Its pretty easy to see why people travel across the globe to have a wedding or honeymoon in Bora Bora. However, this island paradise in the South Pacific makes for a perfect backdrop to any occasion. Our fans on Facebook and readers like you visiting our website ask us all the time if we know any Bora Bora wedding photographers. So to add to our collection of talented wedding photographers we asked Stephan Debelle about his services and to share a little bit of his background. Stephan was kind enough to respond, below is our email exhange with him.

How did you end up in Bora Bora? Do you live there all-year round?

Born in France, I moved to the US in 1989 and received dual citizenship. I made my first trip to Bora Bora in 2012. Photography has always been my passion since I was fourteen years old. I was presented with the opportunity to sign a contract with a Japanese Wedding Company during one of my trips to Bora Bora; in 2013 I decided to seize the opportunity and moved to Bora Bora to establish myself as a professional photographer.

Describe your wedding photography style

While most of my work here is centered on shooting Weddings and Honeymoons I am open to shooting almost anything. While some traditional (posing) photos are necessary my style is very much on the “Photojournalism” side as well as shooting with “Natural Light”. Having a professional diving certification, I am also hired from time to time to film & take photos during Lagoon tours or other activities both on the surface as well as underwater.

Do you shoot film, digital or both?

Digital, as well as video.

What do you enjoy about living and working in Bora Bora?

What I enjoy the most here is the peacefulness of life in the South Pacific as well as the culture and the people of French Polynesia. I am grateful to have good friends from the Islands who have been so welcoming and so willing to share their culture. I enjoy taking photos of local events as well as filming, that is my small way of giving back.

You seem to capture some of the most amazing personal moments. Can you share your process with us?

I usually have a good connection with people and always allow time to meet ahead to get acquainted with them, making them feel at ease and relaxed is key to capturing the magical moment. I did not come here to do factory click work, I enjoy listening to people. Taking the time to listen is essential in understanding their style and expectations so they can bring home a lifetime memories. The photo-sessions are conducted in a non-rushed and fun atmosphere, which is key for capturing good impromptu shots. Each couple being different; I love to improvise and challenge them a bit with action shots; if they have fun during the session – I know that is a win-win situation.

Your work is unique in many ways. Could you talk a bit about why you think that is.

I think this also comes from developing a real connection with my clients. “Alfred Eisenstaedt” quoted “It is more important to click with the people than click the shutter”; I really believe in that statement. Listening to people, understanding them and also allowing them to express their ideas is essential to me. I also aim to deliver photos that are representative of the day without over-doing it on editing and post production side; however I will deliver a certain amount of photos of a different version with advanced post-processing; IE low saturation, B&W etc.. This allows me to give a good variety of photos to my clients if they wish to print a book.

How many weddings and sessions do you typically shoot each year?

Being new here, I do not have a good historical average but would say that combining, Honeymoon sessions & Weddings, it will be around 100-120 this year.

What do you feel is the most challenging thing about photographing weddings?

The greatest challenge to me is timing, some weddings have a tight schedule and not missing the precious moment is the essence; you only have one chance! Heat, wind and rapid change in light are some of the technical challenges; fortunately they can easily be overcome with modern post-processing when necessary.

How do you choose which images you ultimately provide to your clients?

I first go through a selection process looking at the details and expressions. I ensure to select more photos than required to deliver so that they all best show the emotions and happiness of my customers – While shooting in RAW, many adjustments to the images are possible and every photographer should take advantage of that – Thus the technical aspect is not my primary criteria; you cannot recreate a “kiss” but you can adjust exposure if you were not totally on spot! The second pass, will allow me to weed out images that are not optimal from the technical aspect as well as not as emotionally strong.

How quickly do your clients get to see their photos?

Usually within 48 hours, sometime photos have to be delivered over the internet if I am not able to meet the clients before their departure.

Do you bring assistants or second shooters with you?

