wedding images couple的八卦，PINTEREST、YOUTUBE和Yahoo名人娛樂都在討論

1/12 GIVEAWAY ✨

If you’ve seen my previous post which I posted yesterday (if you haven’t, go read it!) you’d know that today’s the 1st out of 12 giveaways I’ve specially came up with to show gratitude to all your support and share some of my favs with you, in hope that you can enjoy the same experiences/benefits I had.

@Multifolds and I have known each other for awhile now, and was there to witness and document many important highlights of my life over the past 3 years. I genuinely love and appreciate his work which is why I in return, I decided to share this love with you.

I’m hoping that with his craft, this could benefit any couple, friends or family out there who want to capture some special moments (e.g wedding, graduation, someone’s birthday etc) without having to worry about the costs and quality of your photos.

In collaboration with @multifolds, this giveaway includes:
. 1.5 hr of shoot (theme/occasion your choice)
. 30 Colour edited images
. 10 Photoshopped images
. Signature gift pack with 3R prints
. 90 days online storage

*Just want you to know that you have the option to top up on your own if you want/require additional images, but this basic set is worth SGD780. Only open to whoever is residing in Singapore. Limited to 1 location and has to be utilised by 25/12/20.

ENTER GIVEAWAY BY:
1. Make sure you’re following me (naomineo_) and @multifolds
2. Like this post and leave a comment below on why you need this/tag someone you think who would.

Reminder: Your entry will only qualify if all requirements are met and the top few most-liked comments will be selected to put into a randomizer (tbh idk if it’ll be 5, 50 or whatever amount that I’ll select because I haven’t seen your answers yet, so this isn’t fixed). Final winner will be announced on 25/12/19.

As mentioned, the idea of this giveaway started with the intention to help those in need, so please join this with a mindful heart. Tysm and best of luck 💓 @ Singapore

WPPA memeber of the months- One of the famous wedding photographer interview ( Nick Ghionis ) www.wppa.com.hk

Member of the Month – Nick Ghionis @ X Sight
( www.xsight.com.au )
MORE PHOTO AND INTERVIEW : www.wppa.com.hk

1. XSiGHT is one of the most famous leading brands in the photography industry and it already has its studios and galleries in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin, California (USA) and also London (UK)… Can you please give us a brief concept about do these studios work closely together or independently while all can maintain such a high level of quality that is absolutely amazing in terms of both business and artistry sense.

Nick: From the beginning the idea behind XSiGHT was to create a BRAND that will represent the best image making in the world. The business model we have attract photographers who are at the top of their game and aspire to be a part of a select group of individuals that will not only compliment the brand but also cement XSiGHT’s position as leaders in the industry.

All our studios work independently of each other with the common goal of creating stunning images and offering excellent customer service.

We put in place a proven business model that all studios would adhere to, but the freedom to create and be artistic in your own right is what makes XSiGHT unique.

2. You are the owner of XSiGHT Melbourne and how you can keep a balance role as you are the boss and photographer at the same time, which seem to be quite difficult to run a successfully business like yours… Do you mind to let us know how many staffs do you have and what is the distribution of their work? Does the scope meet your expectation?

Nick: XSiGHT Melbourne and the XSiGHT brand is owned and run by my wife Sharifa and I. We have surrounded ourselves with a team that can only be described as the best in the business so the day to day running of our Melbourne studio occurs with ease.

Without a great team, it is impossible.

We have two portrait photographers and two wedding photographers, a studio manager (also a photographer), a customer relations officer, two in house digital artists as well as our Creative Director and Photographer Rocco Ancora. Each person has specific roles to help the business run smoothly but most important is client liaison.

All this is overseen by Sharifa Ghionis while I get on with working on the business.

3. For the past years, how you position XSiGHT Melbourne in the market? Did you have a clear target set from the beginning?
Nick: When it comes to marketing our business, we recognize it’s not a once off event, it has a beginning a middle but never an end. There is not one key that opens the door, rather there are many aspects to marketing to ensure that clients are drawn to you on a regular basis. We have consistent strategies in place to make sure this happens and always keep an eye on market trends so as to keep up with changes in client expectations.

