Ken Doo Photography Adds Apple Wedding iPod Touch for 2010

New for 2010, I’ve added as an exclusive for wedding clients, the new Ken Doo Photography Apple Wedding iPod Touch!  Previously I’ve used the Apple iPod Nano as a means for wedding clients to share their DVD slideshows, but the larger viewing screen of the iPod Touch adds a totally new dimension in viewing portability.  Along with their mini-GraphiStudio Wedding Books, wedding clients can easily share their Reflections DVD slideshow from their wedding reception and their GraphiStudio DVD / Blu-Ray Slideshow on with family and friends almost anywhere!  View the following short video clip to catch a glimpse of an actual DVD slideshow on the Ken Doo Photography Wedding iPod Touch: 

To see an actual GraphiStudio Wedding book layout, go to my website, www.kendoophotography.com  Enter Weddings & Portraits.  From the top menu bar, select Client Area and enter the password:  graphi 

Call 831-626-1844 for more information or visit my boutique studio in Carmel, California to see GraphiStudio Wedding Books and the exclusive Ken Doo Photography Wedding iPod Touch!  Ooooh!  And about that new Apple iPad……  ; )

Duck and Cover – Winter Storms Hit the California Central Coast

Waves crashing along the Pacific Grove coastline

The central coast has been hit with a series of winter storms, bringing heavy rains and gusty winds upwards of 70 miles per hour.  I’ve been hiding in my boutique photography studio in Carmel, California working on portraits and retouching images for a GraphiStudio Wedding Book.  In between the heavy rains, I have been able to take short breaks with sunny skies, albeit only for an hour or so.  Along the central coast, through Pacific Grove and Asilomar Beach, huge waves crash along the shoreline, leaving visitors in awe of nature’s power.  Outlined by blue skies, the uncharacteristically large waves are the only evidence of the previous storm and the one soon to come.

Huge waves crash near Asilomar Beach in Pacific Grove, California

Where's the beach?

 Strong storms and fierce waves battered the main beach at Carmel as well.  Much of the white sand beach at Carmel has been washed away.  The above photo shows a beach staircase leading seemingly to nowhere along the picturesque Scenic Drive.  Sandy beach used to cover this area, which now reveals the stone deck where the beach once was, waves still running up nearly to the cliff wall abutting Scenic Drive. 

 We’re hoping for better weather next month, when Capture Integration returns to Carmel for the 2nd Annual Pigs in a Blanket, for more fun with medium format digital photography.    kmd  831-626-1844

Scarlet Letter Series Expands with Exciting Additions for Valentine’s Day

Last year, I introduced The Scarlet Letter Portrait Series, an elegant and modern take on boudoir photography.  You can read more about the Scarlet Letter Portrait Series here:  http://kendoophotography.wordpress.com/2009/01/24/celebrate-valentines-day-everyday-introducing-the-scarlet-letter-series/  The signature Scarlet Letter Portrait is a personal portrait session which may include a touch of fashion, glamour, figure and artistic imagery, and even humor.  Always tasteful and having fun is required!  Portraits from the Scarlet Letter Series  are showcased in custom framed wall portraits, elegant image boxes, and beautiful fine art books.  New for this year are calendars and unique miniature fine art books, small enough for a purse and perfect for remembering that special someone.

Everyday is Valentine's Day with The Scarlet Letter Series

The Scarlet Letter Portrait session is ideal for Valentine’s Day gifts, anniversaries, birthdays, or just-because.  Always tasteful and romantically balanced.  Wardrobe and a make-up artist is available in studio.  Each image selected portrait is always carefully retouched naturally.  Group sessions are also available! 

For more information, see http://kendoophotography.wordpress.com/2009/01/24/celebrate-valentines-day-everyday-introducing-the-scarlet-letter-series/ and call 831-626-1844 to visit my boutique studio in Carmel, CA.

Happy Holidays from Carmel

Happy Holidays! Phase 645AF, Phase One P65+; Phase 80mm D series

Working with animals or photographing pets can be challenging, but they are always welcomed to be included in a family portrait or maybe their own portrait session!  Duffy is my loving bull terrier and enjoys modeling in my boutique studio in Carmel.  I can always depend on Duffy to add a bit of humor into every photography session. 

Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season! 

