Back On-line!

Finally I'm back. Having a long leave of absence from my blog, it feels really good to make a new post! So, what kept me away? Well, being a wedding photographer requires a lot of hard work and it was about time that I took the back seat and enjoyed everything about life and what it has to offer. I have been studying new concepts in wedding photography and album design so I'm really excited in my new products. Posting new photos right away! :D

On going exhibit and workshops.

The exhibit "Good Morning Vietnam" officially opened last monday with guests of honor: Vietnam Ambassador, Vu Xuan Truong, Navotas Vice Mayor, PJ Javier, Philippine Daily Inquirer's Sea Princess Tessa Prieto Valdez, Mitos Magsaysay and SM VP for marketing and communications, Millie Dizon.

Workshops have been ongoing and today I'll be giving my lecture on Travel Photography. We invite those who have not visited our exhibit yet to drop by at the 2nd level, SM The Block to take a peak of what we discovered in Vietnam. Hope to see you all there! :D

ICANSERVE

"Ating Dibdibin" a National Breast Cancer Screening Program was conducted last August 21, 2008 at the municipality of Marikina, MM. It is a campaign that offered free screening and awareness on Breast Cancer for women. Providing information, consultation and hope to its attendees. For more information on the organization, click here.

Travel Light Photo Exhibit and Workshop 2008

TRAVEL LIGHT WORKSHOP AND PHOTO EXHIBIT
September 8-13, 2008
SM THE BLOCK Quezon City
MASTERS WORKSHOP
Sept. 9, 2008 1 p.m.-6 p.m.
ANDY SAMANIEGO- Basic Photography Digital SLR
This workshop is designed for hobbyists, family photographers, and anyone who would like to learn the basics of digital photography. Topics include: background on photography; understanding how a compact or point-and-shoot camera works; how to use white balance and other features to maximize the camera; proper handling and storage of a camera; how to compose photographs for visual impact; knowing the different design elements; how to keep photographs for posterity sake.
Workshop will also include actual photo shoot and constructive photo evaluation.
Sept. 10, 2008 1 p.m. - 6p.m.
EDWIN TUYAY, CHITO VECINA & ERNIE SARMIENTO Digital Photojournalism: A real-world approach to visual storytelling with contemporary technology
The two-day digital photojournalism experience will require participants to immerse themselves in photo assignments, nurture their photographic instincts, and develop a digital workflow of shooting, editing and layout for the ultimate experience in visual storytelling. Plus invaluable tips on how to make it in the competitive world of magazine publication as a photographer.
A typical day at the workshop begins with participants surveying, studying and shooting photography assignments focusing on Metro Manila scenes and culture. Photographers then return to workshop headquarters to download images and participate in one-on-one edit and critique sessions with three professionally renowned photography instructors. Throughout the session students will have the experience of edit sessions with each instructors. Limited enrollment ensures each participant will have plenty of access to and personal instructions from the instructors.
On the final day, the camaraderie Travel Light is famous for kicks in when instructors host projection sessions and critiques highlighting the day’s work.

Sept. 11, 2008 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
ANDY SAMANIEGO and NELWIN UY Travel Photography
Travel workshop that focuses on digital photography of architecture and landscape; includes instruction in composition, lighting and photographic technique; lecture on shooting styles for prenup and wedding photography in travel destinations in the country and abroad.

Sept. 12, 2008 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
JUN AND ROBERT GARCIA Dynamic duo of Wedding Photography
MADGE LEJANO Importance of make-up artistry and styling to photography
Topics include: What makes a great wedding photographer; marketing to achieve results; how to conduct and complete a wedding photo shoot like a
pro; how to organize and develop a strategy for preparing and shooting a wedding; creative control and perceptive vision; understanding the quality of light and how to use it to your advantage; how to use portable flash with ambient light. post production work: digital workflow including Photoshop techniques and how to create stunning magazine style wedding albums; plus a special topic on how to enhance photos through the magic of makeup artistry by makeup artist Madge Lejano.

Sept. 13, 2008 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Day 2 Digital Photojournalism
EDWIN TUYAY,CHITO VECINA AND ERNIE SARMIENTO

Workshop Fee is Php 1,500.00. Please contact: Mr. Andy Samaniego for reservations at +63917-8986781. inquiry@andysamaniego.com

On Blogs and Weddings...

