Indian Engagement Party Photos at Chicago’s Carnivale!

Last month Michele + Sushil celebrated their engagement party at one of my favorite Chicago restaurants, Carnivale! Carnivale has a couple different rooms for parties and meetings! It was cool to see the colors of Carnivale match all the beautiful saris that the women were wearing!

Before their engagement party started, we grabbed a few photos of them around Carnivale-

A fun photo in the streets of Chicago!

We made sure to get Carnivale in the background!

A photo of the table set up at Carnivale. They have a diverse catering menu for your party!

Though I was surprised to see a few Indian dishes in the buffet line! =)

And a photo of the ACTUAL proposal!?!?! Michele didn’t tell me this was going to happen at their Indian Engagement party…but I was ready for it!

Some fun Indian cultural ceremonies-

A photo of Sushil’s father tying the necklace

And they played a fun game at the end! The two sides were really getting into it!

Michele & Sushil- it was a fun time for sure- can’t wait til the wedding! And what a great venue choice for your Chicago Indian engagement party! Hope you enjoyed the photos!

with love,

Kenny

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New Chicago Studio in Lincoln Park: 855 W. Blackhawk Chicago, IL 60642 *by appointment only*

Last Thursday, I spent time with Truffleberry Market! They are a personalized catering service in the west suburbs of Chicago and they commissioned me for some photos! Some of the pictures from the photoshoot were featured on the Studs in Design blog! www.studsindesign.com

So yea, if you need a caterer for a party, gathering or wedding, reach out to Truffleberry Market as their food is pretty amazing! They make all their food from scratch…so much love and care goes into everything they do!

Here are some photos from our time together!

The client area of Truffleberry Market

But in the kitchen is where all the food preparation magic happens!

Yes…they make their own pasta!

Some tuna tartare on a wonton chip? ummmm…yes please! I could eat this all day- So good!

They make a pretty mean mini red velvet cupcake w/cream cheese frosting-

And the chefs of Truffleberry Market: Brittany and Vaidotas. The goodness behind all the goodness!

***if you are a regular visitor to this wedding photography blog…you might recognize Brittany & Vaidotas…I photographed their wedding in Cabo, Mexico this past January! You can see their AMAZING wedding photos at this Destination Cabo Wedding Photography blog post!***

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New Chicago Studio in Lincoln Park: 855 W. Blackhawk Chicago, IL 60642 *by appointment only*

It is 4am here in Sendai, Japan. I am here with Churches Helping Churches and I type this blog post in a room full of sleeping volunteers with CRASH Japan. In a few short hours, all will awake and be off bringing much needed supplies to the people throughout the region ravished by the earthquake and tsunami.

But unlike the others, I will be returning to the States tomorrow. I am saddened that I must leave so soon, as I was only here for a couple days…but I am encouraged by the commitment and unity I see amongst the people here in Japan. I have seen first hand how CRASH volunteers are bringing diapers, food, blankets, & even the most coveted of all: fuel (gasoline) to those who need it.

I don’t have time right now for a full write up, nor do I have time to edit all my photos. But I did want to share one image from today. Pastor Naito, of Seaside Church…barely escaped the tsunami (the full story is amazing) but returned to find his church completely gone. Leveled by water. All that remains is the foundation.

The remains of Seaside Church.

But while the building may be gone, there are so many things that cannot be destroyed by an earthquake or tsunami. Like Hope. Faith. And Love. All of which I have witnessed in my short time here in Sendai, Japan.

Please continue to pray for the people of Japan. (as well as for Pastor Naito and the congregation of Seaside Church) Fuel, food and water are still needed though the situation seems to have gotten better. And pray for those volunteering and serving in helping those in need.

Thank you for all the love and support- we all appreciate it so very much!

with love,

Kenny

January 12, 2010…at 4:53pm…a 7.0 earthquake shook Haiti to it’s core. Other cities have endured similar earthquakes, but over 300k lost their lives in Port Au Prince. What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. The international community came together to support Haiti in their hour of need. Food, tents, clothing and medical supplies were rushed to Port Au Prince to help provide basic humanitarian relief.

