GREYMATTER

We have moved!

2009-07-14T22:30:00.001+08:00

Dear readers,

I have created a new blog at www.greymatterphotoblog.com.
This will be my final post here.
I hope you will continue to give me your support!

with thanks,

kc wong

Announcement

2009-07-14T00:11:00.003+08:00

Sorry for the lack of photos recently because I'm in the midst of migrating to a new blog and new platform. This should just take a couple of days more, and subsequently, you will be introduced to a more "professional"-looking blog.

Meanwhile, WPN (Wedding Photographers Network) will be conducting a workshop on 18 September Friday night 7pm-10pm. Investment $100.

Topics include : Pricing and Selling , marketing, cultivate your unique shooting style...etc

Facilitators :
Gabriel Mendes,
39 East,
Eadwine of Plush Photography,
KC Wong of Greymatter,
Wansheng of Feldberyl,
Yu Hsin of Tinydot,
Gilbert of 9 Frames,
Ron of EyeDeas,
Jonathan of ExpressivelyjOhO,
William Chua,
George of APhotoStory

Please enrole with workshop@aphotostory.com , limited seats.

Website Updated

2009-07-07T04:26:00.004+08:00

Finally, have finished updated my website with some fresh pictures.
This marks a cornerstone of my photography journey because there is a subtle change of style in the way I shoot and processed the pictures.

Don't get me started on "why", it's a long story filled with twists and turns, but one which i hope will have a happy ending for my clients and myself. Meanwhile, just enjoy the new pictures. Honest critique is most welcomed. Just don't let me trace your IP address.

New pictures here.

Be Prepared

2009-07-05T14:09:00.003+08:00

With the total number of H1N1 patients soaring above 1,000, I fear that one day, just one day, I might add on to the statistics, considering the fact that my job puts me into contact with hundreds and hundreds of people every month.

Now, if that happens, and should I be home quarantined, I want to let me clients know that the Wedding Photographers Network (WPN) will be right behind me to back me up. WPN is a collective of some of Singapore's finest wedding photographers. Any one of them, whoever is available on the affected date of wedding, can be called upon to replace me and provide excellent coverage for the wedding couple. Likewise, clients of other WPN members are also covered under such an "insurance policy".

Of course, nobody wishes this to occur.

However, clients who might be affected should have a peace of mind.

Wrong side of 30

2009-07-02T21:19:00.003+08:00

I am genuinely touched by the well wishes of friends and clients who have wished me a happy birthday.
I think I've mentioned this before, my wife and I have the same birthday, and also the same age.
Birthdays don't mean much to us after we passed 30, and I've postponed our celebration today because I have a football game coming up (guys out there, I've set a low benchmark for you)!

Being on the wrong side of 30, I find that I am taking longer to recover from shoots and football games. Exercise is of paramount importance at my age, and diet is to be strictly observed if I were to keep my body in good shape.

One thing that no amount of cycling and football-playing and pills can help is the deteriorating performance of my favourite organ.

Nowadays, the brain can't remember things very well. Sigh.

Morning Scare

2009-06-23T18:02:00.002+08:00

When my wife and I were at a lift lobby this morning, we overheard a woman on the phone (speaking in Mandarin):

"I'm sorry.....for the past two days, I had to stay at home because my family was served a notice to stay home for 7 days due to the H1N1. My son's school was affected.

I couldn't stand it, so I came out of the house after two days and I'll be faxing the document to you right away!"

When the lift door opens, I whispered to my wife not to follow her into the lift.

Such irresponsible behaviour. I'm sure there are many such examples around. I think this virus will be amongst us for a long time to come.

Afternoon Fun

2009-06-19T22:50:00.006+08:00

Finally decided to bring the kids to the Singapore Flyer, after passing it by almost everyday while sending Yu Wen to and from school. We would often talk about it, referring it as the gigantic ferris wheel.

I have been confronted with questions such as:

Q:" Who are those people inside the ferris wheel?"
A:"Tourists."

Q:"What are tourists?"
A:"Err....people who travel to another place and have fun."

Q:" Why are some (cabins) empty?"
A:" EERRR....there are not many tourists nowadays. The economy is not doing well, and people have not enough money to fly on an aeroplane."

I was trying to use some big words here to stump her, otherwise I don't know where all these questions will lead to. Luckily, it worked. (Bad daddy)

And when we were actually inside one of the cabins, she asked:"So, are we tourists now?"
Bravo! Yes, we are tourists now! (Good daddy!)

We brought along Yu Wen's cousin Xin Ying, a spritely 6-year-old who has wanted to hop onto the Flyer for the longest time.
They had a wonderful time, not so much awed by the view but (I think) more by the novelty of it.

After that, it was water play (again!) at Marina Barrage. I reckon after spending $60 on a 30-minute ride on a giant bicycle wheel, a free-and-fun place of interest is certainly high up on my priority list. True enough, I think they had more fun with the water than the air at 400m above sea-level.

But never mind, it's fun playing local tourists and doing the touristy things once in a while.

Yue Liang Dai Biao Wo De Xin

2009-06-18T17:31:00.002+08:00

The very fair weather these few weeks have contributed to some clear blue skies, spectacular sunsets, and equally fascinating moonrise.

Water Play

2009-06-15T13:12:00.002+08:00

What better way to cool down from the sizzling heat these days than having a dip in the pool? Both of them enjoy it so much that the parents were made to promise to bring them to the pool more often. My pleasure.

Pre-wedding-turn-family session

2009-06-12T01:20:00.006+08:00

Yew Shen was one of my schoolmates from the now-defunct The Chinese High School. He was also one of the "brothers" for two of my CHS clients. I was glad my work made an impression on him so much so that he called me up one day to task me for a pre-wedding session with his wife, Vicky.

Now Yew Shen is a very busy lawyer. And I mean real busy. On the day of the shoot, he had to go back to the office at short notice, and had his handphone glued to his ear for almost the rest of the shoot, which incidentally was more than an hour behind schedule because he got home late.

It was a stressful shoot because I had one eye on my watch to check the time, another eye on the sky to check the light, and a third eye to check on him (to make sure he's not on the line).

But what was more memorable was at the end of the session, his parents, sister, brother-in-law and his niece and nephew had all gathered at the last stop for a family photo. Before that, he and Vicky had to pull off all the right moves and kisses and hugs for the camera, right before their eyes.

I say, that's a hallmark of a closely-knitted and liberal-minded family. I can't imagine myself doing that in front of my own folks. My family is close-minded and liberally-knitted. Whatever your interpretation is.

Who's watching, really?

2009-06-11T21:56:00.003+08:00

I decided to bring Yu Wen to the cinema today because it has been a long while my wife and I stepped into one since the birth of Yu Hao.Not knowing when I'll be able to watch a movie with my wife inside a cinema, so, running out of patience, I "cheated" on my wife by dating my daughter. There isn't much common choice for a 35-year-old AND a 3-year-old. For a second, I was tempted to buy tickets for "Drag me to hell", but the prospect of getting hell at home after my wife finds out diverted me to the more family-friendly "Monsters vs Aliens".

Coincidentally, just as KC is bring his girl to the cinema, CK (39east) is bringing his too.

I think a 3-year-old is too young to appreciate a full-length movie inside a huge, dark chamber. At least she didn't complain loudly, neither did she fidget about too much in her seat. The only parts that caught her attention were the female protagonist Susan's distress and fighting scenes. In the last 10 minutes of the movie, she eventually fell asleep on my lap.

On the whole, I had an enjoyable afternoon. I think "Drag me to hell" would have given me more bang for my buck. The cartoon was too short.

