Chicago Destination Wedding Photographer - Creative Artistic Photojournalism

Painting with light in Italy? Amalfi – Atrani – Ravello

admin — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 23:28:02 +0000

It’s past midnight and I am pretty exhausted but I wanted to share these photos with you from Ravello, Atrani and some painting with light shots in Amalfi-

I definitely loving my time here in Italy!

And here are some images from our painting with light photoshoot-

Amalfi Paper Mill + Engagement Photoshoot in Italy!

admin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:15:36 +0000

For some crazy reason Kenny Kim, Matt Savage and I woke up early to attempt to catch the sunrise. Unfortunately, it was a bit cloudy out and we didn’t get what we were hoping for…but the morning wasn’t a complete loss…I was able to grab a couple nice photos

Amalfi is famous for their cotton fiber paper. We went to visit an old paper mill that allowed us to see how paper was made back in the 14th century. Amalfi has a river running under it and they used it to power their water mills. The water mills then ran all the machines required to make paper!

In the afternoon we had some fun taking photos of each other and had two couples to shoot as an engagement session. The rain made shooting a bit challenging- but nonetheless, a great time was had by all!

More Italy fun! Stroncone – Assisi – Narni – Pompeii

admin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 23:25:52 +0000

My photoventure continues! Here are some photos from Stroncone, Assisi, Narni and Pompeii. I am continually being amazed by the beauty that is found in the ancient artifacts and ruins found here.

We stayed a couple nights in Stroncone, a small castle village that is in amazing condition. Walking the streets really takes you back a couple hundred years.

A Stroncone building

Another photos of a Stroncone street

A pretty awesome doorknocker

We then headed to Narni to check out an old church that was discovered underground. Narni Sotteranea is the name of this location.

They also found a rare room used during the inquisition. They ‘tortured’ people who violated the different rules set forth by the Catholic Church at that time in history. This photo is of the ankle bindings on a table made to hold down the violators.

There is also a small prisoner room where there is a TON of writing on the walls. It was pretty surreal to be in a room where people held awaiting torture or just after being tortured.

Afterwards we headed out to Assisi, the site of Saint Francis of Assisi’s tomb. I’ve always been a fan of St Francis as he has a quote that is so often quoted by Christians and Catholics alike:

Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.

I really wanted to take a moment and reflect in this beautiful church. Photo are forbidden in the Church, but my friend Matt happened to grab this shot of me praying-

Just within walking distance is the oldest church in Assisi – Santo Santo Church. This place is pretty phenomenal.

The view from atop of Assisi

Pompeii is another amazing place. I’ve read about Pompeii in social studies and have seen a couple pictures. But none of this prepared me for what I saw when I was walking around. Pompeii is huge! It is unbelievable what has been excavated and found.

Here you can see the blue and red plaster that covered the brick walls in Pompeii

The plaster mold that shows just how this person died the moment the volcano erupted with hot ash and gas.

Pompeii had an awesome sauna and hot tub-

My friend Matt needed some lip gloss put on-

A kitchen in Pompeii

A wealthy man’s house with a kickin courtyard

The smaller of the two amphitheaters in Pompeii

More to come tomorrow!

Ciao!

Rome for a night – Spoleto for a day – More fun in Italy!

admin — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:32:49 +0000

So I arrived in Italy late last week! I landed in Rome and made my way from the airport to the city to meet up with my fellow photographer friends Kenny Kim and Matt & Stevi Savage. We just strolled around (as the Italians do) Rome and had a good time hanging out!

I love this old bridge that has fallen apart into ruins- we just do not have anything like this in Chicago!

The columns of the Pantheon- We had dinner right on the plaza in the background-

Another couple of shots of the Pantheon-

We grabbed some night shots of Matt & Stevi

Then Matt turned the camera on me and grabbed this portrait-

More fun across the street from the Colosseum

The next morning we took a train out to Terni and met up with Kenny Kim’s friend and our tour guide, Max Brunelli. He graciously took us out to Spoleto in the Umbria region of Italy where we saw an awesome church with some cool details

After the church we headed up the mountain to a castle called La Rocca Albornoziana. We had to walk across this crazy aquaduct to get there!