Mark Driscoll, from Mars Hill Church in Seattle, and James McDonald, from Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows were talking on the phone about Haiti. There were organizations sending doctors and medicine, there were organizations sending food and water, and there were organizations helping the orphans and children…but then they had a thought: Who is helping the Church? Who is helping the pastors provide for their congregations? When disaster strikes, people often look to the Church for help…so Mark and James decided to create an organization specifically tailored to helping the local church help the people in their communities.

I’ve had the privilege of partnering with Churches Helping Churches on two previous occasions. You can see my photos taken two months after the earthquake at this blog post. I was thankful to be invited to return for the 1 year anniversary of the earthquake along with fellow photographer Kenny Kim, and videographers: Chris and Oliver

January 12, 2011…one year later…Churches Helping Churches worked with local church leaders to organize one of the largest gatherings since the earthquake. They received approval to host their 1 year memorial rally in a six street intersection in front of The Palace. It was tough to estimate how many people attended, but the NPR estimates over 100k were in attendance. The famous Haitian gospel group Alabanza performed in their home country after being away for six years.

***See more than 60+ photos on my facebook page – Feel free to leave some comments on the blog or in facebook!***

The service started at 6am – The large tower located across the street from the Palace in Port Au Prince

Pastor Ernst waving the banner high

The collapsed Palace in the background

Two Haitian pastors that help Churches Helping Churches – Johny and Jacque. I love these two guys

Over 3000 local Haitian churches helped to bring this service together…congregations were bused in to join in the celebration.

One of the singers from the Haitian band Alabanza

The massive crowd-

Mark Driscoll from Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA

James McDonald from Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows, IL

This boy lives in a tent city. He sings at his local church, and he is extremely gifted. The crowd was going wild when he was singing. I have a feeling he will be performing a lot more in the near future.

It was an amazing time of worship. It was a special time for the people of Haiti. Thank you to Churches Helping Churches for having me along, and I am thankful to see what God is going in the Haitian Church and within the hearts of the Haitian people.

with love,
Kenny

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I love sports. I would love to have the opportunity to photograph the Chicago White Sox, Cubs, Bulls or Bears in action. Or even take their portraits. But in reality…I rarely put on the sports photographer cap. But a friend of mine, Bob Davis, let me know about an amateur boxing fight night happening at The Standard Club in Chicago. It was tough to imagine a boxing ring inside such a luxurious place as the Standard Club…but it has been a tradition of theirs for years. So I happily jumped at a chance to try my hand at being a sports photographer for a night-

And boxing was a tough assignment! Though I had full access…the speed of the punches and the low light conditions made for a challenging environment. I kept imagining what it must have been like to be a sports photographer back in the day…ringside as Muhammad Ali tore up opponents. This photo of Muhammad Ali is just epic. The composition, the lighting, and of course…the right timing.

And to think…THEY DID THIS ON FILM! So to all you sports photographers who have shot on film…I tip my cap to you. I can’t imagine what it must have been like.

Amateur boxing night at The Standard Club turned out to be a great event. Chicago boxer Lee Roy Murphy, a former Light Heavyweight National Gold Glove winner, was the guest of honor-

I love the look in his eyes-

Favorite photo of the night-

Yes…this very room at the Standard Club hosts wedding ceremonies, receptions, and…once a year, amateur boxing night.

I hope you enjoyed something a little different than weddings and engagement photos- it was definitely refreshing to shoot something different…and to grow a greater appreciation for those sports photographers who have gone before me-

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855 W. Blackhawk St #104 Chicago, IL 60642

This past month has been a whirlwind for me. I am thankful to have so many photographers in this industry to call friends. Last month I flew down to Miami to lend a hand to Kenny Kim and Ray Santana with their Portfolio Plus Workshop (PPWIII workshop blog post here)and then I drove down to Washington, IL to help out Escalate LIVE with Dane Sanders and company (EscalateLIVE coverage blog post here). These leaders in the wedding photography industry have done so much to help me out, and it is completely my pleasure to give back and help in whatever way I can.

