Welcome to genehiga.net!!!
Hi, my name is Gene Higa
and thanks for visiting my online diary. I am
a destination wedding photographer based in San Francisco, California. I have an
amazing career of traveling the world and photographing weddings with amazing
clients both abroad and right here in my hometown. I have seen many great blogs
out there and decided to create one for myself and my business. Here I will post
images from recent weddings, share stories of my adventures, and update you on
what's going on in my life. This is a place where current and prospective
clients can see where and what I'm shooting. I will also be using this site to
as a resource guide to discuss photography and share any useful tidbits of
information that I find on the web to help make the wedding planning process
much easier. I have some favorite vendors that I like to work with, so I will
include them here as well. I will also share my tips and tricks for getting the
most out of your wedding day. I hope you find the site fun and informative, and
that you'll share it with other
brides.
To view my wedding portfolio, please visit my website at www.genehiga.com. There you will find online events for weddings that I've shot, my current pricing guide and contact information. Keep in mind that I respect the privacy of my clients so online events are password protected. Please contact the client if you have forgotten or need the password.
So bookmark this site as I will update my blog on a regular basis. I have shot weddings all over the world, including the Philippines, Peru, India, Italy, Greece, Thailand, Mexico, Barbados, Jamaica, Hawaii, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Miami and, of course, some killer events right here in the San Francisco Bay Area. So welcome to my world and I hope you enjoy what you read and see. Now hold on to your seats!
CINEMATIC STUDIOS put together this amazing video for me.
Get in touch with me:
studio. (877) 771-3223 or local (415) 771-3223
by appointment only
website. www.genehiga.com
email . gene@genehiga.com
online proofs. www.genehigaproofs.com
To view my wedding portfolio, please visit my website at www.genehiga.com. There you will find online events for weddings that I've shot, my current pricing guide and contact information. Keep in mind that I respect the privacy of my clients so online events are password protected. Please contact the client if you have forgotten or need the password.
So bookmark this site as I will update my blog on a regular basis. I have shot weddings all over the world, including the Philippines, Peru, India, Italy, Greece, Thailand, Mexico, Barbados, Jamaica, Hawaii, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Miami and, of course, some killer events right here in the San Francisco Bay Area. So welcome to my world and I hope you enjoy what you read and see. Now hold on to your seats!
CINEMATIC STUDIOS put together this amazing video for me.
Get in touch with me:
studio. (877) 771-3223 or local (415) 771-3223
by appointment only
website. www.genehiga.com
email . gene@genehiga.com
online proofs. www.genehigaproofs.com
Wed - August 15, 2007
One lucky bridal photo shoot
It was back in February I was inspired to give
away a free bridal shoot. I announced a the winner on March 29th (my birthday) from Las
Vegas. Well, yesterday it all came to life. Mandy Scott
dropped off a bouquet, perfect and exactly what the bride requested.
Maria Chang came in and set up shop. Evelyn my
ONE LUCKY BRIDE arrived on time and up for anything. Here is how the day went.
Evelyn getting ready for hair and make up.
Maria Chang of Professional Artistry Make Up doing her magic.
The three os us getting ready.
The idea was to do a bridal session different from anything out there. Here is a couple of shots from our first location. Hair down and smokey eyes for a sexier look.
Second location and new look for Evelyn. Love the feathers.
Last location with birdcage and hair up. We went for vintage-cool. So I did the same with the images. I wanted a distressed look, a very 1920's feel and a little back light.
A little grainy effect.
It was definitely fun to mix it up a bit. Do something completely out of the box and having fun doing it. I am not what it was but, we got front row parking everywhere we went.
Thanks to Mandy, Maria and Tanya for coming together and helping out. I can't say enough great things about you all. namaste ~
For brides out there looking to book a hair and make-up artist or need of flowers for your special event.
Maria Chang
PMA Founder :: Artiste
Studio: 925.308.4916
contact@professionalmakeupartistry.com
Mandy Scott
Mandy Scott Flowers
Studio: 415.441.3758
mandy@mandyscott.com
Here is a email I got from Evelyn today:
WOW!! These are amazing! I love them!! I could go on and on and on! I'm really floored. I love how they're so different..and how they start so tame..and end up...not so much. haha. They're such a great complement to my other photos from the wedding day! What amazing photos! Jason says he can see how I look like my mom in some of them..which is such a nice tribute to her..(Since people always say I look like my dad!)
Thank you each so much. I had so much fun doing this!! I can't wait to see the full set of photos. You guys were all so warm, friendly. Honestly, I was nervous before we started, but felt so comfortable with each of you. You are all sooo very talented and I see why you guys are the best at what you do. I can't wait to recommend you to friends who are getting married (it would be so much fun if you guys worked one of my friends' weddings!) Thanks for all the advice on getting into the industry. I'm not sure if that's what next for me yet, but still exploring the idea.
Gene: We'll definitely be in touch. Let me know when the other photos are ready..and what to do about ordering prints..maybe i'll even order an album for jason ;). All the best with your weddings the rest of this season! Drive safe and keep up the parking karma. Next time I'm in your neighborhood, let's go grab another pom mojito.
Maria: You are so warm, so charismatic, and so very talented. Enjoy your big home in Oakley. When Jason and I go house hunting in the next few years...I'll let you know if we head out there! =)
Tanya: You are the girl that makes things happen! Without you...I'm not sure what would happen to Gene! Be sure he doesn't forget you in the car!