4. How you come to the idea of XMENTOR? Any specific marketing plan of it?

Nick: The XMENTORS came about when Rocco Ancora joined the XSiGHT family as Creative Director. As speakers and educators, Rocco, Sharifa and I decided to create a brand where we can draw on each other’s strengths and include different aspects to the photography business from digital workflow to management and business. The brand XMENTORS is all encompassing, making our workshops unique, as we offer photographers content that transcends more than just taking pretty pictures.

5. From your point of view, is marketing plan very important in running an artistry business? Can you share with us your way to figure out your marketing plan as it is very common for artistes that most of them are idealistic and will shift to the “art” side more then forget about the money matter spontaneously… Any advise or suggestions to photographers who just entered the industry and thinking about to set up their own business; and also to those photographers who are already running their own company?

Nick: Many people have a romantic notion of what a photographer is. We consider ourselves artists and get annoyed when business gets in the way of our creativity. Unfortunately this is where many fail in business.
When it comes down to it, we are selling a product. Regardless of the product, a business plan needs to be put in place that takes into account all aspects of photography. You need to calculate ALL expenses: overheads, printing, retouching, production, your time etc in order to make informed decisions and grow your business and profit margin. You need to be a business person in photography rather than a photographer in business.

6, When was the 1st time you had your very first shot? In what circumstances? Was it an amazing one? Then immediate fell in love with “shooting”?

Nick: I first picked up a camera at the age of 21 whilst on holiday in Fiji. Unlike today’s digital world where you are able to see in an instant what you are photographing, I used the camera merely as a tool to document my holiday. It wasn’t until I developed the film that I realise that I might have a talent for this. I actually enjoyed the process of taking photos and instinctively was able to get consistent results without really knowing what I was doing. I thought to myself “..imagine if I actually knew what I was doing, rather than putting it on auto.” That’s when the journey began. I devoured every magazine and book I could get my hands on.
As my passion grew so did my expenses. I built three darkrooms and enjoyed printing my own B&W prints. Like many who enjoyed the fine art of printing, my hero was Ansel Adams. I remember going to an exhibition of his and marvelled at the tonal range and depth that he was able to get in his images.
I would work 3 to 4 jobs to make money and pay for my new addiction. It wasn’t long before I purchased a 5×4 Linhof Master Technica and my 500cm Hasselblad with lenses and backs.

7. Do you remember what was your first set of equipment as a professional photographer? How’s their performance? Good?

Nick: My first camera was a Pentax MG and I grew out of that quickly as I was unable to put it on Manual. I then bought myself an Olympus OM1 which I loved and still have to this day.

8.When and how you have started as a wedding photographer? And how’s this first shoot led you to the way you are now?

Nick: Every weekend for 2 years I assisted other photographers with no pay, just so I could learn, but was too scared to do a wedding on my own. It wasn’t until 1989 that a friend asked me to photograph her wedding. Naturally I declined and thought nothing of it until 2 weeks prior to her wedding when she asked me what plan I had for her big day?! It was too late for her to find another photographer so I found myself shooting my first wedding! At the end of the day, I went home and vomited from stress and exhaustion. I remember paying a premium to get the negatives earlier because I couldn’t handle the anxious wait. When I got the results back I was pleasantly surprised. They were beautiful and it gave me the confidence to do more weddings.

After freelancing for a couple of studios and offering B&W printing services to them, I continued to work from home while persuing other ventures and business opportunities. It wasn’t until I joined XSiGHT that I truly forged ahead with my career. Focusing all my energy into being the best I can be. While I continued to serve our clients and exceed their expectations, my only motivation was to grow the business and remain at the top of our game. However the face of our company for many years was my brother Jerry Ghionis, an amazing photographer, and in my opinion one of the best wedding photographers in the world. It was only until he left the company that I had to make a conscious decision to step into the spot light and stear the company into its next phase. Amongst many initiatives that were put in place, one of them was to participate into the world of awards. Something that initially I was reluctant to do, but felt was necessary to continue the momentum of being an award winning studio, something that Jerry was already doing for our Brand.

