Bora Bora - Aquatic Night Photography

Bora Bora is a dream / bucket list for many couples and families. It's natural beauty can be felt as soon as you land at its small airport facing Mt Otemanu. It is largely known for its Mountain, Mt Otemanu surrounded by its pristine lagoon with many shades of blues, it is simply breathtaking! Many visitors will opt to stay at one of the gorgeous resorts and many will choose to have a photo session during their stay.

For those visiting Bora Bora and wanting to discover a different type of photo-shoot. While most of these photo sessions revolve around capturing romantic images at the resorts, we wanted to offer something different; something romantic and creative to do in the evening. Our night photo sessions in the water will respond to your desire to try something different! Feel free to check https://www.boraboraphotovideo.com/bora-bora-photographer/creative-aquatic-photography

Weather and Temperature in Bora Bora

What should we wear during our photo session? 

My wonderful fiance on the left (wearing a T-Shirt) during a winter storm in Bora Bora - We often get asked about about seasons and temperature in Bora Bora.  We pretty much have two seasons, winter / summer and summer being considered the rainy season.  During the winter months, temperature can be in the lower 20's (celsius) - It is considered cold by many and proper winter gear comes into effect.  Second frequent question is "what should we wear"?  Wear comfortable clothing, light and loose, cotton works well and white is a nice neutral color - Chances are that you will be wearing beach wear even during OUR winter months.  

Source for weather temp average: https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,Bora-Bora,French-Polynesia

#borabora #tahiti #frenchpolynesia

Searching for the perfect Sunset light

Bonnie and I were in the quest to finding the perfect sunset light for a shot I particularly had in mind. Although heavy and low clouds got in the way, we were able to capture a few shots - Not the one I had in mind but there is always tomorrow!

What I find amazing with sunset photos, is how each photo can be interpreted.  While these are not "photoshopped" - They are indeed processed with certain deviations in tones essentially.

This is one aspect I love about sunset photography! From staying close to reality to dreamy photos!

Companie in Tupai

While I mostly publish photos of all the wonderful clients I cross paths with, I wanted to share with you a photos of a day at "work".

I am very fortunate to be flying to Tupai a few times a month which is a short 10-15 mins flight from Bora Bora (a must do experience). The Atoll of Tupai is simply breathtaking, romantic due to its obvious heart shape when viewed from the air.

Next to the pilot is my wonderful assistant enjoying the flight, Tupai is visible through the front window.

Asides from a few people working on the Atoll, it is pretty much deserted but this last time we had a few curious spectators. About ½ a dozen Wandering Tattler came in very close, one was observing us while perched on the rotor! They are actually quite large and impressive birds, indeed very curious as one of them came within inches of my lens. I am guessing he was drawn in, curious about the reflection?

I am not a bird watcher, feel free to correct me if I am wrong on the specie of the birds!

#borabora #tupai Thank you Tahiti-Helicopters for the ride!

Http://www.boraboraphotovideo.com

Fun Yoga shoot in the Jungle of Bora Bora!

While Bora Bora has one of the most amazing Lagoon in the world and a popular excursion for many visitors here, there are however some hidden gems in the forest!  Little know and visited is an area in Faanui known as the Valley of the Kings - It is said to have the largest Banyan tree in French Polynesia and rumor is that James Cameron was inspired by it for his movie "Avatar".

This place is also spiritual, quite breath taking and you can feel the energy surrounding you.

Here are a few photos of a fun Yoga Photoshoot.

Fun Yoga shoot in the Jungle of Bora Bora!

Bonnie, 我的很好助手 她能說 國語 廣東話 及英語

Firstly I'd like to thank all of you, my Facebook followers - past and perhaps future clients! Truth is, I never see you as a customer, but rather as a friend. I've always enjoyed meeting people and learning a bit about their history and background. It really is what I love more than anything about being a photographer.

