www.moretopurple.com/blog

Among the mountain of tasks, there’s two significant ones that I hope to share more in the next few post. One being the most challenging for me. I have not given a thought for it (maybe because I’m preparing it for next year), somehow with the encouragement of a senior, I decided to submit my portfolio for judging to gain admission into the MPA (The Master Photographers Association). I’m still in the midst of selecting and editing the images before the final prints. There’s so much details to look into and in the process I really learn a great deal in the potential of one single image. The judging is on the 29th Oct and I only get to touch down Singapore at 7am that morning after my Paris Bridal shoot (I’m really looking forward to it). So I really gotta quickly sort out the prints, the mounting and stuff before I fly off.

The next big thing that is happening will be my move to a new studio. The past 6 months in Bali Lane has been really rewarding and I couldn’t thank all my wedding couples enough for your tremendous support. I will keep you posted when the place is ready.

I will post more of my recent wedding work soon. And time for me to hit the bed with 4 hours more to shooting Jawn and Valarie’s AD. Woohoo!

I’m happy to gain acceptance into the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA), an International, membership-based organization representing professional photographers skilled in the documentation of weddings and events in a candid, unobtrusive style. As a WPJA member, I join the ranks of some of the most talented wedding photojournalists in the world as judged by their technical, creative and visual aptitude.

I look forward to presenting you greater work.

Bridal shoot in Paris @ $3,500
a. Price includes Photographer (ChrisWoon) airfare and accomodation
b. 1 day of shoot (approx 10 hours)
c. 20 Page Premium Flushmount Album
d. shooting period 21 Oct to 28 Oct
e. Confirmed shoot: 26th Oct, 27th Oct, 2 more slots available

Check out great deals from Singapore Airline to Paris on the new A380-800 for just S$1188 inclusive of taxes. (offer till 7 Sept 2009)

or

Qatar Airway to Paris offering world class comfort at afforable price of $950 inclusive of taxes.

Check out Gowns for rental from Vivian Gown. She has more than a 100 selections for your choice.

Contact me for an appointment @ my studio.

ChrisWoon
contactme@moretopurple.com
+65 9877 9974
32a Bali Lane (by appointment only)

It was a small and intimate wedding @ OLPS with close friends and relatives. Mengyee got in touch with me a month ago to discuss their wedding. It was during the church rehearsal that I first met Timothy. A quiet man with few words, but I was warmly received by him. There’s no elaborate decorations nor any traditional gate crashing sessions during the wedding day. Timothy&Mengyee just want their celebration of marriage to be a very personal one. And my task was simple, “Chris, don’t have to take pictures of us (the wedding couple), just take more pictures of our guests!” Voila!!!

ChrisWoon
www.moretopurple.com

Did a bridal shoot for Francis and Jaymee over the weekend. They suggested places for the shoot and most of the locations are my first visit there. The weather has been kind to us and I so love the soft lighting around due to the weather. Its a tiring shoot but we had fun. Looking forward to shoot their AD end October. Here’s some highlights from the bridal shoot.

ChrisWoon
moretopurple

Q. What makes a photojournalist grow from making very good images to making brilliant ones?

A. I think the best photojournalists have a philosophical, psychological, and emotional clarity in what they are trying to say with their pictures. They have done their existential homework and have achieved the ability to reach real emotional truthfulness in their images using narrative, gesture, light and composition. They also recognize that what they get to see and do is very special and important — to viewers and their subjects. I’d also say, hard work.

CW. Besides capturing the obvious, I choose to venture deeper into each moment as the event unfolds. When you seek to feel differently, you see things differently. In that instance, the image that you captured brings to it an emotional aspect that is timeless.

ChrisWoon
moretopurple

There has been overwhelming response for my Bridal shoot in Venice. I have more or less firm up one couple for this shoot and I have one more available slot. Shooting period will be between 22 – 28 Oct. If you can’t wait till Apr 2010 (3 more slots available), this coming trip will be good to go. You can view my Venice bridal pics from here.

Email me at: contactme@moretopurple.com for rates.