Ken

For more information on family portraiture or pet portraiture, contact me at the studio at (831) 626-1844.  www.kendoophotography.com

Sanctuary Cottage Opens for Visitors to Carmel, Monterey, Pebble Beach, Big Sur

Peace and tranquility await guests at the Sanctuary Cottage in Carmel Valley. Phase 645AF, Phase One P65+, Mamiya 35mm. ©2009 Ken Doo Photography

Situated just minutes from Carmel, Sanctuary Cottage opens its doors to guests visiting the central coast.  Ed and Beverly Sigourney carefully designed this hidden getaway, and their attention to details really shows, from the beautiful wood floors, granite countertops, large picture windows, to the heated slate floors in the bathroom.  The cottage is ideally suited for visitors to the central coast seeking a location close to nearby events, such as the AT&T National Pro Am Golf Tournament in Pebble Beach (February 8-14, 2010) The US Open Championship (June 14-20, 2010), or the Concourse D’Elegance (August 15-, 2010), yet desiring a quiet retreat in the evenings.  Couples will especially enjoy the romantic setting of the pond and gentle waterfall.

Newly appointed kitchen.

The living room area features Blu Ray HD entertainment center and views of the expansive landscaped property.

The pool. Guests can wander the expansive grounds and enjoy the manicured landscape of the Sanctuary Cottage in Carmel.

The gorgeous property is a perfect sanctuary and also provides a beautiful setting for weddings and other events.  I was honored when Ed and Beverly Sigourney asked me to do the photography to help them showcase their newly remodeled cottage. I chose to use my Phase 645AF camera and Phase One P65+ medium format digital back and Canon 1Ds Mark III camera to complete this architectural/interiors photography job.   You can find out more information about staying at Ed and Beverly Sigourney’s Sanctuary Cottage in Carmel, California at their website, www.carmelvalleysanctuarycottage.com  or call Ed or Beverly direct at (831) 659-3572.

Contact the studio in Carmel for more photography information or call (831) 626-1844.  Ken Doo

Carmel High School Water Polo TCAL League Championships

Kai Harper drives towards one of several goals against RLS in the TCAL League Championship. Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon 300mm f/2.8 L IS

It’s been a whirlwind season the past two months since my eldest son Kenny has started playing water polo at Carmel High School.  It has given me the opportunity to photograph well over thirty some water polo games.  Although I don’t normally shoot sports, it has been a nice break from my normal portrait, wedding, and commercial photography work, as well as a chance to help keep spirit up on the team.  The season is winding down with the TCAL league championships this weekend at the beautiful Carmel High School Aquatic Center November 7, 2009.  Look for the eight foot long CHS WaterPolo canvas banner!

Unstoppable. Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon 300mm f/2.8 IS; f/2.8 @ 1/400th sec, 3200 iso

CHS Goalie Jakub Kristl in action. Canon 1Ds Mark III, 300mm f/2.8 L IS

Players and parents wishing to view CHS Waterpolo photos can access the web galleries on my website, www.kendoophotography.com  Enter the Commercial & Events side of the website.  From the top menu, select Purchase Event Photos.  Select the event/waterpolo game you wish to view and follow the prompts.  If you wish to purchase prints, proceeds will go towards supporting CHS WaterPolo.  The direct link is: http://kendoophotography.instaproofs.com/    Go Padres!

Call (831) 626-1844 for any questions.  ken

Ken Doo Event Photography for University of California Merced – Family Day 2009

UC Merced 2008-2009 Chancellor's Honors List

Last weekend was Family Day at the University of California, Merced.  Ken Doo Photography in Carmel has been providing event photography for UC Merced since the campus opened five years ago.  Hundreds of students and family members usually attend these informative and entertaining events put on by the UC Merced Office of Student Life.  The Student Life Program Manager, Enrique Guzman, always receives kudos for his organization and planning these large social events.  Typically, event portraits are taken of students and their families using the campus as a backdrop.

UC Merced's environmentally friendly campus

Event portraits are printed on-location using the studio’s Kodak ML-500 printer, capable of printing 8×10 portraits on Kodak paper every thirteen seconds.  The photos are trimmed and placed in photo mount folders and picked up by attendees at the event.  Photo folders can be personalized with logos or text with embossed foil in a variety of colors.  A solid workflow is essential for successful event photography.  Some events, such as UC Merced’s Fmily Day, are casual.  Some events may be quite formal black-tie affairs such as one we recently provided photography services for at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Jump! UC Merced students enjoying Family Day

Family Day at UC Merced also serves as an important venue to educate and inform students and parents about programs and the direction that the newest UC campus is taking.  Additional event photos may be viewed in the UC Merced Online gallery at www.kendoophotography.com  On the website, select Commercial Photography & Events.  From the top menu, select Client Area.  Enter the password:  ucmerced

The crew: Danielle, Mariah, Tracy, and Ken with UC Merced Office of Student Life Program Manager, Enrique Guzman

For more information about event photography, contact me at (831) 626-1844

Ken Doo Photography in Carmel Expansion Adds New Showroom!