The day I felt like an EPL star

2009-06-11T01:05:00.004+08:00

Not the money, not the booze, and certainly not the lap-dancers.
Injury to the knee ligament. Now I know how it felt to be an English Premier League star, when injured.
The left knee just refuses to bend, making it virtually impossible to put on my shorts on my own. Determined not to traumatise my girl to see her daddy walking around the house naked, I somehow contorted myself to put on some loose fitting undergarments. If you think it's easy, try it yourself.

The story was plain simple and stupid. I was forced off the bike path by a teenager who thought his grandfather owns the road. I think he was relishing his school-holiday freedom on his bike when he suddenly veered towards me just when I was trying to overtake him.

Watching me tumble head over heels on the tarmac road must have freaked his young mind out somewhat, or that he was a former voice actor who tried his best to provide a voiceover. I was quiet throughout (in my mind cursing) but this boy just refused to shut up by screaming "Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!" in a variety of pitches, as if he was the one who was bleeding on the forehead and knees. I was trying to come up with the most original expletives but in the end it was a mere tame "Next time please cycle in a straight line!"

I thought my injuries were just superficial abrasions and I was still able to cycle the 20km back. Unfortunately, the pain got worse and worse and the next morning, the left knee just refused to obey me anymore. The only upside to all this? Heehee....I am exempted from all kinds of chores and people actually brought me water and fruits without me lifting a finger.

Wonder how long I can fake it.....

Topless

2009-06-08T11:42:00.004+08:00

The car is the main subject, as the owner is going to sell it in exchange for something more practical. That's the thing with getting married and starting a family.

Every consideration is made around the family. At least a three-bedroom unit, a seven-seater, family meal (more bang for my buck), beach/park (no entrance fees needed, cheapo!) etc.

I can sense a tinge of sadness in Jamie's voice as she spoke about the sale of the little red car, which she referred to as "Xiao Hong" (Little Red One). I would too. Bye bye to the "uber-cool", "individuality", and the "wind-in-the-hair freedom". Bye bye to the chick-magnet, and hello grey/faceless MPV. Sometimes, I still try to look cool by winding down the window of my Toyota Wish and let the wind caress my hair....which of course makes it easier for kind-hearted motorists to come up to me and said:" Uncle, you forgot to switch off your hazard lights."

All's not lost

2009-06-01T13:13:00.004+08:00

Over a three-day consecutive run of bad luck, at least I got to cover a wonderful/simple/elegant wedding, but not before I fret if the curse would descend upon the wedding day shoot. Fortunately, all went smoothly, and it capped a string of mishaps.

First, as some of you already knew, I lost the handphone that contains my contacts, calendar entries, and pictures and videos of my babies since they were born. That was a huge emotional loss. Then, there was a "trivial" HDB car park fine of $100, because I have parked at the unloading bay for a "brief" 30 mins. The next morning, I discovered my car's right side-mirror was smashed and the mirror was hanging like a decapitated head over my window. For no apparent reason. I was properly parked within legal limits, not obstructing any traffic, and it happened only in a 4-hour window from 4.30am to 8.30 am. The morning after, I got ice-cold water spilled on my trousers by a careless waiter at a cafe.

That prompt my wife to send me packing to all the different temples/churches/mosques to appease the gods/deities/fairies and stopped short of "hitting the small person", using a clog to hit a paper effigy.

Monday just started.....and I am looking forward to the week with baited breath.

But here's a set of pre-wedding pictures to freshen up.

Lost.....

2009-05-29T12:40:00.002+08:00

my handphone at Alexandra Hill this morning during a shoot.
Some numbers are missing, some calendar entries are gone, some sentimental messages/pictures/videos vanished.

If they somehow surface on the internet somewhere, let me know. Thanks. :(

I might only be contactable later today, after the replacement SIM card kicks into service.

Think Twice

2009-05-26T23:44:00.002+08:00

A Taiwanese groom died of cardiac arrest after he was forced to drink by the over-100 guests he invited to his wedding banquet held at a high-end Taipei hotel. It was reported he was not much of a drinker.

So, next time you want to buddy buddy with the groom, think again....

Woman, thy name is water!

2009-05-26T11:49:00.008+08:00

Max & Constance's wedding was held last month at Amara Sanctuary.
Now Max was the best friend of one of my old-time clients from Temasek Hall. He left a deep impression on me, as well as many of the guests present that day, because of a 45-minute multimedia presentation-cum-speech at that client's wedding. It was heart-felt, original, personal and dotted with funny anecdotes.

Incidentally, at Max' own wedding, that groom-now-turn-best-man reciprocated with a skit complete with life-size cut-outs and an all-star ensemble!

Constance was a complete unknown prior to the wedding except for the fact that she works for George Yeo, and helps distressed Singaporeans overseas look for the best laksa in foreign lands. Of course, other than this very important portfolio, she also has to deal with overseas emergencies or foreign political crises or natural disasters with respect to how help can be rendered to Singaporeans. All this require a cool head, quick thinking, and nerves of steel.

But when it comes to her own wedding, she's a romantic softie who goes all teary....this, my friends, is my type bride.

You can also read some more interesting anecdotes and comments here.

H1N1 Buster

2009-05-21T13:33:00.003+08:00

According to Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan, the H1N1 virus will eventually hit Singapore.
So what shall we do? Get out of here, of course!!!

To take advantage of the drop in airfares, I am thinking of having an overseas pre-wedding shoot in August. Destination unknown. It's up to you to tell me. If it's a place that interests me, I will give you "SPECIAL".

So, pls drop in with your suggestions.

Mighty Alphrodite

2009-05-19T13:28:00.004+08:00

After having Alex and Evita for a pre-wedding photography session, we arranged to have another session, but this time with Evita and her lovely sister and friends who flew in from Greece. (No, they did not fly in from Greece FOR the photography session, haha!)

Alex was telling me:" KC! You lucky son-of-a-bitch! You are going out with four gorgeous ladies?"

Well Alex, who's the lucky one? You're going to marry one of them!

Error of Judgement II

2009-05-19T13:11:00.003+08:00

It seems that Singaporeans (at least from the look of 'mainstream' media) are quite cool about losing (buckets load of) money in bad investments. Temasek has lost US$4.6 billion on a US$5.9 billion investment in their Merrill Lynch-turn-Bank of America stakes. Given the fact that Temasek professes itself as a long term investor (10, 15, 20 years), it is puzzling why they should choose to realise their loss at this moment. Ironically, BoA share price has risen to US$11.81 since last night.

The Straits Times wrote a mildly worded piece on the episode to act as damage control, but I shudder to think what the citizens of other countries will be saying if this has happened in their countries.

Kudos to Singapore government for pre-empting any salvo being fired though, by graciously orchestrating a stepping down for Ho Ching. Let's hope the new CEO Chip Goodyear can live up to his name, literally, by providing a very "good year" to the people's investments.

Error of Judgement

2009-05-18T12:21:00.005+08:00

At first i thought Lydia & Daniel are very serious people.
They looked really serious, did not talk much, and in my mind I was thinking :"Hmm....they will look cool with the no-hug, no-kiss type of pre-wedding photos."

It turned out that they are one of the most "ticklish" and giggly couples around. Much like how my son would laugh at a cough, a sneeze or a yawn made by his sister, Lydia and Daniel would giggle when I changed my lens, laughed when I drink water, and chuckled when I looked at them. That was how "ticklish" they were.

Ok, maybe I exaggerated a bit, but it goes to show that after all these years, I am still a bad judge of people.

They are fun to work with, easy-going, and I can't ask for more.

Funny....

2009-05-13T19:01:00.005+08:00

...the kids!

Yu Wen pretending to be the patty in the burger.

Yu Hao letting reap one of his dinosaur-like screams again.

Clap clap hands. Many times he'd clap too close to his nose and keep slapping himself on it. Silly.

