Photography Life

Hindu Weddings in Trinidad has a very significant cultural tradition called the Mehindi Night. This tradition usually takes place a of couple nights before the wedding ceremony. The Hindu Bride and female relatives adorn their hands and feet with the henna ink. The Mehindi Artist is usually on hand to apply stunning designs as part of a fun filled pre-ceremony ritual. What do you think of the beautiful designs above? Would you engage in this gorgeous tradition if invited to a Hindu wedding?

There is an ongoing debate between photographers who prefer natural light and those who prefer artificial light sources such as flash or strobe lighting. Natural light can arguably produce stunning photographs. However, the photographer is versed at reading light direction and can expertly position their subject to maximize quality light and shadow. On the other hand, artificial light can be used either in conjunction with natural light or on its own to create the desired light pattern. Personally, I think being versatile with light usage will give you the best results. This becomes even more important if you shoot events such as weddings, where things happen quickly and you don't always have the luxury of setting up a perfect lighting situation. Being skilled enough to use natural light, flash or a combination of both can be a life saver. So whether you're a beginner or a professional I highly recommend that you learn all that you can about lighting.

The Rule of Thirds is one of the first rules of composition that you will learn in photography and it’s a very important one. Knowing how to effectively use this rule makes for the most effective photo composition. It gives your photo the “wow” factor. Simply put the photographer must imagine two vertical and two horizontal lines that divides the photo into nine even sections. They must then place the main subject/s of the photo where these lines intersect as seen in the photo above. Photos using this rule are more interesting and often more pleasing to the viewer as the eye is naturally drawn to these points of any photo.

With all the advances in camera phone technology and digital photography, it seems that everyone is a photographer these days. Guests holding up cameras, mobile phones and even tablets as you walk down the aisle or flashes going off throughout the wedding vows. Not only is this going to be a distraction for you but other guests. Not to mention, this can actually ruin your professional photographs. Imagine your photographer missing the perfect photo opportunity because of this. So kindly ask your guests to put their cameras away and really enjoy and partake in your ceremony by being truly present for those special moments instead of looking at them through their camera lense.

Your wedding ceremony photographs will undoubtedly result in some of the most important shots of the day. Most couples are surprised just how much they cherished this part. It also flies by in a nervous blur and you’ll likely not remember a whole lot about it, so these photos are undoubtedly important. However, some priests and pastors won’t allow ceremony photography or will limit the photographer to specific areas. If you really value these images, make sure you speak to whoever is officiating your ceremony to find out if there are any limitations beforehand.

Panorama is usually held annually around Carnival time in Trinidad and Tobago. It is a music competition of steelbands. If you are not familiar with Trinidad culture you might be asking yourself, “what is steelbands”. The Steelpan is a musical instrument that originated in Trinidad and Tobago. The instrument is made from steel drums and pan sticks are used to beat the drums to create sound or music. Steelbands are an orchestra of steelpan players. Pictured above is one very popular steelband called “Exodus”. Here they are in their performance at Panorama at Carnival 2018.

Choosing a photographer for your wedding!!! This should not be taken lightly….. Do your research. Wedding blogs are a great place to start. Look through real weddings on your favourite blogs, check out the photographer’s sites and make a shortlist. Yes, you can luck out by getting an enthusiastic and super talented newbie, but finding someone like that is certainly the exception and not the rule. The average in Trinidad & Tobago for a professional wedding photographer is somewhere between $7500. to $10,000. for a basic package. If you’re looking at photographers who are way below this average, more than likely the end product will be sub-standard. The number one thing couples regret is not prioritizing more on their photography. Once that day is gone, you can never get it back. So choose wisely!!!

The tiny details are so very important to wedding photography. The rings, the dress, flowers, makeup closeups....and more!! The photo captured above of the wedding rings is an important symbol for every bride and groom of the vows that they are about to take. This reflection of a brides first look at her freshly applied make is a must as well. A look of happiness, anticipation, excitement. These are the simple joys of capturing the story of every couple. No two are the same. Each one special and unique in its own way.

Decibel is a Career Fair, Conference and Entertainment Expo that takes place every year in May. This event aims to provide a forum for young people in the 16-25 age group who are involved in entertainment to discover and develop their skills, talents and abilities.  Usually, the promoter of the event will have local and international entertainers at Decibel to motivate the youth and inspire them to reach for their dreams. In 2017, Will Smith made a surprise appearance and the kids were ecstatic. Dream Big: Another important component of the event is the Dream Big initiative which will give a budding filmmaker the opportunity to fly to Hollywood to live his or her dream and meet celebrities and top executives, visit television and film sets, and pitch their scripts to those with the power to make movies. 

Nature is such an amazing wonder...isn't it. This little bird family with a clear blue sky behind creates such an awesome and relaxing view.  Every time I look at this photo I can almost hear Bob Marley singing his song "Three Little Birds" and that completes the picture....Don't worry about a thing, Cause every little thing is gonna be alright. Hope this post helps to brighten your day and may your worries fade away.

