We wanted a setting that had meaning to them, and that would also provide enough interest to keep their inquisitive son Guillaume happy. Both National Museum members, Emilia and Cyril happily drew on their members’ benefits and organised for the photo shoot to take place in and around the National Museum of Singapore.

In a whirlwind 2hour shoot, we got a massive range of photos – from individual portraits of the kids, photos of each parent and child and group photos of the entire family. Have to say that Kara was a surprise delight to work with. A calmer, more relaxed baby I don’t think you could find.

Credit to Emilia for coordinating the fashion for the whole family. The blend of crisp whites, neutral gray, and highlights of orange and brown was perfect for the setting (and practical to boot)!

Behind the scenes moments:

1. Guillaume was quite patient for most of the shoot, but the heat in the evening air was just enough to push him into grumpy-land. Makes for quite a cute photo though.

2. Cyril was a brilliant sport behaving a little like a goofball in front of the giant LCDs to make the kids smile. Thanks to him, I got the shot(s)!

What a shoot… so many stunning photos captured in just under 2 hours!

I received a lovely surprise the other day – have been invited back to photograph the lovely Daouds again – can’t wait to see how much the kids have grown! Photos from that shoot will be made available on byNoelYeo.com soon!

In Noel’s bag:

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It’s not often that I think that when photographing the bride getting ready for her wedding.

Typically the flow of events includes waking up, showering, getting into the dress, make-up, hair, etc.

Dancing in general, is atypical – let alone a well-choreographed ‘work-it-work-it-hands-in-the-air-hip-hip-fling-the-hair-strut-strut-pose-Pussycat-Doll’ style dance routine.

But that indeed was what Jessica and her bridesmaids were doing at 6am on the day of her wedding. At one point, dressed in full wedding dress, plate of dim sum (her breakfast) in one hand, I believe she even accomplished what I believe is a pop-and-lock.

As you can imagine, this was one insanely fun wedding to photograph. Here is a behind the scenes look at the bride’s preparations. Oh keep a lookout for sneaky bridesmaids hiding out from under the bride’s train.

One of my favourite shots titled “The money-grubbing pose” – idea originated from the bride and her lovely bridesmaids!

Next up on byNoelYeo.com, the gatecrashing groom.

In Noel’s bag:

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Having seen some of my bridal and maternity images, Emilia and Cyril contacted me for a maternity shoot. Emilia was about 7 months along and wanted some nice family/maternity photos. Despite Cyril being a good photographer in his own right (and pretty good at PhotoShop), they wanted photos of them as a family – which meant that he couldn’t be behind the camera.

I also had the pleasure of meeting and photographing their son Guillaume – who seemed to have boundless energy. It helped that we had a secret weapon to keep him engaged in the photo shoot – a very specific kind of cookie that he absolutely loves.

Here are some of the images from that eventful shoot!

All in all it was a  lovely shoot with a really lovely family. Think it’s awesome that Guillaume will be getting a new brother or sister too.

Before we wrapped the shoot, I spotted this street sign and thought it would make a funny photo. Am glad that Emilia was sporting enough to pose in front of it!

Thanks for a great shoot you guys… can’t wait to meet the new addition to the family!

Noel

In Noel’s bag:

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I was invited back to UPS to photograph the Managing Director of UPS Singapore, Greg Carstens.

Greg was really fun to work with, and kept chatting all the way through the shoot – which made for fun, but tricky shooting.

Here are a few of the images that we managed to create:

Thanks to the entire UPS team for inviting me back to photograph Greg. Looking forward to the next shoot with them!

In Noel’s bag:

• Canon EOS 5D Mark II
• EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS USM
• SpeedLite 580 EX II
• Light stand and umbrella

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After a long journey to the middle of nowhere (outside Melaka), we arrive at the world’s (unknown) best Chendol store (see business card – created for Aunty Koh free-of-charge by a loyal Singaporean fan).