Mandy: Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers! They were absolutely gorgeous even today as they sit on my coffee table.
I'm so grateful for the opportunity to work with you guys and see why it is that you all are really so stellar. It's not just your talent, but your warmth, fun, and good-nature.
All the best,
Evelyn "With this hair, I'll do anything!" Ho
Evelyn getting ready for hair and make up.
Maria Chang of Professional Artistry Make Up doing her magic.
The three os us getting ready.
The idea was to do a bridal session different from anything out there. Here is a couple of shots from our first location. Hair down and smokey eyes for a sexier look.
Second location and new look for Evelyn. Love the feathers.
Last location with birdcage and hair up. We went for vintage-cool. So I did the same with the images. I wanted a distressed look, a very 1920's feel and a little back light.
A little grainy effect.
It was definitely fun to mix it up a bit. Do something completely out of the box and having fun doing it. I am not what it was but, we got front row parking everywhere we went.
Thanks to Mandy, Maria and Tanya for coming together and helping out. I can't say enough great things about you all. namaste ~
For brides out there looking to book a hair and make-up artist or need of flowers for your special event.
Maria Chang
PMA Founder :: Artiste
Studio: 925.308.4916
contact@professionalmakeupartistry.com
Mandy Scott
Mandy Scott Flowers
Studio: 415.441.3758
mandy@mandyscott.com
Here is a email I got from Evelyn today:
WOW!! These are amazing! I love them!! I could go on and on and on! I'm really floored. I love how they're so different..and how they start so tame..and end up...not so much. haha. They're such a great complement to my other photos from the wedding day! What amazing photos! Jason says he can see how I look like my mom in some of them..which is such a nice tribute to her..(Since people always say I look like my dad!)
Thank you each so much. I had so much fun doing this!! I can't wait to see the full set of photos. You guys were all so warm, friendly. Honestly, I was nervous before we started, but felt so comfortable with each of you. You are all sooo very talented and I see why you guys are the best at what you do. I can't wait to recommend you to friends who are getting married (it would be so much fun if you guys worked one of my friends' weddings!) Thanks for all the advice on getting into the industry. I'm not sure if that's what next for me yet, but still exploring the idea.
Gene: We'll definitely be in touch. Let me know when the other photos are ready..and what to do about ordering prints..maybe i'll even order an album for jason ;). All the best with your weddings the rest of this season! Drive safe and keep up the parking karma. Next time I'm in your neighborhood, let's go grab another pom mojito.
Maria: You are so warm, so charismatic, and so very talented. Enjoy your big home in Oakley. When Jason and I go house hunting in the next few years...I'll let you know if we head out there! =)
Tanya: You are the girl that makes things happen! Without you...I'm not sure what would happen to Gene! Be sure he doesn't forget you in the car!
Mandy: Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers! They were absolutely gorgeous even today as they sit on my coffee table.
I'm so grateful for the opportunity to work with you guys and see why it is that you all are really so stellar. It's not just your talent, but your warmth, fun, and good-nature.
All the best,
Evelyn "With this hair, I'll do anything!" Ho
Posted at 06:48 PM
Thu - April 19, 2007
We need your votes
Ann was kind enough to nominate me to for a
award. Not just any award, but for the best photography blog on the Blogger Choice
Awards. So I returned the favor and nominated her for best animal blogger. It was just for fun and
really not a big deal.
:)
Posted at 08:01 PM
Tue - April 10, 2007
Welcome to the new and improved ann hamilton.com
Two passions, one website. My studio partner
Ann
Hamilton launched her website this week.
WOW!!!
Here are Ann's thoughts:
The new website is just beautiful and complements my style so well! I chose liveBooks to design my website and they have done an amazing job! The website has a very simple layout (less is more!) with large images for impact! There are two image galleries - weddings and dogs. For all you dog lovers out there, just wait until you see my dog gallery. I promise, you won’t be disappointed!
And, I must give a shout out to my coverbride, Courtney, who not only is gracing the homepage of my website and the contact page, too, but her image is also on display in one of the windows of my storefront studio. Thanks, Courtney!
What I love most about liveBooks is that I have complete control. It’s a fully editable website and grows with my business. I can update my website at anytime, and from anywhere. The homepage/intro will be updated every so often with a fresh new image, and the galleries can also be updated at anytime.
Talk about impact!
Here are Ann's thoughts:
The new website is just beautiful and complements my style so well! I chose liveBooks to design my website and they have done an amazing job! The website has a very simple layout (less is more!) with large images for impact! There are two image galleries - weddings and dogs. For all you dog lovers out there, just wait until you see my dog gallery. I promise, you won’t be disappointed!
And, I must give a shout out to my coverbride, Courtney, who not only is gracing the homepage of my website and the contact page, too, but her image is also on display in one of the windows of my storefront studio. Thanks, Courtney!
What I love most about liveBooks is that I have complete control. It’s a fully editable website and grows with my business. I can update my website at anytime, and from anywhere. The homepage/intro will be updated every so often with a fresh new image, and the galleries can also be updated at anytime.
Talk about impact!
Posted at 12:50 PM
Thu - March 29, 2007
One lucky bride winner
Today is day four in Las Vegas. I am pooped.
Everything in Vegas is such a task. All the walking and talking has really taken
alot out of me.
But, I didn't forget to keep my promise to you and post the winner of the ONE LUCKY BRIDE CONTEST.
The entries were amazing and of course my mom said it was hard to pick. She read all of the entries and this was the one she touched her heart.
