John Mateos Ong is a rarity in the field of photography because he is an extremely talented photographer who is also a good marketing and advertising man. In an industry where many photography studios have failed, Ong has flourished not only because of his skill and talent but also because he knows what he is doing business-wise.
But Ong says marketing savvy is not the only way to go. “The main secret to success is passion. If you are passionate about your work, then you have a long list of happy and satisfied clients who will not only keep coming back but will also refer their friends to you,” says Ong, a business management graduate of De La Salle University.
“I shot portraits and covered children’s parties, baptisms, even funerals! Basically, I did not turn down jobs. I accepted them all,” he said.
In 2003, Ong formally turned pro by setting up Imagine-Nation Photography.
Ong believes in mixing photojournalism or candid shots with traditional or posed portraits. This way, all the wedding’s aspects—from the most simple smile to the couple’s kiss—are captured beautifully.
“I believe in getting to know my clients. I have been known to ask personal questions that other photographers don’t ask,” said Ong.
From just 13 weddings, bookings not only for weddings but fashion shows and other special events steadily increased that in 2005, with bookings already reaching 70, he decided to take in apprentice photographers into the fold, and afford better service to his burgeoning clientele.
Today, Imagine-Nation Photography located along Aurora Boulevard near Broadway Centrum, is manned by three senior photographers— Jason de Guzman, Erron Ocampo and John Javellana- ably assisted by 12 apprentices.
Imagine Nation Photography’s price tack has worked well since it is now one of the most booked professional wedding photographers in town.
A P50,000 package includes shots from preparation to reception with two professional photographers, all shots in high resolution CDs, 40 pages 8 X 10 digital story book, one videographer using 3 CCD cam, edited and raw video in DVD, as well as in-studio pre-nuptials in CD.
On the average, Imagine- Nation shoots 100 weddings a year with most of them occurring during peak periods of November to February and then May to July each year.
Many of the wedding photoshoots are outdoors— beaches or gardens— but more Filipinos prefer the traditional settings.
Imagine-Nation is one of over 140 participants of The Philippine Wedding Summit 2007, Themes & Motifs’ mid-year event focusing on ideas for themed weddings. The event will be held on June 2 to 3 at the NBC Tent, Bonifacio Global City.
The two-day event will also feature free career enhancement seminars for wedding suppliers to be conducted by experts in their respective fields including Renee Salud on Fashion Design, Rita Neri on Weddings & Social Events Management, Bern Mejias (Wedding & Portrait Photographers of the Phils. President) on Photography, Dominic Velasco of Imacron (WEVA, USA Gold medal awardee) on Videography, Tony Rodriguez on Floral Arrangement, Robert Blancaflor on Event Styling, and other illustrious industry personalities. This is the country’s most prestigious gathering of wedding professionals advocating for the improvement of their craft. Interested wedding suppliers may contact Themes & Motifs at (632) 371-9783. Seminar seats are on first-come-first-serve basis.
Fernwood and Fernbrook Gardens are the major sponsors of The Philippine Wedding Summit 2007. The event is supported by The Department of Tourism with event partners Wedding Essentials Magazine, About Weddings, 88DB, MyWeddingNetwork.com, Paper Elegance World-Class Invitations and T&M Gifts.
For information, call 371-9783 or visit www.themesnmotifs.com. Admission for pre-registered gifts is free.