In one of her "zombie" poses. She said she learned it from Kung Fu Panda, at the part when Shifu tosses a dumpling at Panda.

Fooling around in front of the camera.

Sis wants to hug him, but bro tries to fend off the unwanted attention. Notice the clutter in the background. My home is a junk yard!

He's always tickled by his sister.

Wish they can be happy like this forever.

Anyone & Noone, Someone & Everyone

2009-05-12T13:14:00.006+08:00

Last week I went to watch a Chinese musical, "If There are Seasons", which is medley of Singapore singer/song-writer Liang Wenfu's songs. I must admit that I do not watch musicals or drama productions often, as I am not a very cheem/deep person in spirit. What piqued my interest were the songs that I grew up with and a chance to reconnect with them.

I wasn't left disappointed as I was transported back to my teenage days, the budding friendships and puppy love. The singers put up a solid performance, but being a tad biased, I'd have preferred original interpretations of some of my favourite songs. Even though there isn't much character development (quite stereotypical and predictable characters: a struggling song-writer in foreign land, and old restauranteur with an unfulfilled musical career etc. ), there are certain touching moments and I could hear some sniffing and blowing of noses inside the theatre. I also bumped into a couple whose wedding I will shoot in 2 weeks' time.

However, what really struck me was the opening rendition of EE Cummings' poem "anyone lived in a pretty how town". Anyone & Noone are real, and they know how to live and love, even though the Someones and Everyones in the town either dislike them or are indifferent towards them. On the other hand, the Someones and Everyones are living in an illusory dream, a monotonous and conforming life, which render them insignificant.

Well, I won't go too much into it, lest I expose more of my ignorance.

I thought this picture says a bit about Anyone, Noone, Someone and Everyone, my re-interpretation.

Weather Update

2009-05-12T00:35:00.002+08:00

The shoot went on, as scheduled.
The rain stopped, and even though the sun did not exactly show its face, there was soft light all around.

The weather: my enemy, my friend

2009-05-11T13:23:00.003+08:00

At this moment, the thunder, lightning and the rain are wreaking havoc on my scheduled pre-wedding shoot later in the afternoon. The groom-to-be Xinwei is calmness personified when he sms'ed me "blue sky from north coming over (Botanical Gardens) now....should be ok in 2-3 hours".

Visibility looks to be less than 1km now. I wish I can see the sun soon.

Talking about the sun, I had plenty of it last week when I went on a mini walkabout on a sunny afternoon. Time to time, I need some stimulation outside weddings to hone my skills and to think outside of the "wedding box". Even though I was perspiring like crazy, I discovered some quaint little spots as well as rediscovered the street photographer in me.

Of late night suppers, a fish bone, and the accidental driver

2009-05-11T11:56:00.005+08:00

I've known Alan since 1993, when we were hall mates at Eusoff Hall. He lived just opposite my room, and together with a few other neighbours, I had the first taste of communal and independent living. We had a great time: late night suppers, movie marathons and the likes.
Alan was a very good actor. He snatched the main role for the hall drama production, to play a monkey. (I'm serious)

He is also very hardworking with his studies, and the only person in that "neighbourhood" to score a 2nd upper class honours in Economics. (Don't ask what I got)

One Aug 8 night, we drove all the way up to his hometown Batu Pahat, where we spent the night there, watched Singapore NDP on Malaysian TV, and went bowling. (What else do you expect, in Batu Pahat?)

I also remembered one episode when we were watching a DVD movie in one of the friends' rooms in the hall and eating take-away nasi lemak when a fish bone got stuck quite deep down his throat. In a state of half-panic, we borrowed a neighbour's beaten-down car, and tasked one guy who was the only one with a valid Singapore driving license, to drive Alan and us to NUH A&E. Well, it was false alarm as the fish bone was removed quite easily. Unfortunately on our way back, the car went over a hump at quite a high-speed and the car stalled in the middle of the road. The hard part was telling the car owner over the phone what happened. We had to abandon the car by the roadside in the middle of the night.

It was later found out that the last time the driver-in-question drove a car was at the driving centre.

It was a night to remember. I'm not sure if Alan still does.

I am happy that he finally found the woman he can spend the rest of his life with. Best wishes, Cindy and Alan.

Joy Kids Bring

2009-05-07T19:48:00.006+08:00

Following up on the last post on family, this is an update on the 2 kids back home.

The little boy is a cry baby/whiner/complain king all rolled into one.

Sleepy, he cries. Wakes up, he cries. Hungry, he cries. Want to eat some more, he cries. Head knocks lightly on hard objects, he cries. Change clothes, he cries. Put him alone in playpen, he cries. Sun shines on his eyes, he cries.

His constant whines and cries have become so consistent, regular and mundane that the only way to deal with it is to treat it like we treat road traffic hubbub as background noise. After a while, it really works! I don't hear him now like I don't hear the cars zooming past on roads below my flat. We are however, very glad that he is getting along fine with "jie jie" Yu Wen. In fact, she is the only person who can guarantee a hearty laugh from him, no matter how cranky he is.

Talking about the sister, she's fast becoming, if not already, a chatterbox. Being chatty is one thing, being LOUD is another. If being loud does not catch our attention, she'd sometimes spew amazing words that make me tear. For example, I always like to tease her. One day, I was reading Little Red Riding Hood (English version) and when it came to the dialogue parts, I purposely spoke in Mandarin. Seeing that her face turned blank and emotionless, I asked her if she was angry (that I am pulling her leg).

Then came her reply with a deadpan face:" I am not angry. I'm just disappointed." Suddenly, I was like this stand-up comedian who just told a joke that nobody laughed at. I quickly apologised and got on with the story.....in English.

All pictures taken with Sony Ericsson k770i

Yu Wen, with what she called "leaf satay".

Baby Brother sits on grass for the first time, and you guess it----he cried.

The Sheik

The Young & The Bold

2009-05-07T13:35:00.004+08:00

Some of you may remember recent pictures of Ann Shae at her 2nd birthday party. Well, she now has a younger sister named Annabel and they had a full-month party at Il Lido, Sentosa, a couple of weekends ago.

Ken & Eileen were one of the first 5 couples who put their faith and money in this rookie/part-time press photographer to shoot their wedding. I felt so honoured at that time (at least 5 years ago) and the wedding was so fun to shoot because they were surrounded by many loved ones and fun-loving friends. From then, I went on to shoot several more of the friends' weddings and it brought tingle to my tummy that Ken & Eileen still tasked me to continue document their family celebrations.

I really hope I can last many more years in this industry. We hear of the old neighbourhood fishball noodle stall, the family doctor or dentist who takes care 2 or 3 generations of a family, the familiar face who has been around serving customers for decades.

Can we have a friendly family photographer?

Imagine my client saying:" Hey grandson, this is the photographer who shot ah-gong's wedding. You should check him out."

Grandson:" Err...ok ah-gong....let me consider. But you really think Uncle KC can still shoot while sitting on the wheelchair?"

Reminder

2009-05-06T08:54:00.002+08:00

This is Max & Constance holed up in a HK-style cafe, watching their wedding highlights on a DVD. This picture is a reminder on why I am in this industry, and why I enjoy doing it day-in day-out. To be able to help my clients relive that very emotional day through images is such a priviledge. Too bad in our industry, we cannot and should not think of having repeat customers (not a good thing, for weddings....you know what I mean). Otherwise I'd love to do it with them all over again. Watch this space for their wedding pictures.

From the office to the chapel

2009-05-05T22:55:00.013+08:00

I met Damian at a corporate project of which he was responsible for the client's website and marketing materials. I was quite stressed when we were working for that project because after all, he was the art director.