Before you read her story. Let me take a little time to say THANK YOU to all the brides who took the time to enter. I appreciate you all.
Dear Gene,
I hope you have a wonderful birthday! Thank you for providing a wonderful opportunity to work with you and some of the other top wedding vendors in the Bay. It's a truly amazing opportunity.
On April 28, 2007, I will be marrying my best friend, Jason, in Palo Alto. Jason, 34, and I, 26, have been together for nearly five years.
April 28 is a very significant date for the both of us. It is the 13th anniversary of Jason’s heart transplant. That’s right. At the age of 21, Jason had to receive a heart transplant. As a young child, Jason had battled and survived lymphoma. However, the rigorous treatments damaged his heart and at 21, he needed a new one. After months of waiting in the hospital, an unfortunate person died, but gave new life to my future husband.
Jason and I have been dating for nearly 5 years. In that time, we have fought and survived more battles than we’d expect at such a young age. Jason was hospitalized with a serious infection for nearly a week. Jason has shown me what it means to hope and what it means to face the difficulties of life, enjoying moments that most of us don’t even notice.
Soon after, my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer when she was only 49, endured painful treatments, and eventually passed away. This wedding planning has been a terribly difficult process as I don’t have the involvement of my mom in my wedding. I miss her daily and occasionally break down with the longing for a mother’s insight, wisdom, and occasional nagging. As I’ve been preparing for the wedding, I’ve been inspired by looking at my mom’s bridal portraits. Staring at them has been a way of reconnecting with the memories, the stories, the smiles and her spirit.
But this is not meant to be a sob sorry or simply a sorrowful recounting. It’s actually an accounting of hope and of life. That has been the theme for our wedding. Our invitations and printed materials are marked with the blossoming branches of spring. After every winter, there is the renewal of spring. Life is fragile, it is short, and there are cycles. Jason is completely healthy and strong. My younger sister and I are healing as we remember our mom. I've attached a picture from 1982 of my beautiful mom and me. And our wedding is a great celebration of and with the family and friends who have supported us and loved us all these years.
Having lost my mom, and with her, a lot of the generational stories and connectedness that are often passed down during engagement, I find myself longing to create a set of heirloom items. One of them would be a box of bridal portraits of the women in my family from generation to generation. Your talent for capturing moments, for capturing the essence of individuals, their spirit and hopefulness would be a tremendous gift.
An excerpt from one of our readings that so beautifully captures the moment of our wedding reads, “Here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life…”
Your photos and the work of Maria Chang and Mandy Scott would all add to the tree called life that Jason and I are building together!
Warmly,
Evelyn Tu
PS. Best of luck with the busy wedding season!
But, I didn't forget to keep my promise to you and post the winner of the ONE LUCKY BRIDE CONTEST.
The entries were amazing and of course my mom said it was hard to pick. She read all of the entries and this was the one she touched her heart.
Before you read her story. Let me take a little time to say THANK YOU to all the brides who took the time to enter. I appreciate you all.
Dear Gene,
I hope you have a wonderful birthday! Thank you for providing a wonderful opportunity to work with you and some of the other top wedding vendors in the Bay. It's a truly amazing opportunity.
On April 28, 2007, I will be marrying my best friend, Jason, in Palo Alto. Jason, 34, and I, 26, have been together for nearly five years.
April 28 is a very significant date for the both of us. It is the 13th anniversary of Jason’s heart transplant. That’s right. At the age of 21, Jason had to receive a heart transplant. As a young child, Jason had battled and survived lymphoma. However, the rigorous treatments damaged his heart and at 21, he needed a new one. After months of waiting in the hospital, an unfortunate person died, but gave new life to my future husband.
Jason and I have been dating for nearly 5 years. In that time, we have fought and survived more battles than we’d expect at such a young age. Jason was hospitalized with a serious infection for nearly a week. Jason has shown me what it means to hope and what it means to face the difficulties of life, enjoying moments that most of us don’t even notice.
Soon after, my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer when she was only 49, endured painful treatments, and eventually passed away. This wedding planning has been a terribly difficult process as I don’t have the involvement of my mom in my wedding. I miss her daily and occasionally break down with the longing for a mother’s insight, wisdom, and occasional nagging. As I’ve been preparing for the wedding, I’ve been inspired by looking at my mom’s bridal portraits. Staring at them has been a way of reconnecting with the memories, the stories, the smiles and her spirit.
But this is not meant to be a sob sorry or simply a sorrowful recounting. It’s actually an accounting of hope and of life. That has been the theme for our wedding. Our invitations and printed materials are marked with the blossoming branches of spring. After every winter, there is the renewal of spring. Life is fragile, it is short, and there are cycles. Jason is completely healthy and strong. My younger sister and I are healing as we remember our mom. I've attached a picture from 1982 of my beautiful mom and me. And our wedding is a great celebration of and with the family and friends who have supported us and loved us all these years.
Having lost my mom, and with her, a lot of the generational stories and connectedness that are often passed down during engagement, I find myself longing to create a set of heirloom items. One of them would be a box of bridal portraits of the women in my family from generation to generation. Your talent for capturing moments, for capturing the essence of individuals, their spirit and hopefulness would be a tremendous gift.
An excerpt from one of our readings that so beautifully captures the moment of our wedding reads, “Here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life…”
Your photos and the work of Maria Chang and Mandy Scott would all add to the tree called life that Jason and I are building together!
Warmly,
Evelyn Tu
PS. Best of luck with the busy wedding season!
