Normally candi shots like this need no explanations but I thought I would just write a little about this one. It may not seem special to others but it means something to me, because having been to Mt Eden for countless times today I finally made my way down to the crater. So the photos were actually shot from a much lower view point.

在音樂與攝影融合的世界，我找到了一片完美的天地

Filed under: Beauty & Fashion, Portrait ]]> http://creationheart.com/2012/02/05/portrait-amy-feng/feed/ 0 eyeport http://creationheart.com/2012/02/04/south-island-pre-wedding-freddy-and-priscilias-love-journey-part-i/ http://creationheart.com/2012/02/04/south-island-pre-wedding-freddy-and-priscilias-love-journey-part-i/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:25:39 +0000 FELIX WU http://creationheart.com/?p=1173 ]]> If 2011 was busy, 2012 is doomed to be a busier year. On the first day of 2012, few hours after the New Year Countdown, I had to dash to the airport for a pre-wedding photoshoot in South Island. And the next thing I realised, I found myself landed in the beautiful Queenstown.What a good way to kick off the New Year!

The photoshoot didn’t start until later in the afternoon so I had some quality time to enjoy my brunch, relax and to scout around for new photoshoot locations. The beautiful golden fields got me lost in this beautiful season. If it wasn’t the blazing sunlight at noon I would have forgotten we were in Summer. The colour was beautifully gold. And just like in autumn, it’s windy, very windy and a little bit cold.

It was Freddy and Prescilia’s first time visiting New Zealand. With their family they drove a campervan all the way down from Auckland to Queenstown, where we first met. Prior to the trip I’ve been communicating with Prescilia via email and on facebook so they got to Queenstown with everything well prepared – dresses, gowns, makeup kits, accessories, magazine photos and so on. I was so impressed!

We say a journey broadens our horizon, so what more could a Love Journey bring to us? In this journey we will be exploring Franklin, Queenstown, Arrortown, Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo together and of course the photographs taken and the stories told during the trip…Please stay tuned!

Shooting bridal portrait in strong wind can be extremely challenging as any kind of hair style cannot escape the fate of getting messed up. However if you are able to hold your hair as much as possible and attach a veil to it, you will see magical results!

Pris looked so gorgeous in this one.

and this one!

Freddy’s just proven he could do the same.

TO BE CONTINUED…

It’s been almost ten years since I’ve come to New Zealand; it’s been four years since I last visited my family back home; and I’ve already lost count of when was the last time I actually spent Chinese New Year with my family. A long time ago by memory. I’ve spent the most important ten years of my life in a foreign land which I now can call my second home. And it is on the festival occasions when one misses his dear most…especially on this day. I remember the happy days we had when we were kids, when families would gather for Reunion Dinner on Chinese New Year’s Eve, when firecrackers and fireworks were still allowed to be play at every cornor of the stairwell and courtyards, when cousins and I would plan fun games in grandparents’ house while our parents were watching the CCTV Spring Festival Gala Evening. Good times, memorable times! I still remember how we thought the programs were only entertainments for our parents and never meant for children, so I’ve never finished watching the whole show for once in my life…until today. Perhaps the more grown up we’ve become, the more we respect our traditions. And the everyday things we took for granted became treasures that we are afraid of losing, when everything formed part of the history became a history.

Traditions are only traditions when people are willing to put in effort to keep them. Although it may not be quite a tradition to have a wedding on Christmas Day, having your house decorated with Double Hapiness stickers, the bride dressed up in Qi-Pao,  exchanging red envelopes and hosting a tea ceremony as a sign of showing gradefulness and respect to the elderlys would definitely imply bringing good fortune to the couple and their family. And on this festive day, keeping tradition would mean having your household filled with the element of RED! I experienced just that at Gordon and Pooileng’s Chinese Wedding. Traditions. The joy of celebrating for the marriage of a couple, their families and our own traditions!

One of the most interesting part of a Chinese weding is Picking up the Bride. The groom’s true love for the bride needs to be testified before many difficult challenges.

In many cases, the bride is in a waiting position inside her house…

And waiting comfortably. LOL

Here comes the Groom!

The groom is fully charged, ready for what’s to come.

And Gordon made sure he did not come alone. Every successful groom is accompanied by many warriors who put themselves forward to fight.

Because chinese wedding never goes easy on the boys.

Look at how well-planned the girls are…they are the ones who sets the challenges!

The groom needs to be very careful with his answers when facing challenges, because for every mistep, there would follow consequences! Various kind of conequences! They involve the ones you can imagine, and the ones you can’t.

So in order the pass through the gate, the boys would need to wise up and strategise their moves.

Every stage you pass, the Groom is one step closer to seeing the Bride.

The brave knight who stays put will eventually see the light of dawn! And pass the gift of love to the hands of the bride.

Bride’s mum was filled with happiness.

