Dino Lara spent ten years in the Telecommunication industry before his artistic inclination led him to take up photography. But before the camera, he picked up the paint brush which taught him how to visualize an image. Lara’s new found passion saw him printing over 2 rolls a week, mainly of people in classic Black & White. A fan of happy moments, Lara chose Wedding Photography as the medium to express himself and has gone on to become one of the most prominent names in the genre. In this exclusive interview, the inventor of the Digital Storybook, talks about his love for B&W, his favourite Beetles number and more.

You turned to painting before picking up the camera. How much did that help to develop the artist in you?
Painting has taught me how to visualize an image. But somehow, my hands can’t do what my mind can conceive. When I tried photography, there were technologies that helped me achieve the image I wanted.

What got you interested in wedding photography?
When photography was still my hobby, I fell in love shooting people in Black & White.  But I only wanted to shoot happy people. So I figured wedding photography was perfect for that.

I love moments, I love actions and reactions and I love real emotions. It’s not really a technique but more of a discipline.

You were really into traditional black and white darkroom printing when you first took to photography. How many hours do you still spend in the darkroom?
I used to do traditional darkroom at least 10-15 hours a week. But working with chemicals became a health risk. So I stopped it when I discovered that scanning and printing negatives with my Epson Photo 750 was a far better option.

Your style of photography involves documenting the weddings you shoot. Can you tell us some more about this technique?
I love moments, I love actions and reactions and I love real emotions. It’s not really a technique but more of a discipline. Being sensitive to moments, actions, reactions and emotions is in my mindset. I think I’ve developed it already as it now comes very natural to me.

What led you to pioneer the Digital Storybook in 2001?
During film days, I would use my photo printer to do unconventional image dimensions such as 4X7, 5X5.5, etc. when the normal dimensions were 5X7 and 8X10. Even if I could achieve my unconventional dimensions from my Epson Photo 750 printer, the album maker didn’t have the mat to fit my pictures.

So instead of using photo mat for my albums, I made a layout of several images in one A4 sized photo paper. I incorporated graphic design in my photography skills to design the album and named it Digital Storybook.

I introduced the Digital Storybook to my clients in May 2001 and slowly more photographers followed. It became a standard album around 2003-2004.

You average more than a 100 weddings in a year. What inspires you to keep at it?
Most wedding photographers shoot around 80-120 weddings a year here in the Philippines. I figured 100 are enough to be busy for the whole year and at the same time I can still find time for myself.  More than 120 would mean abusing my body but below 70 could be a source of depression.

You have mentioned that your dream wedding destination is the Pyramids of Egypt. Why so?
I see Pyramids of Egypt as a wonderful creation of human beings and there are several theories about how it was built. In short, there’s a bit of mystery in it and that’s also how I see weddings. It’s created by people but there’s somebody with greater power to solemnize it.

More than 120 [weddings] would mean abusing my body but below 70 could be a source of depression.

What is your view on the increasing use of photo editing tools like Photoshop in photography?
It’s part of the artistic process of photographers. There was a time when photographers were abusing the darkroom to achieve several effects.  But unfortunately, very few photographers have access to darkroom.

I think now we are in a time where most photographers are abusing the use of effect to the point that it is screaming out of the image. I am guessing and hoping that the process would refine itself over time.

How do you plan for a shoot? Can you walk us through the process?
Since I mostly shoot candid moments, there is really no plan except for the basic preparation of equipment and having a well-rested body. I have trained myself to act quickly in several situations.
 
Upon entering the bride’s room, I’m already analyzing the mood of the people and the place.  I then start looking for shots that will best represent the mood. The same mindset also applies to the church and the reception.

Most brides are nervous on their wedding day, especially during preparation and make-up. I normally talk to the bride to help her relax and condition her mind to enjoy the day and simply let go. Once I achieve it, taking pictures becomes very easy and pleasurable.

I understand that you are a big fan of Huy Nguyen of F8 studios. What do you like most about his work?
I find Huy very witty and it shows in his work.  I look at him as the modern day Elliot Erwitt.

Which is your favourite Beatles song?
This is tough because I love all Beatles songs. But if I really have to choose, it will be Strawberry Fields Forever, “Living is easy with eyes closed.”

What does 2011 have in store for you?
2011 will also be very busy. I already have good bookings until the end of the year.  I’ve been getting a lot of out-of-town and out-of-the-country shoot inquiries lately. So I might be travelling a lot this year.

Photos by Dino Lara | Fotosocial

	Quick7: Your Favourite Printer: I loved my Photo 750 as well as my Epson Pro4000. They were 10 years apart and very different from each other. My Photo 750 helped me develop the Digital Storybook so it's my sentimental favourite.  The Pro4000 produced superb quality prints which were a lot better than the color lab prints of the time.  Your Favourite Shoot: Bride with veil. Your Preferred Location: Some place I’ve never explored before but which is not very remote and unsafe. Favourite Photographer: Elliot Erwitt Most memorable story: Back in November 2007, I was covering a wedding preparation in a 5-star hotel. The reception was also scheduled to be held there. Suddenly, some military rebel group took over the hotel. We were caught between the military rebel coup and the government. I was able to assist the family of my couple while still doing my job documenting the day. For me, to provide something intangible is very fulfilling. As I always say, “It’s not about how good you are at taking pictures but how good you feel about the pictures you take.” Current photographers you like: Huy Nguyen and Jeff Ascough. Toughest day at work: Admin work at the office. But I am happy to have a great backbone in my wonderful team that assists me and makes those days bearable.