Posted at 03:48 PM
Sun - March 25, 2007
Welcome to the new and improved Gene Higa.com
Welcome to the new and improved genehiga.com. I
know a lot of you have been waiting patiently to see this website. But, the wait
has paid off. I love this website. So of course Livebooks took care of the design and I took
care of the rest. So a couple of things before I show you how it works.
The website is designed so that I have complete control. Always, check in. I can update this baby at any time. So if I happen to be shooting a wedding in on the other side of the planet. I can post a gallery of images. The galleries will always be changing. The beauty of the website is it grows with me.
I had a custom intro designed that is pretty short. Here is a couple of screen grabs. I used three words that best describe all of my clients. Cool, Hip and Fun.
Then you will be taken to a page that gives you gives you the option of visiting one or all three of my websites.
Here it is, my home page. All of my destination signature images are posted. Same header as my blog.
Take a look around and check out some of the new galleries and other pages. We went for high impact with large images and kept it simple. Clean design and made it all about the images.
I hope you love the website as much as I do.
The website is designed so that I have complete control. Always, check in. I can update this baby at any time. So if I happen to be shooting a wedding in on the other side of the planet. I can post a gallery of images. The galleries will always be changing. The beauty of the website is it grows with me.
I had a custom intro designed that is pretty short. Here is a couple of screen grabs. I used three words that best describe all of my clients. Cool, Hip and Fun.
Then you will be taken to a page that gives you gives you the option of visiting one or all three of my websites.
Here it is, my home page. All of my destination signature images are posted. Same header as my blog.
Take a look around and check out some of the new galleries and other pages. We went for high impact with large images and kept it simple. Clean design and made it all about the images.
I hope you love the website as much as I do.
Posted at 09:05 PM Read More
Thu - March 8, 2007
Rangefinder Magazine March 2007 - Destination Weddings by Harvey Goldstein
Rangefinder Magazine March
2007
Gene Higa by Harvey Goldstein Destination Weddings
Gene Higa is one wedding photographer in a very saturated area of many wedding photographers in San Francisco. Refusing to compete with everyone else for the same local Bay Area clients, however, Gene solved the issue by expanding his market area to the rest of the world. In choosing to become a destination wedding photographer, he now indulges his desire to see the world and experience new places, while photographing 35 to 40 weddings a year.
Today, Gene and Ann Hamilton operate two separate businesses in one storefront studio. Gene concentrates on portraits and weddings, while Ann has built her own business with dog portraits and weddings. Depending on Ann’s availability, she will join Gene on a destination wedding as an associate photographer. “What we offer to prospective clients is our combined perspectives,” Gene says. “Our styles are very complementary to each other, and we have established a rhythm with our photography. The beauty of having both of us at an event is that we have complete trust in each other’s abilities and often compete to get the shot of the day.”
Since the quality of photography in destination cities is at times not of the same standard which U.S. brides are accustomed to, and because the long-distance relationship between a bride and a photographer from a foreign country can pose a challenge, brides often import their photographers from the United States. To introduce himself, Gene first contacted wedding coordinators from all over the world and sent them samples of his work. This was the beginning of his global relationship. Gene, who is not known for his shyness, began creating a buzz for himself by talking about his business and newfound direction to anyone who would listen. He cites The Anatomy of the Buzz (by Emanuel Rosen), and one of its key points about creating word-of-mouth advertising, as a major factor in his becoming well known.
Gene continues to send out sample albums, wall prints and updated brochures to wedding coordinators, and he is continuously updating his website and personal blog. He also displays all of his new samples in his San Francisco storefront studio. While there are other photographers in the Greater Bay Area, as well as throughout the country, who offer destination-wedding services, Gene has created a niche by keeping his name in front of the public and letting potential clients know this is not an adjunct to his business— destination weddings are his prime focus.
The majority of Gene’s clients are from the United States. They contract with him by providing a retainer to hold the date, with the balance paid by credit card. Each assignment is priced separately, and each package is customized to suit the client’s needs. Gene factors in the number of days he will cover the wedding, the number of locations he will photograph and the amount of time he will spend working. He also builds all flights, ground transportation and hotels into the price. In 2006, he spent time away from his San Francisco studio photographing events in New York City, Maui, the Philippines, Peru, India, Italy, Greece, Mexico, Jamaica, Thailand and Barbados.
Destination weddings are typically midweek events, although Gene admits he is not sure why. They can be very taxing on the body because of jet lag. In 2005, Gene photographed a three-day event in India and only had one day to rest at home before flying to Italy for another wedding. He also had a busy December that year, photographing a wedding in Jamaica, coming home for a week to photograph in San Francisco and then flying to Thailand for another event. From Thailand he flew directly to Barbados for a Christmas wedding and then to Maui for a New Year’s wedding. Whew!
To be sure he doesn’t lose any images, immediately after photographing an event and before returning to the United States, Gene always backs up his images on his Apple PowerBook G4 laptop and his FireLite 80 GB external hard drive; he also burns all of the images to a DVD. He doesn’t erase his cards then either; he wants to be sure that he has four copies before leaving any location. The safety of his images is of the utmost importance. On the flight home, Gene create some top choices for his album design and works on his first editing of the event.
