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Aquatic Photography

Bora Bora is the perfect place for a "Trash the Dress" photo session! Whether at your resort or in the… Read More
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Wedding photography

We would be honored to witness and capture precious moments of your wedding ceremony. Read More
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Honeymoon & Casual

Let us capture moments of your honeymoon during a fun and laid back photo session:-) Available at all resorts! Read More
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Aqua Photo Tour

Looking for something exciting to do in Bora Bora? Let us take you on our Aqua Photo Tour to capture… Read More
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It is not always about the Tiffany blue:-)

While the colors of Bora Bora carry the most amazing shades of blues, your expressions is what we love to capture! Read More
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FAQ

Bora Bora Photo & Video - Frequently Asked Questions

Stephan Debelle - Photographer in Bora Bora Bonnie Mak - Bora Bora
Stephan Debelle - Photographer & Bonnie Mak - Assistant Photographer

We Speak English, French, Mandarin and Cantonese
Bonnie Mak, 我的很好助手 她能說 國語 廣東話 及英語

Should you not find the answer you are looking for please feel free to contact us.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

  • When is the best time to have a photo session while in Bora Bora? +

    This is perhaps the most asked question. There is no short answer but the morning will typically render more crisp and vibrant photos while the afternoon will typically make for a softer light with more reflection on the water. This will also depend on the resort’s location.

  • What is the most important aspect of a photo shoot and photography? +

    These are somewhat two different questions but the short answer is the connection with my clients is an essential aspect. While composition, exposure and photography techniques are important, YOU having a fun and relaxed session is a key element to obtaining great photos!

  • What is your style? +

    Photography remains an art and you are part of the master piece! I believe it is essential to understand and connect with my clients and adapt to the situation and their OWN style. Your personality will also bring different inspiration and thus each session can be quite different. Overhaul, my style is on the photo-journalist / candid side; I believe in movement VS still. Posing is not a given so I will try to minimize it during a session, of course we will coach you through some poses as well.

  • Which language do you speak? +

    Being French-American and having lived in the US most of my life, I speak English & French. Bonnie, my wonderful fiance speaks English, Mandarin & Cantonese. 如有需要 我的助理能说国语

  • Do you systematically publish our photos on your web site and/or social media? +

    No, I respect your privacy and I will always request your permission before doing so. It is also not systematic and takes me time to publish them.

  • I wish to have a “Trash the Dress” shot? +

    Of course, these are fun and we would normally do this a end of the session. There are few safety considerations and it is always nice to let me know ahead of time.

  • Do you do Boudoir photography? +

    Yes, working as a couple makes it easier for clients to be relaxed in front of the camera. Boudoir photography would be done at your OWB, we can also organize semi-nude and nude session at some private beach locations.

  • Is a one hour photo session enough? +

    This is the most common photo session, yes it is normally enough but the amount of photos you will receive depends on the time you will spend in front of the camera. Many client’s wish to change attire during a session, this is absolutely fine and I actually encourage it but this is a factor to consider. We love what we do and are very generous with the time we spend on location during a shoot. My objective is to always maximize the number of spots at the resort instead of delivering repeat photos at one place. With these considerations in mind, some clients opt to have 2 or 3 hours allocated for the session.

  • Do you shoot weddings in Bora Bora? +

    Yes, this is a good portion of my work along with “honeymoon” shoots. I am available at most resorts and when required can also photograph legal ceremonies which take place in Vaitape at the Town Hall. A traditional Tahitian ceremony is something I love doing, the dancers, musicians, Tahua as well as the decorations can make for amazing scenes.

  • What attire is best? +

    The weather being hot, comfortable and light clothing is ideal! You need to feel comfortable during the session! Long dresses that flow with the air are great as they will provide elegant movement on the photos; colors that contrast with the elements here will make you stand out on the photos. For the men:-) A nice casual shirt is best, due to the hot weather T-Shirts tend to stick to the body.

  • Where can you shoot in Bora Bora? +

    Having agreements with most resorts in Bora Bora, We predominantly shoot at the resorts but we are also available to shoot on the main Island of course as well as overseas or other Islands in French Polynesia.

  • Do you shoot outside of Bora Bora? +

    Being based here, we predominantly work here but also travel abroad to shoot weddings.

  • Do you work alone? +

    I am lucky to have the most wonderful girlfriend who is the best assistant I could dream of! We work together with any bookings reserved two weeks in advance. She is most helpful demonstrating poses, assisting with wedding dresses as well as handling the light when needed, she also has a good eye for details and composition!

  • Are you rates more expensive when working with an assistant? +

    No, we are a couple and we are fortunate to love what we do and to be able to live in Bora Bora.

  • Do you photograph families? +

    Although most not as common here, it is something I enjoy doing. It can be challenging at times but it is fun and rewarding, children have the most candid expressions and being successful in capturing precious moments is very satisfying.

  • Do you photograph in the water? +

    Yes, this something entirely different but I enjoy it a great deal. The location as well as water condition is an important factor; some resorts offer great spots do achieve stunning in water photos. It is also possible to have a full day shoot on the lagoon if you wish.

