There were plenty to listen, observe and learn in a print judging session – the critics, what made it in the shot, etc. It would be nice to have the judging transcript or soundbites for people like me who missed out the live event. That would mean a lot to us participants. I’ll make it a goal to attend the 2011 one! .

I was glued to the computer during the WPPI convention, salvaging the updates on facebook, twitter, and any how I could listen in to what’s happening during the convention. Heck, I downloaded the WPPI Iphone app, which at the end is not much of use for me, but a way better app for people who attend the convention. Louis, Jenny, Alex, Grace and Patrick were feeding competition news and happening on twitter. I thank you all for sharing your experiences. Thank you for delivering the news that I scored 80+ and above! That made my day.

Jenny took these entries, live from vegas baby! Thanks Jenny.

Although I did not attend the convention in Vegas, my bulk of enjoyment came from selecting and preparing the prints. I am my own worst enemy when comes down to selection. Fussy pot, critical and very close minded. I self censored my selection from collection. Sometimes it works – hopeful to pick my best work. Some time it works against me – missing out the good ones, and include some bad ones. I learn to print from my light minded peers. Hanging out with fellow WPPI participants is the best. Applauding and mesmerizing at their creation even before the judges get to have that honor. It was simply a good experience. It wouldn’t be the same without you guys participating.

These are my honorable entries mention which scored above 80. In our school days, they refer that score as an distinction. Which I am proud and happy off.

Dancing in the rain earn its 2nd Accolades of Excellence for Bride & Groom Category. I can now hang both the 16×20 Print Competition Ribbon, and the 10×8 Print Competition Ribbon on this one. Congratulations Emily and Daniel.

Untitled. WPPI debut for 16×20 Print competition. I personally love this piece. I love the detailing on a sikh bride in a sikh wedding. My mate reminded this shot of mine, and recommended me to submit for the competition, and I glad I did.

Sometimes, our client ask us, if these competition matters. What does it really mean, and what does it matter to them? It’s a good marketing tool…. only if you buy in. Award Winning Photographer. That’s a great title, but is there more to just the title? Sure that’s nice to hear. These print competition create an outline to what I can produce. From the moment we hold the camera, to directing, posing, and composing a shot – all the way to our print quality which our client would purchase, and then repeating the whole shebang, consistently. That’s the challenge for me to translate all I’ve learnt and reproduce the quality of work. Alas, all the hard work we poured out, I too like a pat at the back from authoritative and respected judges and industry fellow.

Like any achievements, it does come by with plenty of help from my fellow team, and my family whom they have been quite a pillar to what I am doing. Which brings a smile to me – I came back from my Kuala Terengganu shooting job yesterday and greeted with a nice clean room. I have been slacking with other part of my life, but I am looking forward to fix that.

And to quote a famous wedding photographer that I heart dearly – “I would like to make my print of the year with you”.

I am inspired.

Hi Jon!

Just found out from Fuji Xerox that we won the ‘Best Memorable Personalized Wedding Photo Memory Book’for the Garden of Eden Contest! Just wanted to say thanks to you again for the beautiful photos! It must have been your great work that helped us win the prize!

Anyway, I uploaded the photos in Facebook last night. My friends loved it! Gave you and AWP credit for it.

Anyway, we really think you did a fantastic job for the photo shoot. And we really like our photos. You work with lots of passion and went far and beyond your call of duty, even to the point of getting yourself dirty, wet and attacked by insects. That’s how a real wedding photographer should be! Keep up the good work and all the best for your business!

Once again, thank you so much for the wonderful memories that we shall carry with us through our journey in life together. What a great start for our life together!

Warmest wishes,

Brenda and Raja

Had the sweetest comments and compliments by Raja & Brenda. Upmost welcome, and thank you for your warm words. Here are the photographs that won them their Fuji Xerox Best Memorable Personalized Wedding Photo Memory Book.

It was quite a feat and honour to be given a chance to do what we do for hote’s magazine. From the cover shoot all the way to a 14 pages of fashion spread we shot to complete the story.

These are some of the behind the scene to what happened during these events.

Zach, Kenneth, Anna & Jon “Getting Ready”

Pretty In White involve in providing us 14 GOWNS for the fashion spread. We headed to Hartamas for a fitting session where Veralyne, Elaine & Stephanie gave us a big helping hand.

Jessie while fitting in her gown for the shoot.

We spent a day to check out the place to make lock down our location to shoot in Genting Highlands. Simply can’t run out of location.. too many spot for wedding photography

Anna & Kenneth joke around while Ammie King getting ready.

The shot I made in the snow world was tough. It was cold. I mean, really really cold. We wore layers and layers of cloths, and when we are ready, Ammie took the warmers away. Kudos for her professionalism.

It wasn’t as easy, told ya

Almost at the complete of a day shoot. All well worked and tired.

We completed the shoot and wind down. The models and the other crew packed up. We had dinner together before they head off home to KL while we photographers stay on for another night to chill.