Preparing for a destination wedding takes planning. Gene packs his wedding cameras and accessories in two carry-on suitcases that will fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat; he does not want to risk having his equipment damaged in transit. He makes duplicate copies of the paperwork and places them in several pieces of luggage, to ensure he has them when he arrives. The paperwork consists of information about the bride and groom, where they are staying, and the wedding contract. He also carries proof of insurance for both his equipment and his business. He has duplicate copies of his flight information, accommodations and ground transportation. Telephone numbers for all companies, as well as how to contact the bride and groom, are important to have available. Gene also recommends carrying copies of credit cards, passports, identification and any medical records. Always anticipate the unexpected, he suggests, such as canceled flights, a change in weather or anything else that may be beyond your control.
Traveling to exotic lands can be challenging to one’s system. Before departing, Gene checks out the country to see if he will need any vaccinations. For example, he received several shots—much in advance—before leaving for India, to see whether he would have bad reactions to any of the vaccines. Eating exotic foods can also be a risk, so Gene packs a lot of PowerBars. However, staying in five-star hotels with restaurants geared to tourists makes travel easier.
Destination weddings are not like weddings in the United States. The couples holding destination events plan an experience for their family and friends; not just for the day of the wedding, but for the days leading up to (and sometimes following) the marriage ceremony. One of Gene’s experience in the Philippines was a weeklong event. After a 14-hour flight to Manila, it took two days to get acclimated to the time change. After meeting with the bride and groom to go over last minute changes, Gene and Ann joined the wedding guests on a two-hour bus ride to Villa Escudero, a village that had once been a coconut plantation, where they visited a museum with religious artifacts. They rode on caribou-drawn carts to a lunch served on tables set over a flowing stream with a waterfall, which made an amazing backdrop. Later that day, Gene, Ann and the guests went to a private home in the mountains that had pools filled with natural spring water.
After a good night’s rest, the guests were driven through the scenic countryside, where they boarded jeepneys, which took them to a lake where motorized outriggers waited to take them to Taal Volcano Island. They rode on horseback to the black lava rim crater. While on top of the mountain, they took a break and cooled down by drinking cold coconut milk. “It felt like 100 degrees up there, but it was worth it,” Gene says. “The view was breathtaking.” Gene’s clients planned an adventure each day and included him and Ann in everything.
On day five, Gene and Ann were awakened at 3:30 a.m. to board a bus, followed by a 19-seat airplane flight to Palawan, the location of the wedding. After arriving on this island, they drove for approximately 30 minutes on winding dirt roads to a marina. There they boarded speedboats, which took them to a small outrigger.
“The outrigger coasted through limestone cliffs that jutted out of the water all around us,” Gene says. “It was breathtaking. We arrived shortly before 10 a.m. and were greeted by a small oasis in the middle of the South China Sea. There were huts on the water and small private beaches. Our clients informed us that the entire island was ours except for the monitor lizards and the monkeys. For lunch, we took off on outriggers again and headed for another, smaller island. They set up a beachfront meal under swaying palm trees. It was a perfect setting for an impromptu portrait session of my clients.
“After lunch, we all went kayaking to a lagoon for swimming, followed by some snorkeling in the open waters. We then boarded another boat to another island for the rehearsal dinner and a cultural show. The wedding took place against a magnificent backdrop of sheer limestone cliffs. We went to the beach with the couple after the ceremony for portraits. The sunset that day was incredible and afforded us some gorgeous light. The guests were entertained with lounge music, a cultural show with dancers in traditional Filipino attire, a dove release and a fireworks display. The wedding was a great ending to a week of fun-filled activities and a new beginning for my clients. For me, it was time to head home for a week and get ready for a wedding in Peru the next weekend.”
Gene travels with several Tamrac and Lowepro roller/ backpack bags, which are certified to fit in the overhead compartment of any aircraft. Because Gene may have to go from a roller to a backpack in seconds, the bags need to be versatile. His equipment consists of two Canon EOS 5D bodies, two Canon EOS-1D Mark II bodies and a Canon EOS 20D for backup. His lenses include a 15mm f/2.8 fisheye, 14mm f/2.8, 24–70mm f/2.8, 24–105mm IS f/4, 50mm f/1.2, two 70–200mm IS f/2.8 lenses and two 16–35mm f/2.8 lenses. Gene also packs two 580EX flashes, 30 gigabytes in Lexar and SanDisk Extreme CompactFlash cards, two Quantum battery packs, rechargeable AA batteries, Canon battery packs and power adapters.
Gene uses ROES (remote order entry system), which is his direct link to Bay Photo Lab. As long as he has an Internet connection, he can upload images to his lab; the prints are delivered to his studio within a week of returning home. Gene posts the images on his website so that by the time the guests return from their honeymoon, the images are ready to be viewed. This approach has great sales impact because the wedding is still fresh in their minds.
Gene edits with iView Media Pro, and he creates galleries using Troy Winder’s Pickpic. This gives guests the option to purchase prints online. Gene works with Bay Photo Lab because of the fast turnaround time and the fact that the company uses Kodak Endura paper, which gives him the rich tones he prefers.
Gene feels he is becoming more widely known because he has been published on a regular basis in Destination Weddings and Honeymoons magazine. By being published in this magazine, he is able to reach more brides nationwide who are searching for a destination wedding photographer. His other great source of advertising is a long list of past clients who share their positive experiences.
Destination weddings can be a lot of work; they can also be a great way to see the world and get paid for it. Gene Higa does just that, and he has truly made his mark in this niche.
Visit www.genehiga.com (website) or www.genehiga.net (blog)
Harvey Goldstein, of Branford, Connecticut, has been in the photographic industry for more than 30 years. He is a former studio owner and presently edits numerous association newsletters and magazines as well as being a freelance writer.
