Topgainer Shoot

A few months back, I was given the opportunity to shoot for the 2010 catalogue of Topgainer, a local men's clothing company.  Here's your first look:

Perfect Pieces Photo Shoot

Guys, I'm sorry it's been mostly about house post of late.  I am quite the frustrated designer, you see.  Anyways, two Saturday's ago I had the pleasure of shooting for the catalog/brochure for Perfect Pieces.

Wedding 101: The Search for the Right Photographer

Amongst all my wedding to do list, nothing comes close to the amount of solicited and unsolicited advice the fiance and I get than which photographer to choose.

Some of the top choices from friends:

1.) Lito Sy – of course his entire package cost about an arm and leg….yes that’s 263,000 bucks for you and me (ouch ouch!).

- 120 pictures lay-outed in 40 pages 11x14 SOHO -US made album
- 1,000 plus images using NIKON Digital Cameras (10.2 mega pixels)
- 1 pc. 16x20 blow-up canvass
- all shots stored in CD as proofs
- with studio set-up for formal portraits
- 2 photographers
- 2 videographers with 2 units of 3CCD DVcam Cameras
- SHURE Wireless UHF transmitter & receiver for audio recording
- 2 units of ARRI professional lighting system
- 2 pcs. edited DVD copy
- Pre nuptial pictorials
- album
- on-site video editing
- AVP
- Projector

2.) Pat Dy – Surprising Pat Dy, though famous, is quite affordable. His rates start at 80,000 and it includes pre-nuptial pictorial. Videos not included.

3.) Wally Gonzales – He did Claudine Barretto’s wedding and some other celebrities… (or wannabe celebrities hehe)

Package that seems ok would cost around 143,000, which would include the following:
- 2 Photographers
- Unlimited shots
- 40 pages 10x10
- Digital Storybook Layout
- Imported Magnetic Album
- 1 16x20 blow-up canvass w/ frame
- 2 Parent's book
- Proofs in Photo CD/DVD
- Videographer
- On-site video editing

We were able to choose our photog, but he didn’t rank among the top 3 most mentioned. However he does have an immense talent at a very reasonable package. Best tip for would be brides and groom – book your photographers on site – they will throw in a lot of freebies such as on-site editing, AVP slideshow. But of course - don't go on booking without any background. Best to research their shots beforehand and wait for wedding expos to come around! :)

Monk

Took this a few years back when i was still doing my photo essay about Buddhism. I was quite lucky to be able to find a monk who was willing to be followed around for a few days. Again this was shot using Pentax SF7 SLR and developed manually using F3 paper. I can't remember for certain but i think i used ASA 200 film here, because of the low lights i needed a film with a higher ASA - sacrificing a bit the graininess quality to avoid under exposure.

Random Photographs

Some photos i took using my trusty Pentax SF7 SLR - ASA 100 film. Developed the film using F3 paper.

Rocks

Statue

Kids

Shapes

Unedited Sample

Photo Shoot

It took five hours and about 169 shots before we decide to wrap things up. Great job guys! Art director: Rain, Model: Pinky, Set designer: Pammy, Camera: Canon EOS 350D. It was fun all in all. Too bad we weren't able to get our hands on ianeros. That would have made such a big diff in terms of lighting. We had to settle with make shift sets and lights. It was still a blast.

The Day of the Shoot

Ok, i still can't function all that much... woke up really early today just because i had to take some practice shots before this afternoon's shoot. Yawn! Still taking a hit from last night's yet another late night...i wish i can say from all the partying but no...i just couldnt sleep. I knew i shouldnt have drunk that coffee from figaro after 8pm...Sleep deprivation sucks!