PERSPECTIVE: Maria & Nathan's Wedding

(Maria and Nathan Lusignan, photographed at 1000 Parker Street, Vancouver. © 2010 Benjamin Luk.)

Maria and I go way back, which is why it was such a pleasure to photograph her wedding. If you can believe it, I've known her since I was in Grade 9 and she was my Math teacher. Now, years later, she's a student again and I'm a professional photographer. How time flies.

(Maria and her bridesmaids. © 2010 Winona Lee, Benjamin Luk Photography.)

We were hired to cover the ceremony and reception with a portrait session in between, but we arrived early to capture Maria and her bridesmaids getting ready. The ceremony was an intimate backyard gathering and though we had to contend with harsh sunlight, the photos turned out great thanks to my second shooters, Jason Kazuta and Winona Lee. Covered from three angles, we didn't miss a moment.

(Nathan and his groomsmen, going for Reservoir Dogs style. © 2010 Benjamin Luk.)

From there, we went to 1000 Parker Street, a favourite shooting location of ours. Maria made it clear that she wanted her wedding photos to reflect East Van culture, and this particular building, with its graffiti and characteristic grunginess, was the perfect fit. Lucky for us, Maria and Nathan were a playful couple open to ideas, so we came back with some of our best wedding shots yet.

(Maria fleeing on a passing train, with Nathan trying to catch up. © 2010 Benjamin Luk.)

With over 2,200 images from the day, we pared it down to 515 high-quality images for delivery, our highest number ever. We meet again with the couple next week to drop off our CD of images, along with a couple of bonus surprises as a wedding gift from me to them. Maria and Nathan, you were a delight. We wish you the very best for a happy and hopeful future.

(Maria stealing a drink. © 2010 Benjamin Luk.)

Benjamin Luk Photography is available for assignment at BenjaminLuk.com.

RETROSPECTIVE: Montecristo Jewellers' Chinese New Year for Montecristo Magazine

(Lucy Ye and Emma Ma, photographed at Montecristo Jewellers' Oakridge Centre boutique. One of seven shots published in the Summer 2010 issue of Montecristo Magazine. © 2010 Benjamin Luk.)

Back in February, Benjamin Luk Photography was brought onboard by Montecristo Magazine to photograph Montecristo Jewellers' Chinese New Year event. I was asked to photograph a number of their distinguished guests and take note of their names for later publication. I also shot for them an elaborate Chinese fan dance and numerous product shots for their sponsors, which included Burmester, Hennessy and Voss. In total, seven shots were published on page 70 of their Summer 2010 issue, which is available now at any Chapters location in Greater Vancouver.

Benjamin Luk Photography is available for assignment at BenjaminLuk.com.