So, I haven't been blogging quite a while since I'm a busy busy bee nowadays! I suddenly missed it and took a break from work to post this. I've been doing wedding albums here and there I'm just at my peak were I'm totally enjoying it! I'm really excited with the designs I'm doing and experimenting, I am applying new techniques and its just overwhelming and so cool. :D Sorry, no preview this time of my album designs, perhaps drop by or just invite me for a cup of Starbucks so I could show you my new ideas. Hehehe... ;)

On my way to the Promised Land!

I'm packed and ready to go, I leave tomorrow for the Holy Land! I'm really excited not only because I'll have an opportunity to document the people and the places I'll be going to but primarily we will be having an in-depth bible study tour. Reading the history and events that transpired in the bible is so overwhelming and visiting the place is just as exciting! It will be a long trip, from Manila to Dubai, then Amman, Jordan then Israel. I'll try to post some images by the weekend. I just ask all my friends out there to pray for a meaningful and safe trip for our group. To God be all the glory! :D

The Star of David!

Flight schedules for 2008

I have several scheduled trips this year in different locations and in case some of you would like to schedule a prenup /portrait session I would definitely be glad to accommodate you. I'll be going to Vietnam this April 13-18, 2008, after that I'll be going to the Holy Land, Israel on May 7-21, 2008 as part of my equipping for my calling to serve the Lord Jesus Christ in the ministry, I don't think I'll be able to do a prenup session here but I would be glad to meet up and fellowship with other pinoys who would be there at that time! and perhaps take some souvenir photos :D. Then I'm off to Singapore on July for a workshop on the 22 and 23rd, I could probably stretch my stay there to about 7 days. Finally, I'll be going to Sydney this August, date is not yet confirmed, but for those interested please schedule an appointment with me soon so we could discuss the possibilities in arranging the dates.

Vietnam, April 13-18, 2008

Holy Land, May 7-21, 2008 (In time for the 60th anniversary statehood)

Singapore, July 21-24, 2008

Australia, August 2008

Free Hugs in Manila

Last February 23, we went out on the streets to give everyone a Free Hug! Together with Kim, Christopher and Dexter we were able to go to 4 different sites were we found lots of people that just needed a hug and did it brighten their day! We are caught up with anxiety and stress on a daily basis that a simple gesture of love recieved from a stranger could just change the way we see life. So, why don't we all go out and hug a stranger today! :D FREE HUGS!!!!!







Here is a photo of me giving freehugs that Kim took, I just wonder how she managed to take this shot with a 70-200mm in an arm's length! Hahaha!

Preparing for Free Hugs

Ok, you guys may be wondering what's going on here?? Well, were preparing for a free hug campaign which started immediately after we finished making the boards. Captured again with my Lomo. Great job Kim! :D



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Controlling light even better.

I recieved my new Nikon SU-800 Commander unit today and it got me really excited to test it out! It has been out of stock here in Manila and after checking in about 10 stores in Hong Kong my brother was able to purchase one for me. Finally, a faster way of adjusting the settings for the Advanced Lighting System which would require me to toggle with the D200's menu when using the pop-up flash in commander mode. (saves me a lot of time and batteries!)




What better way to try it out?? I asked my niece, Alyssa to model for me. Using two SB-800's and setting them to TTL mode with a little fine tuning to blend with the ambient light of our living room and in A Mode with the D200.




To really push it to the test (flash and my niece) I asked Alyssa to jump and by bouncing the two flash groups off the white walls I was able to achieve the awesome stopping power of the SB-800 units!

McNally's hands-On workshop

I just want to share some images I took during Joe McNally's workshop held yesterday in Corregidor. I really did not take much shots of the dancers since I was more interested and focused on listening to his lecture and hands-on techniques.

Joe shows us how he handles his' cam.

Lighting and positioning of subject.



Here is my own composition and lighting. :D

I finally meet McNally!

