Posted by
Kevin Chiu
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Yesterday is the date I took pre-wedding shots for my design class classmate Jill and her husband Fai. It was freezing cold and overcast, yet this did not hamper their eagerness for this because they have been preparing for it a few months ago. I was accompanied by my partner Jomond and my new video partner Keli. Despite the severe cold wind, we all completed the shooting professionally. Keli especially made one short film for me. I took a glimpse at some of the cool shots and they were a wonder! I can't wait to see the final clip!
Date: December 18, 2009
Venue: Shek O, Tai Tam Reservoir & Central
The couple: Jill & Fai
Make-up Artist: Ekko
Posted by
Kevin Chiu
Monday, December 14, 2009
May & River's wedding last Saturday was an untraditional one in that first there was no big red wedding invitation card. Instead they published it as a newspaper issue making their wedding a cover story. Second they wanted to make their wedding banquet a party where the spotlight went to the guests rather than solely on themselves. After a simple but solemn wedding ceremony at the Rosary Church Kowloon, all of us set out towards Jumbo Floating Restaurant for the party. It was held at the Top Deck where a casual Western buffet was served. With this East meets West setting, guests were free to dine in the antique indoor dining room or gathered for a drink on the sofa at the deck outside.
As the couple emphasized, this was not just a wedding banquet, but it is also a Christmas party they prepared for all their dear family and friends. So apart from the usual cut cake and toasting ceremony, there were also games for the children and a Christmas draw for winding up the party. This was really a successful one as I can see all the guests had a great time! I must say this should be the warmest and most thoughtful wedding ceremony I have attended this year!
The couple: May & River
Date: December 12, 2009
Venue: Rosary Church Kowloon, Top Deck of Jumbo Kingdom
Posted by
Kevin Chiu
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Last weekend was a busy weekend as I had to shoot two sets of pre-wedding photos in three days. And the 2 couples are quite an opposite. The pair shooted on last Friday wanted something new and experimental while the pair on Sunday wanted something more traditional. But this does not mean that this pair are boring guys. On the contrary, they are very talkative and humorous. And therefore our time passes quickly with lots of laughters and jokes. Another interesting thing about this set is that this was my first visit to the few heritage buildings. They are really nice places for taking good photos. We are so happy the couple love our choices too.
Date: December 6, 2009
Venue: Carmel School, University Hall & Cyperport
The couple: Stephanie & Michael
Make-up Artist: Ekko
Posted by
Kevin Chiu
It was quite a challenge and excitement when Amy called from Melbourne a week ago and said she wanted me to take a set of pre-wedding photos during her short visit to HK last week. The couple were married last month and when Amy browsed through my website incidentally, she decided that she was going to shoot a set during her visit to HK where she was to attend her sister's wedding. We exchanged a few emails and only met and discussed the day before shooting.
Everything was done hastily, but the shooting process was very smooth and the outcome exceptionally good. Per they request, I tried to shoot them in an untraditional and conceptual way. It was really a funny time taking photos for them as they are both very adventurous and energetic. We enjoy as much as they do!
Date: December 4, 2009
Venue: Central
The couple: Amy & Chew
Make-up Artist: Kennie Lam
Posted by
Kevin Chiu
Monday, November 23, 2009
Manling and Sam's wedding last Saturday was the most exciting and unforgettable wedding party I have participated so far. They scheduled their registration ceremony together with the banquet at noon and then they reserved a bar at night for celebrating with friends. The story behind was that the couple first met each other in this bar and so they booked the same venue for their big day! The night party was a scene of laughter and tears. It was themed "Oscar Night" with guests all dressed up like Hollywood stars. There was a red carpet leading from the doorway and film posters hanging on the wall with the couple simulating the protagonist. When guests arrived they would be asked to sign on a big backdrop with the couple's photo hanging from the ceiling. Everybody under our flashlights looked just like a star! So funny!
The climax of the night sure was the time when the couple marched in on the red carpet. After they marched on the stage under the blinding flashlights, they were asked to act a short clip taken from the film "他來自江湖". Our bride is actually a member of an opera troupe so their acting was very entertaining. I was amazed at the fact that I seem to have an unexplanable ties with opera troupe. I have shooted posters for a few troupe before and now I met another troupe members. What a coincidence!
Another climax of the night was a little game for the guests where 10 film-related questions were asked. Those who first got the correct answers could get a big red packet from the couple. After the game and following the couple's toast, the party officially began. We were so much absorbed in this hilarious atmospere we stayed around till 12am. We really were having a great time! Thanks Manling and Sam!
The couple: Manling & Sam
Date: November 21, 2009
Venue: Heichinrou Restaurant & The Loop Bar
Posted by
Kevin Chiu
Monday, November 16, 2009
Date: Nov 14, 2009
Venue: Habour Plaza Metropolis Hotel
The couple: Scotty & Keli
Since those few sets of pre-wedding and styling photos I took for Scotty & Keli, we became real good friends. So when they asked me to take some snap-shots for their big day on Nov 14, I was more than happy to take up the role. Their wedding was held in Harbour Plaza Metropolis Hotel. Although we shooted for the whole day, we did not feel much fatigue as all formalities were held in the hotel. The theme of their wedding is "Around the World with You". Today they will go travelling to a few places for honeymoon. I wish them many many happy days ever after!
