Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF35mm f/1.4L USM Lens, f/4, 35mm, 1/3200, ISO200

They say love is intangible – until you put it in front of a camera that is. Then it becomes obvious, embodied as subtle gestures that shine in photographs – a gentle touch, a shy glance and most importantly, a smile that sets eyes alight with bliss. Nguyen Long shares his experience on capturing love over the years.  

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, EF85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens, f/11, 85mm, 1/125sec, ISO200

Tell us a little more about yourself.

I started my career as a photographer in 2004 with my first camera, the EOS 10D. Prior to that, I was working as a graphic designer.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF35mm f/1.4L USM lens, f/2.5, 35mm, 1/800sec, ISO100

Why did you choose wedding photography as a profession?

I do both wedding and fashion photography, but to me, wedding photography is really different. It satisfies my passion for capturing a couple’s happy moments, and it gives me the chance to travel. Besides, this job also provides me with a stable income!

Canon EOS 5D Mark III, EF35mm f/1.4L USM lens, f/13, 35mm, 1/160sec, ISO100

Tell us something, in your opinion, magical about wedding photography.

The most magical thing about wedding photography is being able to feel a couple’s happiness in their smiles and their eyes. These moments, and the chance to talk to couples glowing with happiness gives me the inspiration to be creative. 

Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens, f/3.5, 145mm, 1/2500sec, ISO200

What’s the most satisfying thing about photography? Specifically, wedding photography?

Photography grants me a different way of observation and different perspectives on life. With wedding photography, I have attended many wedding parties of my clients, and seeing how happy they are when they receive their photo albums does it for me. Sometimes, I even get the opportunity to shoot their 5-year or 10-year wedding anniversary albums. Making my clients satisfied is my greatest pleasure.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, EF135mm f/2L USM lens, f/11, 1/125sec, 135mm, ISO200

What do you think makes you different from other wedding photographers?

Besides choosing the best equipment and knowing how to use it properly, it is important for a photographer to keep studying to find his own style. Although I used to be a graphic designer, I only use my experiences in photography to deal with composition. I place strict, high standards on myself to ensure that I will get the true colours, right focus and light to achieve natural beauty for my photos. I don’t rely much on post-processing my pictures, and that makes me different.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, EF85mm f/1.2L II USM lens, f/11, 85mm, 1/125sec, ISO200

Can you tell us something special about Vietnamese wedding culture? What are some of the trends you’re seeing right now?

Influenced by the Oriental culture, many Vietnamese couples prefer pre-wedding shoots that capture their own private moments. In these photos, the traditional Vietnamese ao dai plays an important role. However, many couples are more flexible with styles these days. They like simple outfits, romantic scenes and focus more on telling their love stories through happy moments instead of rigid photos. 

Photography grants me a different way of observation and different perspectives on life.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, EF85mm f/1.2L II USM lens, f/10, 1/125sec, 85mm, ISO200

How has the EOS 5D series helped you in your work?

I have used all kinds of cameras in the EOS 5D series for taking wedding photos. First, because I have to move a lot when taking these photos, a camera as compact as the ones from the EOS 5D series is what I like best. Besides, the EOS 5D series, from the oldest to the latest one, is renowned for its natural colours. As such, I rely very little on post-processing, because I know my pictures will have the best clearness, sharpness and color gradient.

I also can’t help confessing that the price of EOS 5D series makes it very suitable for wedding photography in Vietnam!

What do you love most about the EOS 5D series?

It’s compact and has sufficient functions. And as I’ve mentioned before, it helps me pursue my natural style of a careful set-up before shooting and little editing in the post-production. 

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, EF85mm f/1.2L II USM lens, f/11, 1/125sec, 85mm, ISO200

What do you think of the new EOS 5D Mark IV?

Compared with the excellent EOS 5D Mark III that I am using, the EOS 5D Mark IV has got many new significant functions. I have had the chance to use the EOS 5D Mark IV and with its 7 fps continuous shooting mode, I never miss any happy moments of my clients. The EOS 5D Mark IV has also got the Dual Pixel Raw capability, which is very useful for wedding photographers.

Speaking of the EOS 5D Mark IV, it is obvious that Canon has listened to its customers and has created a camera that can meet all its customers’ demands. This is the most preferred camera by many photographers.

What are your thoughts on the EOS 5D Mark IV’s Dual Pixel Raw shooting capability?

Dual Pixel Raw is totally new to me, but it solves some of the issues I when taking wedding photos. For example, sometimes the bride has a very beautiful smile, but, her eyes are covered by the veil. In most cases, that would mean not being able to use the photo as nobody can recreate happiness shining through the eyes with Photoshop. But having the Dual Pixel Raw capability helps me retain the eyes easily.

 

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