9. Which is your best shot? And why?

Nick: With thousands of images taken, when asked which one is your favourite, it is hard to choose. But one photograph that I have dear to my heart is “ The Prayer “ This photograph was taken in the Greek Island of Rhodes, one of my favourite destination weddings. It was taken at the wedding of George and Fiona, who after their wedding decided that it was time they too realised their dream of running a photography studio. They now run XSiGHT Darwin, a thriving business in the north of Australia. At the time this image won 1st Place in the Wedding category at WPPI, it was a proud moment for me, not just for the fact that it won 1st place, but it did so without the over photoshop images that was prevalent in competitions and to a degree still is.

10.Any advice or suggestion could be given to photographers, especially for those fresh photographers?

Nick: I consider myself a purist when it comes to photography I implore all photographers whether you are starting out now or seasoned photographers artistry begins in the camera.

11.What is your motto in your life?

Nick: Many people ask me, what is your mantra? What do you stand for? I think living your life with respect and integrity is what I aspire to do every day.

Member of the Month – Rocco Ancora @ X Sight

Member of the Month – Rocco Ancora @ X Sight
( www.xsight.com.au )
MORE PHOTO AND INTERVIEW : www.wppa.com.hk
Member of the Month – Nick Ghionis @ X Sight ( www.xsight.com.au)

1. You have become the Creative Director of XSiGHT since 2010, what you have to do under this title? Is it a very busy position as you are responsible for all the XSiGHT in Australia and over the world?

My role as creative director was to implement efficient workflows & unique post-production techniques to give the quality that XSiGHT is renowned for. With my knowledge & expertise in post-production & fine art printing together with Nick & Sharifa we have introduced a new range of fine art products that have once again propelled XSiGHT to the forefront of the Australian wedding industry. My role is exclusive to XSiGHT Melbourne.

2. What is your target or aim when you made the decision to take this role? Have you participated in polishing the marketing plan of XSiGHT since your joined into them?

When I took on the role of creative director, I became a piece of a jigsaw puzzle that forms XSIGHT. I am part of a team that can only be described as the best in the business. We all have our strengths and the key is to concentrate on what you’re good at.

3. How you come to the idea of XMENTORS with Nick Ghionis? Any specific marketing plan of it?

The idea of the XMENTORS came about when I joined the XSIGHT family. My passion for the art of photography and post-production was matched by Nick and Sharifa’s amazing business and marketing strengths. We decided that by each of us teaching our strengths we would have an amazing product to deliver our seminar attendees. It is all about taking your photography beyond just pretty pictures.

4. How do you keep a balancing role in Creative Director, Photographer and also Speakers? How you manage your work and time especially you are one of the most sought after speakers in the world in these years?

Having a great team to support me, allows me to balance all of the things that I do. Each person has specific roles to help the business run smoothly but most important is client liaison, especially when we are away doing XMENTORS seminars.

5. Any advise or suggestions to photographers who just entered the industry and thinking about to set up their own business; and also to those photographers who are already running their own company?

As photographers we consider ourselves artists first and business people last. We have to realize that we are sales people as well and a business plan needs to be put in order to succeed. You have to make informed decisions and grow your business and profit margin. Too many up and coming photographers fail because they don’t value their work or indeed their time.

6. When you have started your career as a photographer?

“I went to school to study architecture and somehow ended up doing Photography. I never actually completed my photography course. I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to do a traineeship with a very large wedding and portrait studio in Melbourne. At the time the studio was shooting over 300 weddings a year with 6 full time photographers.”

7. What reasons made you have such decision (to be a photographer)?

Just fell in love with the idea of capturing moments that can never be repeated and interpreting how I see the world through my camera.

A moment that can never be repeated but can be cherished for a lifetime by the viewer.

9. Do you remember what was your first set of equipment as a professional photographer? How’s their performance? Good?

When I first started to shoot weddings, it was almost 20 years ago, there was no digital. My first camera was a haselblad 503cx medium format film camera. The image quality of medium format film was amazing. As a photographer you really needed to know your craft in order to come back with great results.

The flash system i used on location was a Metz 45. It was used in manual mode…no TTL and of course a flash meter.

