The fifth trip to Bali has officially ended. Easily, my best trip there yet. There was no rush, no pressure, no obligations, no fear that things will turn out wrong. Perhaps because, there were no expectations. I allowed the flow of things to take over. I was overwhelmed by calmness. Sometimes, I wonder how I do it. In the words of the fat-barrel; kan cheong is not an option.
Out of this entire trip, my favourite moment would be the one where I was swimming with the jacks. It’s the first time I have spent such a long time on a subject. The experience was so surreal. I wish I could do more of such dives. When I travel, I always believe in spending enough time at a place to appreciate it. But I have never imagine that to happen underwater as most of times, we will be grouped and it’s a little like guided tours where you touch and go. Finally, I got what I wanted and I will definitely be planning my dives like this. That said, I’m planning more trips soon and very likely, a nitrox course as well. Let’s see how it all pans out once I get my schedule sorted out.
It’s almost exactly 6 years since that dive that broke my eardrum. That was pretty much a turning point in my life. The event that led me to the world of photography. Because of that accident, I picked up my first DSLR and somehow, got started in wedding photography and had never looked back since. The money that was used to buy that DSLR was actually for an underwater camera that I have been saving up for months after I got addicted to underwater world. Being able to do this all over again is like redemption to me. And yes, it was worth the wait.
I took some time off Sunday and headed down to Ski 360 for the Singapore Wake Park Championship 2009. It’s nice to see some of the best in the region pit their skills against one another. Nice to see some familiar faces too. I was a little beaten down by the heat though. I wish I could just jump into the water if not for the camera. I have been shooting from the boat for quite some time now, but this is the first time shooting off the shore. I think I’ll need more practice to get it 100% right. Here are some shots I got on that day.
This is my fourth time to Bali. The first being 2 months after the 2nd bombing. The impression I have of Bali is still the same, friendly people, beautiful sunsets and amazing artists. This is my first time diving in Bali. Although it wasn’t all that fantastic compared to my Manado trip, but the manta experience more than make up for the general disappointment. The rest of the trip was spent lazing around. For once, photography took the backseat.
During the early drive to Sanur where we took our boat ride to Manta point, I witness some of the most breathtaking scenes I’ve seen for a long time. Beautiful pre-dawn padi field setting with a fogged veiled Mount Agung as the backdrop. I watched in awe as my camera lay in the heavily padded bag. I thought, let’s for once, enjoy the scene. And I knew, that day was going to be special.
After a long break, it’s time to get back to work again. I figured I better get the wedding images up before I post my holiday images. Anxious couples won’t be too excited on pictures of mantas if they haven’t seen theirs yet:D
The entire wedding event was held in Chijmes, which was great since we cut down on all the traveling. The couple did a tango entry for their luncheon and it was pretty good, considering they only took up lessons like the week before. And if you think Terry and Laurel are very last minute, here’s the best part, they booked their ticket to Greece 5pm that day (after the wedding) and flew off at 1am. I just love people who travel like that:D
Since it was Mother’s day, they presented bouquets of flowers to their mums. It was funny because Terry joked that his dad never gave flowers to his mum before and he beat his dad to it. It’s always nice to receive flowers. At least I think it is. To all mamas out there, Happy Mother’s Day (oh oh… it came a little late… but you get the idea).
Every wedding is typically unique. Hmmm… Well, at least for me, I always experience something different, even though the sequence might be pretty much the same for most. For Stephen and Melissa’s wedding, the tea ceremony at the bride’s place definitely is something to remember. On top of the regular tea, they had something extra. Two glasses of Louis XIII for each set of relatives. Even I got a small glass before I left for the day:D Now… I know how it taste like:) No wonder I see happy people all over. Happy water makes people happy:D
I flagged the email to be replied later. I think I asked for it when I got curious and asked them to share their story. Everytime I receive their emails, I don’t know how to reply. They were long, full of emotions, brought back alot of memories (that didn’t go quite well) and perhaps, a tinge of envy. I love to hear how people fall in love, the things they do and how they made it all happen eventually. This is perhaps the closest one to my heart. Thank you for sharing your story. I wish you guys the very best.
Lots of emotions flowing during the short and small wedding. In particular the speech by Jesse. Delivered straight from the heart.
To be able to feel is a priviledge. I am honoured to be part of that beautiful experience.
