Danny & Wendy Wedding

Danny & Wendy Wedding, a set on Flickr.

In the month of November 2011, I also attended a Wedding for our friend Wendy.

Wedding Event - Kimmy & Chris

The Year 2011, 11th of November that is 11.11.11 is so special for most people who believe in the power of numbers. Do you believe in the power of numbers? It seems that people of all walk of life in Malaysia believe in the power of numbers. This can be justified by the thousand of Malaysian's couples took their vow "I Do" on that day which included our beloved friends, Kimmy Teaw and Chris Yap.

When I first got invited for their dinner wedding which was held at SSTwo Mall on 13th November 2011, my first reaction was, "Is it? Wow!! that's great!!"

When good friends get married it's a wonderful thing and we thanks them for inviting us to share their wonderful moment with us. I love those smiling faces and laughters during the event like this.

The next thing come to my mind was, "This is a good opportunity for me to take wedding photos but always remind myself of where I stand. Hired photographer comes first. Remember!!!" I think I can handle that.

On the afternoon of 13th November, I fully charged my camera battery. I took a waist pouch and packed my camera Nikon D7000 attached with my new lens Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G. It fitted nicely in my waist pouch. There will be alot of running around with this 50mm and carrying a waist helps my movement.
Then again I think, why not bring along another lens, Sigma DC 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3. It's a non-OS lens. I also packed in my waist pouch. How about speedlight? I need it for better lighting but just out of budget at the moment. Maybe next year budget.
When my wife and I entered a lift at the car park to the restaurant at SSTwo Mall, I am glad to see Kimmy, Chris and their hired photographer from micasa-bridal-house. It's just like being fixed that I should know this photographer better and yet till the end we never introduce ourselves. He is a good looking guy with a friendly smile. hope to know him one day. I thank him for the opportunity to get some critical shots.

The guest registration and angpows receiving table at the hall entrance.

Both couple received their friends.

Dedicated table for Kimmy and Chris' friend from DKSH. There are a few tables.

The couple entering the dinner hall.

The main table where the couple will be seated.

The couple seated at their table while their hired photographer captures 'the special moment' of Kimmy and his mother having a private conversation.

The couple learned to work as one family in cutting wedding cake.

Pouring two bottles of Champagne into one glass as one family.

 Kimmy and Chris new family taking a toast with their guests.

 Yum!!!! Seang!!!

And up it goes.....

Kimmy helps his wife Chris down the stage stairs.

Our Brother Law sings a lovely song for the couple.

Janet ask, "Did you capture their picture?"

Kimmy and his Biker's friends.

The wedding dinner is over and the guest head for the entrance.

I hope I got the right shots that make the event 'wedding dinner' and I will try to make it much better next wedding dinner event which will be this coming Sunday, November 20th, 2011.

You may also visit my Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnragai/sets/72157628140114290/

Appreciate your comment on this blog and it's images.

Peace and love to all.
John Ragai

My First Church Event Photograpghy

Finally I am back to my normal self but before I go for a Krabi Trip, I have promised Ken Cham who is an Editor at SIC Communication Ministry to give him the answer to his invitation to join his team. I think hard and pray to God who loves me.

I am a 'point and shot' camera person but I am too new to DSLR. My wife just bought our Nikon D7000 on August 30th, 2011. Eventhough I have enrolled myself in the online e-course on Photograpghy but I just completed the Basic Photograpghy. The Intermediate Photograghy will be next. I am stuck but then I remember what Ken Rockwell said in his website, "the way to learn photograpghy is focus on pictures and take pictures." Ok. I can do that furthermore I have given this camera for God's glory not mine.

I was attending a Christian Meditation Seminar at SIC on October 1st, 2011 and I informed Ken that I accept his invitation to be part of his team. In my heart, I hope they won't ask me to take any photo yet until I am ready. I said, "YES" because I trust God and depend on God to help me. Very naughty child of God.

With a joyful heart and confident I tell my Lord Jesus, "I am here for you, Lord."

So confident without knowing what lays ahead.

We finished the seminar around 3.30pm and at the evening mass the Church will have 11 special children baptism.

Sure this one is not for me to bother as I just said "Ok" a few hours ago doesn't meant that I have to work today also.

At 4.30pm, Ken called me and tell me that I have a duty. In nervous voice, I ask him back, "What duty?" Then he explained to me that one of SIC official photographer is having another appointment.

God is good!! He always gives me a surprise and yet He really takes good care of me.

When I said "I will do it" to Ken, I tell God that He gets me into this situation He has to help me as I am nervous and limited knowledge of Event Photography. What are their rule and etiquette in taking picture in the church?

In God I Trust.

I think even the priest is not inform of my presence as the Church Official Photographer but when we finished, Ken did mention to the Priest that I am part of his team. The priest just smiled.

Overall its a great experience and love to do it again.

These are some of the shots that I captured.

At the Entrance of the Church

 Followed by the anointing and pray over of the children before baptise...

Then comes the Baptism with water....

The new baptised offering...

The newly baptised first Holy Communion....

New baptised prayer then the group photo

 Last but not the least, the new baptised receive their certificate.

The photos are not good enough in many areas but I think I have covered most of the photos required.

Dear friends and visitor, I really need your comment on this event photography as I need to improve fast.
I am using Sigma Lens DC 18-200mm which is my only lens at the moment. (without VR/IS/VC)
I need your help as this will be my task for years to come as I promise my Lord.
Thank you for being here and may you have a great time.