Something happened yesterday that made me realize just how important it is to affirm your feelings and love for your significant other, love for life and love for nature but really many of us often don't express it!

As a photographer, it is always interesting how one image can be re-composed in different ways. This is especially true in the digital age but the question is, how far should your photographer go? The answer is not so simple!

I believe that expressions are foremost what makes photos memorable and that's why I always aim to capture them the best way I can. I then aim to re-compose the photo (also known as RAW development which we will talk about further later), to be representative of the day, time and conditions it was taken in – in simple terms - no Photoshop!

But thinking further and acknowledging that photography is a visual art, I have to wonder what if.. What if I decided to interpret one photo in a way that I see through my experienced eyes would represent the moment and place best? Some clients have actually asked me, can you make it this way, can you do this, can you give us a black and white etc. And yes, of course I can if you ask! I changed my banner today to a new photo. That image is less representative of reality or more artistic rather, than the fresh, true colour and clean style I normally choose to photograph. I did it this way, because this artistic style complimented and represented the moment better.

Bonnie, 我的很好助手 她能說 國語 廣東話 及英語

I also realized today that my Facebook page, although professional, was missing something. I feel I need to be more personal and start sharing more photos showing my own artistic interpretations.

Therefore, I will start a new photo gallery on Facebook and on my website as well that will be dedicated to photos that have been digitally enhanced. These photos might not reflect the real life colours and mood. but simply how I would see them! I will not use Photoshop to beautify a subject but indeed will post-process the RAW image based on my inspiration that day!

I hope you can enjoy some of these with me, stay tuned!

Happy Chinese New Year! Year of the Monkey

Bora Bora Photo and Video wishes a warm welcome to all of our visitors from China! They chose to come to Bora Bora to celebrate the year of the Monkey and I am sure they will love every minute of it!

波拉波拉照片和視頻, 熱烈歡迎我們所有來自中國的遊客！他們選擇來波拉波拉慶祝猴年，我相信他們一定會喜歡在此的每一分鐘

I am a dragon, I recently met a "Dog" and look forward to meet this very special "Dog" sometime in March; she already has been bringing me a smile on my face everyday! 

I know I have not been blogging much, if you are one of the few visiting this blog once in a while - I promise I will be more active in sharing my experience here in Bora Bora.  This blog will remain personal, un-related to commercial interest but will remain a way to express myself as a photographer here in Bora Bora.  

* Oh, and does it is not me in the photo but a pretty awesome couple who I enjoyed meeting - Not way I could jump that way!

Translation credits to Bonnie M!

A romantic evening for Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union in Bora Bora.

While I found a few of my photos of Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union on Instagram and re-posted them; they were kind enough to allow me to publish a few of the photos of them I had the pleasure to take.  

While most photoshoots and weddings take place during the day; being hired to follow them during a Romantic Tour starting at sunset and into the night was a fantastic opportunity to render a different style of photos!  

If you are staying at the St. Regis in Bora Bora, you can't help feeling the romance and I can promise you there nothing is more romantic than a private tour and dinner on a secluded Motu while you are in Bora Bora!

They are just a wondeful and nice couple! Should them come back to Bora Bora, I would love to have them visit some of the children here!

Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union in Bora Bora.

Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union in Bora Bora.

Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union in Bora Bora.

 See more photos

Good night from...

Just some fun photos tonight! View from the top of the hill just above my house

 Good night to all from:

Bora Bora by Night!

Not much to write about, just that being in the South Pacific can be magical.  I seldom shoot photos at night, it was a wonderful day at the Intercontinental Thalasso for a wedding photoshoot, a party of eight which is very unusual here but nonetheless so much enjoyable!

Finishing late, Pizza was appealing and finished with a late night drink at one of my favorite place; the Maikai Marina where I took this shot!

 Not having a tripod, I used the handrail to help me be study at a low speed to realize the shot.

Just a beautiful evening in Bora Bora!

