BKM Photo Blog » Portraits

Paola the Graduate

Ben and Kirin — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 22:36:19 +0000

Kirin and I had the privilege of meeting a really extraordinary young lady, Paola. She’s an undergrad at UCSD, about to earn her BA. She asked that Kirin and I shoot some portraits of her in her cap and gown.

She’s really a delightful person, intelligent, pleasant, and patient enough to put up with two photographers fussing over her for an hour.

She’s going to walk in the graduation ceremony next month; and she plans on attending the University of Hawai’i to pursue a doctorate in American Studies. Remarkable, huh? Not only that, she’s the current reigning Miss Philippines, San Diego!

Rachael and Lars and Olivia

Ben and Kirin — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 06:48:14 +0000

I don’t know if there are any official statistics to back this up, but it sure seems like there is another baby-boom going on. At least here in Eastlake, it seems that there are young families and kids all over the place! Which is a great thing: Kirin and I have always loved kids. And now that we have our little guy, it’s somehow even more fun to appreciate other people’s kids–and gain a new kind of understanding with other new parents…

We had the honor to shoot a portrait session of our good friends Rachael and Lars with their little one Olivia–what a doll! This was actually the second time that Olivia has been in front of our cameras, although that first time was when she was still a bun in the oven. It was a great family session, with Grandma, Grandpa and Rachael’s sister sticking around for some shots, too. Take a look…

Jaclyn and Joseph, the Post-Wedding Portrait Session

Ben and Kirin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:36:30 +0000

During the big day, time flies by fast. Although we captured wonderful images from Jaclyn and Joseph’s wedding day(post to follow), they planned early on for a post wedding shoot, when they were relaxed and could simply enjoy each other.

We shot at a favorite spot for many photographers, the Torrey Pines State Park. It’s a beautiful place, and has become a favorite hiking spot for us. Jaclyn was such a trooper, walking in her dress. It was fun having so much time to work with.

Photos from the wedding day will be up soon, we promise.

Double Dragon (formerly Hip Hop Disciples)

Ben and Kirin — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 06:01:52 +0000

Double Dragon, formerly known as the Hip Hop Disciples, approached us to do their promotional shots. They liked the vibe from the work we had done for Mag Flux. We revisited a spot we had shot Ferchil’s photos a couple of years ago, but this time Ben wanted to make use of some neat lighting tricks up his sleeve, whereas Ferchil’s shoot was done in available light. They came out pretty darn well. ~Kirin

Support our local artists and be sure to check Double Dragon’s music at www.myspace.com/hiphopdiciples619.

Allie Baby

Ben and Kirin — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:27:33 +0000

We ran into my old friends from high school, Sally and Allen, who have been together for as long as I can remember. Surprisingly, they told me they’ve checked out, and love our work. Kinda neat hearing that from people I haven’t seen in a million years. We were even more flattered when they asked us to commemorate their little girl turning one with a photo shoot, which we happily obliged. She is the cutest thing ever. Even better, she’s got this deep, raspy voice! Love it, just love it. ~Kirin

Kristine and Ramon’s Family

Ben and Kirin — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 07:10:37 +0000

It never ceases to amaze us how this business brings us back into contact with people we haven’t seen in years. All the time we run into former friends or acquaintances who just happen to be new brides-to-be in search of a photographer. Or, in this case, old classmates looking for someone to shoot their family portraits.

Kirin knew Kristine from way back in the day in high school. Now Kristine is married to her husband Ramon with two beautiful children.

The Ultimate Groom’s Gift

Ben and Kirin — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 06:29:35 +0000

Stephanie wanted to give her fiance Eric a special gift before their wedding. What guy wouldn’t enjoy photos of his beautiful soon-to-be-wife? She thoughtfully utilized things Eric likes–riding his motorcycle, the Chargers–and from what we heard, he loved the photos. Here a few of the shots from the boudoir session. The more risque ones are for Eric’s eyes only, of course.

The Mag Flux Crew

Ben and Kirin — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:16:53 +0000

We were quite honored to do promotional photos for one of San Diego’s up and coming hip hop crews, Mag Flux. Check out their show schedule and listen to them at www.magflux.net.

Rachel and Lars are Having a Baby

Ben and Kirin — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 07:06:45 +0000

When Kirin and I started this business, we never envisioned us doing any maternity photo shoots–heck, we didn’t even know that sort of thing was done, really. But we’ve gotten so many requests to shoot them, and shot so many, that we’ve seemed to develop some kind of knack for the genre.

When Rachel, and old friend we met through the wedding biz, contacted us about shooting her in full bloom, we jumped at the chance. Rachel and her hubby Lars are very sweet together. Her easy-going way is a good complement to Lars’ dry sense of humor. Here are some photos of a very radiant Rachel, and her dashing husband.

Killing with Cuteness

Ben and Kirin — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 08:58:58 +0000

Our little man is growing unbelievably quickly. One day we blinked and our little baby blob suddenly turned into this toddler sized human. Here are the latest images in the life of Roman.... This was his first time in a stroller without his infant carrier. *sigh* His first drive... His way overdue first visit to the beach After catching up with our buddies, Ed and Karen of atrero.com. We're trying to set up an arranged marriage with their cute patootie daughter Amelie. At Torrey Pines with my fellow grad school sufferer Cat, and her sister Carolina, with our brood. Carolina is working a nifty dissertation for her PhD in theatre dance, studying the origins of vaudeville in the Philippines. and finally, two of Roman's favorite past times, drooling, and putting any and everything into his mouth.