I rarely bring an assistant or second shooter with me, I may sometimes have a second shooter with me for video when filming with multiple cameras.

For those that would like to consider working with you, what’s the best way to start?

They can of course contact me via my web site http://www.boraboraphotovideo.com or email [email protected] but I always glad to have a discussion with them via phone or skype if they wish.

Stephan DeBelle / Photographer
US Tel: +1 201 731-2047
Local Tel: +689 87 27 76 84
Skype: stephan.debelle
Web: http://www.boraboraphotovideo.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/boraboraphotovideo

So many weddings take place in Bora Bora each year, its pretty easy to see why. An incredibly romantic island paradise in the South Pacific makes for a perfect backdrop to a wedding ceremony. Our fans on Facebook and visitors like you visiting our website ask us all the time if we know any Bora Bora wedding photographers. We decided to get some answers for you, so we asked around and did a little web research and found wedding photographer Ben Duluc. We asked him about his services and to share a little bit of his background. Ben was kind enough to respond, below is our email exhange with him.

How did you end up in Bora Bora? Do you live there all-year round?

Originally from France, I arrived in Tahiti in 2002. After several years passed moving around some islands of French Polynesia, I finally settled down in Bora Bora  where I live now all year round since 2008.

Describe your wedding photography style

Describing your style is always hard work. I wish I could say my style is a perfect mix between candid, natural and creative shots. Regarding a wedding, I really love to catch true feelings and joy more than a nice posed photograph. This is the most important for me and I like to think that this is what my guests want to bring home. So during a ceremony, I always keep in mind to be as inconspicuous as possible, like a part of the scenery. Of course, if we have a photo shooting before or after the ceremony, I make more creative shots according to my client’s requests. In that job, it is crucial to listen carefully to your guests and understand their needs in order to give them the best tailored service.

Because Bora Bora is often a once in a lifetime experience, they deserve all our attention.

Do you shoot film, digital or both?

I only shot digital. During the process of the ceremony, everything is going fast and you can’t stop it. If you want to catch all the details, you have to do it fast, this is why I use a DSLR camera.

What do you enjoy about living and working in Bora Bora?

As a wedding photographer, to live and work in Bora Bora is a blessing. Our island is certainly one of the most popular in the world as a lovers destination, with many luxurious resorts and idyllic sceneries. And during free time, Bora Bora is a perfect playground for water activities (surf, kite-surf, stand-up paddle or go swimming). But I always recommend to explore the other islands. You can’t understand the essence of French Polynesia without feeling the atmosphere of her islands. The magic is that each one has a different lagoon, different people, different way of life which makes them all unique.

You seem to capture some of the most amazing personal moments. Can you share your process with us?

People are always happy to come in Bora Bora. It is like an enchanting filter. So you just have to be kind, easy going and try to give your guests a lot of fun. That is the process for me to catch true feelings I talked before.

Your work is unique in many ways. Could you talk a bit about why you think that is.

In many ways we’ve got the same constraints as others photographers all over the world. But yes, we have the chance to work and live in a unique place that is why I will be forever grateful for all the wonderful moments living here. From the unreal colors of the lagoon to indescribable sunsets, the nature here can bring you unbelievable memories that you will never forget.

How many weddings and sessions do you typically shoot each year?

Thanks to the hotels of Bora Bora, there is a lot of weddings organized all year long. Typically, I can shoot around 10 weddings per month, depending of the season. After that, you can add lifestyle portraits sessions for honeymooners and few events.

What do you feel is the most challenging thing about photographing weddings?

As said before, things are going fast during a wedding. There are always some shots you absolutely want so you have to stay very focused, trying to keep a global view of what happens and not miss little details which can illustrate the atmosphere of a wedding. Because once it’s done, it’s done, you can’t ask everybody to do it again. That is the most challenging thing during weddings!

How do you choose which images you ultimately provide to your clients?

