HOLD MY HAND

I rarely shoot weddings, but when I do I prefer going for the candid shots rather than the official photos. If possible, I normally work with an extra photographer who will be in charge with the officials just so I could concentrate on the candid shots. The main idea is to capture real moments, I know for a fact this is easier said than done but with lots of preparation, getting great images gets relatively easy. I like conceptualizing such kind of event in my head before the actual day off shooting and this helps in the formulation of ideas through identifying small details that may provide opportunity for good photos on the event day. During the event I make sure am fully aware of my surroundings and all that is happening in order not to miss any moment.    

Bride and Groom hold hands after exchanging their vows. Congrats Dorcus and Evans!

Camera - SONY SLT-A57

Focal Length - 55mm
Shutter Speed - 1/40 sec
Aperture - f/6.3 

ISO/Film -125
Category - Wedding
Uploaded - March 18th 2013  
Taken - February 1st 2013

Location - Kwa Kirima, Nairobi 
Copyright - Stephen Mukhongi

SECRET

I find photographing people interesting, more so when my subject is a grown up. I have come to realize as adults, we are very conscious and most times we are not our "normal self" whenever a camera is pointed at us instead we put on an act of how we want to be perceived by the camera. this poses a challenge to the photographer. As a photographer, the secret is to strike a rapport with the subject. I normally ensure they get used to me and my equipment as this makes it easy for them to follow instructions. I make my subject relax by telling them not to think too much and advice them to breath easy since most of us hold our breath, and that increases tension. My ideal photos of people are the ones that brings out their real personalities; whether they are serious and quite, people oriented and fun loving, naughty and funny, hyperactive or even shy.  

Right is Patroba (Miss. USIU) whispering a 'secret' to Great (Mr. USIU) during their shoot for Sauti Magazine. My friend (momo) did a great job directing this shoot.

  

                                 

                                           

                                    

                                  Camera - NIKON D3100

                                  Focal Length - 36mm
                                  Shutter Speed - 1/60 sec
                                  Aperture - f/5 

                                  ISO/Film - 60
                                  Category - Fashion
                                  Uploaded - March 12th 2013                                   Taken - November 29th 2012

                                  Location - USIU Nairobi, Kenya
                                  Copyright - Stephen Mukhongi