This past week, I spent two days helping out celebrity wedding photographers Bob and Dawn Davis. Everything I know about flash photography I learned from Bob. He is not only ridiculously talented, but a great teacher as well. Even something so complicated as flash photography, Bob is able to break it down for people to understand. Dawn is someone who can make you feel so welcome and loved within 5 minutes of talking with her, and she has and clear understanding of design and marketing within the wedding photography industry. It was truly my privilege to help out with any knowledge as well as lending out my three flashes and lightstands for attendees to use-

If you wanted to learn more about the Davis Love Story Workshops, head to their website to see when they will have their next one!

Bob started Day 1 with a presentation about flash and a whole bunch of other technical stuff-

And it is only fitting to have a photo of Bob Davis holding a strobe

Meanwhile, upstairs, the models were getting ready for an all afternoon/evening photoshoot! Makeup done by Jaycie – you can view her portfolio on her website!

After lunch, we headed outside to begin shooting! The Narnia Estate was generous in letting us have free reign on their property for this workshop! Located in Lemont, IL, it was a beautiful location!

Bob is getting hands on with the attendees with suggestions on how to see and use the light-

Dawn had so many great ideas for their photoshoot- including having a white horse come out! Not to mention great ideas from Ed, Michele and Jordana. (Bob and Dawn’s support team)

I just had to take a photo of this. Lightstands and strobes, that’s how you know you are at a Bob and Dawn Davis Love Story Workshop!

A photo of a wedding bouquet-

Details! details! details! Almost like a movie set!

In the background a Packard car came out to be photographed. I am telling you…white horse, classic automobile, bouquets, and a fairy! They went all out-

We had one of the models dressed as a fairy- after all, we were at the Narnia Estate! I loved these photos of her-

Dawn was having a great time watching and encouraging all the attendees during the photoshoot-

I absolutely loved these next two photos. She pulled it off perfectly. The dress, the balloons, the hairstyle, and the pose…it all worked together!

I didn’t get to use any off camera strobes as I had lent all my gear out to some attendees, but I think I did ‘ok’ with available light! =)

But of course, that wasn’t enough shooting! After dinner, we headed out for some night photography! Here Bob is again teaching how to do off camera flash photography-

I had to grab this photo of the attendees!

On Day 2, Dawn shared about workflow, client meetings, marketing and sooo many other things, including their story of how they came to be where they are today. It was an open and honest dialogue, and that’s why I love these guys, they are true to themselves and who they are…and they are willing to share that us.

Thanks so much for having me help out your Davis Love Story Workshop! I had a great time and I am thankful to have friends like you guys in this wedding industry!

with love,

Kenny Nakai

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Escalate LIVE October 2010…a great experience! I think all of the attendees were thankful and blown away by the experience. Thanks to Dane and the rest of the Kubota Production team for having me on board as the staff photographer! I had a great time with you all! There were some great seminars given and you can view the videos online- to learn more about Escalate LIVE and to see the videos….visit their website: www.escalateLIVE.com If you wanted to see some photos from Day 1, click here to see the Escalate Day 1 blog post.

Escalate LIVE was put on by Dane Sanders, author of the Fast Track Photographer, and Kevin Kubota, of Kubota Imaging tools. This two day event features some of the leading women in the portrait photography industry: Julia Woods, Vicki Taufer, Julieanne Kost, Tamara Lackey, and Lori Norstrom.

Day 2 started out with Lori Nordstrom sharing about her portrait business-

After seeing her in action…I now call her ‘the baby whisperer’ =)

Tamara Lackey followed up sharing about spontaneous captures- kind of like this photo- =)

I love this photo of Tamara…they say a photographer puts themselves in every photo they take…and I have never felt so strongly about that statement as I do when as when I saw this photo that Tamara shared.

