Where did everybody go?

We got kicked out!


The party got too rowdy for this place and we had to go. So we moved to a larger house with a nice sized living room to sit down, relax and hang out.


But don't worry we left plenty of bread crumbs to show you the way...you can't miss us.


We can't wait to see you!

http://www.coolcakephotography.com/blog

The Go-To Place For Makeup

Hi,
I want to let you know about my friend Tess that specializes in bridal and event makeup and does an incredible job. She is so gifted that you can find her work in magazines such as San Diego Style Weddings. I always align myself with the best in the industry so check out her excellent website...Like NOW!

Kevin

Change is in the Air...Uh, I Mean Studio

On the topic of change. I am changing the studio name and brand.
Change is good, right?
Why the change you ask?

(Marketing Manager speak) Wehhhhllll...Uhhhh... I feel that I can come up with a brand that best supports my work ....aaand projects an overall pleasurable experience.

............TRANSLATION
FUN!!! ......and More Fun.

I want more FUN in my life and I bet you do too.
So that's why the change. Very soon, things will get fun around here...or else ;)
What will not change though is the fundamental, vision based principles of the studio such as:
Pricing on my services through 2009
High level customer service
Individual attention to my clients
The humor and understanding I bring to each session.
The same high value products that I seem to throw in for FREE to my clients.
So go to the old studio site and say your goodbyes before it's too late.
Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
The details are a secret for now but check back because I will be dropping "yummy" hints as we close out a fantastic year.
2009 is starting to book up so contact me for available dates and packages.

With that.....I leave you this:

A Photographers Secret Weapon

In the past I've posted some photos, wrote a little blurb and have enjoyed a great response from past clients and friends and fellow photographers.
Today though, I would like to change the format and talk about something near and dear to my heart...photography. Specifically the 50mm f1.8 lens. This is an awesome lens and probably the best valued lens out there. Seriously, If you have a digital SLR camera (the one where you can change lenses-aka DSLR) then this needs to be in your camera bag. If you are thinking about buying a DSLR than this lens should be your second purchase.
Lets look under the hood of this baby and see what it can do.
I recently did a shoot for my still in law-school friend with her gorgeous daughter. Check it out!

The 50mm is a "prime" lens. Which means NO Zoom capability. It stays at the same magnification level the whole time. Which means moving around a lot.

In this picture, I simulated a telephoto lens by moving in close...real close. By the look in Maddie's eye maybe too close.
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This is more of a wider shot accomplished by backing up.

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This lens can be opened up very wide to allow a very large amount of light to enter. This opening or aperture is how photographers can get a nice fuzzy (tech term) background. We refer this as "Shallow" depth of field.



In this picture the blurry background as well the converging lines put the focus (pun? yes.) on the subject. Also look how easy she makes climbing those bars look. I remember when I could do that.
Here is another example.



Notice how the background is nothing but a wash of color. This is what makes Ryan stand out.

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The remarkable thing about this lens is that it's under appreciated by a lot of photographers. This is good news because one can go to EBay and pick up this beauty for under $100.

Here are more shots from that day.

Simultaneous silly faces.

"Imagine your asleep and the next day it's Christmas..."

" It's now morning and you wake up"

Next to some of it's contemporary lenses the 50mm or "Normal" lens looks wimpy. My Nikkor version is made of plastic, is short in stature and makes sounds when it focuses. But it's performance IMHO, rivals any Pro lens out there and makes beautiful pictures.

I hope you enjoyed my demonstration of how to maximize the 50mm f1.8 lens. If you love photography as much as I do and you want to colaborate or if you have a question, feel free to contact me and we can discuss it.

Kevin

Announcing Debbie and Dan- Engaged!

What a thrill it was to hang out with these guys. Something just clicked between them and the camera and I was there to capture it. My wife Beth worked with me on this one and I am eternally grateful to her because without her, I wouldn't be able to do any off camera lighting. If I have to use a flash at all, I try not to have it on my camera.

Anyway, after the engagement shoot we all met some friends and went to dinner.

I love this job!

Thank you Debbie and Dan for letting me be there and I so look forward to photographing your wedding in April 2009.

BOYS!

Lets face it... little boys are authentic. Have you ever noticed that boys don't care much for hygien. They play rough and tumble around and never miss an opportunity to jump in the puddle of mud. I try to keep up with camera in hand and capture the next adventure. I had the opportunity to do portraits of these cousins while in Zion.

Yuri and Viktoriya

Introducing Yuri and Viktoriya.
They are as sweet as they are beautiful. I have to say that working with this couple was very pleasurable for Mike and I. From the first moment we met at Poway Park, we all became chummy and comfortable. Which yeilded the great results that you see here. If you like these shots than Click Here and see the slide show under "feature events".

This is Zion

Been back a few weeks now and I am trying to catch up on my blog. Back to back weddings and engagement sessions have sapped a lot of time.

Ok so here it is. Of the 1000 plus shots, these are some of my favorites. I did take some pictures of people too. Those will come later.
I hope you can sense some of the majesty of Zion that I did when we stayed.
Thanks for looking,

Kevin