It’s amazing what the Romans could do way back when!

Some original artwork in the castle above the dining room

The well in the center of the residential part of the castle. You can see Spanish inspired architecture in the background-

Matt in the doorway between the residential and military sections of the castle.

Our guide was explaining the meaning of the ‘frescos’ on the wall-

If you need to go #2 in the castle-

We had to go up these crazy narrow-steep stairs to get to the top of the castle tower-

The AMAZING view from the top of the tower- it was pretty ridiculous-

And a random sign in that I thought was cool – =)

Well that’s all for now- stay tuned for more! (when I have a moment to post!) Ciao!

A Weekend in Paris! – yes…I did the touristy stuff =P

admin — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:58:23 +0000

I’ve never made it to Europe. Until now. =)

I arrived in Stuttgart, Germany late last week to spend sometime with my sister and her husband. At the same time our cousin and her family from Japan decided to visit as well! So once we were all assembled in Stuttgart, we boarded the Deutsche Bahn ICE (Inter-City Express) train to Paris. It got us there in 3.5 hours!

Paris for the weekend! Almost sounds like the title of a guide book or internet travel guide- =)

With such limited time, we tried to hit as many of the touristy locations for our Paris experience. The Musse de Louve, Arc de Triomphe, shopping avenue called Champs Elysees, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle – all in a day and a half. If anyone has any more information regarding these sites, please feel free to chime in. I am not that well versed in French history or culture, and most of what I learned is from a guide book and the signs posted around.

So we started off our journey to say ‘hi’ to Mona Lisa at the Musse de Lourve.

I was really impressed with the size of some of the paintings and vast diversity of work at the Lourve

Just walking around the Lourve was an experience as the building itself was pretty amazing

A texture from Napoleon III’s apartment exhibit

This can also be found in my house in Chicago- =)

The underside of the Lourve pyramid – it was raining outside, so I didn’t get to walk around the gardens

Next up: The Arc de Triomphe

We had some fun taking some photos in front of the Arc

The Eiffel Tower has a sparkling lights show at the top of the hour in the evening. It added the lights to celebrate the year 2000, and then took them down afterwards. But after a public outcry, they put them back up and they are now a permanent display. The top of the Eiffel tower wasn’t open that night, so we could only go up to the second highest platform.

To be honest, I think I was somewhat thankful that the top floor was closed. As soon as we stepped off the elevator, I felt my stomach turn. We were so high up and the wind as blowing…it took me about 10 minutes before I began to feel somewhat comfortable. Here are my cousin’s family overlooking Paris. In the background you can see the Arc on the left and Notre Dame on the right.

For all you photographers out there…handheld 1 second exposure. =)

The following morning we were surprised to find a street market right outside our hotel! I love markets and we took to the opportunity to see all the local foods being sold-

I’ve never seen so many varieties of olives

I bought this fresh squeezed apple juice…mmmmmmmmmmmmm

Can I venture to say that Paris has the best subway musicians?

Inside the Notre Dame

We went on a Sunday morning, so there was a worship service going on-

Our crepe maker for the morning-

The gorgeous stained glass windows of Sainte Chapelle – I think I could stay here for hours looking at the Biblical stories portrayed.

The crazy tight staircase we had to take up and down in Sainte Chapelle

So that was Paris! – After two short days I think I was beginning to fall in love with the city, it’s history and culture. I do hope to make it back to spend more time and really pick up some of the local flavor that just can’t be found in a weekend trip.

Portfolio + Workshop II – The Biltmore – Coral Gables, FL

admin — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 06:01:29 +0000

I had a phenomenal time at the first Portfolio + Workshop put on my good friends Kenny Kim and Ray Santana. The first workshop had a couple awesome guest speakers in The [b]ecker and Lawerence (tofurious). The attendees learned a lot and came away with some amazing images to help their portfolio.

For the second time around Ray and Kenny called in their good friend, award winning photographer & Boda bag inventor, Jim Garner and Photoshop guru, Dave Cross. I was excited to meet Jim as I not only love his imagery and artistry, I’ve also always loved his creation: The Boda bag. I’ve used mine ever since it was first invented. I use it at EVERY wedding and EVERY engagement session to carry my lenses, cards, batteries, and a flash. I highly recommend it for anyone who may be interested. I was also excited to hear Dave Cross speak as I know my photoshop skills and workflow can always be improved. Dave is one of the guys at NAPP (National Association of Photoshop Professionals)- and he definitely knows his stuff!