Fun Photo Safari around Bora Bora

While most of my work is photographing weddings and couples on honeymoon while they are staying at one of the resorts here in Bora Bora.  This photo tour was different and also a lot of fun!  Heather and James had rented a house on the main Island and wanted some photos around Bora.

We met at their place, discussed a few ideas as well as what type of photos they would like to obtain and we then decided to drive around and stop when we thought there would be a good spot to take photos!

We left the condominium area and started our tour clockwise (there is only one road in Bora Bora), found a spot not far and snapped a few photos there.  Our next stop was near the base of the Four Season, we decided to hike and see two of the WWII Canons that are still on the hills of Bora.

16°29'25.50"S 151°42'55.48"W

WWII Canons - 16°29'25.50"S 151°42'55.48"W

The hike was not so difficult comparing to the other spots where the other canons are located; it took us about 20 mins and the view was well worth it!


Our next stop was Matira beach where we waited a bit to have the chance to take sunset photos.  Running in the water, jumping and a few romantic poses ended our tour for the day!

Heather had wanted to take some photos while wearing more formal/casual clothing; As I was supposed to take photos for the Bloody Mary's the next day, I asked them to meet me there towards the end of the afternoon and that I would take a few photos on the pontoon.

Feel free to take a peek at some of the photos, if you are ever interested in such a photo safari; do not hesitate to contact me!

It was really great to have met Heather and James!

 Read more to see a few more shots!

Opening night of the Heiva 2015 in Bora Bora - #borabora

Last night was the opening night of the Bora Bora Heiva 2015!  Short post just to share a few photos, despite a few rain showers, the Otea performed by Faanui was spectacular!  Many young dancers are in the troupe and they should be an inspiration for the new generations to come!

May French Polynesia never lose its culture!

Opening day of the Heiva 2015 in Bora Bora!

To me this is the most exciting time of the year in Bora Bora!  The Heiva is the most fantastic event to be seen through out French Polynesia!

Tonight is the opening night in Bora Bora and I will be there!  I will be posting photos on this blog through out the event!

If you are visiting during this period, you should come out of your resort and attend this fantastic authentic show; tonight will start with the presentation of the Himene with Tipoto and the Otea with Faanui.

Last year was especially special to me as my daughter was welcomed to dance with Nunue!

Here are a few photos from last year.

A taste of the Lagoon - A private tour with Pierrot (Keishi Tours)

A few weeks back, I received a call from Pierrot of Keishi Tours (keishi-tour.com) to ask me if I was available to join clients on a private tour to film them.

Having filmed groups many times, I was of course not going to say no to a private tour on the Lagoon to film!

The friendly String Rays

We met in the morning, got everything ready and headed for the Hilton (Bora Nui) to pick up our clients.  We docked at the resort and met Cathy and her husband Matty (their western names).  Both were from China and were so eager to discover and spend the day on the lagoon!  They were such a nice and easy going couple that I knew this was going to be a vacation day for me!

We first stopped at a popular area for a close encounter with the friendly Sting Rays while Black Tips sharks were circling around.  Seeing their excitement made my day!

Our next stop was the Garden of Coral where they enjoyed snorkeling amongst the many species of tropical fish in the area!

The conditions could not have been better that day and being on this tour in private allowed us to be pretty much alone the entire time!

Pierrot then took us to his private Motu and proceeded to light the BBQ and set up the table for our guests!

Lunch is served!  Tahitian style "poisson cru", salad, local lobsters, chicken, shrimp kebabs, steaks & potatoes and fresh fruits to finish and all this with a nicely chilled bottle of Champagne; I think Cathy and Matty did not eat for the 2 days!

During this time I proposed to Cathy & Matty to take a few photos.  I did not have my land cameras but getting the Nex5 out of the underwater housing did the trick.

The lunch was simply amazing and there could not have been a more romantic setting in the world!

Take a peek at trailer of the video here!