ChrisWoon
moretopurple

I met Simon & Lydia when I was shooting the wedding of Kenny & Jamie (see here) in March. Subsequently we met again to discuss their wedding and to our surprise Lydia stayed just at the opposite block to mine. Months passed and we fast forward to the wedding day. There were tearing moments especially the moving speech by Simon during the church wedding. Here are the images to share:

ChrisWoon
moretopurple

ChrisWoon
moretopurple

It was end Apr this year that I did a casual shoot for Dennis & Louanna in Goldcoast (click here) Both of them are Singaporeans but reside in Goldcoast. Dennis have been there working for a couple of years and Louanna moved there not too long ago. Planning for their wedding day is an uphill task but they have some really nice friends here that help put things in order. Here are some selections from their wedding.

ChrisWoon
moretopurple

To some it may seems to be an extravagant, spending the hard-earn money (2 months of work? Perhaps this civil servant got a good performance bonus!) for a 2 days pleasure. But to some its money well-spent. So what do you value more in life? Perhaps there are things that money can’t buy back when the opportunity pass. Well for sure my wedding charges is less than what Kelvin paid for his two days of fulfillment and you get timeless and treasured moments that last a lifetime.

What can you get with $6,000 from ChrisWoon? Huh, am planning for another Overseas Pre-wed to Venice for April 2010. If you are keen to find out more, email me contactme@moretopurple.com. Watch for this space as I will be uploading the images from the recent Venice Pre-wed trip soon! If you are reading, help pass the word around, tkstks!

From time to time I got enquiries from couples who ask if I can offfer a more attractive package or discount to get their sign-up. While I’m conscious of the financial constraints every couple faced in planning for their big day, I also sought to explain to them the value behind their spending. While I respect their decision in portioning a certain budget for each iternary of their wedding, its just as (or more) important to place photography service as among the top priorities. What’s left after the merrying, the champage toast, the beautiful gowns that crown you an overnight princess, the good food and nice settings are images that was captured of your happiest moments. And it make sense to engage a credibale photographer who relates to documenting such moments on your wedding day. It is one thing that money can’t buy you back the memories once gone. But Ferraris can wait!!!

So do I give discount? Fortunately or unfortunately, I don’t. How about this, Couple A who signed me earlier only to find out that Couple B who signed later got a good discount from the same package. It sounds familiar? Yup, it happens especially when you shop your fav “Branded” bag and only to find out that months down the road, the item goes on 50% during GSS. But I’m not complaining, GSS is good, I got a good deal! However, I dun put my service on GSS or offer discount to attract my couples. Its my assurance to all my couples that they will only see the value of my work increasing and together it goes with my branding and quality of work. And that explains the amount of time I spend editing each work and experimenting different styles to create a different wedding each time and everytime. I never fail to delight.

I shot Andrew and Helen’s wedding early May in Brisbane. Frankly I have no idea what to expect for this wedding. It was early this year when I met Helen in Singapore and was told that it gonna be a very different experience for me. We exchange emails subsequently and it was during my Pre-wed shot in Goldcoast that we finalise the details. There were lots of surprises and I’m really glad to have shot their wedding. It was my first meeting with Andrew when I arrived in Brisbane and immediatly felt very comfortable with him. The images will tell how fun he can be. And I got to know recently that the couple is expecting their little one to the family. Congrats!

I knew Madelyn through a dance performance in 2005. She was one of my trainer and I was the cheorographer for the performance. You can click here to see the pictures I have taken for the dance.

Was really excited when Madelyn told me she is getting married and was asked to cover her wedding day. Below are some quick edit:

Not too long back I posted a pic of one of my Pre-wed couple in Tioman (link). I kinda requested them to jump into the water (since they are doing a underwater shoot anyway) and so they jumped! Not once but a total of 10 times I think. The first few was at my request and the rest ….. Well, I got a sms from them while I was shooting in Venice: “Chris, we just went to your website and saw the pic of us on the front page of your website. It blow us away and it really makes all the effort worthwhile. Thanks Chris” I was heartened to receive that message and it strengthen my point why am I doing all these “jumping”.

Besides the point about jumping, its all about having fun and remembering the moments that makes your heart jumping with joy. Remember the first time you receive the phone call that you have been anxiously waiting for? Remember the first date that was accepted? Remember the first time when you try to hold the other’s hand and he/she didn’t let go of it? Remember the first kiss you both gave to each other? Remember …..! Is your heart jumping with joy? I believe Calvin and Grace must have felt the same way. Below is one we did in Venice:

Stay tuned!