No other photographer has ever inspired and influenced me as much as Joe McNally. Things get better when I get to shake the hand of the master photographer himself! This so far is the best souvenir photo I'd ever had! Can't wait to attend his workshop conducted by Photoworld Manila. Kudos to Mr. McNally! :D

www.joemcnally.com

Not too late for 2008!

Okay, so after the numerous meetings with clients, hanging out with friends and family at Starbucks Coffee I was able to earn my Starbucks 2008 Planner. I know January is almost over, but hey! Who cares??? We still got 11 months left on the calendar, and guess what?! I thought that I'll hand over this wonderful item to one of you out there! :D

So how do we do it??

You may view my blog and tell me what you think about some of the photos or better yet, indicate which photo left an impression with you? Tell me why. Just leave a comment and I will judge and award the winner! Oh, and if you are a previous or present client of mine and you happen to be selected I'll throw in an additional Php 500.00 gift certificate from Starbucks!

Sounds like fun! Don't you think?! :D

A new old toy...

I recently purchased a Nikon F5 for my "hybrid" wedding album package. I just love the excitement and discipline film photography gives, not to mention the high quality images it produces. The F5 was the last film SLR by Nikon before the introduction of the D1 series (digital SLR). Almost two years ago Nikon released the F6 - a fantastic camera!. Hopefully I'll get another F100 soon (for the second time).

January 23, 2008

Today is BLOG day! Finally,after 44 days I broke my silence and I'm back to posting here in my blog. I had a blast last wedding season and it was just the best I've had ever since I started my career in wedding photography. I'd like to take this time to say a thanksgiving prayer to God almighty, who with his grace and love blessed me this past months with strength, creativeness, patience and new friends! Join me as I pray...

Heavenly Father, creator of heaven and earth, I come before you to give you thanks and praise for the numerous blessings I have received from you. I thank you for the trust you have given me thru my clients, for sustaining me and delivering me from any harm or misfortunes and especially for giving me the inspiration to glorify you thru my work. Indeed you are a great God and you have always been faithful to your children.

Father I just ask that you may continue to bless us thru your word and Holy spirit. I also pray for my clients, as they enter a new stage in their lives and may you just shine upon them with your grace and guide them, fill them with wisdom, understanding and discernment, fill their hearts with love and joy that they may be faithful servants of your kingdom Father and be witnesses of your great love. This we ask in the mighty name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Now, I'm really excited to post some pics I took last season! :D Hope you will love 'em!

Images from Ryan's Master Class

I'm still overwhelmed with the workshop we had last week with Ryan Schembri, and the models from Brazil were just great! There were a lot of delegates and it really was difficult to capture a good shot! Check this out...







Aahhh!!! Finally, a warm moment after a long week of learning... :D

WPPP Photo Congress 2007

After 2 days of attending the WPPP Photo Congress 2007, on going currently at SM Megamall, indeed I could say I have learned so much from the seminars conducted by the masters of wedding photography in the country such as: Lito Genilo, Dino Lara, Richel Mascarinas and Lito Sy. Much more awaits as Australian master photographer and international award winners Martin and Ryan Schembri conducts the master class this thursday at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club. Last night Ryan Schembri (son of Martin) gave his lecture on Photoshop entitled: Schembri's Freakin' Photoshop.

A lot of learning and lots of fun in fellowship with other photographers and suppliers. This is a "must attend event" in Philippine photography. I just had to pose with father and son tandem, Martin and Ryan Schembri. (Photo courtesy of Richel Mascarinas)


I've said it many many times, "I rarely have my photo taken". But the Photo below is really special to me (though I look serious again!). Not only was it a test shot using Sony's latest Alpha 700 DSLR (which is such an amazing camera) but the man behind the lens was no other than the master himself, Martin Schembri!!! (Thanks Martin;D)


I just had to post it here! More coming up, I'll be posting shots from the Schembri's master class lecture soon!

-To be continued...-

Out in the newspapers: New Nikon Ad

The New Nikon Ad is out in the newspapers, the few but proud users especially in the local wedding industry! I'm a proud endorser of this wonderful brand!

Illuminated Elegance

This is my latest write up from Hot Occasions just featured recently. Click here to view the article page. Other previous write ups were at Manila Bulletin's Picture Perfect section last August 2007. Here is the cover: