It takes passion to get amazing photos. But when you shoot with purpose, lives are amazingly changed.

Imagine Nation Photography is a strong name in the industry that stands out with their heart for photography and their deep sense of calling. Headed by veteran photographer John Mateos Ong, Imagine Nation believes that every wedding is more than just a contract--it's a God-given opportunity to capture the beauty of each story and to minister into the lives of others.

Imagine Nation has now become one of the country's most sought-after names in wedding photography, even landing on Weddings at Work's (W@W) top 10 best suppliers' list for the third time this year.

But it did not happen overnight.

Imagine Nation shares its story of finding photography, passion, and purpose--all in the hands of a God beyond imagination.

Twists, Turns, and Triple Platinums

John Mateos Ong(or Jong), Founder and CEO of Imagine Nation, started his story along a road of many twists and turns. It was in 1990, during his first year in college in De La Salle University, when Jong put up his first company called "Concepts Plus"--a below-the-line events marketing company. The venture, however, did not prosper, and caused him to lose a lot of money so Jong decided to take another career step and became part of a 90s band.

Jong jumped in the rock and roll life as drummer and manager of the band Orient Pearl. It was at that time when he composed the song "Pagsubok" which became one of the band's major hits, earning them triple platinum awards for years.

Jong enjoyed the rock star adventure as he toured with the band all around the country.

But the stir for events was strong in his life, which is why in 1996, Jong once again ventured into a new events company, "WishCraft, Inc." Jong and his partners followed up on this success and diversified to put up other companies: Stage Monster (which is now Set Check), ProCast (casting), Post Ad (Street Merchandising), and Pixel Eyes Media. As his business focus became more specialized, Jong took up a Masters studies in Marketing in DLSU and enrolled in Production Design. Part of the course requirement was to study photography.

It was then when Jong fell in love with taking pictures.

He started out with a handful of shoots, doing everything from advertising, to fashion, to events. Each shoot branched out into more and more referrals until he decided to go full-time into photography. In 2003, Jong sold his shares in his other companies to fund for new gear and a studio. A few months later, he found his niche in weddings and decided to concentrate on this field. With only 17 weddings on his first year, Jong was blessed to see the numbers grow to 79 on the next year and 105 on the third. It was at this time when Jong decided to put up Imagine Nation--a team of talented and creative photographers who commit to carry on the same attitude towards weddings and deliver the same quality of pictures.

But it was not just photography and a company that Jong found around this time. After long years of twists and turns, God has finally captured him with a call for a higher purpose.

The U-Turn

Jong discovered God's purpose for leading him into this career shortly after several months into the business. The company did a 180-degree turn when Jong and his team put Jesus at the center of their lives. In 2005, Imagine Nation Photography committed to shoot with God's purpose, placing Him as CEO and main audience of the company.

Since then, blessings came pouring in. Imagine Nation opened up an apprenticeship program wherein upcoming talents are guided and developed not only in photography but also in their walk with Jesus. Today, housing 15 professional photographers and with shoots averaging 400+ per year, Imagine Nation is now a name that promises to shoot for God's glory.

The Imagine Nation Touch

With God's grace, Imagine Nation has crafted a strong voice in the industry with their gift in fusing photojournalism (candid) and traditional (posed) styles. Jong and his team are trained to shoot with their own distinct styles while not being reliant on editing and post-production. With this, Imagine Nation aims to deliver authentic, timeless photos that capture the excitement and joy of the most important day of their lives.

There is something for every client. Whether they are looking for a real or more dramatic approach, couples will find an Imagine Nation photographer that will suit their requirements, taste, and budget. Even couples who are more shy and reserved can feel comfortable among Imagine Nation's pool of talents not just because of their style but also because of the friendships they build.

Imagine Nation pursues a mission that sets them apart in the industry--and that is to be a blessing to every marriage. Jong and his team are prepared to go leaps and bounds to assist couples in whatever help they need before, during and even after thte wedding. They serve as friends, counselors, and--should the need arise--even as make-up artists, stand-ins, and wedding coordinators! Grateful for each chance to serve and bless their clients, Jong and his team pray for the couples they cover, aiming to bring Christ at the center of each ceremony, each shoot, each marriage.

At Imagine Nation, we believe that "God made weddings beautiful--we just simply capture them." Allow us to be a part of your most special day! Visit www.imaginenationphoto.com.  Leave us a note and we'll gladly meet with you.

Also, please support us at the Weddings at Work (W@Wie) Awards and vote for Imagine Nation as part of  W@W's Top 5 Wedding Suppliers for 2011. Log on to www.weddingsatwork.com to find out more.

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