Posted by
Kevin Chiu
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Yesterday we finally completed the pre-wedding photo shooting for Ah Ying and Esha. Very much different from the vintage and pastel tone we shooted for their Part I last time, the "Present" was set in Central to capture the intimacy of the couple in the midst of the urban jungle while the "Future" was shooted in Era Bar where a more dramatic and creative vision was delivered.
Similar to her idol Sammy Cheng, Esha demonstrated her malleability in styles freehandedly. I was convinced by her coldness in the "Future"set with heavy eyelines and exaggerated hairstyle while at the same time I discovered her sweetness in the "Present" set in the lovely pinky barbie look. See how she can switch between the poles in one day!
Well yesterday was as usual a happy experience with the nice couple though one of my external flashlights was not working. I found the satisfaction not in completion of the job, but in the process of communicating and finally realized what the couple longed for. Today Esha and ah Ying are going back to Taiwan for meeting with friends and relatives. What a tight schedule they have! I sincerely thank them for confiding in me and I wish they have a happy vacation.
The couple: Esha & Ah Ying
Make-up Artist: Carmen Fung
Date: November 10, 2009
Venue: Era Bar & Central
Posted by
Kevin Chiu
Monday, November 9, 2009
After quitting my job, I finally have time to tidy up my place and do the annual stock take. Since I usually use digital camera for shooting jobs, I seldom use my film cameras in recent months. But now as I will have more time to go wandering around, there will be more chances for my film cameras and films to expose under the sunshine again. In the meantime, let's give them a show time here!
Posted by
Kevin Chiu
Friday, November 6, 2009
I have been working in the merchandizing field for years and find myself leading a life which I do not really want. For those who know me personally should have know that I have been actively planning to become a full-time photographer, a field where my talents and interests really lies.
Now is the time to turn a new leaf!
Yesterday is my last day with my previous employer. I will start working in full gear and spend every effort on planning and refocusing the business. With your support, I will strive for improving myself and expanding our scale of services in the near future!
Posted by
Kevin Chiu
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Esha and Ah Ying originally planned to go Western Europe to take a set of pre-wedding next year. But when Esha dropped by my blog and saw my photos, she immediately knew that she could not go anywhere else. They are a special couple - Ah Ying lives in Hong Kong while Esha is a Taiwanese girl. They just got married in Aug this year. Esha wanted me to customize 3 stylings for her which represents "Past", "Present" and "Future" respectively. I really appreciate their complete confidence in me. I spent a short period of time in searching for this old-fashioned abandoned house in Mid-levels. Ah Ying and Esha love the place too. The weather was cloudy on that day which made it quite a challenge when most of the shots had to be taken indoor. However, I think I had taken some of the best shots this month. I hope you like them too!
The Couple: Esha & Ah Ying
Make-up Artist: Kennie Lam
Date: October 19, 2009
Venue: Mid-levels
Posted by
Kevin Chiu
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Finally I received the "starter kit" from WPPI after waiting for a few months. It includes a membership certificate, a logo cardboard, pin and sticker.
I am so happy to have this international recognition and I will keep up my works!
Posted by
Kevin Chiu
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Ho Chi Minh City is often referred as "Paris in the Orient" for its background as a French Colony in the 19th century. One of the classical western-style buildings there reflecting this feeling is the "Museum of Ho Chi Minh City"
We are just back from a 3-day pre-wedding photo-shooting trip in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam! The schedule was tight...the sun hided away from us...some arrangements went wrong...BUT still we had a great time and I hope I can upload some photos for you to see as soon as I can!
Posted by
Kevin Chiu
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Since our first fashion styling set in Pray Shop taken 2 months ago, many of our friends become so envy of the model who had the free will to put on pretty clothes she likes and had me to capture her beautiful moments. Being one of them, Scotty volunteered herself to be our model again when she learned that there are some new arrivals from UK and Japan at Pray!
Although this is already the fourth time we took shots for Scotty, I found that her malleability is quite high and she is able to give people some different feel in each set. I especially like her few mature stylings in one-piece dresses. With a touch of elegance and charm, she interpret the meaning of woman in full extent!
Model: Scotty Ho
Make-up Artist: Zero Leung
Date: September 27, 2009
Venue: Pray Shop
Full set of her photos can be viewed on my fotop:
Posted by
Kevin Chiu
Monday, September 21, 2009
My recent favourite TV show is no doubt "The Shot" which is shown on Pearl at 8:30pm every sunday night. It is about 10 amateur photographers who compete for the chance to make their dream come true and become the next fashion photographer. Every week they will be given challenges and tasks to test their talent, skills and qualities to start his/her own professional career. Their shots will be reviewed by a professional panel who will eliminate the weakest shooter every week until the winner of the show is crowned after 2 month's competition. It is very real life as their individual weaknesses are gradually exposed in the course like: you will see them accusing other team members and using different excuses to protect themselves.
