Vincent Lai - Photographer Profile #1

On your wedding day there are many professionals all trying to do their job to the best of their ability. It isn't always easy trying to co-ordinate everything but at Encore Media we pride ourselves on our ability to establish strong continuing relationships with our industry peers, particularly photographers.

We have been very fortunate to be able to work with some of the best photographers in the industry and have decided that we will introduce some of them on our blog. I would love to hear your feedback on this idea.

For those that visit our blog regularly you will already know of our first "interviewee". I hope you enjoy this little insight.

Photographer Profile #1:

Vincent Lai - www.vincentlai.com.au

Today we will be introducing the work of Vincent Lai Photography. I have known Vincent for a number of years and he is not only one of the most decent guys I know but his work is also of the highest quality.

Q1: Tell us about yourself.

Microbiologist in my previous career, worked at Sydney University for over 10 year. My girlfriend (wife now) bought me my first slr and after capturing a few rolls of film the passion started :) I love to spend more time with my family.

Q2: What are your most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?

Able to document all the special couples on their wedding day. Being my own boss and loving full time photography.

Q3: When and why did you begin wedding photography?

That was 10 years ago, I started with film and now I am fully digital. No particular reason, it was a natural progression after finding that it was fun capturing friends weddings.

Q4: What inspires you when you shoot weddings and why?

Hmmm...I don't know really..I just get a buzz every time i pick up my camera. Maybe is the found moments I see through the lens.

Q5: Who or what influenced your photography over the years?

I love looking at other photographers images..that gives me inspiration. One of my favorite site for inspiration is the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA) @ www.wpja.com

Q6: What do you consider the most challenging aspect of shooting weddings?

Delivering consistent results at every wedding.

Q7: What is your greatest strength as a photographer?

Capturing moments as it happens.

Q8: Tell us your latest news?

Not much happening in my life...too busy with post processing and album designs. 2009 is is a very busy year. It was great receiving Gold and Silver awards at the recent Canon AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards (APPA).

Q9: Can you share some of your favourite photos and explain why you like each one?

I don't have any favorite ones...but here are some recent wedding photojournalism images that I like

01. love the enthusiastic guest laying on the ground trying to capture the brides garter

02. the facial expression on the brides face is classic - "Pain"

03. all the attention was on the "Mother of the Bride"

04. real reaction after the ceremony as husband and wife

Q10: Where do you see yourself in five years?

5 year...still documenting weddings. Enjoying life and some travelling.

Q11: When you wish to end your career, stop photography and look back on your life, what thoughts would you like to have?

That is a long time away...haven't really thought about it. The one thing I enjoy is the look on my clients faces when they see there images the first time.

Q12: How can couples get in contact with you and see more of your work?

Check out my website @ www.vincentlai.com.au and especially my BLOG @ www.vlblog.net. It is a running journal of my work, and I put photos up there from every wedding I photograph, you can really get a sense of my documentary style.

And lastly, just to show that we are still a video blog afterall, here is a clip from a wedding that Vincent and I shot together.

Nicola & Nimish - Indian Wedding By Encore Media

View in HD

 

Sandy & Fiat - 10th May

I often get asked by couples what can they do to make the video better. My answer is always the same....just enjoy yourself. If you smile and have a good time it is so much easier to shoot good video.

Sandy and Fiat are a great example of this. An awesome couple who really knew how to enjoy and make the most of their day.

They didn't stop smiling all day and the end result is some great footage.

Sandy & Fiat were one of many great referrals we have received from Vincent Lai. Vincent is one of the nicest and most talented photographers in Sydney and it is great working with him on a regular basis. Check out his photos of Sandy & Fiat on his blog.

The rings were brought down the aisle in a small remote control car. Also check out the cool Fiat wedding car supplied by Toy Car Weddings Ph: 0403 030 801.

For something different we asked Sandy and Fiat to a few simple questions to learn more about them and their wedding day.

Biggest planning surprise:
The ring bearer and the Fiat (our wedding car).

Favorite wedding planning resource:
Wedding Central Website and Complete Wedding Magazine

I wish I'd spent more time:
Eating at the reception!!!