So while waiting for her to set up her Chendol operations, I decided to create a series of portraits that suited the company I was in.

While I’m not a huge fan of Chendol, I have to admit it was pretty good.

It was a nice recharge before an ordeal getting back to the hotel – Amazing Race Style.

While Aunty Koh and the Chendol were lovely, I don’t know if it was worth the 1hr hike in the sun to get back to civilisation.

Makes for an interesting story though.

In Noel’s bag:

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

EF 16-35mm F/2.8L

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Aurélie’s Maternity Photo Shoot

When I photographed Laurence & Arjen’s wedding a couple of months back, there were two beautiful bridesmaids that were rather on the pregnant side – see photo below.

After the wedding, Aurélie (left) got in touch with me to shoot her maternity photos.

Both her and her husband Alex have been really industrious, the nursery is almost complete, baby clothes have been planned and they’ve already thought about schools for the little tyke!

A maternity shoot is always a very personal thing, and I am chuffed that they invited me to capture it…

So here are a sample of the best images that we made that day.

I’m so thrilled for both of them… and can’t wait to meet the new addition to their family!

Noel

In Noel’s bag:

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A fellow photographer friend of mine, Jérôme Meyer ( aka thinklad on Flickr) was invited to shoot the wedding of Laurence & Arjen – a beautiful couple who have been in love for about a decade. From the photos you can see that they’re still very much in love.

As it was one of Jérôme’s first official photography gigs – and because I always wanted to shoot with him – I offered to be his backup on the day. I think it worked out really well, the night before we had dinner at Rocks: Urban Grill + Bar and prepped for the full day of photography. Jérôme’s lens of choice is the 50mm F/1.4 (yes he’s a Nikon user but we won’t that against him – joke) so I opted for the divine Canon EF 70-200 F/2.8L IS USM so that I wouldn’t get in his way too much.

note: The EF 70-200 F/2.8L IS USM is fast becoming my most used lens – despite me having dropped it down a flight of jagged, muddy stairs in Cameron Highlands, it still takes extraordinary photos… but back to the couple.

So Laurence & Arjen had just half a day to get their pre-wedding photos, followed immediately by their solemnisation, reception and dinner. So with fingers crossed for good weather, we set off at 10am for the following locations: the Botannical Gardens, Raffles Hotel, the Old Supreme Court, Cavenagh Bridge and The Fullerton Hotel)

Here are the highlights of their pre-wedding photos with a series of Lightroom 2 presets and optimisations.

I have a great deal of respect for Arjen, traipsing around the humid Botannical Gardens at 11am in a 3 piece suit. If I were in his shoes, I don’t think I would be nearly as chirpy.

We then happened to drive past the Raffles Hotel… it was there that Arjen proposed to Laurence, so after some last minute swerves by the maxi-cab driver, we pulled up for an impromptu shoot at where this journey began.

Off to the Old Supreme Court Building…

Then off to the final leg – along the Singapore River, Cavenagh Bridge.

By this point we’d been shooting in the full afternoon sun for about 3 hours and I all four of us were totally wiped out. But a we wrapped up the shoot… Laurence runs into The Fullerton (followed closely by Arjen), down the flight of stairs, up to the Koi pond in the basement, and sticks her fingers into the water. Both of them are in hysterics, giggling like school kids, and that was it – the perfect way to wrap up an exhausting but amazing shoot.

While the couple retreated to their homes to freshen up, I ducked home, emptied my CF cards, got my kit ready for the solemnisation, had a shower, then promptly fell asleep on the couch for a 45min nap (if you do the same don’t forget to set the alarm!)

Next up on byNoelYeo.com, Laurence & Arjen’s solemnisation, reception and dinner.

Noel

In Noel’s bag:

• Canon EOS 5D Mark II
• EF 70-200 F/2.8L IS USM
• EF 24-70 F/2.8L USM
• 4x Water Bottles
• 1x big stack of napkins

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A magnificent wedding by all standards, the garden ceremony was held at The Lawn at The Raffles Hotel in the presence of relatives and close friends.

