7 Tips for a Prenup Photo Shoot

I'm back and happily married. I've got tons of back-blogs in different topics -- food, tech and lifestyle and even stuff about marriage and preparing for the day. I've made this post months back and just posting it now. Hope it will help those that are just about to get married/ do a prenuptial shoot! :)

Amidst all the stress one can get in the process of getting married, you need to understand one thing: It's not the end (The actual wedding day -- no pun intended) that counts. It's the journey from the beginning until the day of the wedding, towards a lifelong journey of togetherness that matters. After the wedding, you'll just look at the past and laugh about the stress you guys encountered. You must be forewarned that getting married isn't the path to a happily-ever-after life like what most fairy tale cartoons portray. It's a lifetime process of encouraging, learning, laughing, crying and everything else TOGETHER.

Our Photographer's  Silhouette!

We've been preparing early 2011 for our wedding happening second quarter this year 2012. Chinese tradition makes it more complicated but we admit that doing it the traditional way is more fun (not only in the Philippines) because we get to learn the chinese culture in real life, firsthand. Here's a very basic tip for those planning to get married-- Reserve all the suppliers you are eyeing one year or more in advance. Otherwise, you might not be able to book them on your preferred wedding date, more so if the date you want is a popular date.

Not all pre-wedding activities includes a prenuptial photo shoot. For those having one, let me talk about our photographer of choice. His name is Ian Santillan and he was referred to us by our family friend, Franco. He also got Ian as his wedding photographer. Me, as a hobbyist photographer, I know how passionate a photographer can be when shooting. Ian is a hobbyist-turned-professional. That makes it more interesting as we know that it's his passion first before the money. His rates are very very competitive and just after our prenup shoot the other day, I know he's going to be one of the best out there. I'm glad to have gotten him because one day, he'll even surpass big names up there. I shoot so I know.

Prenup shoot day started out just like any other day. I have no idea what to expect. I just provided the location and some of the ideas I had in choosing that location. He arrived on time and I brought him to the locations we planned to shoot while the hairdresser was still doing my Fiancé's hair and make up. I won't mention the hotel name because they made it hard for us and there's no sense in promoting something that is not recommended.

I've had no idea prenup shoots can be this exciting. For most of us, we just thought that a prenup shoot would be just like sitting around, posing and shooting with different outfits. What I didn't know was, the more adventurous you are, the more amazing the shots were going to be. I won't disclose details yet but everytime Ian shows me a preview of the photos, we just went "wow" and "WOW". That made me not want to look at the succeeding photos because I want it as a surprise. Really, really something else.

7 Tips when planning for a prenup shoot:

1) Choose the right photographer.
A good photographer makes something not interesting, VERY interesting. You'll understand this when you see our prenup photos next time. Choosing the right photographer also means getting along with his attitude.


2) Scout your area of choice.
Make sure your you have space to shoot and move around. Maybe 4 or 5 places in one location, unless you just want to have your shots taken in one spot. Ask your photographer to do an ocular too if possible so the photographer knows good spots in advance. Another important tip is, double-triple check if you need a permit in the venue you want to shoot on.


3) Magic hour
If you're shooting early, like before sunrise, make sure to set an alarm to get the dramatic magic hour (sometimes called Golden hour) and be ready before it happens. Visit this website to check the schedule of the sunrise and sunset here in the Philippines:  http://www.gaisma.com/en/location/manila.html. Don't let the sun wait for you because it won't. It will happen very quick.
Read more about Golden Hour here: Golden Hour


4) Direct and be directed.
Let your photographer know what you like before the shoot but remember to listen to him because he is the expert (if you get the right photographer). Tell your photographer your theme and concept and be amazed on what they'll conceptualize as an add-on to your concept. My photographer should trademark the phrase "buwis buhay". In English, it means life-threatening danger because of the poses and things he told us to do. He will first ask you what you can do and what you are willing to do so don't worry. If you trust the photographer, let him be the director even if you are an expert.


5) Hair and make-up
If you have an extra budget, hair and make up styling is highly recommended. We weren't planning on getting such service but based on some recommendations and tips, we did and we never regretted it. The artist was with us the whole day, doing retouch to achieve that picture perfect moment you are dreaming of.


6) You and your partner
Other than the photographer taking photos and directing you what to do, a major part is also dependent on the actors (The couple). We did things we didn't expect on the shoot. When he told us to do some stretching before the shoot, we thought that it was a joke. We climbed structures, walked on rocks, sat in the middle of somewhere where other people wouldn't normally be sitting on and more! Do all the not-so-ordinary stuff and you'll get photos you'd never imagine you'll have.


7) Enjoy the moment.
Despite the tiring day, long preparation and tons of annoying security guards you'll encounter along the shoot,
you'll be all-smiles looking at the photos you had on your wedding day to show your guests and to keep forever.

I can still remember how tired we were that day. We started around 2-3pm and ended around 10pm (with breaks, of course). We had around 4-5 outfit changes, walked barefoot, sat in the middle of the road, climbed roofs and so on. Looking back now, I know we chose the right photographer for our wedding and prenup. Thanks sir Ian Santillan! You're the man!

Here's one of the photos Ian published to be used as a teaser: (


Wait until you see our wedding photos! Thanks again Ian! :)

Ian Santillan Photography
Website: http://www.iansantillan.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iansantillan
Mobile: 0917 8155306
Email: iansphotography@yahoo.com


Cheftonio
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