Gene Higa by Harvey Goldstein Destination Weddings
Gene Higa is one wedding photographer in a very saturated area of many wedding photographers in San Francisco. Refusing to compete with everyone else for the same local Bay Area clients, however, Gene solved the issue by expanding his market area to the rest of the world. In choosing to become a destination wedding photographer, he now indulges his desire to see the world and experience new places, while photographing 35 to 40 weddings a year.
Today, Gene and Ann Hamilton operate two separate businesses in one storefront studio. Gene concentrates on portraits and weddings, while Ann has built her own business with dog portraits and weddings. Depending on Ann’s availability, she will join Gene on a destination wedding as an associate photographer. “What we offer to prospective clients is our combined perspectives,” Gene says. “Our styles are very complementary to each other, and we have established a rhythm with our photography. The beauty of having both of us at an event is that we have complete trust in each other’s abilities and often compete to get the shot of the day.”
Since the quality of photography in destination cities is at times not of the same standard which U.S. brides are accustomed to, and because the long-distance relationship between a bride and a photographer from a foreign country can pose a challenge, brides often import their photographers from the United States. To introduce himself, Gene first contacted wedding coordinators from all over the world and sent them samples of his work. This was the beginning of his global relationship. Gene, who is not known for his shyness, began creating a buzz for himself by talking about his business and newfound direction to anyone who would listen. He cites The Anatomy of the Buzz (by Emanuel Rosen), and one of its key points about creating word-of-mouth advertising, as a major factor in his becoming well known.
Gene continues to send out sample albums, wall prints and updated brochures to wedding coordinators, and he is continuously updating his website and personal blog. He also displays all of his new samples in his San Francisco storefront studio. While there are other photographers in the Greater Bay Area, as well as throughout the country, who offer destination-wedding services, Gene has created a niche by keeping his name in front of the public and letting potential clients know this is not an adjunct to his business— destination weddings are his prime focus.
The majority of Gene’s clients are from the United States. They contract with him by providing a retainer to hold the date, with the balance paid by credit card. Each assignment is priced separately, and each package is customized to suit the client’s needs. Gene factors in the number of days he will cover the wedding, the number of locations he will photograph and the amount of time he will spend working. He also builds all flights, ground transportation and hotels into the price. In 2006, he spent time away from his San Francisco studio photographing events in New York City, Maui, the Philippines, Peru, India, Italy, Greece, Mexico, Jamaica, Thailand and Barbados.
Destination weddings are typically midweek events, although Gene admits he is not sure why. They can be very taxing on the body because of jet lag. In 2005, Gene photographed a three-day event in India and only had one day to rest at home before flying to Italy for another wedding. He also had a busy December that year, photographing a wedding in Jamaica, coming home for a week to photograph in San Francisco and then flying to Thailand for another event. From Thailand he flew directly to Barbados for a Christmas wedding and then to Maui for a New Year’s wedding. Whew!
To be sure he doesn’t lose any images, immediately after photographing an event and before returning to the United States, Gene always backs up his images on his Apple PowerBook G4 laptop and his FireLite 80 GB external hard drive; he also burns all of the images to a DVD. He doesn’t erase his cards then either; he wants to be sure that he has four copies before leaving any location. The safety of his images is of the utmost importance. On the flight home, Gene create some top choices for his album design and works on his first editing of the event.
Preparing for a destination wedding takes planning. Gene packs his wedding cameras and accessories in two carry-on suitcases that will fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat; he does not want to risk having his equipment damaged in transit. He makes duplicate copies of the paperwork and places them in several pieces of luggage, to ensure he has them when he arrives. The paperwork consists of information about the bride and groom, where they are staying, and the wedding contract. He also carries proof of insurance for both his equipment and his business. He has duplicate copies of his flight information, accommodations and ground transportation. Telephone numbers for all companies, as well as how to contact the bride and groom, are important to have available. Gene also recommends carrying copies of credit cards, passports, identification and any medical records. Always anticipate the unexpected, he suggests, such as canceled flights, a change in weather or anything else that may be beyond your control.
Traveling to exotic lands can be challenging to one’s system. Before departing, Gene checks out the country to see if he will need any vaccinations. For example, he received several shots—much in advance—before leaving for India, to see whether he would have bad reactions to any of the vaccines. Eating exotic foods can also be a risk, so Gene packs a lot of PowerBars. However, staying in five-star hotels with restaurants geared to tourists makes travel easier.
Destination weddings are not like weddings in the United States. The couples holding destination events plan an experience for their family and friends; not just for the day of the wedding, but for the days leading up to (and sometimes following) the marriage ceremony. One of Gene’s experience in the Philippines was a weeklong event. After a 14-hour flight to Manila, it took two days to get acclimated to the time change. After meeting with the bride and groom to go over last minute changes, Gene and Ann joined the wedding guests on a two-hour bus ride to Villa Escudero, a village that had once been a coconut plantation, where they visited a museum with religious artifacts. They rode on caribou-drawn carts to a lunch served on tables set over a flowing stream with a waterfall, which made an amazing backdrop. Later that day, Gene, Ann and the guests went to a private home in the mountains that had pools filled with natural spring water.
After a good night’s rest, the guests were driven through the scenic countryside, where they boarded jeepneys, which took them to a lake where motorized outriggers waited to take them to Taal Volcano Island. They rode on horseback to the black lava rim crater. While on top of the mountain, they took a break and cooled down by drinking cold coconut milk. “It felt like 100 degrees up there, but it was worth it,” Gene says. “The view was breathtaking.” Gene’s clients planned an adventure each day and included him and Ann in everything.