After some chit chat, he realised I specialise in weddings and then one thing led to another: I became his wedding photographer. Then the stress level just shot up 10x! Liana and Damian are such a nice couple that the last thing I want to do is to let them down on their wedding day.

Thank goodness theirs was a beautiful wedding on a beautiful day.

Their pre-wedding photography was shot by my friend Gilbert (9frames) and was done in Penang. They met the cast of Little Nonya there at one of the Peranakan attractions. I think Liana looked more gorgeous than Joanne Peh and Jeanette Aw. I'm sure Damian will concur.

(Picture below)Liana was deliberating whether to wear this "loud" necklace. The makeup artist (conservatively) said it wouldn't go well with the gown. When Liana asked for my opinion, I could've said the safest and most neutral thing. However, I have always admired women who have their own minds, and I thought what she really wanted was a shove in the "right" direction, so the "kay poh" in me said: "Well, wear it if that's your style. If people see it and gasp 'That's so Liana', then I don't see why you can't wear it". In the end, the necklace stayed on her neck.

This is not the unveiling. The veil is irritating her, and the ever gentlemanly Damian gives a helping hand.

"Mummy....do we have to be here?"

My impression of Damian is that of a soft-spoken and gentle thinker. I never know he is capable of such big gesture. He must have been VERY happy that day.

The woman on the extreme left is actually the church worker waiting for the make-up to be completed. We were under much pressure to double-up.

She was the flower girl for Daniel and Eliza's wedding. But here, she reminds me of The Joker. (just watched The Dark Knight on DVD recently)

Esther & Terence

2009-05-04T12:04:00.008+08:00

There are not many Heng Hua people (a minority clan based in Putian, China) in Singapore. I married one, and Terence married the other.

Now, I don't know much about Heng Hua people or culture, except for the fact that they have a wonderfulicious mee sua dish that my wife has perfected in cooking and I, perfected in devouring. The mee sua is thicker and more salty than the usual ones with a nice texture (relatively more expensive) and another special ingredient is the black seaweed that needs to be fried with the right amount of heat. This seaweed is very special and you can't find it anywhere except for one or two specialty provision shops (I swear by this particular supplier, who sells it like it's black gold and super aloof).

It's their tradition to eat this mee sua at weddings. I had 2 bowls at my own wedding. But for those who have no chance to eat home-cooked Heng Hua mee sua, you might want to try Min Zong at Maude Road, who still serves the more authentic and tasty mee sua in Singapore.

Sorry I got carried away....this is a wedding photography blog, not a food blog after all.

Trying to bribe his way in through the page boy......

When that fails, try the mother-in-law.

Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairer of us all?

He is looking a little upset because he just bumped his head on my big lens. Sorry pal. Next time I'll be careful and won't let another kid hurt you.

Smile, smile (nervously)

After downing many a concoction, as in all boisterous weddings, the groom will end up hugging anyone on sight.

Can't bear to look

2009-04-30T13:02:00.005+08:00

No, I don't mean this batch of photos are ugly. In fact, I love this photo shoot a lot because it's another wonderful couple who are easy to work with and who devote their attention wholeheartedly into it. It was a post-wedding shoot and one that was three years after the wedding! I really admire their desire to have a piece of nice memory that they didn't get to possess years ago, and I am honoured that I am the one who helped them fulfil this dream.

Elorn is very funny because after the photo shoot, when it was time to collect the photos, she was so nervous that she couldn't bear to look at herself in the pictures. Sounds paradoxical, but I guess it's how I, as a student felt when I collected my "A" level results. I worked hard for two years (did I really?) and when it was time for the moment of truth, I couldn't bear to see what letters were printed on that result slip.

I don't know yet how they feel now, but I thought they passed with flying colours.

Here's Mini-Me

2009-04-27T15:55:00.004+08:00

We do have many similarities.
Some say he's as cute as me. He's a glutton. He always cries to get sympathy.
And we're always fighting each other to get mummy's attention.

A Wedding in Singapore

2009-04-27T15:23:00.009+08:00

A week after the wedding in HK, Ambrose and Wendy flew back to Singapore for their church wedding. Well, I actually shot Ambrose's brother, Ernie's wedding a couple of years earlier (the one which I had to fly to Sabah for). Theirs was also a church wedding held similarly at St Teresa's and then followed by a luncheon.

Frankly speaking, I didn't even once talk to Ambrose during the brother's wedding because he came across as one of those well-mannered and soft-spoken (UK-educated) gentlemen whom I am always consciously avoiding lest my ill-chosen words embarrass myself. At that wedding, Wendy wasn't around so I thought Ambrose was a young and eligible bachelor.

So it came as a surprise when I received a call from him, asking about wedding photography.
In the end, I talked to him at one lunch meeting more than I have ever talked to Ernie for the entire time I have known him. We had fun doing the pre-wedding, the HK wedding, and now the Singapore wedding. It helped that Wendy was a livewire and a bunch of fun.

Ernie and Adeline, stealing a moment to do a maternity shoot of sorts.

Little Jonah (son of Ernie and Adeline) during the wedding speech......no, just kidding. He's simply exhausted after the adrenalin rush since morning.

For the two consecutive weddings held at Dempsey Hill, both ended in a torrential downpour. This time there was flashes of lightning and thunder too. Once, when my flash went off, the two kids immediately covered their ears, thinking the thunder was following up.

That was me in the picture fooling around. It was Ambrose's idea. Picture by Ernie.

A Wedding in HK

2009-04-19T16:57:00.009+08:00

It was a fruitful trip to Hong Kong last month.
I bought a bicycle frame, watched Liverpool thrashed Man U 4-1 at Old Trafford, and also shot a wedding.
No, just kidding, Ambrose and Wendy. I had lots of fun shooting your wedding, and the bicycle frame was just the icing on the cake.

This is not the first time I shot a wedding involving HK girls, but it was my first time shooting a wedding in HK. These girls are crazy when it comes to the games. I was really honoured to be their pre-wedding photographer and wedding photographer (for both HK and Singapore). They are easy to work with, and they really enjoyed their wedding like one, or rather two big parties.
Basically, it was "Hahahahaha"------------------ and the wedding ended.
For now.
There is a Singapore leg to come. Stay tuned.

Child Bride

2009-04-15T11:37:00.007+08:00

No, please do not be misled by the title. The bride is not under-aged, but she was, when I first knew her.

Eliza was actually one of my tuition students when she was in Secondary 2. I also tutored her younger brother and sister and now, here I am, photographing her wedding. Back in those days, my teaching style was not very refined (still is) and there were times when the siblings were reduced to tears when their work didn't match my expectation. Thank goodness I had the mandate of their mother, who would even chip in a word or two when they need a kick in the rear. Today, all of them are young successful adults in their own chosen fields.

It was a pleasant surprise for both of us when she found out that I am a wedding photographer. It was a reunion of sorts and to be able to yet be part of this family for the wedding is so special.

Of course, I have to mention the groom, Daniel, as well. He's a great guy, knowledgeable, unassuming and looks the part of someone who can take care of Eliza for life. The fact that he's been wooing and waiting for her for close to 10 years say a lot about him.

In the end, after making her cry during those tuition days, I was almost reduced to tears on her wedding day. Guess it's payback time.

Flying Pigeon

2009-04-03T19:37:00.004+08:00

I have modified a "Ah Pek's" China-made steel bike into something really cool (in my opinion). I love the look of this bike, but not the attention it gets when I cruise along roads. It was meant to be my bike, but wifey has just unceremoniously acquired it from me. Oh well, that gives me an excuse to build another one. It should be ready next week.

It's made possible with the help of the guys from TR Bikes. Check them out if you are interested.

The jitters

2009-04-03T19:28:00.003+08:00

Even though I have been in this line for a number of years now, I still get jitters before every wedding shoot.

