PERSPECTIVE: Bathtub for Better Solutions Refinishing

(The before/after shots of this tub were taken three months apart. © 2012 Benjamin Luk.)

Better Solutions is a local refinishing business specializing in what I like to call "real life Photoshop". The bathtub you see above has not been edited to hide any flaws. Refinisher Fraser Davies actually took the tub you see on the left and transformed it into the practically-new tub you see on the right. The process took three months of casual labour, which in itself is a feat considering the tub has been around for almost 100 years and was used as a planter since the mid-90s. The final image will become a vehicle wrap on a Better Solutions truck.

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

PERSPECTIVE: Vasia Weddings' Workshop

(A bouquet by Flower Factory. © 2012 Benjamin Luk.)

Vasia was one of my former classmates back in my Focal Point days in 2008. Since then, she's taken off to become one of the most respected wedding photographers in Vancouver, and for good reason. She's beautiful, charming, and has great talent and business sense like few other. It was a privilege to sit in on her first workshop where she demystified the wedding photography industry for us, gave us tips on how to become better at what we do, and organized a workshop for us in the form of a stylized shoot.

(My shot from our posing exercise. © 2012 Benjamin Luk.)

Through a shooting exercise where we were given no more than a few minutes to capture detail shots and arrange our models in a posing challenge, we all picked up valuable shooting experience and business knowledge from the three-hour workshop. A complete list of vendors and participants who contributed in the event can be seen here. Huge thanks to Vasia Weddings and everyone else involved. I'll be putting what I learned to good use.

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

PERSPECTIVE: Elias Danner, Our First Intern

(Elias Danner's studio work. © Elias Danner Productions.)

Back in 2009, I took on an intern from Germany named Elias Danner. He assisted me on a variety of shoots ranging from my model test with Essential Models Inc. to my CD album shoot for Kristina Emmott. Since then, he's made quite a name for himself in Germany. You can see his work at EliasDanner.com and see more about his internship here.

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

PERSPECTIVE: Redco Group Christmas Party

(Employees of The Redco Group enjoying their photo booth session. © 2011 Benjamin Luk.)

I struck up a friendship with Epic Polymer CEO Greg Fraser earlier this year shortly after shooting his wedding in October. After delivering some of my favourite wedding shots of all time and doing a quick shoot for his personal Christmas cards, he invited me to photograph his company Christmas party with The Redco Group. Intern Lauren Mulcahy and I set up a photo booth and a 4" x 6" on-site printing service for the event, bringing everything from studio lighting to a white backdrop to a SELPHY CP800 capable of producing quick and easy high-quality prints. We're able to do the same for your event at only $10 per 4" x 6" print.

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

PERSPECTIVE: Ashley & Andrew's Wedding

(Ashley and Andrew standing at the altar. © 2011 Benjamin Luk.)

I remember the exact moment I knew I'd be able to make things work with Ashley and Andrew's wedding. We were holed up in a casual sushi restaurant not far from my apartment and I'd just given them a great deal on account of their wedding being in the off-season. Their gratitude was immediate. They even bought me lunch right then and there, so I knew they wanted amazing photos and were going to do what it took to get them. Like always, I went into this with 100% and followed it through for the weeks to come.

(The only way holy matrimony is supposed to be. © 2011 Benjamin Luk.)

What came first was the client meeting. I laid out plans for what was to come and planned every facet of the shoot down to the last detail, keeping in mind that unpredictability will always be a factor. Ashley and I went on a location scout around her venue and found the unlikeliest of places to represent her wedding portraits: a parkade. It was under cover, it had great lighting and most of all, it was a place that symbolically represented where she was tying the knot. This wasn't a million-dollar glamour wedding featured in Vogue. This was urban, down-to-earth and humble.

(Ashley and the girls getting their giggle on. © 2011 Benjamin Luk.)

By keeping the location local and accessible, we were able to spend more time focusing on our clients' personalities. One extremely portable Profoto AcuteB 600 and a reflector piloted by assistant Cynthia was all we needed for lighting. We also scheduled plenty of time for creative exploration of each scene. It's easy to get amazing portraits when you're right in front of your subject, but how about environmental portraiture that employs different angles, unconventional perspective and architecture as design?

(Ashley and Andrew, lost in each other and urban New Westminster. © 2011 Benjamin Luk.)

With each wedding, we're only getting better. Between me and my main wedding assistant Jonathan Evans, we bring over a decade of photography experience to your wedding. If you want wedding photography that evokes the true spirit of your location, come to us. Destination wedding photography is upcoming as well. For the first time, I'll be shooting in Greece for Summer 2012. Booking for 2012 and 2013 now.

(Ashley and Andrew's first dance as husband and wife. © 2011 Benjamin Luk.)

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

PERSPECTIVE: Fighting Chance Productions' "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum"

(Peter Stainton as Senex, surrounded by courtesans. © 2011 Benjamin Luk.)

Early in October, I was tasked with shooting the dress rehearsal of Sondheim's "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" by Fighting Chance Productions. My job was to provide them with images they could send out in reviews of their show. I took that to mean I got a free show all to myself with the ability to photograph as I pleased. I still can't believe I'm getting paid for this.

(Cameron Dunster as Hero and Elyse Malloway as Philia. © 2011 Benjamin Luk.)

Reviews from [Re]View From The House and The Georgia Straight can be seen from the links provided. Fighting Chance Productions will remain a repeat client of mine for the next few months, as they hire me again to shoot their production of "The Temperamentals" and possibly promo work for their 2012/13 season. As a closet theatre nerd, I couldn't be more excited.

(Michael Wild as Hysterium and Ryan Mooney as Pseudolus. © 2011 Benjamin Luk.)

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

PERSPECTIVE: The Best Revenge CD Release

Young Nihilists' Gun Club from thebestrevenge on Vimeo.

I was a founding member of The Best Revenge before I departed in 2010 to pursue other projects. Many of the drum parts were ones I wrote. They're releasing their first album Young Nihilists' Gun Club at The Railway Club on October 14th, 2011. This is their promo video.

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