I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to work with Bridgit & Alan, and share part of their happiness.

It was also an opportunity for me to really stretch the legs on my new Canon EF 50mm F/1.2L USM lens.

I have to say though, that Bridgit must be one of the most effervescent brides I’ve ever come across.  The moment she rounded the corner of The Lawn, she was smiling from ear to ear and pretty much didn’t stop giggling the entire way through.

You can see that it even started affecting the groom and the maid of honour too (her sister).

The tea ceremony was interesting…

On the one hand you had Alan’s parents who took the whole affair very seriously, whereas Bridgit’s parents just laughed and had a ball – I’m surprised I managed to get this solemn shot in between the smiles.

Mr and Mrs O’Soonovan were then official!

With the official business over, first fix the hair, then the bride received some much needed champagne.

While the children seemed to understand that there was an ‘adults’ thing’ going on, nothing was going to stop them having fun – I think we found ourselves a new Singapore Idol (see kid with mic), a real showman.

Photos with family and friends – you can tell from their expressions that everyone was having a brilliant time.

The bride and groom with all the girlfriends (and one extra person – how’d he get in there?). What a gorgeous group of individuals.

And that wraps up Bridgit & Alan’s wedding.

I spoke to the bride today and she commented “You know, it was hectic leading up to the day, but it all went by so fast… and I wish I could do it all again”.

Now when a bride says that she wants to do it all again, you know it was a great wedding!

Noel

In Noel’s bag:

• Canon EOS 5D Mark II
• EF 50mm F/1.2L USM
• EF 70-200 F/2.8L IS USM
• Canon SpeedLite 580EX II
• Self-constructed bounce card with ink-jet paper and an elastic strap

Next up, Blankanvas‘ first anniversary party extravaganza – photographed byNoelYeo.

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Held in the beautiful Armenian Church along Coleman Street, Tina and Andy tie the knot in front of a small gathering of family and friends from all over the world.

Here are some highlights of the day:

L: The bride is prepared by maid of honour, Furry, and her mom.     R: Bride assists mother of the groom.

Beauty in the mad rush of bridal preparations.

L: Guests await the arrival of the bride cooled by…     R: traditional Batik fans provided during registration

L: Mom of the bride welcomes guests with pure Indonesian glamour     R: Maid of honour’s hubby and son

Pre-wedding nerves + comfort from dad = a radiant bride

L: The look on the groom’s face was priceless – happiness and relief in equal parts

Getting down to the business-side of things

L: The kiss (first of many)     R: Tears (first of many)

Tina and Andy practically glowed – they were that happy

Someone commented that Tina’s gown resembled ‘something Queen Amidala would wear’. If I were him I would have said ‘the dress looks awfully regal… like something a princess would wear’. It’s all in the phrasing.

L: Makin’ out in the gardens of the Armenian Church     R: Something that looks like it came out of Style Weddings

L: One benefit of the dress, awesome posture     R (Andy): “Got the girl!”

1 couple, 12 nationalities, 3 generations, 1 extended family portrait.

There’s always one that’s gotta be different isn’t there

Official business over, these tykes (literally) tore up the church’s grounds

In their white chariot, I think they were just glad to be in air conditioning again

L: During Andy’s speech over dinner, Tina’s parents look on approvingly.    R: Squealing with delight as guests tease Andy

Tina and Andy are one exceptionally lovely couple and I hope they see many many happy years together!

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First shoot was for 7 of their key personnel – the remaining 3 to be shot next week.

Standard 2 light setup with grey backdrop, minimal retouching.

Sample images below.

~updated 9 Nov 2009~

Completed the shoot and final images ready for Actis!

Was great working with the entire team – Thanks to Ms Preeti Seshadri and Ms Jennifer Hoe @ Actis.

Noel

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