***More photos are one my facebook page! Feel free to friend me if you can’t see all 50+ images on my page!***

Ray Santana is regular contributer to Grace Ormonde’s Wedding Style Magazine and was recently named Blu Domain’s Guy Photographer of the Year in 2009. He was sharing all kinds of tips and practical advice during his session-

Kenny Kim share a little from his career and some of the ways he has been able network within the wedding community.

Dave Cross shared a lot of helpful stuff for us wedding photographers. A lot of short cuts that will help save me a lot of time!

Jim Garner was sharing a little bit about his story telling method of photography-

And then we headed out to photograph the models wearing dresses made by the talented Ines Di Santo!

Jim took the initiative to show the model how it’s done- =)

And yes…The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables is AMAZING. period.

One of my old college roommates has since spent some time in the modeling field. He flew out to Miami to help us out for the workshop- Thanks Ken!

Ray was working it with his Nikon D3s and the new 70-200 VRII-

Kenny Kim showing everyone how it’s done using a 200 2.0 lens-

Kenny took a moment to get on one knee- did she say yes?

As the sun started to set, Jim broke out his video lights to show us how we could light a bride in the absence of ambient light-

Thanks to all the attendees for a great workshop! I can’t wait to see all the images you guys came up with! (unfortunately, I am not in the image as I was the one taking the group photo)

The guys responsible for some major goodtimes! =)

Another awesome Portfolio Plus Workshop completed!
For more info: www.portfolioplusworkshop.com

UIC Chicago Medical District Engagement Photography – Damaris & Dennis!

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 03:13:39 +0000

Damaris & Dennis were a pretty funny couple together. I think you can see a bit of their personality and relational dynamics in the photos. The leaves were changing colors to yellow in the last days of fall. And while it was a bit cold, the warm sunlight helped bring out the warmth in the imagery-

This first image was my favorite…I love geometric shapes combined with the fall leaves.

What a fun moment! I didn’t even tell them to do this!

When in Chicago, gotta take advantage of the gorgeous skyline when possible. =)

This park was pretty awesome. I didn’t even know about it even though I’ve spent some time on the UIC campus.

Again, I didn’t pose them in this way…it just happened…I just have that Titanic scene replaying in my head when I look at this-

All of a sudden, they pulled out the attitude. =)

I love the way she is looking at him- love is written all over eyes-

Thanks you for an awesome time in Chicago! Thanks for walking me around the UIC Medical District! I can’t wait for your wedding this upcoming year! May the Lord continue to be with you both as you prepare for your commitment to one another!

with Love,

Kenny Nakai

Fun times at The Glen! – Adelaide & Michael’s Wedding!

admin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 23:15:05 +0000

So Michael doesn’t like to dance. Apparently he never dances. But on the night of his wedding…when the two of them walked out onto the dance floor, Michael made his case to be on “Dancing with the Stars.” It shocked his family. It shocked his groomsmen…and Adelaide and Michael could not stop smiling and laughing.

Here are a couple photos from their engagement session we held this past fall- You can see the rest of the images here.

***More photos are on my facebook page – Feel free to ‘friend’ me if you can’t see all 50+ images there***

Make up and jewelry were done by Julie from Poesi. Check her stuff on her website! www.ilovepoesi.com

A quick photo of the wedding shoes and wedding dress-

I love this portrait of her-

I love her smile here – it’s all in the eyes-

We headed out to The Glen for some creative shots. A big “Thank You” to the bridal party for trekking out for these pictures!

We took some photos on the bridge at The Glen-

I love this photo – capturing the flowing veil on the pier-

The Glen had a cool maze for children – it made for a fun photo!

Before the ceremony started, we grabbed this photo of Michael.

Dreaming about her own wedding someday… =)

So much is said in the eyes- love. passion. commitment.

The reception was held at European Crystal and Banquets in Arlington Heights, IL

And yes…the first dance!