  • Do you photograph maternity? +

    Also not as common here, this is something I also enjoy a great deal. The nature of it is different, the trust aspect between the couple and us is even more so important to allow the couple to be totally relaxed and open to the poses.

  • How far in advance do we need to book? +

    Many couples here will decide to have a fun last minute casual photo session prior to be leaving Bora Bora. If you are set on having a session, reserving ahead of time will insure availability.

  • Can we re-schedule in the event of inclement weather? +

    Yes, I understand this can happen and try to remain as flexible as I can be. I don’t normally do more than one session in a day to remain flexible. Having moved here from the US for a slower pace of life, I also need not to feel I am doing factory work but enjoy the time I spend with my clients. You having a fun and relaxing shoot is important to me!

  • Our resort recommended another photographer? +

    Some resorts may have a vetted interest to push for a specific photographer. However, just like with any activity or service it remains YOUR choice to chose your photographer. You would not select to have dinner at a restaurant because it was recommended if you don’t feel the menu is right for you. Each photographer has their own philosophy and style, compare and make the selection based on your gut feelings.
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PHOTO PACKAGES & RATES

  • What are your rates & packages? +

    We have several packages available, I maintain consistent rates across the resorts and I am also open to new ideas and challenges. Packages and options might be slightly different for a specific resort but the rates are essentially the same. Feel free to use this form to request pricing information details.

  • Do you have an option & packages for photos in the water? +

    Yes, we do. We have several options & packages available, from shooting in the water at your resort or in the lagoon with the wild life.

  • Is there a cancellation fee? +

    No, first of all I don’t require any down payment so there is nothing to refund or charge – it is also a rare occurrence and thus do not have to inflict stringent policies. You are here on vacation, to enjoy YOUR time and I understand things happen. I just kindly asked that you let me know as soon as there is a change on your side. Some resorts may have their own cancellation policy if you booked through them.

  • Are you available to follow us during an excursion? +

    Yes, however there might be an extra cost from the operator. For this type of situation, best is to contact us to let me know your intent and I will work it out with the operator. I have a good working relationship with many operators and would be happy to give you some suggestions.

  • Are you rates more expensive when working with an assistant? +

    No, we are a couple and we are fortunate to love what we do and to be able to live in Bora Bora.
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POST PRODUCTION & DELIVERABLES

  • Can we obtain a Slideshow? +

    Yes, can create a .mp4 Slideshow with Titles and Music if you wish - There is an additional charge as it takes some work to re-format the photos for a TV screen as well create the movie.

  • Do you deliver every photo taken? +

    No we do not. We take many extra photos during a shoot; it is the photographer’s task to carefully select and weed out images with unflattering expressions, eyes closed, poor focus, test shots, repeat shots etc.

  • How many images do you typically deliver? +

    Most commonly, packages in Bora Bora are defined by the hour with the delivery of X photos. A typical photoshoot of one hour will normally yield around 50 photos but please feel free to ask for package details available at your resort.

  • Do you re-touch the photos? +

    Yes, this is an absolute must; I firmly believe that is any the task of any professional photographer! Any photographer not re-touching or only re-touching a certain amount of photos does not do justice to its clients. ALL the images selected for delivery go through post-production re-touching!

  • What does re-touching mean and is there an extra cost? +

    Shooting in RAW will render very flat images which need post production adjustments to be made. Exposition, color, contrast, reducing or enhancing highlights are the basics. It also includes the removal of un-wanted objects in the background, some skin softening on close ups, removal of unflattering skin anomalies (pimples). This is why you hire a professional photographer, details make the difference and that is part of the package – No additional cost.

  • Do you shoot in JPEG, Small Raw, or Large Raw? +

    I shoot in Large Raw, shooting in RAW is a key element to performing professional re-touching.

  • Can we obtain the RAW images? +

    Normally not, there are certain considerations around this subject. I am not opposed to delivering a few and will be happy to have a discussion on the subject.

  • What exactly do we obtain? +

    You will obtain all the images selected for delivery in a digital JPG format. One set in high resolution for printing purposes as well as a set in lower resolution mostly to be used on social media/web. I will also select a few photos and process them with different filters, low tones, sepia, B&W etc.

  • How quickly can we obtain the photos? +

    My philosophy being to deliver quality images rather than quantity, I don’t cut corners during post production work. Depending on workload, and the quantity of photos to deliver; please allow 3 to 7 business days.

  • I see some photos on your portfolio are lower in tones or B&W? +

    While my objective is to deliver REALISTIC photos that are not over saturated, I take advantage of the digital era! All my clients will also get a sub-set based on the original but processed in a different way. This is to give you a variety of photos, which is especially nice when printing a book.

  • How do you deliver the photos? +

    In most cases, I will use a web service to deliver the photos to you. In some instances and depending on the length of your stay, I can deliver a USB key to you.

  • What size are we able to printing? +

    The high resolution images will be fine for print any book of a standard to medium format. Some clients do wish to have a LARGE print on paper or canvas, if that is the case; you can let me know which photo you have selected and I will send you a TIFF file for this purpose.

  • Do you archive and keep a copy of the photos? +

    Yes, I archive the RAW photos for a period of 3 months and the JPG for a period of 6 months but try not to lose them:-)
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