Destination weddings or out of town/country weddings may seem fun and exciting for most of us, especially wedding photographers. However, working on foreign soil poses a bigger challenge to them. Unfamiliarity, regulations for photo shoots, time constraints, and culture shock are among the things wedding photographers face during out of town/country photo shoots.
That is why for veteran lensman Lito Genilo, owner of Smart Shot Studio, experience and research becomes highly important and has served as his aces in shooting in other countries, particularly in the United States and Canada. The former seminarian turned photographer has done photo shoots in several states in US like New Jersey, California, New York and Hawaii. He uses his experience in former engagements as his guide on where to bring the couple for their wedding photo shoot.
But when he is asked to do a shoot in a place where he hasn’t been before, he engages in thorough research of the place – what are the famous sites and destinations, establishments present, in order to have a clear concept in his photo shoot. He also sets a positive mindset that helps him concentrate on his work. As he puts it, “Iniisip ko lang na para akong nasa Pilipinas” [I just think that I’m in the Philippines]. This allows him to be in his ‘comfort zone’ which aids him in composing better photographs.