As the old saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun. That was definitely the case for 2024. As I mentioned in my recent Top 10 Photos of 2024 post, it seems like the year just started a few weeks ago. Now as I write this, there’s only a few days left before we say hello to 2025.
As the year comes to an end, it’s time once again to take a final look at the past year through the lens of client-related projects, as well as personal travels and experiences. This is not only an exercise in strengthening website SEO ;), but will also serve as an archive to look back on when I’m old and gray, and perhaps something to show my grandkids if they ever ask grandpa what he used to do.
Without further ado, let’s begin.
January started off with a bang, covering a large, multi-day event for Zebra Technologies. My friend Dylan Goldby brought me on for this shoot, which in turn brought us out to the frozen tundra of Incheon. The event was held at the brand new Inspire Resort. At that point, it wasn’t even fully open yet, and I think the Zebra event may have been the first event ever held there. Both the event and the resort itself were huge, and we clocked a minimum of 20,000 steps a day shooting the simultaneous sessions, exhibits, and events going on that week.
After that, it was off to Seoul to do a portrait shoot for the Cartier Women’s Initiative. Me and my friend, videographer extraordinaire Wesley Chang had the pleasure of working with the CEO of SAIB at their sleek and modern offices in Mapo-Gu. This shoot was also during the coldest week of the year, and I didn’t envy Wesley and producer Jay having to go around the city taking B-roll in the painfully chilly weather.
I decided to escape the cold for a bit and headed home to the Philippines for a couple of weeks. It’s always great to spend time with family and friends in my hometown. This time around, I was able to do some street photography, as well as photograph some abandoned buildings around the university that were being reclaimed by nature.
Then it was back to Korea and back to Changdeokgung Palace for a portrait session with Emily and Travis. The late February weather was cold and wet, but the couple radiated their own warmth and we had a great shoot.
After a couple of shoots with our regular clients Volvo and Foot Locker, springtime rolled around and the busy season started to ramp up again. In early March, I got to work with the folks at AusTrade to shoot their booth and activities at InterBattery. In between jobs, I was able to get some pretty nice shots in during a weekend trip with my wife to Sacheon.
Then it was off to Busan for a cherry blossom session with Lawrence and family at Dalmaji Gil. The blossoms were a bit late this year, but fortunately we had some blossoming trees to work with.
Taking a quick break from work, I joined my first Gran Fondo cycling event in Goseong. Of course, my cycling coach Dylan was also in town for the event. We made sure to get some street photography in before getting on our bikes the next day. It was a great experience and I clocked my longest and highest elevation ride up to that point during the event. It was also nice to get a medal.
My next assignment brought me to the always-lovely Jeju island. There, I met Angela, educator and CEO of Pilco Studio. We shot some editorial portraits for Branksome Hall, Angela’s alma mater, who were doing a magazine article about her.
While in Jeju, I made sure to get some landscape and street photography in as well.
Then it was back to Seoul to do some portraits with Louisa and family at Changgyeonggung. There were some really lovely moments during this shoot, which made me miss the days when my daughter was younger.
A few days later, I went over to Itaewon to shoot Rosie and Denis’ wedding party. Note that I don’t do weddings per se, but this was more of a celebration event with their family and friends, so I got on board. The rooftop of KYLDN is a great venue, which made for some beautiful event photos.
Then I headed south again for an engagement session with LaChelle and Salah at Huinnyeoul Culture Village in Busan. It’s a great place to catch the sunset as long as you don’t mind walking up and down a lot of stairs. 🙂
During the busy stretch of work, I had the chance to take a little break and enjoy some live music from one of my favorite bands, Elephant Gym. They did a huge world tour in 2024 and luckily Seoul was on the list of stops.
After a bit more Foot Locker e-commerce shooting, I met up with Team Canada, who had come to Korea for a trade mission. We did their large “family photo” at Hwangudan Shrine, then walked over to the Westin Chosun for the reception to cap off their week in Seoul.
A couple of days later, I went over to the AT Center in Seoul to cover an event for Microsoft.
During this time, I also had the pleasure of working with Francis and Li-En in both Seoul and Busan for some couple portraits to commemorate their travels to Korea. The Seoul part of the shoot featured hanboks around the Gyeongbokgung Palace area, while the Busan leg was a little more casual, exploring both Gamcheon and Huinnyeoul Culture Villages.
A few days later, it was off to the New Korea Country Club to cover some events for Aramco, who was holding their Team Series in Seoul. Aside from the golf tournament itself, there were workshops, business talks, and other events around the country club.
Up next was a fun session with Rosie and family at Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung Palaces in Seoul.
Afterwards, it was off to Dulwich College Seoul to cover their Year 13 Graduation. It’s always a pleasure to cover this important event every year. Then it was back-to-back British events to celebrate King Charles’ birthday. First up was the King’s Birthday Party at the British Ambassador’s Residence.
A few days later, I got to work with my good friends at the British Chamber of Commerce in Korea (BCCK) for their King’s Birthday Dinner event at Conrad Seoul. This year’s theme was West End Musicals Gala. It was fun to see people dressed up as their favorite musical characters, as well as experiencing a riveting performance from an actual West End musical star.
Then I headed to Jinhae to do a session with Arvy and family. I usually only work there during the cherry blossom festival, and it was nice to experience the area during a different season.
A few days later, it was back to Dulwich College to cover their Founder’s Day Celebration. That same afternoon, I met up with Olivia at Changdeokgung Palace to shoot her Senior Portraits.
The next day, I met up with Janelle and Jeremy to shoot their engagement portraits in and around the Samcheongdong area. The Green Lung Park just outside of Gyeongbokgung was a nice surprise, as the flowers were blooming during that time.
Then, I had another session at Changgyeonggung with Grace and family. I particularly loved their matching outfits, which made the photos extra nice.
Another Foot Locker shoot and Dulwich Year 6 Graduation later, I met up with Alena and family in Busan for a summer session at Gamcheon Culture Village.
By this time, it was already the end of June and the weather was heating up in Korea. This wraps up Part I of the year in review. Thank you for reading!
See you in Part II for more assignments, travels, and stories.
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