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).

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!

Heiva i Bora Bora 2016

What a great time of the year to be in Bora Bora!  This will be my 3rd Heiva (as a spectator) and that seeing witnessing the Troupe singing and Dancing is something that I never get tired off!

This year, I was honored to have been asked to be photographing the events - It is a great pleasure to be capturing such moments! Of course the photos will never do justice to the atmosphere and live music playing nearly every night from mid June to mid July.

If you happen to be in Bora Bora during this time of the year, nearly every resorts are organizing special shuttles to Vaitape and I encourage everyone to attend one event if they can - You will not regret it!

Here are few photos taken over the past few nights.

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!

Good night from...

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

 Good night to all from:

Familly fun in Bora Bora for Karine, Thomas and Marius!

Last week was a great week, it is always so much fun to take family photos and here I go to spend an entire day with Karine, Thomas and Marius! during a Lagoon tour!

We met at Matira for a few sunset photos the first day and think I was lucky enough to distract Marius with a shell; enough to take a few static shots!  The the action was on!

The next day, we ended up joining a Lagoon Tour which was great!  Despite the weather not being so cooperative, we took the time to take photos on my Friend's Motu after lunch!

Where is your next family vacation?

Click read more to see more Photos.

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!

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!