Ariel Javelosa Photography: 3 G's of Wedding Photography
by Jonathan Dionisio
January - February 2009

Acclaimed photographer Ansel Adams once said, “There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer. For the viewer, all that he cares about is if he is there and looks good on the photo. As for the photographer, every click he makes in his camera spells the difference between success and failure of his business. Add to that the expectations of the client; this dilemma places the photographer in such amount of pressure.

Wedding Photographer
Gabriel 'Ariel' Javelosa

Perhaps if a photographer works alone then this will not pose any problem. However, working with others creates a larger room for error and failure. That is why, for Ariel Javelosa Photography, one of the premier wedding photographers in the Philippines, having a reliable manpower is a key ingredient to the success of the company. And owner Gabriel ‘Ariel’ Javelosa ensures that each of his staff, from day one, will be guided by the ‘3 G’ policy of the company.

Tested formula

3G stands for good service, good product and good relations to customer. All of the elements of the 3 G’s are carefully performed from the inquiry and consultation of the couple to the wedding itself and until the release of the final output of the couple’s wedding photos and videos.

For Mr. Javelosa believes, “If you deliver good products to customers, the customer is at the same time your advertising.” Each step the company takes allows them to deliver what is expected from them by the customer, and ultimately, remain in the business amidst tough competition in the local wedding industry.

Ariel Javelosa's 3-storey wedding photo studio
in Mandaluyong City

As couples enter their office, an impressive 3-storey photo studio in Mandaluyong City, they are warmly received by courteous, uniformed staff. Around the receiving area, couples will immediately see the extensive portfolio of the company (from the numerous wedding portraits on the walls to albums), the array of wedding displayed, assuring them that the company has been in the industry for a long time.

On the wedding itself, the familiarity of their photographers and videographers with the different venues and churches in the country allows them to easily conceptualize and quickly prepare for the shots.

The crew is dressed properly and is very courteous in taking their shots. More importantly, they are brief ahead of the personality and requests of the couple in order to produce photos that the couple will surely enjoy looking at.

Wedding Destination: Cabuyao Laguna.
Mr. Javelosa aesthetically takes a shot
at a lovely couple standing next to a lake.

During post production, suggestions and ideas of the couple are encouraged and used in the final output. With state-of-the-art facilities and the latest technology in photo and video editing at hand, they are able to translate the couple’s dream wedding into quality wedding albums and videos.

Sharing the Formula

It’s a question how does Mr. Javelosa makes sure that each client receives the ‘Ariel Javelosa touch’ despite the number of wedding the company covers per day. One secret is by capturing the 198 - 200 standard photographs that reflects the unique technique and style of the company, which he has personally taught his staff.

To replicate this is not simple. One has to thoroughly study and analyze all his works. One can only guess how Mr. Javelosa sees the needle on a haystack of wedding photographs. What’s more fascinating is that these photos have won numerous wedding photography competitions locally and internationally.

WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) 8x10 Print Competition Accolade of Excellence Spring 2007

WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) 8x10 Print Competition Accolade of Excellence Spring 2007

WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) 8x10 Print Competition Accolade of Excellence Autumn 2006

They say too many cooks spoil the broth. Not in this case. By employing a large number of videographers and photographers that possess the right combination of talent, added to his shared technique, it gives Ariel Javelosa Photography a wider room to expand and serve more couples, whether in the Philippines or aboard.