What I get most from the show is the lesson that no matter how good the technique a photographer possess, what's more important is his/her ability to cater for client's needs and cooperate well with other team members. I will bear this in mind and just like all the contestants: "WILL NEVER GIVE UP!"
Posted by
Kevin Chiu
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
I came across a lovely magazine -
little thing - in Kubrick months ago. It presents themed special feature to analyse interesting fashion topic and introduce famous or unknown fashion stylists and designers. It is published in China yet its vision is very global-wised. I absolutely love their styling and delicate fashion sense. What also makes me want to recommend it to you is their beautiful photos and wonderful themes which is unique in each issue. Although it is a magazine for young female, I find it very inspiring for someone like me who work in an industry which mainly caters for the female needs!
Posted by
Kevin Chiu
Saturday, September 12, 2009
I am happy to announce that we now have a small supply of wedding gowns and evening dresses from SO WEDDING for our pre-wedding clients. SO's dresses are all designed by local designer Suki. Their dresses are of luxurious and very unique style. Suki's signature is mixing rough fabrics to create elegant designs and often experiments with volume. Their dresses are so unusual that often make them stand out from the others. I love their design very much and coincidentally she is also looking for some modern and unique photography style to match her dresses. That's how we reach this chance of cooperation!
You may click on above link to find some more about SO WEDDING. We will continue to bring in more and more new dresses from them. Contact us for more details.
Posted by
Kevin Chiu
Thursday, September 10, 2009
After taking two sets of pre-wedding photos for Scotty, I can say we have already build up a mutual confidence in each other and an upspoken consensus. That's why when I invited her to take a set of styling shots she immediately say "Yes" and completely confide in me. Bohemia has always been my ideal life-style. Instead of adopting the usual colorful tone, I want to express rather a bleak and desolate feel with a theme tone in copper and bronze. After all my favourite autumn is coming! Hope you like these pre-fall styling snaps!
Date: Sep 6, 2009
Venue: Sam Ka Tsuen @ Lei Yu Mun
Model: Scotty
Make-up Artist: Ekko
Apart from digital photos, I have also brought my Rolleiflex T to take some 120 film shots using Kodak Ektar 100 and Fuji Fortia 100. I really love to take films as they have very detailed layering and natural color tone. Some of you may remember that in a previous post I have made recommendations on the Ektar negative film. The Fuji Fortia 100 slide is a first-class film for taking portraits but it is no longer available in Hong Kong. If you like the performance of this film, may be you can find it in Japan!
Taken with Fortia 120 slide - you can see the person standing out from the background profoundly.
Taken with Ektar 100 negative film - as I recommended before, the color tone is very natural and rich
Posted by
Kevin Chiu
Thursday, August 27, 2009
So excited I got my second professional membership yesterday. WPPI is internationally recognized and set up for catering the special interests and needs of the wedding and portraits photographers. Members can join their trade shows, seminars and print competitions. I am really looking forward to having more chances to share my experiences with top photographers from around the world!
Posted by
Kevin Chiu
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
I have just finished refurbishing my website! With improved classification of my works and a faster netvigation speed, I hope you have a more enjoyable experience visiting my site.
Also, check out the new photos in my gallery!
Posted by
Kevin Chiu
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
This is the second year I was invited to capture the happy moments of Maxim's birthday. He is a very cute and pretty 4 year-old Chinese-French mix. No doubt he was the focus on his big day. With lots of lovely kids and funny games and clown around, we did have lots of fun there. I personally love taking children portraiture because their angelic faces always express simple beauty and happiness which seem to have lost in our adult world. I hope you enjoy this colorful and sunny set of photos too!
Joyeux Anniversaire Maxim!
Posted by
Kevin Chiu
Monday, August 17, 2009
courtesy of SanVa Hotel MacauHere comes our most popular couple again! I believe that Scotty and Keli has been addicted to taking pre-wedding shots. This is good as we really love shooting their camera face. To give you some new feel we invited them to go Macau for the set. We have been to 6 places with 3 different stylings. I believe this is the farthest we can get for a one-day shooting. Despite the hot weather and the fatigue, we kept burning our excited mood. The outcome are really nice and we know that this set will become our new favourite!
The Couple: Scotty & Keli
Make-up Artist: Phoebe Lee
Date: August 15 2009
Venue: Macau
the making of....
the bridegroom shooting the bride...
Posted by
Kevin Chiu
This is our very first cooperation of our team. It was really a challenge as Keny and Rainer know exactly what they want and how they can get the best out of what they can get. Although the weather was gloomy, it did not affect a bit our zealous mood and passion for capturing the beautiful moments. This set was taken in the library and the roof-top function room of Island Shangri-la Hotel. It has been a hard job for the couple and our crew since there was no air-condition in one of the function rooms. We kept sweating yet we kept laughing. We love some of the shots so much and appreciate the way Keny and Rainer tried their best to fulfill our requirements. Thank you for confiding in us and making this a memorable experience!
The couple: Keny & Rainer
Make-up Artist: Phoebe Lee
Date: August 12 2009
Venue: Island Shangri-la Hotel