Congratulations Gordon and Pooileng, you guys are stars! And I can’t wait till your Western style wedding. : )

I’ve got to know Ziling from SHOWTIME, an online platform where models, photographers and makeup artists collaboratively work together to achieve certain photoshoot projects (See our previous projects by clicking the links below). She’s fun, smart and willing to sacrifice anything for a good photos. So when I was asked to shoot her and her fiance’s pre-wedding photos I knew this was going to be interesting. And since we’ve set the location on Alberton House and Muriwai Beach, there’s no reason why wouldn’t it be…

SHOWTIME MODEL [ MAY ISSUE ] ::: ZILING

True Elegance. 「BLUE」

The history of Alberton house can be traced back to as early as 1863. It was latter expanded to 18 different rooms, each decorated with matching Victorian style of furniture and ornaments without compromise. For couple who are interested in some places special to get married or have a photoshoot, you may want to check out this beautiful venue. : )

People are usually not settled for just one location, so we headed to my favourite west coast. BEST BEACHES there!

It’s a tradition for many of us to celebrate our New Year by going into the city for New Year’s countdown as well as watching the midnight firework. And for me, it became my tradition to write something to conclude my past year when transitioning into the New Year. Unfortunately this year I was not able to finish this post in time due to my busy schedule, but it definitely feels wrong not to write about it at all. It’s better late than never. Right? Right.

Friends who know me well would know that I go to movies often, pretty much a wide range of films. And in one of my most recently watched movies, The New Year’s Eve, a speech made by Hilary Swank (acting Claire Morgan) in the middle of the film really is what enlightened the soul of this all-star celebration movie and made it different. I googled it and here’s the original quote I found:

“It’s suspended there to remind us before we pop the champagne and celebrate the new year, to stop and reflect on the year that has gone by. To  remember both our triumphs and  our missteps, our promises made and broken. The times we opened ourselves up to great adventures or closed ourselves down for fear of getting hurt coz that is what new years is all about- getting another chance. A chance to forgive, to do better, to do more, to give more, to love more. And stop worrying about what if and start embracing what would be. So when that ball drops at midnight and it will drop, let’s remember to be nice to each other, kind to each other. And not just tonight but all year long.”

It’s true. In the process of pursuing our dreams and success we must not rush into actions. Instead we must take time to pause, reflect and set goals, having the confidence the next year is going to be great. This is one of the main reasons I keep a blog going instead of employing a fancy-designed website. This way I get to keep track of my photography, the things I do, the people I met and basically…my life. And of course my life is way more complicated than what’s on this blog, but when I do go back and read through my past entries, I do get encouraged of how far a path I have come. Ultimately, I feel glad.

The Last Image of 2011

This is one of the last images I took in 2011, taken at Cornwall Park on 30th December. It perhaps well describes what my past year was like – a not so straight path with lot’s of rain, but well protected and full of companies. The end of the road was not easily seen but the scenery along the way was beautiful. That’s 2011 – New job, new friends, hurts and wounds, every growing business with new allies and new opportunities.

This year again I was pleased to be back into the city again to watch the New Year firework. Although the skytower was not clearly seen due to cloudy weather, the celebration spirit was nothing less.

While some would like to keep their heads or bottles up to celebrate, some decided to take the competition right through to the new year. ; )

No matter where you are and how you would like to celebrate your New Year, it’s always important to know you are not celebrating it alone.

As for 2012, what will this year be like? Will I be able to reinforce my advantages and further develop my strengths? Will I be able to learn from mistakes I made in the past and be wiser and be a better person? I am excited to find out! But what I know is, we are off to a great start. This year is going to be different. Because I know it deep in my heart.

I wish you a meaningful 2012. Keep your passion up and follow your dreams!

It seems like the unwanted rain had invited herself to the ceremony that day. When the bridal and her wedding car arrived at Soljans, just a few minutes before the ceremony start, raindrops started to fall from the sky. Sensing the need for a backup venue, the venue organiser were about to initiate Plan “B” – moving the ceremony indoor. “Can we wait till the rain clears?”, asked the bride. With a degree of confidence in her voice she still seemed to believe the situation will soon change despite the current weather outside.

Sometimes life puts us on a test only to help us find wisdom, strength and confidence to over come it. Other times, we need to realise our limitations and leave things to God, trusting that He is in control. Somewhat within less than five minutes, the weather cleared and the bright sunlight was shining on the beautiful garden of Soljans. Wines were waving in the wind as if they were saying, ”It’s time. Let’s start!”

At the wedding, “the Celebration of Love”, we revisited the testament of faith. While to others it’s a reminder, for some of us it’s reassurance. Absolute reaassruance. Congratulations Kevin and R-Dee. I am so proud of you two. And I hope the Slick will look slick like never before and the Charm will stay charming forever. : )

I took so many photos on a wedding day and it really hurts not being able to post all of them. But here are some of the photos I loved and picked and I hope you enjoy viewing them.

Every wedding is unique, so is this one started off at Braemar. There are heaps of fine details to photograph and I adore places like this.

The bride’s mum was around for the whole bridal preparation sessione, watching her daughter getting make-up and hair done. What could be on the mum’s mind? I guess it must be a complex feeling. But the smile on the mum’s face told us at least that. She’s proud of how beautiful her daughter looked that day.