I think it's a good thing. The worst that can happen is when familiarity breeds contempt. The easy thing to do is show up on the wedding day, shoot the usual stuff, pack up, collect cheque and wait for the next shoot. Right?

Well, I can't bring myself to do that. I'll be a bit anxious and thousands of thoughts will run through my mind: will the light be good on that day? Will there be chemistry between the "players" at the wedding? How can I outdo my last shoot? What's that "something different" for this wedding?

I am not sure about the other photographers, but I feel that this fear helps with achieving something that brings me closer to perfection (I'm not saying it is).

Without this fear, we'll just be going through the motions. Fear keeps me on the toes. Luckily it doesn't keep me awake before the big day.

Nocturnal

2009-04-02T08:34:00.006+08:00

Did a late night shoot with an adventurous couple recently.
I like the mystery the night offers, and the mix-mash of man-made lights the city provides.
The cool night breeze is also a relief from the usual equatorial heat, and not to mention we did not have to jostle for space with other people.

Except for the part when Chris (my assistant) warned me about the possible presence of a snake in Punggol (we didn't tell the couple about it), the night adventure was kept at a manageable level.

Back to Basics

2009-03-17T20:01:00.002+08:00

I have always been drawn to the classical portraiture where lighting, form and composition play a big part. It's more measured, more static, but no less intense and dynamic. I guess it's sometimes good to go back to the basics.

Away

2009-03-12T10:18:00.002+08:00

Leaving for HK today for a wedding shoot. Back on Sunday.
I'm not sure if I have internet access (I am not bringing my laptop to cut down on the weight). If I don't, please be patient with the reply of emails.

Yu Wen just bid a tearful farewell. When she was younger, it was still easier because she didn't know much. Now that she's a spritely and "matured" 3-year-old, she knows the significance of the luggage and airport and that "see you later" isn't measured in minutes.

See you later.

Yet Another One

2009-03-09T19:57:00.005+08:00

Like I have mentioned in my earlier posts, I have been doing quite a number of very, very small weddings over the past few weeks so much so that I had stage fright when I next attended a 150-pax wedding lunch. (Yes, I am exaggerating).

Greg and Racheal had a solemnisation ceremony at the bandstand at Botanical Gardens. Although that place is a regular fixture for many a bridal photos, it was my first time shooting an actual wedding there. There were only the couple, two other friends, the JP and the photographer. I think the ceremony went so smoothly and quietly that it was over before other park visitors realised what was happening.

Like water

2009-03-03T00:31:00.003+08:00

I like the timelessness of portraits.
When I make pictures, I always strive to make those that will look timeless while being hung on the walls. No point shooting flavours of the month/year and three or five years down the road, those pictures become passe.

Call me risk-averse or whatever. I like the way water quenches my thirst anytime, anywhere; while a pint of beer gives a kick, it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.

Small is Beautiful

2009-02-23T18:39:00.005+08:00

Who says Singapore is not a romantic place? I shot yet another small and intimate wedding recently. There seem to be a lot of foreigners getting married in Singapore (at least from my experience). I myself, a Malaysian, was married in Singapore, for more than seven years already. Our ceremony was held at the roof-top function room of my sister-in-law's condominium and the ceremony was witnessed by families and close friends. I remembered it occured very quickly and before we knew it, the ink on the cert was already dry. Nonetheless, it was a wonderful day and I hope Roberta and Santi had the same, if not more intense, feeling than I had on their small and intimate wedding as well. Theirs was even smaller, with Roberta's father a long-distance witness in Rome, via skype.

The Vanilla of Wedding Photography

2009-02-16T12:53:00.009+08:00

There are many brands of bicycles around, notably the aptly named Giant, Specialized, Trek and Scott (just to name a few) who serve a huge market, and with factories and distribution network all over the world.

On the opposite side are those one-man bike-maker-designer or small teams in some obscure scenic villages expertly welding some really fantastic bikes for a selected clientele whom do not mind waiting 5 years for the delivery of their bikes. (Yes, 5 years!) Examples are Independent Fabrication (IF), Vanilla, Dave Kirk and Seven.

I am naturally attracted to the latter group of bike-makers because I respect their dedication and time and effort to perfect a piece of art for the clients. I hope to be like them, in my field of wedding photography. I'd want my clients to be filled with joy when they receive the album, just like I would when I receive my custom-fit bicycle.

When I delivered the DVD slideshow to Jason and Tessalin, I cycled to their apartment (which is not too far away). In my mind, the above-mentioned thought ran through my mind and when I watched their expressions as the slideshow played before them, I knew for sure I want to be the IF or Vanilla of wedding photography.

Fortunately, they need not wait 5 years for the album.

I'm Still Alive!

2009-02-10T00:36:00.007+08:00

Hi, I'm well and truly rested after the long break! It's back to business (reluctantly) but have been so overwhelmed with issues both official and personal that I have placed the blog in the back seat!

Also, during this time, I have been somehow bitten by the cycling bike and am very into road bikes and cycling. I think this is a sport that can help me keep fit no matter what age I am. I've been playing football but it gets too intense as I age; golf is too time-wasting and cycling is just nice. I can cycle in the wee hours of the night/morning and yet still have time for breakfast with wife and kids. I just sold my entry-level bike (even though my cycling skills is entry-level, but there are many mediocre photographers using Leicas too) and am now in the process of building my first road bike. Will show pictures once it's done. And readers who share same interest or have cycling groups, pls feel free to contact/invite me! I am AVAILABLE!

What I can show now are wedding pictures (aha!). Walter is a friend of many of my clients and I am very happy to shoot his wedding to her lovely bride, Linda from Tianjin, China. They live in a lovely historical neighbourhood and for the first time in my wedding career, I could just walk to the bride's apartment in the morning.

The bride had to pop a candy, to signify "tian tian mi mi" (sweet loving).

The family members from China do not know about the "gatecrashing" practice here, so they happily opened the door for Walter. He got in easy!

The tale of the good daughter-in-law, the good banquet manager and the "bad" father.

Happy Lunar New Year!

2009-01-24T06:36:00.005+08:00

It's that time of the year again, when I have to make my "pilgrimage" back to Malaysia for the reunion dinner. This coming year of the cow seems ridden with pessimism on the economic front, but I still wish everyone can make the best out of every situation and embark on your own little "bull run" in the new year.

For me, things are certainly looking up. Every year since I got married, there has been a skewed "redistribution of income" when it comes to hongbao money. Most of my relatives have at least two children. Hee hee, now that Yu Hao has come into the picture, I am going to make a small "killing" in the hongbao market.

Finally, greetings (pls click)from all of us from WPN.

Sabah Revisited

2009-01-22T03:21:00.006+08:00

This was the second trip to Sabah in two years.
The last time I was there, It was a work-cum-pleasure trip. I didn't seem to be able to fully relax. And in any case, Sabah is such a big place, it deserves a second visit (or more).

I didn't want to learn cooking at Le Cordon Bleu for fear of backlash (and I am the man in the streets and I know I can only afford a cheap holiday in east Sabah).

This time round, it was just the four of us (wife, me, & 3-year-old and 4-month-old kids). If I didn't fully relax on my first trip, then I didn't even manage to relax at all on this one. It's no joke having these two around, because our days were spent attending to their every needs and that left very little time to actually "sight-see". Anticipating this, I chose a secluded resort with very good children facilities.

Apparently, the resort's definition and my definition of children are quite different because there is an age limit to many of the activities provided, eg. nature trail walk, cycling (no child seats), horse-riding etc. Luckily, they still have a neglected enclosure where there are a couple of huge tortoises, a goat, some squirrels and stray, foraging monkeys to keep Yu Wen entertained. In fact, she was thrilled to feed the goat with all sorts of grass and leaves (yeah, right, feed goat in Sabah!), and she kept saying "Billy is so silly" (with reference to one of her books)!

