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KP GALLERY
LITO GENILO'S SMART SHOTS

By MC Canlas
Thursday, March 15, 2007



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One of the blessings of co-organizing and co-producing the Kasal Pilipinas Wonders of Wedding Fair 2006 in San Francisco is I got to meet the many professionals and seasoned wedding suppliers of the Philippine wedding industry.

I got to know them on a deeper level, their crafts and passions, and how they started and emerged as leaders in their chosen profession.

Impressive portfolio, resume

Lito Genilo is one of the most successful photographers who graced the Kasal Pilipinas 2006. His credentials speak for themselves: Lito Genilo is the first Filipino professional wedding photographer with five international memberships and only Filipino photographer to join the largest association for professional photographers in Europe.

He shoots weddings abroad and has received several awards from different organizations and his latest achievement was his photo shoot in Boracay Island. One of the photos were chosen by the Wedding and Portrait Photographers of the Philippines (WPPP) as their 2006 Photo of the Year.

He also placed 2nd runner up in the WPPP Photographer of the year. Lito has been the president of WPPP since 2005 and board of director since 2002 to present. He is also the vice-president of the Society of Portrait Photographers of the Philippines for 2006 to 2008 and a board of director since 1999 to present.

He is also a member of the following prestigious international and local associations: Professional Photographers of America, Wedding and Portrait Photographers International, Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers and British Professional Photographers Association, and the Wedding and Events Videographers Association International.

I admire Lito for meticulously building up his resume and portfolio for the global market. Although most of his clientele are Filipinos and Filipino Americans, his art and craft is world class.

He is based in the Philippines, and yet his clients are more than willing to spend for his trip in the states where they live or where they want the shooting of their pre-wedding photos.

He is a much sought after photographer that even U.S.-based event coordinators like Creative Event Specialist and Andrea Isabela's Catering of Vallejo tap his professional services.

Excellent wedding photography

During the Kasal Pilipinas 2006 I have learned that one of the many reasons Filipino expatriates prefer to get married in the Philippines is because of the wedding photography.

Wedding photography in the Philippines has grown enormously as the wedding industry thrives despite the economic downturn in the country.

One explanation is that weddings are a one-time event where the bride and groom as well as the concerning celebrants would want to capture the momentous occasion for posterity.

Photographers must be alert and prepared for the unexpected, but they should also be aware of the varied and level of expectations of the celebrants.

Lito is not new to this field.

Passion

As a young boy, he became fascinated with the art of photography. He learned to love taking pictures and playing with a camera. It was during his years in a seminary when he was first introduced to formal education in photography. It didn't stop there, instead he got hooked with photography.

Upon learning that he can even earn his living through his passion - the beauty and business of preserving memories through pictures -in December 1986 Lito was inspired to put up his very own studio, the Smart Shot Studio.

His seminary upbringing has given him an edge - communication skills and fortitude.

"He takes an unobtrusive and relaxed approach to wedding photography, and his images capture the unique spirit and moments. His wedding portraits express a calm appeal- the bride and groom flush their smiles naturally and spontaneously. He eschews the contrivances where the newlyweds pose stiffly with feigned expressions. He knows how to get great pictures while letting the bridal couple enjoy their wedding day. Thus, he uses various shooting techniques from formal and posed to journalistic and candid."

These quotes were lifted from his website at http://www.smartshotstudio.com/. His website is a good educational tool in learning about wedding photography and his collection of works.

Must-see

The website's FAQ section is a must-see for engaged couples or for wedding planners who are looking for the perfect wedding photographer (www.smartshotstudio.com).

Lito is one of the professional photographers who donated photos to the Kasal Pilipinas Wonders of Wedding Fair, Exhibit and Forum in 2006.

He strongly believes in the three-fold mission of Kasal Pilipinas:\

- to provide couples, as well as their families and friend, valuable information and resources about wedding & event planning;

- to promote the Philippines as the foremost destination for the weddings and related celebrations; and

- to showcase and support the Filipino entrepreneurs and the booming wedding industry to the global community.

Kasal Pilipinas has invited Lito Genilo to cover the upcoming Flores de Mayo / Faces of Asia and Pacific to be held on May 19, 2007 during the Asian Heritage Street Celebration along Howard between 5th and 7th Street in downtown San Francisco.

The event is held in conjunction with the Asian Heritage Month Celebration in May. Lito Genilo works closely with Emily Sy, the producer of the Kasal Pilipinas (www.kasalpilipinas.com), and one of the featured designer for the Flores de Mayo / Faces of Asia and Pacific Parade (call 415-513-5442 for more information).

His photographs will be featured in local newspapers and photo exhibition.

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KP Gallery will feature the remarkable "brand" of the Philippines, of Filipinos and of Filipino Americans. KP stands for Kulturang Pilipino, Kagalingan Pilipino, Kathang Pilipino, Kasal Pilipinas, Kusinang Pilipino, Kalinangang Pilipino, Katutubong Pilipino, Kalikasang Pilipinas at Karunungan Pilipino. KP Gallery welcomes suggestions and ideas, please send them at bayan2bayan@aol.com (March 7, 2007)
 
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