On day five, Gene and Ann were awakened at 3:30 a.m. to board a bus, followed by a 19-seat airplane flight to Palawan, the location of the wedding. After arriving on this island, they drove for approximately 30 minutes on winding dirt roads to a marina. There they boarded speedboats, which took them to a small outrigger.
“The outrigger coasted through limestone cliffs that jutted out of the water all around us,” Gene says. “It was breathtaking. We arrived shortly before 10 a.m. and were greeted by a small oasis in the middle of the South China Sea. There were huts on the water and small private beaches. Our clients informed us that the entire island was ours except for the monitor lizards and the monkeys. For lunch, we took off on outriggers again and headed for another, smaller island. They set up a beachfront meal under swaying palm trees. It was a perfect setting for an impromptu portrait session of my clients.
“After lunch, we all went kayaking to a lagoon for swimming, followed by some snorkeling in the open waters. We then boarded another boat to another island for the rehearsal dinner and a cultural show. The wedding took place against a magnificent backdrop of sheer limestone cliffs. We went to the beach with the couple after the ceremony for portraits. The sunset that day was incredible and afforded us some gorgeous light. The guests were entertained with lounge music, a cultural show with dancers in traditional Filipino attire, a dove release and a fireworks display. The wedding was a great ending to a week of fun-filled activities and a new beginning for my clients. For me, it was time to head home for a week and get ready for a wedding in Peru the next weekend.”
Gene travels with several Tamrac and Lowepro roller/ backpack bags, which are certified to fit in the overhead compartment of any aircraft. Because Gene may have to go from a roller to a backpack in seconds, the bags need to be versatile. His equipment consists of two Canon EOS 5D bodies, two Canon EOS-1D Mark II bodies and a Canon EOS 20D for backup. His lenses include a 15mm f/2.8 fisheye, 14mm f/2.8, 24–70mm f/2.8, 24–105mm IS f/4, 50mm f/1.2, two 70–200mm IS f/2.8 lenses and two 16–35mm f/2.8 lenses. Gene also packs two 580EX flashes, 30 gigabytes in Lexar and SanDisk Extreme CompactFlash cards, two Quantum battery packs, rechargeable AA batteries, Canon battery packs and power adapters.
Gene uses ROES (remote order entry system), which is his direct link to Bay Photo Lab. As long as he has an Internet connection, he can upload images to his lab; the prints are delivered to his studio within a week of returning home. Gene posts the images on his website so that by the time the guests return from their honeymoon, the images are ready to be viewed. This approach has great sales impact because the wedding is still fresh in their minds.
Gene edits with iView Media Pro, and he creates galleries using Troy Winder’s Pickpic. This gives guests the option to purchase prints online. Gene works with Bay Photo Lab because of the fast turnaround time and the fact that the company uses Kodak Endura paper, which gives him the rich tones he prefers.
Gene feels he is becoming more widely known because he has been published on a regular basis in Destination Weddings and Honeymoons magazine. By being published in this magazine, he is able to reach more brides nationwide who are searching for a destination wedding photographer. His other great source of advertising is a long list of past clients who share their positive experiences.
Destination weddings can be a lot of work; they can also be a great way to see the world and get paid for it. Gene Higa does just that, and he has truly made his mark in this niche.
Visit www.genehiga.com (website) or www.genehiga.net (blog)
Harvey Goldstein, of Branford, Connecticut, has been in the photographic industry for more than 30 years. He is a former studio owner and presently edits numerous association newsletters and magazines as well as being a freelance writer.
Posted at 11:05 AM
Sat - February 24, 2007
GENEHIGA.COM AND ANNHAMILTON.COM
I had plans to launch my new website to coincide
with the New Year, but with a heavy travel schedule, speaking engagements, and
new clients coming on board, my priorities shifted and I had to place my own
needs aside. Well, many of you have sent over emails asking when I am going to
launch my new website. Some of you wrote that you've been checking every day. No
wonder my hit counter is going through the
roof!
Good news! I just finished creating our new branding kits and I will announce those very soon. If you are interested in getting on my email or snail mail distribution list, simply join by typing your email into my notify list, which is found on the left-hand side of my blog. I am selling my branding kit at a special rate to the first 100 people or photographers who express interest.
Okay, so here is a sneak peek to both my website and Ann Hamilton's website. We are planning to launch both sites very SOON. We've been spending late nights to get our websites up and running. We also both chose to use liveBooks as our web designers. I came across these designers a year ago. The results are websites that are impacting yet simple, and the navigation very easy to use. Both sites will feature private client access galleries to review album layouts, too. I chose to have a cool flash intro designed for my website, while Ann chose to be able to update her intro with images. Both websites will have music (so turn down your speakers at work) and much more. So hold on to your seats everyone. These two websites are going to ROCK!
Also, liveBooks approached me and asked for my help to spread the word about their product and services, and why they are a natural fit for photographers (and anyone else for that matter who needs a killer website!). I will be speaking at the liveBooks booth and lounge during the WPPI convention, so if you are interested in learning more about why liveBooks was a great choice for Ann and I to incorporate into our businesses, please stop by. I have lots to share and will be more than happy to answer any questions and take you through the process.
By the way, if you haven't been by the studio lately. Ann's home page image hangs in our front window, but in color. The 6' by 4' image has increased our foot traffic already. Talk about a WOW factor.
