Jen and Bryce Engagement

Chris and I had the opportunity to work with a fantastic couple this weekend up in Lansing Michigan. I have to admit, it's a shame that I didn't get a chance to visit the campus of Michigan State University before choosing a college, because I'm pretty sure that this was one of the most scenic campuses I've ever been to.

Jen and Bryce met at MSU, so we decided to capture the first part of their story on campus. We got a chance to do some really great work with them. Very at ease, and definitely into each other. (wink)

We also got a chance to shoot in downtown Lansing at the State Capitol building. The light was pouring in through the brilliant fall colors and I think we were able to capture some of our best engagement work yet.

Check out the vid!

-Steve

Courtney and Jeremy

Chris and Brad were shooting a wedding in Michigan the other weekend and I put together this video using some of their best shots. They also worked with a new shooter, Joe French. Many thanks go out to Joe for helping keep the day run smoothly. I think they did a wonderful job telling the story from the rehearsal dinner to the reception. I've heard nothing but great feedback from family and friends who attended. Outstanding job gentlemen.

Alesha and Chris

Ah! Our freelancer's are growing up so quickly these days...(sniff) Chris was a great freelance photographer that KKP has been working with on a few weddings. Turns out KKP was also lucky enough to be his wedding photographer on the big day. Alesha and Chris provided us with some great opportunities to try out new posing and lighting techniques. We'll show you more stills on how we created some of the lighting scenarios in a few days.

Amie and Jon

Amie and Jon were a fantastic couple to work with. They spent a great of time focusing on the details that Kaufman Kramer loves to capture! We also got a chance to work with another wonderful photographer named Sangeeta Kumar. She was able to bring a very different perspective to the wedding day. Sometimes all you need is a woman's touch. (wink)

This was a weekend when the KKP crew was split in Marion, Ohio and Lapeer, Michigan. While having all 3 full time shooters provides a level of comfort for us, we find that some of our most creative photography comes when we are pushed outside the comfort zone. A welcome feeling for sure.

Kaufman Kramer's Photography Weekend Part 4

The final part of our photography weekend was to produce a "Trash the Dress" engagement session for a couple we'll be shooting next year. Meet Erica and Danny...who graciously agreed to rolling around in sand. Although...something tells me that they enjoyed it. (wink)






(Love the water in this shot)







(Favorite shot of the day)



(David Ziser technique with off camera umbrella)



(Gorgeous)

Thanks again guys! You were awesome models!

We hope everyone had a great weekend and we'll have some videos to post up here in addition to the photos once we get them edited.

-Steve

Kaufman Kramer's Photography Weekend Part 3

The next shoot we set up was a commercial photography shoot where we could play with how to control light. The idea was to set up a "Joe McNally" style shoot where the subject is lit in the foreground and the background carries on the story. This is a common real-world situation where a client will ask for a promotional piece and you have to work quickly.

(David being...David?)

(Brad...using a lightmeter. I think he's being over-dramatic here) HA.

(Boring shot...where's the background?)

(Ah...that's better)

("Final shot" for client)

We'll update this post a bit later when the actual ad is created just so you can see how we're going to take this full circle.

Kaufman Kramer's Photography Weekend Part 2

The next type of photography we wanted to do was sports photography. Now, we don't have any 400mm lenses... yet...(wink) but the idea was to place ourselves in a position to capture emotion and the story of the day.

Here's some shots from the entire crew:


















(This is my favorite shot from the game. We wound up losing by a blocked kick which was no fun, but at the same time, it yielded this great shot. The emotion on his face says it all) Nice shot Chris!

Kaufman Kramer's Photography Weekend Part 1

Hey everyone! Just to give you a glimpse at what we were up to this past weekend...

Chris, Brad, and I decided that it would be fun to organize a "photography weekend" where we could use almost all of the equipment we own across multiple types of shooting scenarios.

Here was our schedule:
Friday, September 5th
5:30PM Dinner and Preparation (Steve’s Apartment)
7:00PM Night Time / High Dynamic Range Photography (rained out)
9:30PM Editing Session

Saturday, September 6th
9:30AM Live Edit using Lightroom and Aperture
10:45AM Studio Lighting Portrait Session
12:00PM Lunch
1:00PM Sports Photography - AU vs. Ferris State
3:30PM Commercial Photography “My Ashland” Shoot
5:30PM Dinner
7:00PM Balancing Flash with Ambient Light

Sunday, September 7th
9:30AM Debrief and Preparation for Engagement Session
2:30PM Leave Ashland for Baypoint
4:30PM Shoot at Baypoint Marina

Since we got rained out on Friday night, we stayed in and went over various editing techniques. However, the next morning allowed us to do some cool studio lighting. Check it out:


(Traditional 3-point lighting)

(Don't ask...)

(Traditional 3-point lighting)

(2 Light "Jack Reznicki" Style. 1 Key Light directly to the side, tilted backdrop, and one hair light)

(Over-under Commerical Lighting. One light overhead, one light under)

(At least I'm well read...)

(Over/under Glamour type lighting)

My Cousin Amanda's Reception

The great thing about going to a family member's wedding / reception is that you can enjoy yourself without having to feel like you're under the gun.

I was able to take a few shots while walking around. Note: I was trying my best not to be "that guy" at the reception. You know...the guy who shows up with the HUGE camera and trys to one-up the professional? (We've all been there)

So, I pretty much only shot family photos and some table set ups.

One thing about my family... they know how to throw a party. ;)





(Steven, Joellen, Aunt Linda and Uncle Ken)

(Mom and Dad)


(Uncle Jack and Mom)


(Gorgeous)

("Let them eat cake.")

(Uber-gorgeous)



(Tradition)

(Amanda and Mark) ~ aw cute!

(You've got to order the "Romano" to get this cocktail!)

(Downtown San Diego / Marina from the Balcony, in the distance is the Coronado Bay Bridge)

Congrats to Amanda and Mark on their marriage! Love you guys!

-Steve