I try to put myself into my guest’s shoes. Each of us is unique, our desires and expectations as well, so I try to find a way to select the pictures I think they will do.

If we have few days before the guest’s departure, I send a link via Dropbox with all the thumbnails of the wedding, so that they are able to choose the ones they love. With the experience, you know what kind of photos will be selected or which one not. But sometimes, you are totally wrong. For you, the photo is far from perfection, but they chose it and you don’t know why. Maybe you missed the emotions they could feel inside at this moment.

How quickly do your clients get to see their photos?

Usually, I send the photos within two days and always before my clients leave their resort. Sometimes, they leave Bora Bora the same day, so I will send a Dropbox link with all their photos in high resolution.

Do you bring assistants or second shooters with you?

Weddings in Bora Bora are generally more intimate that in the home country of the guests. Most of the time, there is only the bride and the groom and the ceremony does not take too long, this is why I work alone. For other shootings, I can use an assistant with reflectors but it is more for special works.

For those that would like to consider working with you, what’s the best way to start?

I’ll say, don’t hesitate to contact me, whether it is only to ask questions. I’m really open minded, I like that my guests share with me how they see things. From that, I will always do my best to suit their best expectations.

Ben Duluc / Photographer
Cell Phone: (+689) 87 73 07 21
Email: [email protected]
Bora Bora, French polynesia
http://www.benduluc.com

Jessica and I love sharing beautiful photos of Bora Bora as most of you who follow our blog are clearly aware of, but you know what? We also deeply enjoy making personal connections with locals on the island. We have been very fortunate to cross paths with a professional travel writer and an extremely popular Bora Bora wedding photographer. For this interview we are very grateful have had the opportunity to exchange emails with Heirama Fearon who owns and manages Vavau 4×4 Adventures. They are one of the top rated and most reviewed Bora Bora tour operators on TripAdvisor. Above is a Family picture of the Vavau Team. From left to right you have Hiro, Jo, Juliano, Patrick (Operation Manager), Etienne (Head Mechanic), and Heirama.

How long have you lived in Bora Bora? And what brought you to the island?

I am a native of Bora Bora, I was born on Tahiti but raised in Bora Bora. Born from an american father and Tahitian mother. I have been educated in Hawaii and California. Hawaii, big island to be specific for high school and College at Pepperdine University right in Malibu. After school and working abroad I came back to Bora Bora in 2004 and started my 4×4 business in 2006. I came back to Bora Bora as I felt it was the right time to come back and needed to be back home after being away for 12 years.

When on the island, describe your average day?

My average day in Bora Bora has changed quite a bit in the past couple of years. As I currently live between two places Hawaii and Bora Bora. My Immediate family now lives in Hawaii but we go back to Bora Bora all the time. I spend about 60% of my time in Hawaii and 40% in Bora Bora. Being from Bora Bora you are pretty much related to the whole island, so I still have a lot of family there. I have a great business partner Patrick Mahuta who takes care of all our daily activities and Manages our Team very well.

What do you personally do for fun?

When I am in Bora Bora and I am not working I like to hike around the island and really take in the natural beauty. There is not one high point that I have been to where the view has not been absolutely amazing. On hot days I like to spend that time in the lagoon whether its paddle boarding around or snorkeling. There is always something amazing to see in Bora Bora whether you are above water or under it.

Bora Bora has a such an interesting history, what is your favorite story or fun fact about the island?

Bora Bora does have some amazing stories in its history! From the great migration of the polynesian seafaring people to the friendly occupation of Bora Bora by the Americans during World War II. Would you believe that during the time the Americans spent on Bora Bora, they set up most of the infrastructure that is still used today. For example the main road that goes all around the island was done by the GI’s. Most of the running water at the exception of the new modern desalinization plants was built by the Gi’s. We still use some of the water storage facilities to this day. Back in those days they even had 2 movie theaters on the island, one in Vaitape and another in Anau. It was a time when you speak to the last of the ones that are still around, was a great and happy time. Even though the rest of the world was not in the same situation. In many ways that was the first time that Bora Bora had its first taste in tourism. Many locals would make and sell shell lei’s, or make local artwork that the GI’s could take back home as souvenirs, they would also catch fish and sell them to the Americans.