To close out the day, Julia Woods shared her heart with the photographic community. I would love to share more photos of Julia..but I left a CF card with the Kubota Production team…once that card gets mailed back to me..I’ll update the post with a few more photos-

And lastly, here’s a quick slideshow with some highlights…the 100+ photos from the conference can all be seen on my facebook page – so feel free to ‘friend’ me and tag yourself there!

Thanks again to Dane and the Kubota Production team for having me!

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So I’m in Washington, IL…at some creepy motel that reminds me of the motels in the movie, “No Country For Old Men.” But despite my experience at this motel…I am still alive and I really do love this quaint town of Washington, IL! It is home to two wonderfully gifted photographers in Jeff & Julia Woods. They graciously opened up their studio to host Escalate LIVE! This workshop/conference/seminar is an intimate gathering of attendees, but yet the message is being broadcast on the internet! There were some FREE sessions available for viewing- you can learn more about viewing these seminars at: www.escalatelive.com.

***You can see Day 2 photos and summary slideshow at this Escalate LIVE Day 2 blog post***

Escalate LIVE was put on by Dane Sanders, author of the Fast Track Photographer, and Kevin Kubota, of Kubota Imaging tools. This two day event features some of the leading women in the portrait photography industry: Julia Woods, Vicki Taufer, Julieanne Kost, Tamara Lackey, and Lori Norstrom. There was so much to absorb and I can’t wait for day 2! If you want in on the action…head to www.escalatelive.com and sign up to watch these seminars LIVE today! (you can also purchase the seminars for viewing after the fact…so no reason not to hear these great speakers)

We just wrapped up day 1, and it was filled with great information, two studio tours, and opportunity to talk with the speakers one on one. I wanted to share with you some of the photos from the day…as some things are just not adequately communicated via webcast. I can honestly say…there was SOOOOOOOOO much more to EscalateLIVE than what was webcast…and I’m so glad to have come down for this experience.

This Escalate LIVE was themed: “Don’t just be. BE Boutique.”

Dane Sanders talking to the real and virtual audiences-

When Dane shared about his own photography experience as a child…there were some emotions out in the crowd-

Vicki Taufer started things off-

For all you enjoying the webcast…here is the command center for the whole production- It’s pretty cool to see them in action. Almost like an NFL football game production!

Vicki and her husband Jed sharing a moment after her talk…these two have been through so much these past few months…and just to be in the same country is a huge deal…not to mention sharing their hearts and souls with thousands of viewers all over the world- Again…just sharing some behind the scenes stuff-

Vicki demonstrated a photoshoot for us…and it was really great to see her in action-

Julieanne Kost shared some great Lightroom 3 and Photoshop CS5 tips with us. I do consider myself pretty well versed in both of these programs…but she brought it and I definitely learned some new things that I plan on implementing into my workflow-

Not only is she knowledgeable…but she’s really funny too- here she is taking notes on her Palm PDA

Jeff gave us a tour of his studio-

Again…just another behind the scenes moment- One reason I love Jeff & Julia…is just how real they are with themselves and with the photography community. Anyone who knows them knows just how much they value their family-

I think Dane is secretly trying to figure out how to get the Vespa home to Cali with him.

Panel discussion

In the evening we were treated to a tour of Jed and Vicki’s studio. I think I needed a map just in case I got lost- you just cannot fathom how big it is…even in a webcast-

We had some ‘photobooth’ fun- here’s my photobooth pic-

the imfamous Jed ‘schlubber‘ photo

There were soooo many more ‘photobooth’ photos…I posted them in my facebook account be sure to check it out!
And to close out the post…a couple photos of the EscalateLIVE speakers- Kevin Kubota made it in the next image-

There’s Kevin…next to Tamara- Mike from WHCC seems to have trouble seeing him-

It’s gonna be a great Day 2- be sure to sign up to join us LIVE if you haven’t already! www.escalateLIVE.com

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Last night I returned from the Four Seasons Hotel in Miami, FL where I was helping out my friends Kenny Kim & Ray Santana with their Portfolio Plus Workshop III. It was a great time filled with learning, teaching, networking and making new friends. Click on the following blog posts to see the recap of the first Portfolio Plus Workshop as well as for PPWII.