Good news! I just finished creating our new branding kits and I will announce those very soon. If you are interested in getting on my email or snail mail distribution list, simply join by typing your email into my notify list, which is found on the left-hand side of my blog. I am selling my branding kit at a special rate to the first 100 people or photographers who express interest.
Okay, so here is a sneak peek to both my website and Ann Hamilton's website. We are planning to launch both sites very SOON. We've been spending late nights to get our websites up and running. We also both chose to use liveBooks as our web designers. I came across these designers a year ago. The results are websites that are impacting yet simple, and the navigation very easy to use. Both sites will feature private client access galleries to review album layouts, too. I chose to have a cool flash intro designed for my website, while Ann chose to be able to update her intro with images. Both websites will have music (so turn down your speakers at work) and much more. So hold on to your seats everyone. These two websites are going to ROCK!
Also, liveBooks approached me and asked for my help to spread the word about their product and services, and why they are a natural fit for photographers (and anyone else for that matter who needs a killer website!). I will be speaking at the liveBooks booth and lounge during the WPPI convention, so if you are interested in learning more about why liveBooks was a great choice for Ann and I to incorporate into our businesses, please stop by. I have lots to share and will be more than happy to answer any questions and take you through the process.
By the way, if you haven't been by the studio lately. Ann's home page image hangs in our front window, but in color. The 6' by 4' image has increased our foot traffic already. Talk about a WOW factor.
Posted at 09:46 PM
Sun - November 12, 2006
Gene Higa Photography
For the past two years genehiga.com has
served me well. My photography has grown in so many ways. Today, genehiga.com is
getting ready for a whole new look. Mark your calendars or join my notify list ,
January 1,
2007 I will launch a more daring and different
genehiga.com.
Couple of announcements:
Speaking at PPSCV (Professional Photographers Santa Clara) January 11, 2007
Speaking at PPGBA (Professional Photographers of the Greater Bay Area) January 18, 2007
Teaching at Golden Gate School June 18-21 2007.
Couple of announcements:
Speaking at PPSCV (Professional Photographers Santa Clara) January 11, 2007
Speaking at PPGBA (Professional Photographers of the Greater Bay Area) January 18, 2007
Teaching at Golden Gate School June 18-21 2007.
Posted at 12:35 AM Read More
Mon - November 6, 2006
Gene Higa Proofs
Announcing Gene Higa
Proofs. A new custom website created to give you the best online
experience. This new website is faster, smarter and easier to use. Perfect for
my brides and grooms to have a pleasant online experience. We normally post
weddings before our clients return home from the honeymoon so this the first
time my clients see the wedding images. It is very important to Gene Higa
Photography to enjoy every moment when reliving your wedding day or
event.
Check your email. Tanya ( my studio manger) will be sending out a email with a complete set of instructions. The home page you will see the list of present clients whose images are currently being posted. Each gallery will be password protected to ensure the privacy of all my clients. Passwords are only released to the bride and groom. As you enter each event. A list of thumbnails will appear. Click to enlarge the images. From there you can change to black and white or sepia tones. We offer different boarders in many different sizes. Lastly all images are copyright protected. So please do not try to download my images. For those of you who have album plans. Use this site to create your list of images for the pre-design.
Enjoy the new website and welcome to Gene Higa Proofs.
Here is what the home page looks like.
Here is what the enlarged image looks like. Hover your mouse over the image, a copyright symbol will appear. The top left arrow directs you back to the thumbnails. Left and right arrows assist you to move through the gallery. Top right corner is your shopping cart and adding to album icons.
Drop down menus from left to right at bottom of every image. . Quantity, Image size, color tone, boarders and add to cart. When you are ready to check out. Double check your order, shipping and billing address.
You may send in a payment or use your credit card. This is a secure shopping cart. Confirm and submit your order, look for a invoice in the mail. We only process orders after receiving payments. From there let us take care of creating your prints and getting them shipped directly to you. Normal turn around time for reprints is two weeks or less. Easy as pie.
Again, we hope that Gene Higa Proofs will give you a pleasant online experience.
Check your email. Tanya ( my studio manger) will be sending out a email with a complete set of instructions. The home page you will see the list of present clients whose images are currently being posted. Each gallery will be password protected to ensure the privacy of all my clients. Passwords are only released to the bride and groom. As you enter each event. A list of thumbnails will appear. Click to enlarge the images. From there you can change to black and white or sepia tones. We offer different boarders in many different sizes. Lastly all images are copyright protected. So please do not try to download my images. For those of you who have album plans. Use this site to create your list of images for the pre-design.
Enjoy the new website and welcome to Gene Higa Proofs.
Here is what the home page looks like.
Here is what the enlarged image looks like. Hover your mouse over the image, a copyright symbol will appear. The top left arrow directs you back to the thumbnails. Left and right arrows assist you to move through the gallery. Top right corner is your shopping cart and adding to album icons.
Drop down menus from left to right at bottom of every image. . Quantity, Image size, color tone, boarders and add to cart. When you are ready to check out. Double check your order, shipping and billing address.
You may send in a payment or use your credit card. This is a secure shopping cart. Confirm and submit your order, look for a invoice in the mail. We only process orders after receiving payments. From there let us take care of creating your prints and getting them shipped directly to you. Normal turn around time for reprints is two weeks or less. Easy as pie.
Again, we hope that Gene Higa Proofs will give you a pleasant online experience.
Posted at 11:26 PM Read More