Storybook Wedding

Chapter Four: The Click Factor

[She Writes] 

I am a photofanatic.

In fact, as soon as we had settled the date, the very first Wedding Partner I booked was our photographer.  (That’s right – not even the Church nor the reception venue.) It’s not so much as vanity as it is to ensure that our once-in-a-lifetime (ideally) moment will be captured beautifully.

DINO LARA PHOTOGRAPHY| www.dinolaraphotography.com| www.dinolara.com| http://.dinolarablog.com

Rave: It was serendipitous when I came across his name while surfing a certain videographer’s website.  I clicked on his link, and I was hooked.  Even my fiance was inspired by his art.  Dino’s work speaks volumes about his talent and creativity.  His response to my email emanated with humility and sincerity.  Meeting him only served to add more substantial reasons why he is the photographer for us.  He showed me his albums, and took my compliments in stride, even pointing out how certain shots could have been done better.  While his style is photojournalistic (which is our personal preference), he also appreciated (and allowed me to appreciate) the (more traditional) styles adopted by other photographers.

His albums are also highly personalized, which is a prime factor for us.  When I was telling him about our love story, he seemed genuinely interested and even advised us to start saving certain meaningful elements in a CD so he and his team could incorporate it into our album.  The people in his office are also very nice and accommodating.  And he has a Boston Terrier too! –> Okay, so this last statment is really not a basis for anything. But our beloved pet, Jack, happens to be a Boston Terrier, and I just felt this coincidence further confirmed that this partnership was truly meant to be.

Rant: Nothing. That’s why he will be celebrating with us on our special day.

Review: We can’t imagine anyone else capturing the good wishes and great moments in our wedding.

Fotogra (Mimi + Karl)| www.fotogra.ph| www.mimiandkarl.com

Rave: Dino Lara himself had nothing but praises for this duo.  Their style is photojournalistic, and their website is evidence of their love for travel and art.  They are creative and innovative, dynamic and young.  Their work alone can speak for these.  I never met them in person, communicating only with Mimi through email.  Online alone, one can already sense how nice and accommodating she is.

Rant: Nothing. We’re just hell bent on becoming Dino Lara alumni.

Review: For modern couples who want an innovative style of photojournalism.

Andy Samaniego| www.andysamaniego.com| http://andysamaniego.blogspot.com

Rave: He lives conveniently near our reception venue, so I decided to meet with him.  And I’m glad I did.  He takes beautiful photographs in a modern photojournalistic approach, and his albums are timeless and classic.  He is very accommodating and helpful – so helpful, in fact, that he even gave recommendations about the photographers in my shortlist.  He didn’t give me a sales pitch, offering only honesty and sincerity.  His passion for art and photography is crystal clear in his work.

Rant: Again, nothing. We just REALLY like Dino Lara.

Review: For couples who want a style that’s photojournalistic and timeless.

Metro Photo| www.mymetrophoto.com| http://mymetrophoto.blogspot.com

Rave: A gem I discovered through WeddingsAtWork, Metro Photo’s work precisely reflected their passion for the “unordinary.”  Oly Ruiz, their Chief Artist, responded swiftly and in detail.  He was also witty and funny, so I can just imagine how fun our wedding could be with them around.  Clearly, their service is also highly personalized and genuine.

Rant: What do you think?

Review: For young couples who want photos that are”unordinary” and photographers who can bring fun to your wedding.

Pat Dy| www.patdyphotography.com| http://blog.patdyphotography.com

Rave:  He is known in the industry, and it is no wonder why.

Rant: You know already.

Review: Pat Dy. How can you go wrong?

Eddie Boy Escudero| http://ebeseyes.multiply.com

Rave: Also known in the industry, his is a name I saw consistently in bridal magazines, capturing weddings of prominent couples in society.  When I communicated with him through email, he was oh-so-humble and accommodating.  He was quick to reply and sweet, saying he was crossing his fingers about our decision.

Rant: Nothing.

Review: No matter what angle, your wedding will be beautiful through Eddie Boy Escudero’s eyes.

Mango Red| www.mangored.com

Rave:  Innovative. High-Style.  Young.  Dynamic.  Passionate.  Creative.  Very Creative.

Rant: If you’re into “simple and minimalist,” try Mango Yellow or Apple Red.

Review: For adventurous couples who want an artistic and stylistic memento for their wedding.

Smart Shot Studio (Lito Genilo)| www.smartshotstudio.com

Rave: My brother’s wedding partner back in the day.  Established.  Strong foundation.  Award-winning.

Rant: Not our style.

Review: For couples who honor creative traditionalist photography.

Ariel Javelosa Photography| www.arieljavelosa.ph

Rave: Established.  Award-winning.

Rant: Not our style.

Review: For couples who want creative classic photos.

Almost all true photographers are naturally gifted and passionate about their art, the difference lying only on their style.  Choosing a photographer therefore, depends greatly on one’s taste.  But apart from your personal preference, an important determining consideration is the chemistry between you and the photographer.  When you meet with a prospective photographer, you’ll know if he or she’s the one for you.  You’ll feel it – the click factor.