Ben and I know each other more than 10 years ago during our poly days. He was 2 years my junior and we were both actively involve in our student activities then. The brothers’ gang was no stranger as well. Really had a enjoyable and the funniest gate crashing I have ever shot. Kudos to u guys! I’m equally impressed with the sisters’ ideas and involvement in the entire wedding day. Here’s some pics to share:

Here are some quick edit for Alfred&Christin’s wedding dinner held last weekend at Marina Mandarin.

In the midst, I have revamped my website with a totally new look and feel to it. I’m happier with this design and layout. I have also uploaded more recent work which I hope brings together a new experience in my style of photography. I can’t wait to share more in my coming posts.

Stay tuned and will come back with more!

ChrisWoon
www.moretopurple.com

We had fun, loading stuff (for the sake of the shoot) into the trolley and pushing it round and round. In the end a good dinner was served by our good cook Louanna from the shopping trip.

This is my first time to Goldcoast and the couple (Dennis and Louanna) is really nice to bring us (me, flo and carrie) ard to places as though we are tourists. But then we are seriously working hard to get awesome images for the nice couple.

Here’s a few to get excited:

24 Apr – 1 May – GoldCoast (Pre-wed, casual)
1 May – 3 May – Brisbane (AD Wedding)
4 May – 8 May – Tioman (Pre-wed, Bridal)

Love
ChrisWoon

Its not until in the midst of shooting that I got to know Jaime is an air stewadress with SIA … hahaha (On a sidenote, I have gotten quite alot enquiries from SQ gals recently. And I’m shooting 2 more weddings of SQ gals this year! Ok then, shall fly with SIA more if there’s better discount! hee!)

And here’s the outdoor shoot that the bride wished we can go on and on!

Like to share about the little space that I have gotten. It’s been 2 weeks since settling down and am grateful of the progress in work and the support from friends and clients thus far. It would not have been more smooth sailing than I have expected it to be without the blessings coming from over.

Getting this space wasn’t really expected. Together with Bryan, Jean and Tsen we have been thinking hard whether getting a space to work and meet clients works well since we are friendly competitor of each other in already saturated wedding industry. We have confidence in each other and see merits of sharing the small studio we went ahead.

I was walking past this lane (still quite unfamiliar to me though) and saw a little “For Rent” sign. Thought I just try my luck and see if the rental meets the budget. We’re are on a really humble budget and some may even laugh at our impracticality. But you never try, you never know.

To our pleasant surprise, we got what we want and within weeks we got everything settle. Then it was mad rush getting the contractor to rework the space (actually just painting job and lightings) and furnishing + Electrical stuff. Remember we are on a humble budget. No fanciful stuff and what not!

Getting the furnishing was the biggest good fortune. We have already plan for ourselves to get the lowest price, lowest quality (ok, maybe reasonable quality) to get by and hopefully when Biz prosper, we get to “upgrade”. We are even prepared to get display sets from showroom even if there are torn marks so long as we can creatively “hide” it. I shall not name the good samariton in case we got him into trouble for the good price. We were blessed for he was more than generous to sell us his furniture for prices that is a fraction of the cost price. Yes, cost price. I’m not talking about selling price here. Even the delivery is FOC. Such kindness at this period of trying times. He understood the difficulty of starting up and he experienced for himself years back when he started on his own. Nevertheless, we hope to repay his kindness when the opportunity arise.

Among the blessings, I really have to thank past, present and prospective clients for their supoort and encouragement. Calvin and Grace, the couple where we will be flying to Italy for their Pre-wed shoot in Jun, came by yesterday. They were at the studio from 7.30pm and left only after midnight. Hey, guys, I’m not complaining. We really hit it off well and really had good chats, watch VCD (inspiring rite?), drink wine (they actually bought a bottle of good red wine to celebrate my studio opening, oh my, touched), we talk about cars, work, cameras and many others. You guys are such a joy to be with. I’m already looking forward to our trip. And in the midst I have two other couples who drop by as well. Its really lively in the small little space

Managed to take a few shots here and there of our new place. Its kinda cosy and welcoming. More like a home then an office/studio. Arrrrr …. not suppose to look like a home and it would really defeat the purpose of working away from home … LOL!

