Working as a Backup Photographer

It’s been 6 months now since I’ve been working as a backup wedding photographer. During those span of time, I’ve been working with one of Cebu’s popular female chick wedding photographer, Shutterfairy by Mai Pages. It was fun working with her and especially his assistant is a person I’ve known during my college days when I was still addicted to online games.

What so nice working with Mai, is because the work pay per shoot is good and Mai herself is fun to work with. Hahaha! Why? We both are kind of childish and always enjoy life like youngsters. And with her assistant, we talk like shit and make the whole group so enjoyable.

What I do during every event

As a backup photographer, what I shoot are candid photographs, the groom’s wardrobe, dressing up of groom, group photos together with the male entourages and group photos of all the guests after the ceremony. And not to forget, during the reception is more on me because Mai is working on the SDE. After she’s done with SDE, she will be joining me on the reception to take more important photos such as slicing of cakes, first dance and etc…

I also take photos of landscape and other scenery that is useful for Mai’s same day edit presentation. Check them below for sample photos.

Nikon and Canon

In this line of business and as a Nikon user, she still hires me to work in every wedding even though she is a Canon user. Why? Because she needs someone to work with her properly in every event she’s going to have. During those early months working with her, she sometimes tells me to switch but I can’t. It’s really not easy to switch another system because it’s an expensive investment. I love Nikon because of the dynamic range that can be used for landscape. If only I’m rich, I’m okay with going Canon for portrait and weddings only and still have a Nikon system for landscapes.

Taken from my phone for Mai’s wacky face! hahahaha!

Even if I am a Nikon user, I’m still able to match the color in a small fraction and it’s really not noticeable. Even if we use different system; the post process will still ignore what brand we are using. I like canon system because of the skin tone it produces by its sensor but I love taking photos of landscape that’s why switching brand is hard.

Why work as Backup Photographer

It’s because I need another source of income to save some money and can help on the expenses for my son’s milk, bills and other expenses. And two more things, it’s to enjoy taking photos and the long travel for out of town!

Portfolio Showcase

If you’re having a hard time to search for all of my work I’ve done for Mai, I don’t have plans to share because it’s unethical but all photos I’ve shown in this article are all taken by me and posted it with permission.