Do you participate in any of the local festivals?

Now days its a bit hard for me to participate in the local festivals as I am always on the move between Hawaii and Bora Bora. But our company is active in sponsoring and participating in local events. Patrick is an active participant in the “Petanque” tournaments (Like botchy ball), we sponsor the local table pool club and even the Tahitian Javelin events during the July festivities. Our staff manager is an active participant in the Tahitian Javelin and always does very well during the competitions.

Where is your favorite place on the island?

It is so hard to say which one is my favorite place in Bora Bora, I have several places in mind because it brings a different perspective in the view and way it makes me feel when there. While on my trucks I would have to say our Matira lookout point is truly amazing as you can see all the different colors in the lagoon from the dark blues to turquoise to emerald greens. From there you can see Taha’a and Raiatea and even beyond that on special clear days. This access point is available only to my company and truly an amazing lookout point. Another great lookout point is up top Motu Piti U’utai. Which is the little island right next to to the Sofitel Motu, from up there you have a beautiful 360 view and there is a real sense of peace and serenity up there. Its almost a different time zone if you are used to the hustle and bustle on the big city and you walk up this place, the views and calmness of it will make you forget about all of that big city stuff and appreciate the moment. This view you can access by going on our lagoon tour, this is where we stop for lunch and a little R&R before going back to the hotel.

How did you get started in the tourism industry?

Well tourism has always been in my blood, my late grandfather built the famous hotel Bora Bora and was one of the pioneers of the over water bungalow. I grew up in the hotel Bora Bora so its something that comes really naturally to me. My business Partner Patrick has also been in tourism his whole life, he started as a bartender at the Tahara’a hotel in Tahiti, then continued on as a hotel staff trainner for new recruits. He would travel the islands and help set up new hotels and their staff and making sure that they would get the proper training. Before we started working together he was the F&B Manager for the Bora Bora Nui. Where I later recruited him as my manager and later became my partner.

How long has Vavau Adventures been in business?

Vavau Adventures was started in June of 2006, right when the St Regis first opened its doors. They were my first major contract and the business has been growing ever since. We are almost in all the major hotels in Bora Bora. I would have to say that we are a family run company. Patrick is my business partner and his wife takes care of all of our accounting and secretarial work, during summers his children do little jobs to help around. For the 4×4 part of our business we have great tour guides that speak several different languages and really pride themselves in helping out our guests. We just recently partnered up with a good friend of mine and are redeveloping his Lagoon business. Our goal was to be able to provide a 5 star service both on Land and on the Lagoon.

What are your most popular excursions? And why?

On land our most popular tour is the half day tour, which gives you a great perspective of the history and culture of the island. You get to see some amazing lookout points while being comfortably taken around in one of our trucks. I always recommend people to do this at the beginning of their trip so that they can get a good feel of the island.

On the Lagoon, I would recommend the full day tour as you get to explore the lagoon through many different stops, from hanging out with the rays to snorkeling around and seeing reef sharks and beautiful lagoon fish. We then stop at our little private island, like I mentioned earlier the views from the short walk to the top are absolutely to die for. We have a great lunch menu,and the snorkeling is also very nice and interesting at the eastern point of the island.

What sets your excursions a part from the others offered on the island?

What sets us apart from all our competition are our tour guides both on land and on the lagoon and our customer service. This really comes through with us and our team because we genuinely care for our island and our guests and it shows in all the great comments we have on TripAdvisor. We really love our island and love showing off our island to visitors. We are looking forward to having you come to Bora Bora and giving us the opportunity to show off our island both on land and on the sea.

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