What exactly have I been doing? Well, besides some photography, editing and admin work, I have been spending the rest of the time resting, relaxing and learning new things. Here’s a “MTV” that I made for our regular wakeboarding trips:)
This is another part of my photography life besides weddings. There’s still alot of work to be done here. I think some images need a little more work. Anyway, here’s something for you guys:D Click the image to go to the gallery. There are two galleries for now (you can choose them from the drop down list).
One of those very rare couples that I signed up without even meeting them. Both Elvin and Renee were working overseas and I only got to meet both of them 3 days before the wedding. I was really glad we got along really well. And they actually took up dancing classes for the wedding. I was impressed and envious (because they told me their Russian instructress was HOT!!!!). All in all, a great wedding and one that I got one of my favourite picture of 2008.
Over the past few years, I’ve been getting weddings that are smaller and smaller, which personally, I think it’s more manageable and usually alot more relaxed (which usually translate to lesser stress). One location, 20+ guests, no fuss. After the solemnization, we went out for a short portraiture session, while the guests relaxed back at the villa. At 7pm, they ran a slideshow about them, their family and their friends. I didn’t get to watch alot of it, but judging from their expressions, the images must’ve brought back alot of memories.
This was followed by a round of speeches by the couple, their family and friends. Through them, I found out alot more about the couple that I ever did during the meeting. I stayed behind after that for a round of drinks and Wii with their dads. It was crazy fun. Man… I thought my bowling was good… till I saw them play (and they claim it’s their first time… yeah yeah… first time thrasing me maybe:P)
When I was a 95er (9-5 working people), I used to keep track of days (although I totally hated it), like weekdays, weekends, public holidays, etc. Now I made things simpler, just 2 kinds, funday and holiday. When I got the job on Christmas day, I thought, ok, nice:) My friends went, “you are working on Christmas?!”. I’m like… erm, why not? It turned out to be an extremely memorable one.
It’s a very unique wedding, and a first for me and the couple (I’ll explain that in awhile). My first Malay wedding. After the formalities in the beautiful Sultan mosque, they requested for a short portraiture session. So I thought, why not just do it in the mosque. Found a spot and we started shooting. Then I noticed their parents and some relatives are watching us. So I went up to them and asked if they are comfortable with people around, they said ok. “How about a kiss then?” “Oh wait… do you think it’s allowed here?” “don’t know, but I think it’s ok.” “Alright, let’s do it then.”
Honestly, it’s the slowest kiss I’ve ever seen. The feeling was totally different, I don’t know why. But I was sweating like mad. Amine’s dad was shouting behind “more! more! more!” It was really funny. I went up to the couple and said “nice, I like it”. Then Amine said, “it’s our first kiss”. “You mean the first in the mosque or the first after you got married?” “No, no… really the first EVER.”
My head suddenly felt light, alot of things going through my mind like it’s almost going to burst. When I finally got a grip of myself, I checked the images… good thing I got it… and more than one:D
It was a beautiful experience. Something that I will remember for a long long time. How does it feel to be kissed the first time? I can’t remember. But I’m sure they will.
Before everyone gets weary of waiting, here’s one wedding slideshow for you guys:) If you remember, Damien and Jean did that Matrix vs 100plus shot for pre-wedding. It was my last wedding of 2008 and it was a blast!! What better way to end 2008 than my wish come true. They actually did a Mambo dance sequence for the guests. It was so so so good I wanted to put down my camera and join in:D Everything for the wedding is unique (even the vows! I shall not disclose too much:P). Never quite seen something like that.
Thank you for having me there. It was truly an eye opener.
I know I haven’t been posting slideshows for a while now. I’m trying to backtrack abit, but before that, here’s one that I did in January. Amazing couple that’s incredibly easy to get along with. I shan’t say more, let’s get the pictures rollin’!:D
Another pretty wedding done up by Heaven’s Gift. Because Darren and Peng Tzee are based overseas, I only got to meet Peng Tzee when she visited earlier this year. The first time I met Darren, was when Peng Tzee was walking down the aisle with her two sisters.
Having only 40 guest, we were actually afraid that the night will end early. But thanks to Hsin Yeow from a little dream, he managed to convince the couple up to the dancefloor for a number. I can’t remember what happened next… woke up next morning with a blister on my finger and tons of dancing images:D
