Yusuf Gunawan Photography

Cool Car and Great Marketing on the Wheel

2012-01-22T21:00:00.004-05:00

I love cars...

I was walking around in Asbury Park, NJ, and saw a cool car parked on the side of the road.
It was a purple Dodge Challenger with a cover-all skin all around its body.
A unique feature of the car is the business card holder mounted on the driver rear side panel with business cards inside.

The car owned by the business owner of Chop Chop Bang Bang, a hair beauty salon that is located on 408 Emory Street, Asbury Park, NJ.

Great job on marketing on the wheel!

Camera Giveaway: Win a Canon 5D MKII or Nikon D700

2012-01-22T20:34:00.004-05:00

Have you dreaming about owning a Pro DSLR camera like Canon 5D MKII or Nikon D700?

You can win it by entering the "Snag A Camera Giveaway: Win a Canon 5D MKII or Nikon D700" by MCP Actions

Photo credit: MCP Actions

You just follow simple steps on their website, and then....

Wait for the announcement for the winner on February 21, 2012. Hurry up!!! The giveaway ended on February 19, 2012!

Again, just visit the MCP Actions Blog NOW to enter it and for more information.

Good Luck everyone!

Welcome Home Marine!

2012-01-20T22:39:00.008-05:00

After eight months deployment in Afghanistan, Marine Lance Cpl. Krista Zielinski is home sweet home with her family at Wildwood Crest, New Jersey.

I was able to get a glimpse of her Welcome Home procession when she arrived at Cape May Lewes Ferry . There were police cars, fire engines, motorcycles, and cars waiting for her arrival at the Cape May Lewes Ferry parking lot.

Welcome Home Marine Lance Cpl. Krista Zielinski! Thank you for your sacrifices and service to our beloved country! God Bless!

Photo credit: Charisse Rudolph, customer service manager at Cape May Lewes Ferry

Also, you can read more about her at the Press of Atlantic City and Cape May County Herald

Merry Christmas!!!

2011-12-24T22:07:00.007-05:00

We want to wish you all have a very Merry Christmas for those who celebrate Christmas!
May you and your family be blessed abundantly!

We also want to thank you for your support on our Facebook Fan Page.

Here are some pictures from our neighborhood who put an awesome Christmas decorations and lighting in front of their houses.

Merry Christmas!!!

Mellow Music Cruise Slideshow | Cape May Lewes Ferry

2011-12-11T22:14:00.006-05:00

Below is the slideshow from previous Mellow Music Cruise special event that I covered at the MV Twin Capes of Cape May Lewes Ferry.

Mellow Music Cruise | Cape May Lewes Ferry

2011-12-11T21:40:00.005-05:00

About 100 people came to the Mellow Music Cruise that held by Cape May Lewes Ferry on one of their boat: MV Twin Capes at the DeBraak Room.

We're cruising for a round-trip from Cape May, NJ to Lewes, DE last October. The music that presented by the Special Occasion Band is phenomenal!!! Their music genre are Classic R & B, Soft Jazz, and Easy Listening.

Special Occasion Members

Welcome Aboard!!!

1st PhotoWalk with New York Indonesian Photographer | Central Park, NYC

2011-11-28T20:47:00.011-05:00

Back in the middle October 2011, I had a chance to teach a basic photography lesson together with Kusuma Wijaya to the New York Indonesian Photographer (NYIP) members at Central Park, New York City. We had a blast of fun shooting anything around the park afterward.

There were 20 people came to the meeting. Most of them live in New York, only couple of them from Philadelphia and New Jersey area, which is me :).

This community of photographer was built in the base of sharing photography knowledge, and bring closer the Indonesian community who live in New York. They also offer FREE basic to intermediate photography lessons to anyone who want to learn, even their priority is for Indonesian community in New York, that include basic studio lighting and give special assignments to their members each meeting time.

For more information about New York Indonesian Photographer (NYIP), you can contact:
Kusuma (718) 415-4877
Yusuf (609) 231-3212
Irina (646) 549-9957
Aan (212) 470-4828

Pictures from our "Hunting Bersama Pertama" or 1st PhotoWalk of New York Indonesian Photographer (NYIP):

Age is not an issue!!!

Group shot...

Again, for more information about New York Indonesian Photographer (NYIP) or our next PhotoWalk, you can contact:
Kusuma (718) 415-4877
Yusuf (609) 231-3212
Irina (646) 549-9957
Aan (212) 470-4828

Hope we will see you on the next PhotoWalk!