10. When was the 1st time you had your very first shot? In what circumstances? Was it an amazing one? Then immediate fell in love with “shooting”?

It was a portrait of my father that I shot on black and white film which I processed and hand printed myself. It was very early in my photographic career, but it made me realize just how much control i had in the image making process from capture to print.

11. After determined to be a professional photographer, what was your plan? Like setting up a company?

I worked for a studio for several years before I ventured out and set up my own studio. I felt that in order to succeed I not only needed to be a good Photographer and also have good business sense. I learned a lot by being part of such a large successful studio

12. Do you have any secret method to make your “perfect shot” if everything at the moment is just like a mess? (Like place is dirty, not enough lighting, a small room crowded with people, kids and dogs are running around, couple is getting angry and even yelling & etc.)

You really need to be malleable with your personality and take control of any situation. Having great communication skills is a very important tool.

Before we even consider taking a photograph we need to be in control of our subjects and effectively communicate our intentions to the couple. I never turn up to a wedding without first building some form of relationship with the client. This happens well before the wedding and it is very important that they understand also what is expected from them as a couple.

The main ingredients for me are as follows:

Your heart, your mind, and your eyes. You need to feel with your heart the emotion pre visualize how you can covey that mood with your mind and finally use your eyes to arrange the elements that create the image.

13. What do you think is the most important element in photo shooting?

The most important element in photography is LIGHT. You need to master the use of Natural and artificial light. By doing so, you have the confidence to create anywhere anytime. The other important tool is understanding focal lengths of your lenses. This not only helps you to control perspective but also it teaches you how to control messy and un interesting backgrounds.

14. Which place or country you like the most as you have traveled to so many places for shooting? And why? (Could be in terms of people there, scene, food & etc)

The most amazing place for me is New York city. There is so much to shoot there… the people are great and the vibe is just awesome. Having said that you can take amazing images anywhere. As a wedding and portrait photographer it is more about the subject rather than the idea of easily being seduced by the location.

15. When and what is the most impressive moment for all the years as a professional photographer?

Winning my first “Australian Wedding photographer of the year” award back in 2004. At the time I felt that I had really achieved my ultimate goal and was afraid of losing my inspiration now that i had achieved such an accolade. I pushed myself further and further from that point on and won it again for a record Four times. This has never been done before in Australia by any photographer.

16. Have you ever met any difficulty that made you very frustrated and even thinking to give up as a photographer?

I can’t imagine being anything else but a photographer and I would like to think that I will be photographing in some shape or form till the day I die. Haven encountered any obstacle that was ever too big to be overcome by the passion that i have for what I do.

17. When and what is your milestone in your career life as a photographer?

Being named as one of the top 10 Wedding photographers is the world by American Photo magazine. This truly has been a great honor.

18. Do you have any mentor?

“Early in my career, the amazing Yervant was my teacher and mentor. These days, I still find his work very inspirational, but there are many others in the industry whose work I admire, it’s just too difficult to narrow down to one name. Having said that it’s great to share Ideas with my business partner and amazing artist Nick Ghionis.

19. Which is your best shot? And why? (Would be great if you could show us)

I love this shot of the bride walking down the stairs and this beautiful moment presented itself. The parents were hugging with joy in the right hand corner of the frame unseen to the bride. On the walls of the house there were photographs hanging of moments that had already been documented in that family history. I named this image “as time goes by”, and was awarded the Grand award and WPPI for wedding Photojournalism.

20. If, you haven’t chosen to be a professional photographer, what do you think you will become? An accountant? An architect? A chef?

I was studying Architectural design before I became a photographer so I would probably say “Architect”

21. Any advice or suggestion could be given to photographers, especially for those fresh photographers?

Value your work and your time. Get plenty of experience before going out on your own.

22. What is your plan in the coming 5 years?

Recently I launched a new company “CAPTURE TO PRINT” which specialized in post-production of images and fine art printing. I still love shooting but post-production and fine art printing is also a passion and love to offer my skills as a master printmaker to bring other photographers vision to life.

23. What is your motto as a professional photographer?

Photography is a journey in the life of the photographer not a destination.

24. What is your motto in your life?

It is only by giving that you shall receive.