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Feeling at Home in Foreign Ground
by Jonathan Dionisio
May - June 2009
Destination weddings or
out of town/country weddings may seem fun and exciting for
most of us, especially wedding photographers. However, working
on foreign soil poses a bigger challenge to them. Unfamiliarity,
regulations for photo shoots, time constraints, and culture
shock are among the things wedding photographers face during
out of town/country photo shoots.
E-session at Central Park and
Brooklyn Bridge, New York, USAThat is why for veteran
lensman Lito Genilo, owner of Smart
Shot Studio, experience and research becomes highly important
and has served as his aces in shooting in other countries,
particularly in the United States and Canada. The former seminarian
turned photographer has done photo shoots in several states
in US like New Jersey, California, New York and Hawaii. He
uses his experience in former engagements as his guide on
where to bring the couple for their wedding photo shoot.
But when he is asked to
do a shoot in a place where he hasn’t been before, he
engages in thorough research of the place - what are the famous
sites and destinations, establishments present, in order to
have a clear concept in his photo shoot. He also sets a positive
mindset that helps him concentrate on his work. As he puts
it, “Iniisip ko lang na para akong nasa Pilipinas”
[I just think that I’m in the Philippines]. This allows
him to be in his ‘comfort zone’ which aids him
in composing better photographs.
The wedding culture in US
is very different from the Philippines, which, as Mr. Genilo
shares, makes his job easier. For one, he is able to have
his photo shoot anywhere; on the street, in parks, inside
malls and establishments. According to him., there are no
restrictions or permits needed for photo shoots in the US.
Time is an ally as well. He said when he’s doing wedding
photo shoots in the US, he has ample time to do the formal
and creative portraits.
Trash the Dress session at
Sausalito, California , USACulture shock is never an
issue since couples who avail of their services are Filipinos
or of Filipino descent. Whether the bride or the groom is
a Filipino or Filipino-American, Mr, Genilo is able to relate
to them and merge their ideas, thus, producing unique photos
that reflect the personality of the couple.
Smart Shot Studio, however,
did not reach the US market overnight. Through constant updates
on their website and blog, the company gives its potential
clients an idea of their service. Much like any photographer,
referrals also help them to get more engagements abroad.
With the number of engagement
his company has here in the Philippines, averaging to about
500 weddings a year, Mr. Genilo deemed it wise to establish
his own team of photographers and videographers in California,
USA. With this, his company is able to cater to the growing
number of wedding clientele they have in the US.
His constant travel in the
US has made his style of photography shift to international
standards. His photos have become a reflection of the demands
and trends of the global market. Through diligently attending
more seminars and workshops here and abroad, constant research,
membership in international wedding photography associations,
and investment on the latest technology, the company improves
day by day and gains the ability to meet the demands of the
growing international market.
Wherever Mr. Genilo and
the rest of Smart Shot Studio is brought for a photo shoot,
their smart moves will always allow them to deliver and exceed
what is expected of the company.
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E-session at Central Park
and Brooklyn Bridge,
New York, USA
Photo by Smart
Shot Studio |
E-session at Central Park
and Brooklyn Bridge,
New York, USA
Photo by Smart
Shot Studio |
E-session at Central Park
and Brooklyn Bridge,
New York, USA
Photo by Smart
Shot Studio |
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