CAPTURING THE BEGINNINGS OF FOREVER

“Photography is not just having the perfect angles; it is also about having the perfect story to tell,” John Kevin Rollo said in an online interview.

Weddings are one of life's most significant and unforgettable occasions. Cultures, ethnic groups, religions, countries, and social classes have different wedding traditions and customs.

However, in today's tradition, the majority of wedding ceremonies around the world have begun to place a greater emphasis on capturing and photographing the entire ceremony. It takes up over 90% of the event because the photographer must include or document everything. From the dress to the flowers to the wedding venue, photographers freeze moments and capture images that preserve all the preparation, time, and effort.

“I find my career very challenging as [the] wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event that should be photographed quietly, sensitively, and without the photographer dictating the unfolding story in front of the lens,” Rollo said on the challenges of a wedding photographer.

With over five years of experience in photography, content creation, and production of short videos and films at school, John Kevin Rollo, a twenty-year-old student, decided to pursue a career as a wedding photographer and videographer. He began his journey two years ago and is currently becoming well-known in his province as one of the emerging wedding photographers.

Despite the difficulty and complexity of the work, which requires many different components to come together to make an amazing work, Rollo manages to deal faster and easier and gets the job done properly. His creativity and natural gifts gave him an advantage over his competitors in his line of work. His ability to orchestrate diverse components into a cohesive whole speaks to his mastery of his field.

In the competitive landscape of his profession, where each project demands meticulous attention to detail and ingenuity, Rollo's ability to consistently deliver exceptional results underscores his reputation as a leader in his field. His capability to blend technical expertise with artistic vision not only satisfies client expectations but also elevates the standard of craftsmanship within his industry.

Rollo feels that putting a written guideline, ethics, and standards in wedding photography and such is essential since both parties should know who is responsible for unexpected faults and unwanted events. It would also protect the reputation in case of errors or misunderstandings and is far more useful than simply reaching an agreement with the client. By creating clear expectations and obligations upfront, both parties—the photographer and the client—have a comprehensive understanding of their roles and the scope of services provided. This transparency not only fosters trust but also minimizes the potential for disputes or disagreements down the line.

“Rules will guide us, ethics will provide the system, and standards will determine the output quality,” he added.

He also shares how passionate and critical he is in this field he chose to pursue. He also stated that he will never get tired of seeing white fabrics and different coats. The radiant smile of a bride, the heartfelt expressions of a groom—these moments resonate deeply with him. They reaffirm his belief that wedding photography is more than a job; it's a calling that allows him to document and celebrate the profound connections and milestones in people's lives.

For Rollo, these visual elements are not just subjects to photograph but windows into the personal narratives and emotions of the couples he serves.

Although it is so hard and nerve-cracking to deal with clients who are disagreeable, the bottom line is that the road to take another career path is still invisible and that he can't see himself working in any other field but living in the hustle culture of wedding photography.