We have a nice living area to meet our customer …. but the air-con isn’t really working well, so gonna wait for contractor to revert on the quoatation. So we make do with “Power fan” … so we feel the warmth of this “Home” loh.

And here’s to the entrance to my small little office. You can’t missed it cos its just right after you come up from the staircase (Yes, we’re at the second level shophouse). Strategic!!!. Noticed the “Congratulatory flower”? Ok, that’s from Wifey and my 2 little darlings! So touch, must work harder!

A peak into the workspace. Woo, so cramp! But its cosy and there are enough seats for you guys!

You are all welcome to drop by if you’re around the area. For those driving, its madness here. Narrow lane, limited parking! Dun try the “illegal” ways, cos I got my first summon (Double Yellow Line) on my first day as tenant here. What a day to start! But hey, the consolation is I got my first client signed up on my first few hours on the first day! If you are reading, Janrie and Edwin, you guys are wonderful. Am looking forward to cover your wedding in KL and Sentosa! Ok back to parking, Opposite us there’s Golden Landmark complex and Raffles Hospital. You will find less agonizing and less frustration parking there than going rounds Arab street and Bali lane hunting for a space! See ya!

Here’s the final post of St. Regis wedding and the next one will be in Sept for Casey and Ck. And I’m so looking forward to do your Pre-wedding shoot in Tioman this May. The underwater shoot will be awesome.

The details of Felicia’s gown

The Emcee and the Best Man

The first dance:

The rest of the evening

And the final one

Here’s one from the ceiling

And this is one big mirror by the side of the stage. Can you see me?

The most beautiful wedding cake I have ever seen.

And they have one of the nicest ceiling lights

Another mirror

Table deco

And I really enjoying shooting the guest

And there is this interesting one that I can’t help musing at it everytime I come across this. This pic was taken when everyone was watching the slideshow of the Day’s event.

The wedding singer looks gorgeous in this nice setting

That’s all for now. Will come back for part 3 again.

Starting from the Suiteroom

This was the first shot of Felicia when I went into the suite room. She was about to start her makeup and I thought this shot truly reflects her as who she was, Confident.

I was standing ard Felicia during the makeup and I noticed her ring. Well I’m not sure if she noticed my intention but the moment she placed her hand down this was the ring shot I got.

This shot was taken from the reflection of the room window. The building reflected the blue glow from setting sun, and the room light was nicely compose in the center of this image. I’m a fan of reflection shots as you will see from the later posts.

Again using the window pane as a backdrop, the bokeh from the street lights add a nice feel to this shoe shot.

This was taken just before I left them for the ballroom. This was outside the room with the door slightly ajar.

Ok, I gotta rush for an appointment. I promise to come back with more later tonight.

Here are some images that I’m happy with:

I love the shadows that was casted on the bikers from the moving lights.

I always like the perspective of shooting with a wide angle:

Shooting kids is still my favourite whether at weddings or events:

I have just only finish sending out emails to all who have enquired. Am really looking forward to meeting you all soon (Bobby, Kathleen, Calvin, Grace, Barry, Jeslyn, Jerson, Rohana, Bryan, Mandy, Derek, Davina, Victor, Ashley, Gerald, Joanne, Zhiwei, Weiling, Jit, Brell, Kit, Sameaul, Elizaberth, Raven, William, Sheena, Francis, Fern, JunJie, Yaoxian, Melvin, Belda, Michael, Adeline, SeeYong, Samie, Ken, Joyce).  Tks for dropping by and I enjoyed the chat sharing my work. Its really encouraging to see you walking away impressed with my work. And I hope to bring to you a whole new experience in my work moving forward.

For those who have missed coming, here’s a peep to my booth. Can’t compare with the big boys out there but certainly stronger in substance.

This banner was really last minute work. Only managed to get it out one day before the show. Haha. A pity that I did not take enough pics of my booth. Guess the visitors kept me busy for a while. But hey, I’m not complaining.