2011 New Jersey Wine Festival | Cape May Lewes Ferry

2011-10-22T22:00:00.008-04:00

Roughly over 2500 people were roaming around at the 2011 New Jersey Wine Festival in Cape May Lewes Ferry Terminal that organized by Garden State Wine Growers Association on October 8-9, 2011. The event was a success!!

Let's taste the wine baby!

But again, some people still love beer :D

A special performance band also played on the background as the event being held from noon to 5pm.

The awesomeness of the event!! Until next year...

Cape May Lewes Ferry | Lewes, Delaware

2011-10-10T21:30:00.005-04:00

This picture was taken at Cape May Lewes Ferry Terminal in Lewes, Delaware.
I just cannot resist with the look of the sky.

Enjoy...

Happy shooting!

Wedding Highlight Slideshow | Same-Day Edit Feature

2011-10-03T21:04:00.006-04:00

We offer a "Same-Day Edit" on our wedding packages!! Yes! That's right. You can enjoy your beautiful images on the same day of your special moment was captured by Yusuf Gunawan Photography.

How can we do this?
We get it right in-camera when we capture your moments. Thus, you are able to enjoy your highlighted images before you head out to your honeymoon.

We showcase our talents on the slideshow for you and your guests enjoyment at your gorgeous reception.

We LOVE when others appreciate our works. As you can see the waitress tried to take a peek of the wedding pictures.

Happy clients make us grateful of what we do!!!

Want to book us? Call us at 609.231.3212 or email us at gunawanphoto@yahoo.com

Also, don't forget to "Like" our New Facebook Fan Page

Giveaway!!!

2011-09-27T22:06:00.002-04:00

Do you or your families/friends want an hour FREE portrait session (will include High Resolution files on a DVD/CD), valued at $350, from Yusuf Gunawan Photography? I will pick a winner on October 27, 2011.

Rules:
1. Head out to my Facebook business page
2. Press "Like" button
3. Upload a picture of you on the page and write a short story why you need to be chosen. After that, you can share the link to your families/friends to like your story or maybe they want to enter it for themselves.

Let's roll!!!

Notes:
* No cash values and must be redeemed within 6 months after it is issued.
* Travel fees may incurred for any locations more than 75 miles from Somers Point, NJ

Be Creative Part 3 - Water Marble

2011-09-26T22:18:00.002-04:00

My favorite shot from the same location that I posted in the Be Creative Part 1.

I just can't get enough to see this picture. It is straight from the camera, only enhanced in PhotoShop for sharpness and optimized for web view.

"Water Marble"

Thank you for reading and have fun shooting!

Be Creative Part 2

2011-09-22T22:31:00.004-04:00

Image below is another picture that was taken from the same spot from my last blog post but different angle and perspective.

As in mathematics, a problem can be solved at least in 2 ways. So what do you think?

Thank you for reading and have fun shooting!

Be Creative Part 1

2011-09-21T00:15:00.005-04:00

To be a good photographer, you need a good set of eyes and be creative.
Since I came back from the Skip's Summer School last month (see my last post, I have been keeping myself busy to perfecting with my creativity/technical aspect of my photography.

I also discipline myself to take at least 3-5 pictures wherever I go, as prescribed by Roberto Valenzuela.

Most people will see this picture as boring... Right???

As a creative photographer, I see things differently:

What do you think???

Thank you for reading it.

Skip's Summer School 2011 Wrap-Up

2011-09-19T20:45:00.035-04:00

Most photographers will say that they learn something new each day on their journey to fine tune their photography skills, want to move forward in their business, and also want to be able to networking with others. Last month, I got a chance to do all of those things by participating at the greatest photographer conference, Skip's Summer School, in Las Vegas for 3 days.

I want to thank you to Skip Cohen who called me on the phone and told me to go to the event. It was one of the best moment in my photography business to be able to talk to the man who has helped the photography industry to be where it is now. He is a humble and knowledgeable person who is ready to help others to grow/develop their skills. Thank you Skip for the phone call and the friendship.

Skip Cohen, Tony Corbell and myself

At the conference, I learned from best of the best in the wedding/portrait photography: Jerry Ghionis, Clay Blackmore, Tamara Lackey, Bob Davis, Kevin Kubota, Jules Bianchi and Joy Bianchi Brown, Doug Gordon, Roberto Valenzuela, and Bambi Cantrell. Lastly but not the least: Skip Cohen, himself, and the man of social media, Scott Bourne.

With Scott Bourne

On the second day, we had a chance to get involve in hands-on workshops with the speakers of our choices. They showed us on how to improve our photography skills from lighting, posing, and composition.

A photo from Clay Blackmore hands-on workshop

They are famous and successful. They are also willing to help us to be a better photographer/person in any way they can for us to be excel on what we love to do. It was a wonderful thing to be able to connect with them and just talk ... and talk... not just about photography but also our personal life with them... (what amazing moment to share!!)