A few more portrait before the bride heading for the ceremony. GORGEROUS!

Here comes the most anticipated moment: father holding the daughter’s hand in the clear sunshine, slowing marching towards the red carpet. Everybody’s attention was drawn by her. Imposing, elegant, imposingly elegant.

Pastor, celebrant, groom’s father…Uncle Albert plays his triple role pretty well that day.

I have no idea why they smile at the camera like this. Good job boys with the teeth and identical poses.

I have photos to prove how great the weather turned out to be during the ceremony.

It’s NOT the kiss, it’s the moment before…and right after.

If I had to pick one photo to define the wedding day I would choose a wedding recessional shot like this every time. Abundance of happiness and the overflowing of joy and love completely revealed on the couple’s faces. Nothing can cover that.

A simply WOW…

17 December 2011. One big great day to remember!

If a photograph is to catch a moment and a blog is to share stories, then I am proud to say that I am doing both. Although often enough I feel I needed more energy and time to do them, some events are far too important to let pass unrecorded; and some memories are far to precious to leave behind forgotten.

For the past few weeks, this is the Auckland engagement post that I have been dying to blog about: the stories took place between two wonderful friends I know.

I’ve known Kevin since the start of the Second Semester of my first year in University, which was…2004. It feels like a long time by now. In church, people often call a good christian a man(or woman) of God, a man of integrity, accountability and faith and so on. For Kevin…he not embraces it all, he’s also a man of real interesting characters. Whether you have been friends with him for a long time or only just met him for one day, you will be able to gather what I am trying to say here. For the fact that he was trying to make reference to the parables of the master seed while we were photoshooting under the big tree, you would know he’s special. HILARIOUS! And he has always been so.

R-Dee is special too. Whenever I think of R-Dee the image of her doesn’t pop up without her gigglings and laughters in a clear audio form. She’s the creative brain of the PR & Promotion team in church that I’ve always found joy to work with. Being R-Dee, she’s extremely proactive, driven and fast, making my jobs butter smooth not matter how fat they were. Say if she’s starting something up tomorrow then you’d better watch out, because whether it’s singing, dancing or brainstorming, she just has the talent for them all. At the end of the day, I am still absolutely grateful that when it comes to photography, I still have my say in this regard.

Enough the overheated introductions. This post is not about how I met them, but a few sets of their photos represnting a series of events took place between them, taking them from where they were to how far they have come.

Starbucks, Symonds Street, Early 2009

The slightly faded memory brought us back to her first year in university (2006): It looks like a freshman was looking for a fresh start. Wondering around the quad, set to look for a Christian club and a church, she saw many club stalls, but one in particular, stood out from the rest – the dynamic, friendly and rightfully the best Christian club at the time - ”CCM”. That’s also because all helpers at the CCM stall are well-organised and professionally trained, and we always made the best effort to talk to people with curious looks. As we all say, the first impression is important. The start of a chapter all began with him at the stall approaching her with a detailed intorduction, friendly eye contact and a ready smile…

Several years later, she was already the one standing in that same stall as the club president and he became the club adviser, They were working and serving God together as a good team. On a hot summer weekday in 2009, the bond between them grew stronger at that very one-on-one meeting at Starbucks on Symonds Street, without any meeting agendas, notes or plannings…It’s just to get to know each other BETTER. Starbucks coffee had never tasted so good before.

Parnell, November 2009

In a cosy sunday afternoon, on a street filled with boutique shops, resturants, bars and cafes, even the air feels a little vintage. At this beautiful place of Parnell, they had their first talk over the possibility of courtship. It was their first time bringing such matter on the table, together with something else – a chart. Yes, a flowchart from R-Dee with bulletpoints outlining expectations and how things are supposed to “flow”. When a project manager gets involved, you’d know you are up to a some kind of project.

Cornwall Park, Mid-2010

That first talk at Parnell has kindled countless prayers and meaningful conversations. Much effort was made to ensure they both share the same values and goals, he passed her a book to read before her going away for her overseas holiday. That’s the exact same book we’ve used as props during the engagement session. Trust and honesty could only bring two already-opened hearts even closer. With the right foundation, relationship was able to grow deep and strong, just like a big tree rooted deeply into the ground. Around two months into their courtship, they enjoyed their first picnic at Cornwall Park…

Devonport, March 2011

A guy kneeling in front of a girl, with a diamond ring in this hands, and with eyes looking right into her eyes, also with quivering lips and pronouncing some touching words…Perhaps one could probably imagine such familiar scene from a TV show or from the movies; perhaps a proposal already wasn’t the most difficult thing to prepare for, but before a relationship could even reach this far everything had to be in line with God’s timing. Eleven months into their courtship, in front of the stunning Auckland City view from the Devonport marina, marked another beautiful chapter of their lives.

17 December, 2011

They day we’ve all been waiting for… : )

…TO BE CONTINUED