Thanks you guys for having me as your wedding photographer! I’m so happy for the both of you as you begin your journey together! May you both continue to be guided by His hand and voice as you allow Him to lead your paths.

I can’t wait to hear some more fun stories over dinner sometime! =)

with love,

Kenny Nakai

A flash dance at the Reception- Too Cool! Libu & Reeja’s Wedding!

admin — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 18:39:55 +0000

There was a flash dance at Libu & Reeja’s wedding reception! Not to mention a dance crew that could try out for FOX’s TV show, “So You Think You Can Dance.” If you are not familiar with “Flash dances” they are when people gather quickly in a ‘flash’ and start dancing together. If you haven’t seen the flash dance video on Oprah’s 24th Season Kickoff episode with the Black Eyed Peas in downtown Chicago, it is definitely worth checking out. (I get goosebumps every time I watch it)

But let’s rewind for a minute and start off the wedding photos with a little getting ready action at the Double Tree Hotel in Schaumburg, IL

Reeja’s wedding Sari-

I love the details-

The wedding shoes-

There was an Indian traditional ceremony at the hotel before we left for the Church.

Her father was taking in the moment-

We caught up with the guys at the St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church (1220 South 60th Court in Cicero, IL)

I grabbed Reeja for a couple creative photos before the ceremony began-

Another important Indian tradition is to tie a necklace behind your bride- and there is a specific way to tie the knot.

The reception was held at the Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, IL

The Indian tradition of lighting the lampstand together-

Moms giving their children some milk to drink (another Indian tradition)

And a picture of their flash dance! It was soooo cool! I wish someone taught me the dance too! =)

I really like the lighting at the Meadows Club. It helps for pictures like this-

After the kids performed, there as a pretty awesome dance group that performed-

Libu was tearing up the dance floor-

Thanks you guys for a great time! I hope you are enjoying the warmer weather down in Oklahoma! I’m so happy for you both!

with love,

Kenny

The best skit at a reception! – Ambily & Jinu’s Wedding!

admin — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 01:30:11 +0000

One of the craziest/funniest/best-acted skits I have seen at a wedding reception. I almost feel like I should pass out Academy Awards. Even Sebastian from the Little Mermaid made an appearance!

***More photos can be see on my facebook page. Feel free to ‘friend’ me if you can’t see any of the 60+ images there***

Since Ambily & Jinu had their wedding in the fall, they wanted to make sure their engagement photos were in the spring/summer- Here are a couple photos from their engagement session. You can see more photos here.

The ladies got started at the house- I love the detail in Ambily’s wedding dress.

Her wedding shoes-

We had a brief moment, so I pulled Ambily aside for this photograph-

I caught up with the guys at the church. Jinu was looking pretty sharp on the limo bus-

Some of the pieces used in the Indian traditions.

The wedding bouquet-

I love the affection shown by Ambily’s dad- what a moment. I love being a wedding photographer! Seriously, out of all the hundreds of people in the sanctuary, there were only a handful of us who witnessed this moment-

These girls saw it- =)

I love the Indian saris

There is an Indian tradition of tying a necklace in a very specific manner. It’s easy to forget all the details…and that’s what brothers are for…to help in cases of emergencies. =)

Another important Indian tradition, the placing of the sari on the bride’s head-

After the ceremony, we headed out to Volkening Lake in Schaumburg, IL for our creative portrait session. We didn’t have a lot of time, so we made the most of the opportunity.

The bridal party was having a good time-

This was a photo they really wanted to take- It’s hilarious- Tiger- ROAR!

The reception was held at The Stonegate in Schaumburg, IL

At the reception, there were a bunch of Indian traditions, including the lighting of the lampstand-

The first dance-

Wonderful lighting at The Stonegate allowed for this photo-

And the skit begins! If you want to see Sebastian from the Little Mermaid make an appearance, you have to check out the photos on facebook- =)

Thanks you guys for having me! You guys were having so much fun! A memorable wedding in so many ways! But that guy playing Jinu’s dad wins for best actor! =) I wish you both the best as you continue to grow in your love and commitment to each other!

with love,

-Kenny
Nakai Photography