It was a very fun project. Oh yes, you should try it too ]]> http://www.jonlow.com/2009/05/05/881/feed/ 5 http://www.jonlow.com/2009/04/22/the-rise-of-the-wedding-photographers/ http://www.jonlow.com/2009/04/22/the-rise-of-the-wedding-photographers/#comments Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:59:02 +0000 jon http://www.idealwedding.net/weddings/photographer/866/the-rise-of-the-wedding-photographers/

It was a great to be shooting with these 3 other photographers. Anna, Kenneth & Zach. We came from different background, we have different opinions, personality and character, but one thing we have in common was our love for the work we do – wedding photography.

We were commissioned by hôte magazine for a 13 pages bridal fashion spread where gowns were sponsored by Pretty In White. The spread was our working article to our cover story for the magazine’s April – June issue. Yes, cover story.. we were featured on the cover page! W00t!!! First exhibition, first presentation and my first magazine appearance. I am stoked.

We had a chance to work with 2 beautiful models for a shoot done over at Genting Theme Park.

The magazine is out now…. but, I am not sure if the distribution covers Klang Valley. I’ll try to transcribe the article here when I get the softcopies.

There are some things in life you wish to do before you die. I never thought I would appear on cover page. I guess, I can now list it on my TO DO List before dead, and cross it out. I am stoked.

Things been moving a little bit on the blog. The past few wedding, I tried to post up some photos right after a wedding, and I think it has been great. I’ve got my brides and groom mailing me, and their friends too. Keeping things really interesting to what I do.

I am currently hands tied with 3 weddings shoots to deliver and I intend to keep my timeline as promised to my brides and groom. I’ve got enquires coming in for 2009 and I am stoked. Please keep them coming, and I will respond when I do get my hands on it. Those who sent me, thank you and I do apologize though if you receive it slightly later. You will hear from me.

There are some discussion with my vendor about an exhibition taking place on the 2nd of November 2008. This is pretty much at the initial stage. I’ll update when I confirm anything. So, please stay tune. Please mark the date off if you would like to meet me to catch up on the day. More details coming later.

I met up my client over the past few days and it has been pleasantly amazing. We sat down over breakfast. They shared their story with me, and I absolutely touched. Work we do, as a wedding photographers are so important sometimes, we tend to forget that this is more than just a week end job. No, it’s not a weekend job, it is a wedding, and one of the most memorable day for a couple, and more, family and friends.

I remember the conversation with Amy, after the shoot about how close this kid is to her father, and how lovely she was. I was echoing our sentiment to my bride and groom, and she said…

She shouted so loud during the Yam Seng that night, she lost her voice. She told her teacher how her weekend was after returning home to hong kong, after a weekend getaway in Kuala Lumpur.

What gave me goose bumps was that the father told my bride and groom that the little girl would wanna see these photographs every night before she sleep (with compliments from amy, most of the kids photos were hers)

I just spoke to Geeta over MSN today. She’s safely back in Melbourne, and she absolutely love the DVD I did for her which she played back on her wedding dinner, and also to her mates down under. This was a screen shot from my adium client…

Still, gives me goose bumps! Not that I don’t know why I love doing what I do, just reassurance keeping the bed a little bit warmer at night.

Ah, what a journey so far!

Hi Jon,

Before sending you this mail, I am not too sure will you still remember me. Maybe you can refer back the photos to recall back. Its glad to see that you have new version for your website. I had been your regular visitor for the past few months and can’t wait for you to posted up more and more photos.

I am so jealous and envy that now you had taken nice photos for “trashing the dress…” how I wish I also can take some of this photos. This Sunday is our 1st anniversary.. i can’t believe it!!

Oh ya…you had wrongly put my husband name to Kelvin instead of Kevin. Wish you all the best in your career.

Cheers,
Foong Yee

I’ve got this email from Foong Yee. I remember you foong yee. Of cause I do. Wow, it’s been a year already?! Happy happy 1st anniversary. I wish you both many many happy ones to come . Every year is going to be like 1st year anniversary.

Do you still have your wedding dress? Let me know if you wish to do something

Oh yeah, apology with the typo. My bad. Will correct it!

So, I was mailing out the announcement about my new website. I’ve got some replies in giving me pat on the back for the job well done.

Dear Jon,

Hope you have been well and congratulations on the new version of your website! I must say that it looks very clean and I would certainly engage your services if I were to get married again (secretly though). Hahahahahahaha…………………….

Anyway, all the best and take care!

Oh, just one thing though…….you got Caryn’s name spelt as Coryn on the front page.

Once again, do look us up if you ever make a trip to Hong Kong:)

Cheers
Corey

So, there you go. I thought this was pretty hilarious. One point saying that he would secretly remarry, the fact that Carynwas in the mail CC as well just cracks me up. Some happy cute people.

Guys, you made my day. Thank you. I’ll definately correct the spelling!