just another money spending service. I received several quotations from many wedding photographers; they ranged from less than $1000 to more than $3000.

My hubby to be has entrusted me to do all the researching for anything related to our wedding photos and I gladly accepted. His job was mainly to accept whatever I had decided and pay his fair share of the services. With those quotations that I got, I wanted to go for the cheapest. I sought for my fiancé help for short listing the wedding photographers. As wedding photos is a big ticket item for our wedding, I strongly believe that I should get him into the selection of the right wedding photographers.

I told him that those wedding photographers ranged from less than $1000 to more than $3000 and surprisingly, he told me that we SHOULD NOT choose the lower end wedding photographers. His reasons were…
• These Photographers may not be professional in shooting for Wedding Photography; they might be just starting out to create their portfolio.
• Their equipments may be too old and not up to date.
• Their photography style may be very conventional kind a.k.a sit down force to smile and shoot kind. (like that any of our friends can also do it)
• Wedding is once in a lifetime event, we do not want to regret when the wedding photos are out. We do not have a second chance to walk down the ‘red carpet’ again.
• What if they lost our wedding photos?
With all those reasons, he managed to persuade me not to go for the cheapest wedding photography service. It is not worth the risk that we will be taking.

Ask around your friends, have they ever engaged someone who is not very professional in Wedding Photography and regret after they have seen their wedding photos. This is definitely what we do not want to risk!!

Think again..

By eliminating the less than $1500 range, we are left with $1500 or more. We certainly do not wish to engage the higher end wedding photographers, as they are REAL EXPENSIVE. This left us with the mid-range to consider.

With those reasons that my fiancé had listed out, maybe it can help others think about it when engaging a wedding photographer for your ONCE IN A LIFETIME WEDDING PHOTOS.

Written by: Jason and Jiaqin

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wedding album layout for Michelle and Harry

This is the album layout for Michelle and Harry's pre-wedding photography session at Melbourne. Album size 15x20" and contains 10 spreads (20 pages). The theme of this photoshoot is mainly about food.

For wedding photography enquiries, please visit http://www.teddytan.com.au

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Back from Tasmania!

What's up everyone. Glad to announce I'm back safely in Melbourne. It had been a fruitful week, completing a 3D2N wedding photography road trip around the island of Tasmania, and also a wedding day shoot in Werribee.

Photos and videos of the trip will come shortly. Meanwhile, here is a photo of me standing in knee-deep ice on top of Mt Wellington, at 2 degree celcius, working as a voice activated light stand.



The weather is warming up now and I can already hear wedding bells ringing!

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Away notice: wedding photoshoot at Tasmania!

I am now packing for tomorrow's wedding photography trip to Tasmania. I will be picking up my partners in crime, CF from 1950 photography and Liren from Beauty Magic by Liren Neo at the airport, both coming from Singapore!

I love road trips and have been looking forward to this one for a long time. This time, we plan to mix road trip with wedding photography. We have penned down some places to photograph, complimented by random locations along the way! For example, if we come across some places along the way that looks totally awesome (there is no shortage of such places in Tasmania), we will hop off the car and start working!

Phone calls might not be answered if I am in some places with no reception, but I can be reached by email.

Here are some places we will be going: Cradle Mountain, Hobart, Launceston, and places in between!

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Michelle and Harry Pre-wedding photography part 3

This is the final part of Michelle and Harry's pre-weding photos.

Also, please also have a look at part 1 and 2 ..

This is taken at one of the popular chocolate shop in Melbourne Central. The expression says it all.
This is taken during sunset at St Kilda beach. The liquid is the glass is real white wine. It is surprisling tasty, especially after whole day of work.

One of the last photos of the day, during last light. I have the couple holding hands, symbolising the being there for each other till the end.



For pre-wedding photography enquiries, please visit http://www.teddytan.com.au/

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A Great Wedding Photograph - by 1950 photography team

This is the first of many articles written by the 1950 photography team I would like to share. I have worked with the 1950 photography team on a few occasion and learnt a lot during the process.

Original article here. Enjoy.

To a professional, the science of wedding photography may be a complex formula involving an intimidating arsenal of photography equipment, optimal lighting conditions and the perfect moment in which the target is caught in his sights. What appears to be a simple image could be the culmination of the photographer’s experience together with the usage of their relatively expensive equipment.

Thanks to advances in technology and photography techniques, the level of detail caught can be simply astounding, and a good wedding photo can capture the wondrous occasion with crystal clarity. However, the beauty of such technical excellence is often lost on the lay person. For people like us, the worth of an image is not solely in its technical perfection or aesthetic value, but also the memories and emotions that it invokes.

A picture, as the adage goes, is worth a thousand words. But this story of thousand words will be so much more compelling if it tells your story. And so, in the hands of a capable wedding photographer, his equipment and knowledge become more than tools used to fill up a wedding photograph album. Indeed, it becomes a means for him to “write” a diary of sorts. A visual diary of pictures and images that will allow you to relive the best moments of your wedding.

Through the photographer’s eyes and skilled hands, we see the events of the wedding unfold like a fairy-tale told by an expert storyteller. Every smile and wrinkle can help us recount the happiness that was felt at that moment in time. Every tear of joy can let us taste the bittersweet flavour of reluctance felt by a loved one. Every laughter caught can feel so real as if the joke had just been told again.

A good wedding photo will let us share that special moment with our friends and loved ones. Even after our memories have become distant and fuzzy; even after we can barely recall the names that go with the faces on the photographs before us.

A great wedding photo is one that tells a story. Your story.

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