I wish I'd spent less time:
None.

I am glad I/we did:
Have professional staff.

I am glad we didn't:
None.

Favorite wedding moment:
When I saw my husband cry as I was walking into the church.

Detail that was worth it:
Every moment.

Detail that was a waste:
None.

Best wedding splurge:
Photos and Video Footage.

Best wedding steal:
Bought my wedding dress at 75% off.

(Blatant Plug) What was your favorite part about working with Encore:
Meeting and dealing with a very professional and most reliable person.

Love your work always.

Best regards
Sandy and Fiat

Sandy & Fiat By Encore Media
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Macedonian Wedding

We don't do alot of Macedonian weddings but when we do they are alot of work...err...I mean fun! They are long days full of dance, drinking, music, drinking, singing and some more drinking, not necessarily in that order.

Mishell and John were fantastic to work with. Very laid back and allowed us to work our way. We certainly slept well at the end of the night.

I love the colours of Daltone House during the reception. It looks fantastic on video. The photographer was Simon from Deyan Photography.

Mishell & John - Wedding Recap By Encore Media
View in HD  

Kudos

We have had some great couples to work with over the last summer. Below is just a sample of thank-yous and feedback we have received.

"Thank you so very much for our wedding DVD's. They brought me to tears, they were that beautiful. You are very talented and did a fabulous job. Something we will cherish forever!" - Stacey & Trent

"Thank you so much for filming our wedding day. Your amazing videography captured every moment of our special day and we can now watch our memories over and over again! You are truly talented! Thank you again." - Amy & Ray

"The highlights is very very very cool!!!!!! You have done an amazing job. THANK YOU!" - Jessica & Nicholas

"Thank you for the vide We received it on Friday and have enjoyed watching it very much. We loved your style and it's truly an amazing work" - Elisabeth & Suwandi

"Thank you, thank you for a wonderful, touching, romantic wedding video - I can't tell you how pleased I am that we went with your company. It really has the look and feel that we wanted for the day and is perfect as a wedding keepsake." - Fiona & Glenn

Family Shoot

This is something I had wanted to do for ages. If you have kids you will understand when I say they seem to grow up too fast. So with the help of some good friends, Dave from DnM Video and Kate from Uber Photography, my family and I set off last week for a quick photo/video shoot.

The video has been put together and gives us a great memory of our family. It is definetly something I intend to do at least every year. The final video will also incorporate some of the photos when they are ready but for now here is some of the footage shot by Dave and edited by Encore Media.

Family Shoot By Encore Media
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Elisabeth & Suwandi

Elisabeth and Suwandi were married in November last year. They are a fantastic couple. Elisabeth is an has represented Australia in Latin Dancing and Suwandi is a very succesful IT guy.

They were very easy to work with and come from two very close and caring families. Siblings, Aunts, Uncles came from all over Australia and Asia to help celebrate the occasion.

With two tea ceremonies, a church ceremony, photo shoot and reception at Manly Golf Club it was certainly a long day.

Here is the video we put together to capture the essence of the day.

Elisabeth & Suwandi - Recap By Encore Media
View in HD  Download 720p HD Version

Photography on the day was by Gordon Jovic. You can view some of the photos on Gordon's blog (half way down the page).

Michelle & Kevin - Sydney Harbour Wedding

This wedding was one of my favourites of all time. I hadn't met Michelle or Kevin until the wedding day. Usually I like to meet at least once just to have a chat, get to know each other so that we are not complete strangers on the day.

However, this wasn't necessary with Michelle and Kevin. They are one of the most relaxed, easy-going and friendliest couples I've met. To top it off they were married at the beautiful Lindsay House in Vauclause followed by the reception on Fort Denison in the middle of Sydney Harbour. Needless to say, it was an amazing day. Not to mention perhaps the hottest day I have experienced at a wedding.

The photographers were Kate & Chris from Uber Photography...they even make a couple of appearances in the video. See if you can pick them out.

Michelle & Kevin By Encore Media
View in HD  Download 720p HD Version