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

Contact – Portfolio – Facebook – Twitter

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

Contact – Portfolio – Facebook – Twitter

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

But the ONE conference is unlike any other. It is run by Jeff & Julia Woods and focuses on marriage and business. As small business owners, the line between the personal and business can often be intermingled. ONE seeks to strengthen that which is more important than money…the love relationship.

I packed my camera gear and traveled down to Washington, IL to help Jeff & Julia with capturing a few of the memorable moments from their conference. If you are a photographer and your spouse helps with your business…I strongly recommend considering ONE next year.

To get more info: http://sidebyside247.com/

And just like last year, the speakers were amazing. Steve & Jen Bebb (affectionately known as “The Bebbs”), Dave & Quin Cheung (of DQ Studios), Kent & Sarah Smith, and Andy & Kia (of Senior Portrait Artists – which I am definitely going to check out).

Each of couple was an open book, not just sharing information, but sharing their lives…as they desired to see couples strengthen their bonds of marriage.

It was great to see the Bebbs again, as I attended their Chicago Bebbinar in June of 08- Their workshop was just what I needed at that point in my career and definitely exceeded my expectations. And they just announced a few more Bebbinar’s coming this fall!

I also enjoyed seeing Dave & Quin in action for the first time. I’ll be honest….I can’t edit without my Quikeys (purchased back in March). It has helped me in so many ways. My time in Lightroom is cut down by 50-75% EASILY. And I can create the albums I want to create and not be stuck into templates. Watch the tutorials to get an idea of what it’s capable of. It’s definitely an investment, but there is no doubt in my mind that it was totally worthwhile.

The PhotoVision crew was working at the conference as well. Ed Pierce had so many of us ‘lusting’ after his gear =) …if you are a photographer looking for some education…photovision videos on DVD is definitely ALOT of bang for your buck- I have two years worth on my shelf.

To all who attended ONE 2009: I hope these images bring you back to those moments…those moments of laughter, tears, and love.

***There are more that 100+ images on my facebook page – (compared the to 49 here on the blog) feel free to ‘friend’ me if you want leave comments***