We also took a river cruise to the mangrove forest and watched macaques, and proboscis monkeys in the wild. It ended with a glittering display put up by fireflies.

Seafood there is relatively cheap and it's very fresh (a better place to eat seafood will be Sandakan and Tawau). There are many different types of garoupas that are only found in waters off Sabah. They have fancy names like eastern star garoupa, seven star garoupa, tiger garoupa, and the elusive and super coveted mouse garoupa (all direct translation from Chinese). Prices range from RM100-380 per kg (would have easily fetch triple the price in Singapore, if you can find one).

I didn't take much photos because my hands are always full (either with diapers, or the baby strollers). It's a pity, and a lesson learned.

The weight of these two combined is not even 30% of my weight but their stuff contribute to 90% of our luggage weight.

That's the view of the evening market by the port from our hotel window. We changed to a city hotel after the first few days of seclusion.

Family Business

2009-01-22T03:13:00.004+08:00

The unique thing about Paul and Ziyan's wedding was that Paul's father is a church pastor and he officiated their ceremony at the Raffles Hotel lawn. Paul's younger brother was the worship leader. It brought the phrase "a small and intimate affair" to another level.

I thought that was sweet.

Short Break

2009-01-14T01:02:00.003+08:00

After the hectic wedding season, it's time for me to take a short break. I literally had to beg my wife to come along, together with the children. Don't know why she is not too keen on a paid holiday...wonder if it's because of the fact that we are going to the Borneo rainforest?

Ha...anyway, I am still contactable on mobile. Cheers.

Sweet Young Things

2009-01-14T00:51:00.004+08:00

In the months of November and December, I have been shooting a lot of mature couples' weddings, and Lifen & Liyang are the odd ones out. They are young, with sweet demeanour, and soft-spoken. I love couples who have the utmost respect for what I do, and who have complete faith in me. I repay that faith with the only way I know, by giving them beautiful pictures to remember the weddings by.

Houston, we're good to go!

2009-01-07T04:39:00.004+08:00

Prior to this pre-wedding shoot, I was a bit worried about the "chemistry" with Khon-Whey and Sue Anne. Both are based in Houston, Texas and therefore we have never met and all correspondences were made via emails. Moreover, Khon-Whey is the younger brother of my JC classmate, Li Shing, and you know the thing about shooting for friends' relatives et al, it might get a bit awkward.

But thanks to the easy-going manners of the couple, we breezed through the photo shoot easily. I also learnt one thing: the NASA rockets don't take-off from Houston. They actually depart from Florida. Houston is the station control. Silly me.

The story began 20 years ago...

2009-01-03T01:04:00.007+08:00

This couple had known each other since their primary school days, and after each of them had lived their separate lives for about two decades, they come one big circle and ended up where they started, or to put it another way, picked up where they left off. Life always has a funny way to deal out its hand of cards.

Smoocholic...if ever there's such a word

2008-12-31T01:36:00.003+08:00

During the wedding of Pamela & Huixing, I photographed so many pictures of them kissing that I lost count. The kisses were not those egged on by the photographer, but au naturel! Then it dawned on me that this couple was actually kissing on that day, but occasionally their lips would part to eat, drink, talk, breathe, and say their vows. Simply amazing! That night, I went home to plant sleepy kisses on my three "babies".

I'm shooting in the rain, I'm squirming in the rain

2008-12-21T13:35:00.008+08:00

Victoria and Peter had their little solemnisation ceremony earlier this month near the ficus tree, Sentosa. I didn't know a small pavilion has been built in the middle of the pond until the couple told me about it. It is meant for small groups, and there is more than enough room because there are only the couple, the JP and four witnesses.

The weather was touch and go, with the rain playing hide-and-seek with us. Looking at the place, I knew I had to photograph the ceremony from a distance, so that I can show the place and its environs. If I had stayed near the couple, the pictures will look like they were taken any other place in Singapore.

So I had to tread the mushy grass patch, with umbrella in one hand, camera in another, I was busy clicking away as the rain poured. In the end, it was a risk I had to take, and the results have been more than satisfactory.

Merry Xmas 2008!

2008-12-19T23:02:00.008+08:00

Despite the current gloom and doom, we should still take time out to celebrate the gifts of life and love during the Christmas season. We members of WPN had a rare opportunity to go in front of the camera and pose for a "Well-wishing" photo. It was really hard work, when we were told to run, jump and somersault. Now I can empathise what couples go through.....in suits and gowns some more!!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all readers a heartwarming week ahead.

(L-R)Front: Yu Hsin (Tinydot),Wan Sheng (Feldberyl),KC (Greymatter),William Chua, Eng Hong (39east); Back: Yixin, Alwin and Kelvin (all from Lightedpixels),Jonathan (Expressively JoHo),Eadwine (Plush),George (A Photo Story),Gabriel Mendes, Ron (EYEDEAS), and the head on top belongs to Gilbert (9frames). Absent: Kuang (39east).

This shot is very flattering.........to me. makes me look delusionally slimmer.

This was one of the most "siong" (strenuous) shot because we had to keep jumping for the camera. As you can see, I was the laziest (some say smartest) of them all, by striking a pose that required minimal effort. In the end, the photo turned out pretty good.

Ironically, on a day when we were all not shooting, the light was amazingly beautiful after days of grey skies. Pity. The light was wasted on me, in particular.

In company of the Greats

2008-12-18T00:47:00.008+08:00

I had the honour and pleasure to know quite a few President Scholars (my seniors, peers and juniors) from Hwa Chong JC (the college is pretty good at churning out President Scholars, but somehow only managed to produce ONE wedding photographer so far). In fact, there were two from my class (both from RGS). They are pretty normal on the outside: they still do girlish things, still gossip, and they fall in and out of love.

They are ordinary folks alright, but nothing ordinary when it comes to their work and the potential they can realise. For example, one of this classmates is now a professor in International Relations, teaching at Oxford (I think). I was told she has published a book on the topic of her specialty but with a title so "abstract" and incomprehensible to mortals like me it might as well be written in Greek. It has somehow become a textbook for certain level of students, presumably at least graduate level.

Why I am writing all this is to relate it to the bride here. Denise is also a President Scholar and smart people's heads are usually big because they need to wear many hats, and in her case, Assoc. Professor in Paediatrics, Consultant PD, Head of Genetics (NUH) and Clinical Investigator (A*star).

However, to me, all the above titles pale in comparison to her latest one: wife of Anthony and hopefully in time to come, mother of many.

A wedding planner's wedding

2008-12-15T23:06:00.007+08:00

Sabrina is the cousin of one of the top wedding planners in Singapore, Renee Leung of The Wedding Butler/Renee L Collections fame.

I've met her a few times when she helped out Renee in running the wedding coordination of several weddings which I had the pleasure to photograph. She looks (is) very young and I thought she was fresh out from school.

Then one day I got a shock when she revealed that she was to get married! Then I was even more pleasantly surprised when she said she wanted me to be her wedding photographer! It was a boost to me because as a wedding planner, I'm sure she had met with quite a few photographers and have seen many other good works. To be recognised by a fellow industry player is a very good endorsement to my work and I was very grateful for her appreciating my work.

Here's to Sabrina and Sam: happy everlasting love!

Beach Party

2008-12-14T03:03:00.002+08:00

Anne and Jeffrey had another party for friends only, held at the Islander Club at Sentosa. Casual beach wear, including flip flops and bermudas, is strongly encouraged, and the majority of the guests came dressed for the occasion.