With Jerry Ghionis, the only Australian named by American Photo magazine in their first ever list of Top Ten Wedding Photographers in the World.

Picture together with Dustin Meyer.

Tamara Lackey gave a lecture. She never forgot her Grand Latte Coffee :)

With the duo: Jules Bianchi and Joy Bianchi Brown

Posing with the master of Flow-PosingDoug Gordon

Picture from Bob Davis's Hands-on workshop

The platform programs in the conference taught us about how to take care our business and how to hone our photography skills, from developing great photography skills to ensure that clients are receiving the very best of our skills, maximizing our marketing, and caring our clients. Thus, we are able to GROW!! in every aspect of our business in this challenging economy.

Throughout the conference, we're able to get connected with AWESOME vendors from photography equipment, software, and photography products.

Corina and Roxanne from Pixel2Canvas

Kevin and Clare Kubota from Kubota Image Tools

Joel from Adorama

On the third day/the last day of the conference, we had the honor to listen the closing keynote presentation from Vincent Laforet. He shared an amazing thing that will help us to adapt to the ever-changing technology landscape and bring your story-telling ability to a new level (from mei500.com ).
A picture with him after the presentation.

The best part of the conference:
I am so glad that finally be able to meet in person with some of my friends I met over the social media (Twitter and Facebook ) at the conference. It is all about networking!!!

With the local celebrity Kenny Kim

With Gustavo Fernandez

Tried to get a snapshot with Clay Blackmore at the end of the conference

The man behind WPPI, George Varanakis

Lindsay from PIF Photo

With Beverlee Barthel

Christy Penn, Tracy Moore, Hanssie Trainor and me.

A good time to be able to get together again with my friend from West Coast Tamara Young, and introduced to a new friend, Ara Roselani

P.S.: I never eat In-n-Out Burger before; thus, Tamara Young took us there for the treat. Now, I can declare myself that I am not "In-n-Out Burger Virgin." LOL....
This is the proof of it: :D

What a memorable and learning experience that I had over the Skip's Summer School.

"If you want to be a better photographer ... be a better person." ~Jerry Ghionis

See you all next year at the conference again.. or might be sooner as now we are a family!!!

***Note: Pictures on this post were compiled from cell phone, point-and-shoot camera and DSLR***

Matt's Portrait Session

2011-09-18T21:56:00.008-04:00

As wedding season is winding down, we are starting to take more of portrait sessions. Book your portrait session as soon as possible as it will fill up quickly.

Couple weeks ago, we had a chance to shoot portrait session for Matt for his acting portfolio. The weather was perfect... Cloudy and a bit of sunshine, even at the end it was raining.

He is a quite an actor. He did some stunts in local independent movies and had been directing movies on his own too. Matt is a talented guy for sure!

Some infomercial: If you need an actor or stunt or just a fill-in guy for your movie, he is your go-to-go guy!! Contact me and I will hook you with him.

We still shooting even it was raining, and the result...

Hope you enjoy it and don't forget to book your portrait session with us.

Follow us on

Breaking NEWS!!!

2011-09-11T22:33:00.003-04:00

Couple weeks ago we created our new and innovative Facebook Fan page to keep in touch with all of you.

Please check it out yourself!

With this new/another way to communicate with you, we offer this great deals:

BREAKING NEWS: Refer a friend to Yusuf Gunawan Photography, tell them to like our awesome Fan page; when they book a session, you'll get $50 off your future session! Refer 4 friends and your 1 hour portrait session is FREE!

Fine Print: Valid only for anyone within 75 miles from Somers Point, NJ

Thank you all and spread the word!!

Tom Retirement Party

2011-09-04T21:30:00.012-04:00

Congratulations to Tom for his retirement from Cape May Lewes Ferry after 24 years of service!

His co-workers and also his band crews "Special Occasions" had a surprise retirement party for him at Sunset Lounge in Cape May Lewes Ferry Facility.
He definitely surprised!!!

The retiree tried to take a photo me?? YOU CAN'T SEE ME ;)

He was totally surprised now!! He even wanted to do some push-up LOL

Let's bring a notch!

Lastly...

Congratulations again Tom on your retirement! We wish you the best of luck!!!

The Aftermath of Hurricane Irene

2011-08-28T22:27:00.016-04:00

Hurricane Irene drew a lot of attention for the people in the East Coast.
People have to evacuate to a safer location, stocked up food and water in case they are stranded after the storm hits, be frantic of the where/how big it is, and closed major highways.

