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!

Deux Québécois, Nathalie et Sylvain se marient religieusement à Vaitape

A couple from Quebec recently got married at the Paroisse Saint Pierre-Célestin of Vaitape in Bora Bora.  It was an honor and privilege for me as a photographer to be the witness and capture memories for them!  While a photograph many traditional Tahitian ceremonies as well as legal marriages at Town Hall, the prospect of this Christian ceremony is really something I was inspired in doing.  The local newspaper "La Depeche" actually covered the story as it was an atypical story of their travel adventure with their 11 months old daughter which including cycling & camping through Australia!

It was most touching to see the welcome they received from the local community!

Here are a few photos as well as the article (in French).

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!

Amazing experience with the Humpback Whales

Thanks to Tohora Borabora we had an amazing experience this week swimming with the Humpback whales!

It was such a beautiful moment to witness this young one with his mother. It was a privilege and a humbling experience that she allowed us so close and decided to stay in one spot for the pleasure of our eyes!

There seems to be many whales this season and I would highly recommend to anyone in Bora Bora to join an excursion to go visit them!

Humpback Whales in Bora Bora

Humpback Whales in Bora Bora

The WWII Canons in Bora Bora

This is a quick post to complement the article here http://www.bora-bora-insider.com/bora-bora/history/locating-bora-boras-canons.html and provide more details about the location and path to get to the Canons.

Shows the location of 3 out of the 4 spots where the Canons are.

 Below is the path to the Canons located near Farepiti - There are Banana trees on the left side of the path entrance, it looks like a private road and probably is but you should have no issues hiking to the top!  People are friendly, engage in conversations asking for directions and they will help you.  Walking slow, it should take you about 30 mins to get to the Canons - Keep following the path until you see them!  Be aware of the 4X4 vehicle using the path and make sure to bring water!

 Details of the path entrance

 Below is the location of the Canons of Point Fitiiu (Haamaire or Tuaihora) in the district of Anau.  The trail is private, if closed with a chain then you should probably not go but can always ask to the people living next to the path.  They normally charge 1000 XPF to access the trail but it is well worth it  - They also maintain the trail and keep the area clean!

 Below is the location and trail entrance for the Canon (only one) facing the Pearl Beach resort.

Again, if you intend to hike and see the canons, please refer to the excellent article here http://www.bora-bora-insider.com/bora-bora/history/locating-bora-boras-canons.html 

Click read more to see a few more photos and enjoy!

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!

Ia Orana from Bora Bora and congratulation to Linda & Jason!

 Back in February I had the privilege to be hired for one of the most wonderful photo-shoot a photographer could be part of!

Linda and Jason came to Bora Bora, we met at "Le Meridien" and I quickly saw the love in their eyes and the joy they carried - More than that, Linda was expecting and while it is rare here to be photographing excepting mothers; it was such a wonderful and fun experience!



They both were very natural, candid in posing and above all, soon to be proud parents!  Jeremy actually got to feel the positive energy of Bora Bora and a feel for the Lagoon before being born!

It is with great Joy that I received an email from them informing me of the birth of their Son Jeremy and so happy
to see a few photos!

Congratulation to both of you and the next time you are in Bora Bora, we will need to make room on the photos for the little guy!

Heiva Bora Bora coming up soon!

This year will be the 3rd time I able to see and experience the Heiva in Bora Bora!  This is truly one of kind event, the "Baraques" are being built, at night we can hear the sound of the drums and the troupes are repeating and getting ready!

Last year was even more special as my daughter had the opportunity and privilege to Dance with Nunue!  It was fantastic and I will miss seeing her dancing this year!

If you happen to be visiting Bora Bora during the Heiva Season, you should really try to attempt seeing it live in Vaitape!

Bora Bora a fun place for kids!

 While it is not frequent for me to photograph children here in Bora Bora; it is truly something I enjoyed!  It was a great pleasure to have met Jean-Philippe & Karine and their two beautiful daughters!

While getting children to pose is not always easy, I had great fun taking spontaneous action shots which is what I like doing. [See Photojournalism ]

I am really looking forward to doing this again! so if you happen to be in Bora Bora and would like to have photos of you children in this magnificent landscape; feel free to contact me!

Thank you again to this wonderful family!  It was a pleasure spending time with all 4 of you!

A romantic escapade to Tupai

The Atoll of Tupai in the background

This past week at the pleasure of meeting Makoto & Yuka; a young couple from Japan full of life and love enjoying their honeymoon in Bora Bora.  Not only I had the pleasure meeting them but they had hired me to take photos of them while flying to Tupai.

Tūpai, also called Motu Iti, is a low-lying atoll in Society Islands, French Polynesia. It lies 19 km to the north of Bora Bora and belongs to the Leeward Islands (Iles sous le Vent). This small atoll is only 11 km² in area. Its broad coral reef encloses a shallow sandy lagoon. There are almost continuous long woodedmotus on Tūpai's reef. Tupai has no permanent residents apart from some workers in the coconut plantations. There is a private airfield on Tūpai. It was inaugurated in 2001 and its use is restricted.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C5%ABpai

This is something I get to do once in a while and each time I am blown away by the natural beauty of Bora Bora and Tupai!  Seeing it from the Sky gives you such an amazing perspective of the Deep Blue South Pacific and the contrast of the different Turquoise shades of the Lagoon!

It was their first time flying in a Helicopter and I am sure that this trip will make for life long memories!  The plan was to Fly to Tupai from Bora Bora, about a 10-15 mins flight and try to capture the Heart Shape Atoll of Tupai through the window.  Once there, we had about 30 mins on the beach where they enjoyed a champagne toast and had fun taking photos! 

 The flight back was equally amazing with a stunning view of the Lagoon of Bora Bora and Mt Otemanu!