The LCD screen was placed slightly diagonal (according to a Marketing Guru, this has the effect of attracting crowd), unfortunately, the neighbour seems smarter to strategically blocked the screen by standing infront of the screen at most time. Faint!

This is the crowd puller and where we launch the PoolJaM. You guys must try it! We (BryanJean Photography and MoretoPurple) will be flying to Tioman to shoot underwater Pre-wed. Yeap, that’s where the fun is!

This is the Flush Mount Album that received the most praises, for its look, feel, layout and pictures.

The friendship earned over the 2 days outweighted all things in the bridal show. Its more than words I can express of my appreciation to your selfless support and encouragement.

Bryan and Jean, I dun care wat you have planned for me of my role for your wedding. I gonna be your BESTMAN! I have prepared the scripts in my mind now! You guys rockz me! And stop poisoning me with down under, I give in!

Flo, U’re the cat that meows me. See, even your purple glasses match my theme. Such dedication to your good friend here. Woo! Hope we get to shoot more couples together this year. If my dream ever comes true, I wun forget the Garfield I promised you. But you still getting the haircut done rite? Looking forward to Goldcoast and Brisbane in May. If you guys still have no clue, read more here http://meoworks.com.sg/blog/?p=684

And I have the support from Kai and Jerlynn as well. Thanks gals for keeping me company over the 2 days.

Tsen, Alicia, Jonathon, Ashley, tks for dropping by to rally your support. Let’s look forward to UWS. WeeeeeHeeee!!!

Ok, the period we are there is from 22th April till 4th May. You can be there for your Free and Easy holiday and just arrange for a one day shoot with us. April and Early May in Gold Coast boasts great weather, watching sunrise from a hot air ballon or see surfers and ocean sports lovers galore with plenty of competitions, picnics by the beaches. In the hinterland you can experience native Australian wildlife in a rainforest setting or perhaps supermarket shopping there - the possibilities are almost endless.

No makeup artist, no hairstylist. Just be there, relaxed and be yourself. You’re happiest and look the best when you’re having fun and away from home. This is what we want you to remember from our capture.

Like to know more? Drop us an email subject: I want to have fun in Gold Coast with M n M! to contactme@moretopurple.com

Below image was one of those from neighbourhood I captured during one of my walkabout. While the choatic nature of the birds taking flight seems messy, it does look orderly in certain manner. While admist the choas, the compose of the old lady reflects serenity and compassion.

There’s been a number of enquiries whether I do overseas Pre-wed or wedding shoot. Yeap, I’m more than happy to explore this together with you.

Tioman

In fact, come May, I will be doing a Pre-wed shoot in Tioman Island. Package includes your air-fare, accomodation and a make-up artisit. Together with me is another photographer and a assistant + some nice surprises. It’s all covered. Just be there and enjoy yourself while we slog it out for you. There are still available slots and if you are interested, do drop me a mail for more details.

GoldCoast

There is a possibility of doing a Pre-wed shoot in Gold Coast around late April or early May (I can’t confirm the details for now). I’m still working the details with the couple on this. The package will be attractive. Since I’m already there I’m considering extending my stay to take in 2 more couples. The interesting part is that I’m travelling together with a videographer (and she rocks, her “meow” can be contagious, check out her work www.meoworks.com.sg)  who is also covering the wedding in GoldCoast. So the package will include a video montage of the Pre-wed shoot. Wouldn’t that be interesting.

Collaboration between MoretoPurple and Bryanjean Photography

Besides the above, I’m working closely with another photographer (http://www.bryanjeanphotography.com/). He has an entirely different style of shooting from mine and we compliment each other so well that we are like another half of each other (hey, before your minds wonder, we’re perfectly straight people with high male hormones). We’re exploring it together and really hope to offer different perspectives from one location shoot. Eventually, you the couples get to benefit from both.

And now to answer some other burning questions you may have:

Which countries are you going this year?

Besides the above mentioned (Tioman and GoldCoast) I’m keen to explore all corners of the world. No place is too far or too near. Some of popular the locations been Perth, Paris and Greece offers great photoshoot opportunities. Closer to Asia; Bali, Korea and Japan are great location as well. If you’re keen let’s work out something.