It has been a long time in coming, but the new showroom is nearing completion.  In September, a major reorganization (okay, so it really was a total clean-up and clear-out!) was started, and work finally began on my new showroom and finishing area for my boutique photography studio in Carmel, California.  The remodel added several hundred square feet of effective working space.

Showroom back view

New double french doors were installed allowing easy loading of studio equipment, particularly when photographing weddings, events, or commercial work on location.  Eco-friendly bamboo hardwood floors were put in, matching the rest of the studio area, including the dressing room and restroom area.  Ample track lighting was installed around the perimeter of the entire room.  A wall-mounted high contrast plasma television allows playing of the studio’s produced slideshows in high definition and wireless surround sound.  The showroom will be used to display fine portraiture and GraphiStudio Wedding Books, and maybe an occasional favorite current landscape.  Twenty feet of countertops and cabinets will be installed in the back for a finishing area for client portrait orders, portrait framing, and museum gallery wrapped canvas.

Showroom crossview

Also being considered is the ability to host shows for Artist’s that I do high resolution medium format digital photography copy work for or print their giclee fine art reproductions.  The plasma television is ideal to play an endless reel of the artist’s works set to music, while the track lighting showcases artwork on the ample wall space.  The showroom also has classroom potential for the next Capture Integration in Carmel (2nd Annual Pigs in a Blanket!) medium format digital photography workshop.  Just in time for the holidays!  Come by and visit!  ken 

Call (831) 626-1844 for more information.

www.kendoophotography.com

www.houseoflandscapes.com

Carmel High School Water Polo Photography

Canon 1DsMark III, 300mm f/2.8 L IS, iso 200, f/2.8 @ 1/1600 sec

Over the past several weeks I have been photographing waterpolo games with Carmel High School.  My son Kenny really enjoys playing on the team and the coaching staff is excellent.  It has really given me the opportunity to photograph something in a very different style than my usual approach to fine portraiture, commercial photography, or weddings and events!  Players and parents wishing to view photos can access the web galleries on my website, www.kendoophotography.com  Enter the Commercial & Events side of the website.  From the top menu, select Purchase Event Photos.  Select the event/waterpolo game you wish to view and follow the prompts.  If you wish to purchase prints, proceeds will go towards supporting CHS WaterPolo.  The direct link is: http://kendoophotography.instaproofs.com/    Go Padres!

CHS goalie Jakub Kristl blocks a shot at last night's game against RL Stevenson.

For custom posters, larger prints, bulk orders, or questions, call (831) 626-1844.  ken

Breathing Color to Release Glamour III Varnish

Breathing Color’s new Glamour III Satin finish is still in beta testing

Breathing Color will be releasing its new Glamour III varnish coating for canvas soon.  Fans of the original highly touted Glamour II varnish need not worry, as Glamour III is not intended as a replacement product.  Glamour III will be offered in three finishes: matte, satin, and glossy.  Interestingly enough, I have been told by Breathing Color that the glossy finish is supposed to have a higher gloss than the Glamour II gloss, which has more of a gentle gloss. 

Glamour III is intended to be applied directly from the container by roller or HVLP spray gun without dilution.  Glamour II requires dilution with water.  Glamour III is aimed at professional printers who do not coat canvasses often or those seeking to simplify the varnish coating process.

Breathing Color has asked me to help beta test the Glamour III satin finish.  As soon as the dust settles in the studio’s new showroom (more on this later!) I look forward to trying the new Glamour III satin on Breathing Color’s Chromata White canvas and their new Lyve Canvas as well.  Keep an eye out here for more details soon!

For more information on fine portraiture on museum gallery wrapped canvas or fine art giclee print reproduction for artists and photographers, you may contact me at my boutique studio in Carmel, CA at (831) 626-1844.  Photographic copy work for artists is done with medium format digital utilizing Phase One’s new P65+ digital back,  the world’s first full-frame medium format sensor with 60.5 megapixels!   kmd

*Update*  There is definitely something still in the works for Breathing color’s New Glamour III.  It remains in beta testing to make sure it meets quality expectations.   The current satin finish is still being tweaked, though one of the artists that did a test print liked what she saw at least preliminarily.  More to follow…