Ian DeFreitas: takin photography to
Brides and grooms are always looking for the best ways to capture their perfect day and all the moments within, even more so as technology advances. Filmmaker and photographer Ian DeFreitas is one of the persons who can give them that ideal experience. A video can capture things a photograph cannot, like emotions and action. Looking at a picture may bring happiness or sadness but it is not quite on par with the effects of watching love play out before one’s own eyes and that is what Ian tries to create. Born in Georgetown, Ian attended Stella Maris Primary and continued his education at Richard Ismael Secondary School. Though he had an eye for detail, he chose the technical stream and later completed a diploma in Electrical Engineering. “I had just finished GTI [Government Technical Institute] when a friend and I went to hang at a studio. The photographer and I were talking about computers and how well my knowledge was and I told him I know a thing or two. This led to me editing the photos for the guy during the August holiday. That is where the enthusiasm came from to be creative. I love the creative freedom, which is why I left my full-time job. I don’t think creativity should be surrounded by walls, stifled in an office,” Ian said. Sometime after this experience, Ian began working in graphics and video editing at the National Communications Network and after that as an editor at the Guyana Learning Channel. While working at the Learning Channel he decided to take up photography and began working parttime which he did for a year until two years ago when he decided to go full time into photography. Within a year, he managed to purchase even more equipment and opened Ian DeFreitas Productions. His love for shooting weddings stems from his love for the Guyanese culture especially the Indian culture which would often have celebrations for three to four days and sometimes more. “Everybody celebrates together. Nobody is bothered with race and politics but just about having and a celebrative time; they blend so nicely together. Of late, a number of my customers are from overseas. They like the idea that not only can they get their weddings at an affordable price, but the quality is exceptional. Coming back here to host their weddings brings them back to a familiar atmosphere where they can connect with family and friends. It has been my passion to capture emotions through videos and photos.” Weddings, Ian shared, can be hectic for the couple and most of the time they are worried about pulling off everything in the best way possible. As a videographer/photographer, Ian recognizes this and therefore he does his best to remain calm. To create a more relaxed atmosphere, he would sometimes make a few jokes to lighten up the couple because whether calm or stressed, it reflects in the photos. Ian has had his own run-ins with bridezillas, who are hysterical and on the verge of breaking down yet the eventful day has always pulled off well. He has never once had a client who was unsatisfied. Ian has admitted