I found this wedding photo quite interesting. The lush tropical backdrop paired with the regal Hindu wedding wear made for a contrasting combination. What a fabulous couple!!! They had their wedding ceremony and reception at The Magdalena Grand Beach Resort in Tobago and their portraits were taken on the grounds of the hotel.....which is also a golf course. I have to say that these photos turned out really stunning with the mix of red and green on the colour palette resulting in unique photographs. What do you think?

Winner of the Junior Calypso Monarch 2017, Shervonne Rodney had such great stage presence and truly deserved to win the coveted crown of Junior Calypso Monarch 2017. This competition is one of many competitions that take place every year as part of the Carnival festivities. It gives the youth of the nation an opportunity to showcase their talent and can be a springboard to future careers in the local music industry. If you are a visitor of local, consider attending the next time it comes around.

Living on a Caribbean Island there is never a lack for fresh seafood. On one of my trips to the Island of Tobago I decided to cook Fish Broth. This is a popular soup dish made with Fish and vegetables.  Visiting the fish market, with camera in hand, I was able to capture this spontaneous and candid photo of the fish vendor as he did his thing. Fish scales covered his hat and body as he scaled and cut the fish for sale. He is quite popular and is a very familiar face to most visitors to the island.

Don't underestimate the importance of liking and bonding with your photographer. Is the photographer excited by your vision when you describe it? When they make suggestions, do they present them in a clear and respectful way, or are they timid? Are their mannerisms off-putting? In order to get the best photos; go with a pro who has a firm grasp of social graces but is bold enough to go out hunting for great images and who, above all, puts you at ease and doesn't irritate you in any way. To get the best photos, your photographer needs to be assertive enough to seek out great moments, cajoling enough to coax relaxed smiles and natural stances from guests and calm enough to be a positive force. They should ask lots of questions and be a good listener. So don’t be afraid to be picky when choosing a photographer for your event. Make sure they are the right match for you.

A short ferry ride from Trinidad will take you to its sister isle of Tobago and also to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the Caribbean. Pictured above is the beach at Pigeon Point, Tobago and one of the most popular beaches on the island. The waters are calm and blue and ideal for snorkeling, jet skiing and other water sports. Additionally, you can hop on a boat that will take you to the coral reefs and the Nylon Pool. The Nylon pool is a natural waist deep shallow pool that sits in the middle of the ocean. This natural phenomenon was created by a sandbar and the coral reefs that are in close proximity and is indeed a wonder to behold. I love visiting Pigeon Point. This is one one my favourite places in the world.

This beautiful couple got married in the cutest little church that was just across the street from a coconut vendor. They couldn't resist sharing a drink before and an informal moment before heading off to their formal wedding reception. Wedding in the Caribbean often is quite interesting. The warm weather offers a plethora of opportunity for great captures. Lush gardens, beaches and flowers in bloom and I can't forget to mention that there's never a dull moment with my Caribbean party people.

In 2012 Trinidad and Tobago celebrated 50 years of Independence in style. My family and I decided to have dinner at the 360 degree revolving restaurant at the top of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.....hoping to catch a first class view of the magnificent fireworks in the city, while enjoying a fine dining experience. Of course being a photographer I couldn't miss the opportunity to capture the city adorned with fireworks. These are just a few of the photos I captured to help me remember what turned out to be a fun filled family night.

Capturing the essence of a scene and more specifically a person is not always an easy thing to do. This photo was taken on the Brian Lara Promenade in Port of Spain, Trinidad.   The main subject was really just the side show, as I was there to photograph the winners of the Junior Calypso Monarch 2017 as they performed their winning songs.  My eyes caught this beautiful lady as she enjoyed the music. Maybe she was a returning resident of Trinidad and Tobago or even a just a visitor to our country for the Carnival season. Perhaps I will meet her one day and she will tell me her story. But for now I am left to guess at the meaning of the two nations flags. 

That time of year is coming around again!!!  My favourite time........when the Poui Tree blooms in all its magnificence.  Blooming in various colours; white, pink and the yellow pictured here. The leaves of the Poui fall majestically to the ground and the children love to run and play in the beautiful carpet it creates. The photo and video captured above was Around the Savannah in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago and is a wonderful specimen of the Poui in all its glory. Look out for them all around Trinidad and Tobago in the coming weeks.

Having an engagement shoot can improve your wedding pictures more than anything else you might do. Think about it, your photographer is VERY comfortable on his end of the camera. The time you spend in front of the camera will help YOU become more comfortable on your end as the subject. Try to get to know your photographer. Have fun! Be crazy!  Let's face it; those "magazine bride photos" that you have been looking at do not happen all by themselves. They are well planned, rehearsed, and the photo that you finally see in the magazine was probably picked from hundreds of photos. The more time you spend with your photographer, the more likely it is that he will capture the photos that you have been dreaming about.