MANILA, Philippines — Up until a few years ago, if a couple chooses to do a shoot before the wedding, it usually meant taking a portrait of themselves in a studio setting. But times are changing and pre-nup shoots have evolved into full-blown productions that create images that look more like a fashion magazine editorial than a regular studio portrait. One of the companies that made a name for itself in this genre of photography is MangoRed. Formed in 2008, it was started by two brothers, Ryan and Randall Dagooc. But if you are expecting traditional, cookie cutter romantic images from this team of photographers and graphic artists, think again. MangoRed has established a reputation as being bold, provocative and fearless when it comes to pre-nup photography.Take for example their pre-nup shoot of Kamikaze lead singer Jay Contreras to his then fiancé Sarah Abad. Not only was the choice of having the shoot inside a cemetery already bold, they pushed the envelope further by featuring Jay the rock star in a wedding gown! Another controversial shoot featured real estate scion Victor Consuji and Maggie Wilson. It included a love scene that was so hot and steamy that it was definitely meant for adult eyes only! It looks like this group is not afraid to take on controversy! But is there anything that they are not willing to do?

Surprisingly yes! According to Randall Dagooc, there are shoots that the group is not so eager to do. “When we meet with potential clients, the first thing we do is we try to get to know them as much as possible. We then try to work together to come up with a shoot concept that reflects their true personality. The final result usually ends up with 70% of the client’s original vision and 30% our inputs and suggestions.” However there are times when the crew would rather not go ahead with a shoot. This happens when they realize that the client would insist on doing a concept or a shoot that does not suit them. “We are pretty open much to anything. But sometimes we get couples who want to us to shoot them in a certain look or style that doesn’t reflect who they really are. In cases like this we maybe hesitant to take on the project.”

Once MangoRed and their clients agree on a concept, one of the first things that they will try to do is to find ways to achieve the look that the shoot will require. While other photographers would merely request the couple to show up in simple white outfit (so as to better reflect the light), MangoRed would insist that the couple hire a stylist. This way, someone will search for the right outfit, make up and props to create that look that they are after. The stylist is also essential as they help set the stage the scene on the day of the shoot. If the client is not acquainted with any stylists, MangoRed has a few stylists/friends that they are more than willing to recommend.

Another essential preparation that they need to do is to scout for the ideal location. If it is called for, they will travel out of town in search of the right place. In some case, they have gone as far as India, Italy and the US just to achieve the look that their client’s concept requires.

When date of the shoot arrives, it is up to one of MangoRed’s four senior photographers to bring the pictorial concept to life. As much as possible they would try to capture the couple as close to their natural self, which is why it is essential for the photographers to create a relaxed mood on the set. To achieve this, MangoRedstarts as early as the initial interview with the client. Aside from getting to know the client, it is also a way for the photographers and the couple to establish rapportwith one another before the shoot.More often than not the couple will find it easier to act natural in front of someone that they already know. But still Randall admits that there are times when they still have to direct the couple to get into the right pose that the pictures would sometime require.

To sustain that relaxed mood during the entire shoot, the photographers find humor very invaluable. They would banter with the couple and tell jokes. Because of this, Randall admits that he would bring a joke book along whenever he goes on a pre-nup shoot.

Depending on the concept, a shoot usually takes half a day to work on. “We sometimes start at 2pm and work all the way to 6pm trying to capture the couple in different light setting and moods." The result of all this hard work is a 12-page mini coffee table book that costs around P 45,000. However the price goes down to P 30,000 if you hire the crew to cover the wedding ceremony and reception as well. So far most of their clients seem satisfied with their results. Though Randall admits that when they were starting out, there were clients who were not as happy. But they have learned since then the importance of getting to know the clients well and helping them create an image that is true to who they are.

Contact mangoRED at 631.3060, 0927.9612882, visit their website www.mangored.com or email at info@mangored.com