MANILA, Philippines – Being a wedding photographer is more than just clicking the camera. Take it from professional photographers Carlo Cecilio and Hyds Valencia of Imagine-Nation Photography, who talked about the subject at length on ANC’s "Shoptalk" on Thursday.

The wedding is one of those occasions which a lot of people love. But aside from the couple’s visitors, the wedding photographers through their camera’s eyepiece are the ones who witness the beauty of the occasion as every moment unfurls.

Photo taken by Carlo Cecilio

Valencia, who studied interior design for 7 years before going into photography, said she went into this field because she was looking for purpose in life.

Photo taken by Hyds Valencia

Cecilio, on the other hand, who was formerly managingtheir family business, said: “I got tired with what I was doing. My heart wasn’t there. I really felt that I want to do something that I really love.”

Both photographers believe that for a job to be appropriately done, someone must be passionate of what he/she is doing.

Both also agreed that one has to learn a lot and go beyond what photography books have to say.

According to Cecilio, “More than just reading books and attending workshops, it is different when someone really holds you by the hand. [It’s different when] someone guides you and shares his wisdom and knowledge so you can avoid the mistakes he has done before.”

Photo taken by Carlo Cecilio

When asked how they prepare for a wedding shoot, Cecilio said, “A wedding is a social event so there are so many factors involved aside from getting good technically. We have to develop relationships. We need to be a people person.”

In addition, Valencia noted that in the process, of course one needs to upgrade one’s gears. She, however, clarified that this only comes after honing one’s skills because that is more important.

Photo taken by Hyds Valencia

Just like any other field, photography also has its pros and cons.

Wedding photography is obviously a strenuous job. It can be very physically demanding. Valencia and Cecilio said it requires a lot of time and patience. Weekends are usually busy days since most weddings are held on Saturdays and Sundays.

Photo taken by Carlo Cecilio

On the other hand, among the job’s advantages is the fact that one may be able to travel a lot.

Additionally, they said it is a joy to meet couples and build friendships with them.

But most importantly, it is the sense of gratification that they get when they imagine their clients and the future generations looking at the pictures they have taken.