Ray Santana started the morning off with a ton of information…gear suggestions, manual white balance (using Kelvin temp), client meetings, etc…

Album Crafters helped to sponsor the event…Ray loves their albums and is sharing some love with the attendees-

The talented men of Chris & Oliver Cinema helped to cover the event. I can’t wait to see their recap video!

Yanni Tzoumas from Grace Ormonde Wedding Style magazine, a phenomenal magazine if you haven’t seen it already, shared a little of his experiences and perspective on the wedding industry.

Here Yanni is holding the second issue of Grace Ormonde Wedding Style magazine. They have come a long way from just a regional NW publication in such a short amount of time- Truly inspiring and almost magical.

After lunch, Kenny Kim shared some lessons from his story, as well as some tried and true tips on networking and wedding photography

It was great to see so many repeat attendees, I think it was a good indicator of the quality of this workshop, Andi D, Matt G, Lara R, & Laura P all came back for more…three of them brought their spouses! =)

Dave Cross, photoshop guru, CS5 jedi master, etc was on hand to share some helpful photoshop tips for working on wedding photos. There were more than a couple ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ during his presentation.

After Dave Cross finished up, we headed out to take some photos of our models! We had one couple in a wedding dress and suit, and another couple in casual clothes for a more lifestyle photoshoot, like an engagement session.

I also had an opportunity to help instruct a small group for about 20-30minutes. We went up to the presidential suite in the Four Seasons and captured these photos of the couple. I was a bit nervous teaching my first hands on photography lesson, but I think it went well and everyone came away with some good stuff!

I loved the reflection in this photo-

Here’s a photo of me with the group I was leading- some major strides were taken with manual exposure and manual white balance (Kelvin) for some!

But of course Ray was working the real magic once he came up to show everyone how it’s done.

Kenny Kim was outside sharing some of his poses and tips for shooting outdoors-

And the class of Portfolio Plus Workshop III!

I don’t know what happened here…somehow Kenny got the idea that he was a bird- who knew wedding photographers could fly?

Be sure to bookmark www.portfolioplusworkshop.com for the latest news!

Mad props to Ray & Kenny for putting together another great workshop! And thank you for having me to help out! I always enjoy hanging out with you guys! It was also great to see so many familiar faces -Dave C, Brent C, Andi, Lara, Laura & Tom, Paty, Brandon & Jessica, Matt G, Chris, Oliver, Barbie!

with love,

Kenny Nakai

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Growing up, I had the opportunity to play basketball and attend a couple summer basketball camps. And while the drills were good and we practiced a lot, I can’t say I ever got to know my coaches or felt like they cared about me in any capacity. If anything, it just felt like something we had to do in order to make the school team.

When Integrity Sports needed a photographer for their summer camp, I was immediately interested. One of the founders, Roger Powell Jr, attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and played for the Fighting Illini. In fact, I had actually taken a class with Roger and remembered that he was a nice guy off the court. I’ve been able to keep up with Roger through the years through my friend and fellow photographer, Kenny Kim, who has worked with the Powell family on numerous photoshoots.

Co-founders Mike Wilks & Todd Wolfe joined with Roger Powell to create Integrity Sports. Each of them have spent time in NBA and they know what it takes to bring your basketball game to the next level. Students can receive coaching from these experienced players. But what interested me the most with Integrity Sports, is their interest in the individual and character in addition to their athletic abilities.

Each day one of the co-founders has a short talk about integrity and character. They stress how important it is to make the right decisions and to work hard in everything they do. These adolescents are surrounded by all kinds of pressures and need good role models of athletes who live their lives the right way. Here are a few of my favorite images from my short time with them!

Mike Wilks was leading some defensive drills-

Roger Powell coaching various post moves-

Todd Wolfe reviewing passing fundamentals

And the most important time of the day, where Roger, Todd, & Mike talk to the kids about integrity.

The huddle-

One last shot of the coaches and admin staff!

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