Write-up for Wedding ABCs

Wedding Photography: A Happy Marriage between Work and Hobby

Santi Escat | Aug. 25, 2009

In a twist of fate, after not getting the SLR camera that he wished for at university graduation, Jaypee Noche unexpectedly put his foot on a door that opened opportunities to a happy marriage between work and hobby, between fun and full time wedding photography. Six years ago, he got a job--in what proved to be “camera heaven”-- as a salesman for a camera company in Cebu. An added perk is the chance to travel around Visayas as part of his job description. As a professional wedding photographer, Jaypee is known to make the couple feel relaxed and have so much fun in photo shoots but he never let his guards down when it comes to capturing moments that will truly last a lifetime. Under the tropical Cebu sun, Wedding ABCs pinned down this one of the most sought-after wedding photographers in town for a tete-a-tete. Wedding ABCs: What led you to photography ? JP: Photography has always been my passion but I never expected to get into photography full time, as a profession. When I graduated from Silliman University, to feed my passion, I wished for an SLR camera from my father but I got a cellular phone instead. Not until I got a job as a salesman for a camera company in Cebu sometime in 2003 that I had a first-hand experience in “camera heaven.” It goes without saying that I got my hands dirty with all kinds of digital camera models you can imagine—from the cheapest to the most expensive models available. An added perk, as a part of the job description, was to travel around Visayas for sales call. That meant the chance to shoot the many beautiful places around the region. So that’s how I started photography. What made you specialize into wedding photography? How significant is photography in weddings or special events ? JP: The main reason why I specialize into wedding photography is that I love to capture moments. I love to take pictures of people. I love to keep memories of momentous occasions. In 2004, I approached a studio in Cebu with the goal of working on weekends. It kept me busy until the next year. I learned a lot from the owner as my mentor. When he decided to stop doing wedding photography, I decided to do it on my own. That’s how it all started. Wedding photography is, in so many ways, very important because it tells a significant story in a couple’s life. After twenty-five years, the wedding gown is stocked in the box and the cakes have long been gone but the pictures remain. The joyful moments and youthful glow are preserved in those photos. How do you make your wedding clients comfortable during pictorials? JP: I always tell my clients my style, my way of doing things. With this approach, they will get the feel of the big picture so to speak. During pictorials, I want it to appear as natural as possible. I want each photo session to be so much fun and relaxed. I see to it that they enjoy the photo session in as much as I do. What is your edge from your counterparts in the wedding industry? JP: My style as a wedding photographer is classic. I wanted to capture a moment that will truly last forever. After all, marriage is a lifetime commitment. Wedding ABCs: How do you see yourself five years from now in the industry? JP: Let’s just say that I make it a point to be better than my previous weekend’s shoot. Let’s take-off your photographer’s hat this time. If you were a groom, what elements do you look for in hiring your wedding photographer? JP: I want to have moments in my wedding that will last a lifetime. So, I’d have to say I’ll look for a photographer who knows how to do just that. But of course, somebody who leans on the classic style is a must. Who is your greatest influence in approach, skills and perspective in photography? JP: My friends, for their support--they actually keep me going.