Level Up Your Wedding Photography Skills: An Uncomplicate Experience

Several years ago, I found my passion in photography. After my photojournalism stint for our student paper in college, I came home with a yearning to stretch my horizons. I found my own tribe of photography enthusiasts, and we started doing photography walks around our city. We documented the city life in Gensan. 

Eventually, we started getting gigs. I started taking in photography assignments covering events including birthdays and weddings. With every gig, I improved my skills. But there were instances when I felt that I was missing out on better techniques. I also realized that my direction in photography from a creative endeavor was transforming into a career path. I knew I needed to find my focus in photography and learn more industry-standard practices. 

Four years ago, I found an online call for 2-day wedding photography workshop with Toto Villaruel and Marlon Capuyan, both top wedding photographers. With my savings from past gigs, I grabbed the opportunity and enrolled in the workshop. 

It wasn't the usual wedding photography workshop focused on photography techniques. Mentors Villaruel and Capuyan also incorporated the essential ropes of the business aspect of being a wedding photographer. Our first day was devoted to theory, and on our second day, we applied these theories into a whole day shoot with known suppliers. 

I still carry with me the lessons I learned in that workshop. Establishing a network of collaborators including artists and suppliers is crucial in sustaining one's business. But one also needs to sustain this network by building relationships with trust and integrity. With these trusted collaborators, one can have professional growth and find more learning opportunities including an improved work flow. Working with other creatives has also inspired me to become better at what I do. 

I have taken these four-year-old lessons with me until now. I hope I inspire you too to keep on learning. Learning never stops whether you're still a beginner or a pro.  When a photography workshop like this comes around, don't hesitate to join. It's going to take you places you've never been before.

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PHOTO \ The Walking Eyes Studios

PREP & CEREMONY STYLING \ Tipping Point Collective

BOUQUET \ Weddings by Vatel Manila

REC & FOOD STYLING \ K. by cunanan catering

GOWN \ Teena Sabrina Tan

SUIT \ Paulo Lazaro

RINGS\ Denovo Diamonds

HMUA \ Byron Velasquez

WARDROBE STYLING \ Aira Franco-Capistrano

INVITES \ The Parchment Stories

VIDEO \ Cinemaworks Wedding Art Film

VENUE \ The Black Roof PH

BRIDAL CAR \ Kombibs

SPEAKER \ Bride and Breakfast

SPONSORS \ Gouache, Mastin Labs, Comrade Leather Goods, KAWA Pro Gear

Gears used: Nikon d610 + Sigma Art 35mm 1.4