Unbeknown to me, Anne just had surgery on her leg a month before her wedding because of an injury sustained from playing football! She had to wear a leg brace and friends jokingly call her Robobride.

Foodies

2008-12-11T17:22:00.008+08:00

The first time I met Anne and Jeffrey, it was at the Tung Lok Signatures at Central, where they were to have the solemnisation and luncheon there. To them, food is very important. They wanted their guests to have a good meal, and so, no surprises that their wedding dinner was to be at Dragon Phoenix Restaurant, Liang Court.

I can assure you that it took a steely determination to concentrate on my job as I watched dish after dish of fabulous food being served. Luckily I always eat my fill before a job. Please do not be mistaken that the couple were starving me. On the contrary, they kept asking me to sit down and eat....but how can, right? How to work like that?

Anyway, when I selected some favourite images from their wedding, and looking at them now, I noticed they all have clean lines, understated, subtley sweet and full of love, just like the couple themselves.

Anne's mum is a woman with many talents. She serves up a mean feast, created a lush garden in her yard, studies fengshui and Chinese calligraphy, and even makes her own teddy bears! This is the teddy bear room where it is dehumidified 24/7.

Baby Talk

2008-12-10T00:08:00.005+08:00

Yu Hao:"Lately, there's been some quiet whispers about me looking a bit like some internet billionaire called Jerry. Well, i don't really know who he is but millions others know him and also his baby by the name of Yahoo!!"

"I've been hearing my dad and mum quarreling too....well, I don't know why they are doing it, but I did hear my dad keep asking my mum 'why?why?why does he look like Jerry Yang? he sounded upset, especially when he said something about the photos."

"My mum kept insisting that she doesn't know this billionaire, and that she hasn't been to USA for the last 10 years. She also protested that she is a Google user. By the way, what's Google? All these mumbo jumbo the adults are saying really confuses me!"

"Then, my dad sounded a bit disappointed....and he sighed and mentioned something about blackmail....child support....rich...and stuff like that. They sure like to use biggish words that I don't understand."

"Well, enough talk. who's hungry? Anyone keen on milk? I'm going to cry real loud now.....I can share my food, and anyway, my mum has another one which I can't always finish."

When Colours Riot

2008-12-09T01:57:00.007+08:00

When Pearly & SK first described to me how their wedding is going to be at their rented quaint black & white bungalow at Seletar, I knew immediately I had to shoot it. The venue was excellent, the couple was fantastic, and the weather was most co-operative. It was another small and cozy wedding, one which invariably invited the photographer to be drawn into, not just as a "documentarist", but also as an admirer and a friend.

Also, this set of photos was one of those which was best kept in its original colour because the end result was a rich riot of colours!

(Top & bottom) Communicating in "sign" language.

Pearly seemed fascinated by the idea of a jumping bride. She wanted to try it out and I think the light, her gown and the greenery combine to make the pictures a bit unique.

Dream.Life.Wedding

2008-11-29T00:44:00.004+08:00

It's a bit surreal, dream-like, and my wife thinks nothing much of it because "it doesn't look like a wedding picture".

However, I love this picture. I wish I had a wedding like this.

(Not with my current wife....since she thought nothing much of it).

I am a Contrarian

2008-11-28T19:12:00.009+08:00

It's been a while since I last shot a wedding that was dominated by the directions of a videographer. You see, I am a documentary photographer a la journalistic style but it's a challenge if the proceedings of a wedding have to be adhered to a script. The possible end result is the "players" in the wedding are really "acting" (hence, not real anymore) and their real emotions will not have an outlet to be channeled out. (There was an instance when I was focusing on the curious and bewildered look of a boy during the gatecrashing when the videographer pulled him away from the scene because he's not part of the script!)

I won't be surprised if most, if not all of the weddings covered by the videographer having the same look, same edit, same cut, same everything. I must admit sometimes photographers also produce same set of images regardless of how unique each individual wedding is.

However, I must say that videographers like them can really crack some funny (and corny) jokes that never fail to elicit smiles and laughters from the "players". In a way, there won't be any dull moments when they are around. And the video highlights can turn out hilarious, if that's your cup of tea.

So what do I do?

By being a contrarian. I'll shoot when the videographer is directing (albeit try to do it from a different angle) and I'll shoot like crazy when he say's "CUT!". I guess that's how I am trying to make my photos look less like a series of freeze-frames from his video.

Silver Lining

2008-11-24T17:44:00.003+08:00

There has been so much bad news on the economic front that I have been very engrossed with the recent news of more hardship, bankruptcy, credit defaults and a possible first post-war depression.

I was an economics major back in university (not a good student, though), and I have maintained my interest in this discipline even though I am not in the line. These things about deflation, Keynesian fiscal expansion, increasing money supply, corporate bailouts and the consequences. These are all jumping right out of textbooks and coming alive! How I wish I am back in school now. The lectures and tutorials will be so much more interesting!

Well, not that I am not sympathetic towards the current turmoil, but we are indeed living in exciting times; to be able to witness a perfect economic storm brewing in the horizon.

But, at least, the silver lining behind the dark clouds is that people are at least still engaging photographers to capture their precious moments, recession or no recession.

Recently, I just had the pleasure to document little Ann-Shae's 2nd birthday party at Ritz-Carlton. It was fun because her parents were old time clients who got married back in the days when Alkaff Mansion was still in business (that's where they got married). A reminder I am getting old.....do I really have to shoot a clients' 30th wedding anniversary before reality truly hits?

Rare Commodity

2008-11-11T00:03:00.009+08:00

Blame it on my narrow social circle, but I've never met a magistrate until Carolyn. Images of Justice Bao immediately conjure in my mind but Carolyn is nothing like him. Fair and pretty, not to mention cerebral, she and Alvin (who is a looker himself) make such a good couple. I feel there is much mutual respect between them. Often, we can sense how deeply in love a couple is, but there is another equally important and more sustainable but rare commodity in a relationship----RESPECT. No matter how loving a couple is, love can't last if respect is absent. I'm no Dr. LOVE, but I do practice it myself in my marriage.

Every morning, I have to pay respect to my wife. That's how I can last till now.

Is Wedding Photojournalism A Fad?

2008-11-05T13:32:00.003+08:00

Taken from WPJA website:

We’ve all flipped through well-worn wedding albums of parents, aunts and uncles, and even grandparents, chuckling at dated hairstyles, handlebar mustaches, peach taffeta bridesmaids dresses, and powder blue tuxes. Wedding photojournalists might contend that these photos wouldn’t seem so out of style (hideous wedding gowns and bad male perms aside) if more emphasis had been placed on the un-styled, un-planned moments of the wedding day, rather than the prescribed agenda of highly organized groups of people staring at the camera.

On the contrary, naysayers insist wedding photojournalism is merely a trendy, passing fad that disrespects the venerable traditions of the classic posed shot. They point out that tradition, and true photographic quality, is often sacrificed for grainy, natural-light candids that claim to be “art.”

Others scoff at the idea that tears and laughter recorded forever will soon be going out of style. “When real life goes out of style, we’re all in trouble,” says WPJA award winner Peggy Bair. “When is that ever going to go out of style? Real moments – you can’t fake them.”

Bair argues that when people look back at their wedding photographs, they’d like to remember what they felt at the time, not just what they looked like, which is surely to be out of date 20 years later. What really matters, she says, is the actual experience the photographer is documenting.“

I think people want to experience real life as it happens. They want to remember their wedding day, without someone asking them constantly to move or stand a certain way,” she says. “They don’t want to remember the photographer making him dip her back like that. They want to remember the spontaneous moment — the real moment.“

Then they can say, ‘That’s what I look like when I’m really living my life. That’s who I really am,” she says.

STAYING AWAY FROM TRENDY
Bair adds that there are trendy photos out there posing as wedding photojournalism.

