Going Beyond
Two experienced wedding photographers share their insights on what you need to know about the whole destination wedding shebang before you leave on a jet plane to exchange your vows abroad
Insights on destination wedding photography from two experienced photographers
Exotic locations and breathtaking scenery spice up the milestone occasion that is an engagement or marriage and add to the sentiment value of the special moment. For many couples, having a prewedding photo shoot in a foreign land or organising an overseas wedding has in fact become a norm. There are many destination wedding photography packages on offer but if you are looking for something truly wonderful that will last you a lifetime, hiring a photographer with destination wedding know-how will prove invaluable. We talk to two photographers with a wealth of experience in documenting your special day away from Malaysian shores.
Zung of The Photoz has led his team to more than 1,000 wedding photo shoots to date. He has travelled far and wide, six continents to be exact, in his countless commercial and private photography jobs. However, Zung explains the significance of shooting a wedding, “It is the most important day of their lives and they have chosen me to document it in pictures. It is truly an honour and I want to present them with photos that are real and accurately portray their love story.” For Mun Keat from MunKeat Photography, he enjoys taking up the role similar to that of a movie director when shooting at an exotic location. Everything from determining the theme and treatment to the venue and attire is carefully planned to produce the most memorable set of photos.
This begs the question of how involved the photographer is with the planning of a couple’s destination wedding. According to Zung, the photographer can act as an
indirect wedding planner who provides insights that others might miss out. “We can be as involved as you want us to be. I have learned and picked up many tips and tricks throughout the years of covering overseas wedding shoots. Things like choosing the best time for portraits and the actual ceremony will affect how the photos turn out.”
Mun Keat says that looking for and hiring a photographer for the big day is half the work, “It requires some effort on your part in determining which photographer to work with. In this case, packages are more stressfree. But if you want personalisation and control, hiring your own photographer is the way to go.” According to him, personal photographers are willing to go the extra mile, covering post-wedding gatherings or candid moments without extra charge.
Zung adds, “It is important to not only get a photographer who takes great pictures, but also one who is well-travelled. Little details
like knowing which airlines to avoid, which airports to transit and what to pack will make the whole experience a lot smoother.”
A solid portfolio makes deciding easier. Couples are more inclined to choose someone who has been to the country of choice. Zung and Mun Keat reveal that many of their clients are results of secondary connections and word-of-mouth recommendations. When in doubt, go with the images that speak to your heart. “My photography can be described as simple, classic and timeless. I think people are appreciative of this evergreen style,” says Mun Keat. Similarly, Zung’s popularity is largely due to his ‘go for it’ attitude and enthusiasm, which has earned him the moniker, Ninja Photographer. “I don’t experiment when it comes to weddings. I always deliver 100 per cent of what I promise. On top of that, I put in an extra 50 per cent to try and execute different things,” says Zung.