How many couples to confirm trip?

I’m looking at a minimum 2 couples and not more than 4 to go. However I may consider going even if there’s only 1 couple signed up depending on the merits and photshoot opportunity in the trip. What i would do is once a couple signed up, I will actively engage my network and see if there are others who might be interested to participate. Even if it is a post-wedding shoot.

What does the package includes?

Package starts from $2000 for Asian countries and $3000 for European countries. This includes the photgraphy service, a 20 page flush mount album. Unlimited images, edited and colour corrected in a DVD. Packages exculde my airfare and accomodation. As for meals, you can always bring me to a nice restaurant and take good care of me, else I can always survive with cup noodles in the hotel room. You see, I’m there to work. Its not my holiday. Gee!

Do you have a make-up/ hair-stylist to tag along?

Yes and No. It really depends on your budget. I have one pretty and capable make-up artisit (Check out http://cleochang.blogspot.com) who does excellent makeup and she will be happy to join us. You can always share the cost when there are more signed up for the particular trip.

I’m excited

Me too. Drop me a mail, contactme@moretopurple.com Provide your contact details, country or countries you are keen to explore and your preferred period for the shoot. If you have have other plans, let’s explore together.

I was with a friend this morning. He was unfortunately retrenched from a job that he had worked for a good 10 years. Instead of falling in despair, he invited me over to his place and we had a good hour in deep prayers and mutually encouraging one another. Together we read a piece of guidance which I find most appropriate in my field of work as a photographer. I scribbled it down and thought perhaps I can share it with my audience here:

“The mind is like a skilled painter”. Like a skilled painter, the mind can freely draw and portray anything at will. Consequently, life itself is a great painting created by the mind. It is a work of art that our minds produce.

I couldn’t agree more. We are what we made ourselves to be. The pictures  created by a photographer reflects his life as well. Beyond the experience and skill of a photographer, it is also the vast expanse of the photograher’s life that can capture life’s most precious moment. My journey as a wedding photographer have but just begun. The first stroke of art is in the making and I hope to freely express myself in the field of my passion.

Here’s a getting ready shot I took of a cheerful bride from philippine. Its a reflection from a mirror. Very often it is the bride that get such mirror reflection shots. I hope to share some that was done on a groom. And I can tell you it is not always the case that a woman spends more time dolling up. It can be the opposite. Gosh!

I’ve been playing around with colours and textures. It’s alot of learning and experincing different mediums and I hope to find one that suits me. Yee!

Here’s some pic of Rainie to share:

Although a 30 years old camera (Yes, it really older than some of us here) you can see that its really in very good condition. This is a fully mechanical camera and the only electronic in OM1N is the light metering. Even when the battery runs out, it can still operate manually (that is if you apply the rule of sunny 16). OM1N will be ideal for those who wants to try shooting with long exposure (like star trails, which usually a good half an hour on bulb mode). Am I thinking of something? Here’s more pic below

If you have $250 to spare and looking for something new to try, guess this toy is a well-spent gadget. I have not expended the roll of film. Will share the pics soon.

While the wedding couple are in deep prayers, you see the three kids (how do you address them) aren’t really paying attention and they are liked “in their own world”. I must thank them for “posing” me this shot.

This is my first post here. Yes, I have waited that long to start blogging. Its really not me to blog, firstly I’m lazy (ok that’s not the most important thing). Next, I’m really bad at writting. You’ll realise this as the blog progress. Haha! But the good thing is I can work on it and practice more. Ok this shall form part of new year resolution for 2009.

I have promised someone (2 infact – u guys know who u are) to work on it and a promise is a promise.

And now I have to figure out the process of posting images up here. Let’s see if it works.

A picture that I really like. It was shot in a church wedding while the priest was reading the sermons. I was right at the far end of the corner and saw this little girl looking up at her mother as if communicating something lovely to her mum. It was a moment I cannot miss capturing. The entire scene of the ceremony is still fresh with me whenever I look at this image. This is one such image that is priceless. You can’t pose or direct this kind of shot. It has to come natural and the keen eye to see it while it happens. The lighting was perfect. It was shot with available light. I hope you like it as much as I do.

Cheers

ChrisWoon (The purple guy)