I am so glad that it had passed by from where we live. We only got a bit of winds and heavy rain. We are keeping pray for those who lost their homes, belongings, and their loved one because of Hurricane Irene.

The aftermath of the Hurricane, utilities companies have to scramble to restore electricity, gas, water and telecommunication. People are anxious to go back to their homes trying to find out if anything bad happened to their property.

Check out tips how to deal with the storm aftermath (excerpted from nj.com):
1. Road conditions may be treacherous the day after and travel bans may still be in effect, so check before leaving.

2. If you live in New Jersey, there is a Help line that help you accessing basic needs like emergency food, shelter, clothing and emotional support. Call 211 or visit nj211.org.

3. Be cautious when re-entering after an evacuation. The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers detailed tips to avoid hazards and damage after a flood.

4. Do not eat anything that may have touched flood waters. If you’ve lost power, keep refrigerators and freezers closed. Dispose of any perishable item that may have been above 40 degrees for longer than two hours. Detailed food safety information is available at nj.gov/health/er/natural.shtml

5. Dry basements slowly. FEMA recommends pumping out about one-third of the water each day. If the ground outside is saturated, removing water quickly can damage walls and floors.

6. Document your clean-up. Contact your insurance company right away. Document any damage with photos and videos. Save all receipts associated with clean up and repair.

Lastly...
7. Avoid the beach. Crews are still assessing damage to roads and beaches so Shore trips are inadvisable today. Check NJ.com and with municipalities for information on local conditions.

Here are some of the snapshot I took during and the aftermath of the Hurricane Irene around Atlantic and Cape May County.

Stores are boarded their windows preparing for the Hurricane Irene.

Access ramp to the Garden State Parkway Southbound is closed.

Another road block at Garden State Parkway Southbound

No Big Macs for you today!

Fallen Tree on the roadway

Debris still on the roadway

Wish you all are safe!!!

Anna and Chuck Wedding Day

2011-08-21T10:07:00.023-04:00

Yes, I do! That's what both Anna and Chuck said on their wedding vow at St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church in Little Egg harbor, NJ. What a gorgeous weather and beautiful day on that afternoon to celebrate their wedding.

What a special thing that happened that day was both of their grandmothers were able to come to the wedding and be able to enjoy the joyful day that Anna and Chuck experienced.

Additionally, there were 3 twins at the bridal party. All of them were beautiful!!! Love the moment!!!

The 3 sets of twins in the bridal party:

Preferred DJ's Vendor

2011-07-19T22:55:00.018-04:00

Most couples are having a hard time to find the right and trusted DJ's for their wedding reception. They know that it is a one-time and one-time only important event in their life!!! It needs to be performed right at the first place.

We have been working with many wedding DJ's throughout all of these years. We are highly recommend Michael Cofer from Impulse Entertainment DJ's. Michael takes a great pride in professionalism, class and attention to details. He will help you to fulfill your dreams come true, assisting you from the start to finish diligently. You will be the center of attention at all time.

Michael will deliver an excellent service to create a great memorable night for everyone, and keep you at the center of attention. You need check more about his entertainment services at www.impulseyourparty.com.

Anna and Chuck Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

2011-07-14T10:19:00.018-04:00

Everyone had a great time at The Grapevine Restaurant in Tuckerton, NJ right after Anna & Chuck wedding rehearsal, even it was pour rain that night.
The food also was so phenomenal delicious.
Enjoy the pictures.

What a cute cake huh??? :)

The bride-to-be and groom-to-be

Please leave me a comment!

The Lighthouse Church

2011-06-30T23:24:00.015-04:00

The Lighthouse Church celebrated its 20th anniversary at the Seashore Campground in Erma, NJ on this last Sunday. It was a great experience since we had the Sunday service held outdoor.

For six of their members, they declared their commitments in receiving Jesus as their Savior. They were baptized in the lake at the Seashore Campground. It was a wonderful moment. Congratulations to those got baptized! God bless you abundantly.

Right after the baptism, we had a BBQ and fun activities for everyone. Many of them went swimming at the pool or lake and enjoy the fellowship.

Can you hear me now?

2011-06-29T23:45:00.010-04:00

I got a chance to shoot details of an airplane for my friend when I was at the Millville Airport, NJ.

I had a great time talking to him after many years we have not seen since 2005.

We used to work at a local hardware store in my area until the store was closed for business.

Without further due, it is one of the picture I capture.

Millvile Airshow Part 2

2011-06-07T00:41:00.017-04:00

Who do not love man in uniform? :D
Here are some of the pictures we took at the Millville Airshow over the Memorial Weekend.

My favorite shoot:

I want to thank you to all US Armed Forces members who keep us safe.