Today’s “trendy” wedding photojournalism happens when a photographer takes photos that have become expected in the genre. “Someone decided that it was photojournalistic to take a photo of the dress hanging on a hanger. Now every photographer takes a photo of the dress, and it’s not [wedding] photojournalism anymore,” muses Bair.

PERSONALITY
Other, au currant photo poses to be wary of: dipping the bride; the jumping bridal party; tilted horizons (“tilting photos does not make you a photojournalist,” she says); and close-up detail shots. “Don’t just take a picture of the shoes, and then say, ‘OK, I got that.’”

“We can look back at the 70s and 80s and say, ‘Oh that’s so passé,’ but we’re doing it again, just with a different set of pictures,” Bair notes.

TREND VS. STYLE
Brides and grooms need to understand the difference between real wedding photojournalism and the trends some photographers are buying into, according to our experts. If you are adamant about documenting your wedding in a photojournalistic style, make sure you communicate your wishes to your photographer, so he or she doesn’t feel pressured to get those canned shots, and can instead focus on the real moments, happening organically, without direction or interruption.

Wedding photographer Joe Milton says since none of the popular styles — traditional, portrait photography or wedding photojournalism — is going anywhere; that it’s more about understanding the differences so you don’t get caught up in the fads.

“Usually my clients have looked at several photographers, and they’ve looked at websites – and they’ve picked me, specifically saying they don’t want those posed shots that they’ve seen in everyone else’s album,” he says. “They don’t want those cliché photos — the groom dipping the bride in front of a mountain, the brides veil thrown over the groom’s head. They already know that they don’t want the experience of the photographer being in charge and directing the whole day; they want someone to record it.”

Advice to brides and grooms: do your research, and then ask yourself some questions — and be honest. Do you want your wedding photographer to have control of how you look? Do you want him or her to be directing you during the day? Or are you the type of people who would rather not worry about the photographer, but instead have someone who is there to document the day as it happens, free from interference? Are you confident enough to let the moments speak for themselves, or do you already know how you want the photographs to look, and you simply need a photographer to help you set them up and capture them?

Another WPJA award-winner, Marc Climie, maintains that there’s more to picking a photographer than simply picking a style; that each photographer brings characteristics to the job that will influence the photos. “The traditional photographer is more apt to mingle with the crowd, talk to people, and interact. It’s his or her personality,” he charges. “The documentary photographer is more of an observer, watching people react and interact.

”It’s that observing eye that captures the reality of a wedding — the real moments that you’ll remember years later when flipping through your photos. Does he think that’s a trend? “I believe there is beauty and art in reality,” he says simply.“It is a fad no more than a mother standing back in awe of her daughter’s beauty is a fad, no more than a tearful father walking his daughter down the aisle is a fad, no more than life is a fad.”— by Meghan McEwen for The Wedding Photojournalist Association

Chance Meeting

2008-11-05T03:00:00.004+08:00

1st bride to 2nd bride: "Hi. Getting married today?"
2nd bride:" Yes...and you too?" (I'm a prettier bride.)
1st bride:" Yes...today is a good date....which floor do you live on?"
2nd bride:" 7. You?" (I'm prettier.)
1st bride:" 9, 2 floors higher."
2nd bride:" Your groom's name is not Chris, I hope?" (My eyes are bigger.)
1st bride:" Oh no no no....not Chris. Doesn't even sound remotely like it."
2nd bride:" Mine is Chris. A good man." (Confirmed. I'm a prettier bride!)
1st bride:" And a good day to you."

Funny Snippets

2008-11-04T18:01:00.002+08:00

Just 2 funny pictures to share from Carolyn and Alvin's wedding.

This picture is just ok, but when put into context with Carolyn's job, it seems funny, at least to me. You see, Carolyn is actually a magistrate in the family court, and someone who know right from wrong and make sure others know it too. I think to a certain extent, it also involves settling disputes. I thought she looks like she's working.

I wonder what Carolyn's sister and good friend are doing.....you can see other people are not clapping but they are happily doing so. Hmmm....must be for the camera.

Sheryl & Stephane@China Club

2008-11-04T01:13:00.002+08:00

Continuation form the previous post.

Under One Roof

2008-11-01T23:32:00.008+08:00

Sheryl & Stephane's wedding is one of those elegantly simplest ones where every one is there for a purpose: to witness the union of a couple truly in love. Stephane is a Swiss, but from the way I hear him speak English, I sometimes wonder if he has been in Singapore for so long that I thought I heard a Singapore accent there.

The wedding was held at home where there are potentially many good spots for an outdoor wedding. However, given the fact that the couple are very averse to the hot weather, it was instead held in a communal (living?) room with air-con in full blast.

Blessed with nice light and beautiful people, here's how the story goes....

One thing quite "funny" was that Sheryl was "boasting" that she didn't feel like she was getting married, and that she wouldn't cry. However, when her parents came to veil her, that was when reality struck. Yang (video) and I were like cameras rolling, and zooming on them, hoping to film "something" and Sheryl's father was like asking us "Are you done? I'm going to cry." Now, that's precisely what we were waiting for. Cold-blooded photojournalists.

Sometimes I Need Two

2008-10-30T18:06:00.003+08:00

Why say "I firmly escort him to the door and bid him goodbye, making sure that he is not to enter the house again" when a simple "I ask him to f*** off!" will do. Same with picture-taking. Concise.

But sometimes, really, a picture might not be enough to tell the whole story (could be due to incompetence). For example, what's making Granny so worked up and what's the finger jabbing about? A single picture asks the question.

It's grandpa's inappropriate footwear, it seems. The second picture provides the answer.

What's In A Picture Then?

2008-10-30T17:45:00.003+08:00

When it comes to "Getting Ready" part of the wedding, I do not interpret it in a literal way. I seldom take pictures of the makeup in progress, eg the brushes, the lipstick etc., and even if I take them, I won't post them on the blog because to me, those pictures are not what Greymatter is about.

I love pictures that tell a story. Now, "picture that tells a story" is such an oft-quoted phrase that "Yes, we know, "a picture tells a story!"

But what kind of story? Funny, sad, whimsical, trivial, deep, superficial? There are as many stories as there are many pictures. Each photographer has his/her own story to tell.

I like mine to be more layered, not so straight forward and with subtlety. I can tell you a slap-stick joke and you may laugh out loud, or I can tell you a parable and set you thinking.

I like the above "Getting Ready" shot very much because in a picture, I can see a doting father who is looking at his girl for the last time before she becomes a woman. There is pride, mixed with reluctance, and finally resignation that daddy's girl has another man in her life. The gentle and comforting hands of the relatives seem to recognise the father's pain, but at the same time their smiles say "it's ok. You are not losing a daughter, but gaining a son."

Am I reading too much into the picture? Or is it just a simple case of tapping him on the shoulder:"Mr Ho, wake up! Late already!"

A Story A Picture Tells Not

2008-10-29T13:29:00.004+08:00

This is one of the rare shots that I have Sheryl appearing as a demure and shy bride whom she never was. Well, I'm going to stop telling lies with my photos. (For now, you can see the real her here).

The Red Tide

2008-10-28T23:29:00.008+08:00

Remember Denise & Chris? The Liverpool football fans who wore the Liverpool jerseys for their pre-wedding shoot?

Well, their wedding happens to fall on a very big night: Manchester City vs Liverpool. Both Chris and I lamented that we would be missing the game but I'm sure it was only in jest because we know where his priority lies.

Thanks goodness when i went for supper near home, there was a live telecast. Better still, Liverpool came from 2-0 down to win the game 3-2 right at the death! i think that was the best thing that happened on their wedding (haha! guys, you agree?)