BKM Photo Blog

Tony and DeAna

Ben and Kirin — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 08:24:53 +0000

This will be an monster-long post, because we never got around to showing off photos from the engagement session of this gorgeous couple. So we’ll start off with some of the engagement photos, then go directly into showing off some pix from the wedding itself. Feast your eyes!

Tony and DeAna, you two are going to have some gorgeous looking babies! It was a blast working with you guys, and an honor to be a small part of your wedding day!

Pocholo and Kate

Ben and Kirin — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 07:29:14 +0000

Pocholo and Kate are meant to be together. Where she may be fiery, he’s calm. Where she may be impatient, he’s steady and receptive. Where he may be impassive, she’s animated. The way they complemented each other was so apparent to us when we shot their engagement photos so many months ago.

Their wedding had a classically beautiful feel to it, from the ceremony at the Immaculata at USD to the reception at The Prado at Balboa Park, so that influenced the approach Kirin and I took when we photographed them. Take a look for yourself…

Make Up Artist: Cherie & Co.
Ceremony Site: Immaculata, USD
Reception Site: The Prado

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…

The Wedding of Laurence and Cherryl

Ben and Kirin — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 06:58:48 +0000

We knew Laurence and Cherryl were talented performers. They are both active in the PASACAT, an organization dedicated to Filipino folk dances and music. What we didn’t realize was the extent of their talent. Laurence is an accomplished singer, and Cherryl comes from a family of performing artisits: her siblings, father and uncle are all dancers, singers and musicians. And they all showed off their talents at the reception!

The ceremony was held at the Immaculata at USD, and the reception was held at the Courtyard Marriott in Liberty Station. We love shooting at the Immaculata and at the Founder’s Chapel on that campus. That was the first time we’ve shot at Liberty Station, and we learned that that location had some good spots to shoot, also.

The whole day was just a feast for the eyes for Kirin and I. It was icing on the cake that Cherryl and Laurence are such cool people, too. Here’s to you, guys!

This is just a gorgeous image of Cherryl by Kirin.

Kudos to our good friend John of NR3 for suggestion this bridge by the Marriott for wedding party shots.

Double Dragon Opening for E-40 at the 4th and B

Ben and Kirin — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 06:47:32 +0000

We first met Zealous and Lamont of Double Dragon last year when they hired us to shoot some publicity shots for them. They were just starting out then, having just played at a few free gigs at some small clubs around town. They’re really cool guys, laid-back, humble, polite to my wife–good people.

We had a fun shoot and got some good images out of that session. Well, earlier this month they asked if I could shoot some concert shots of them at their first big gig with a “name” act, opening for E-40.

I was amazed at how far they have gotten in such a short amount of time. When we first met them, they knew nothing of the business. Ya, they’re talented at what they do: they got some good beats (listen for yourself). But, more than that, they’re hungry and they hustle. Zealous tells me that a lot of their free time is spent selling tickets to their shows. And, through networking with other people in the biz, they’ve managed to make contacts with promoters and producers, people who would be able to help them move their music. They’re going to be playing at some shows in L.A. in the near future, and they hope to be shooting a new video this year. In early May, they’ll be opening for Too Short. Successful entrepreneurship: it’s a beautiful thing…

Here’s Zealous and his beautiful wife, Jeanette.

And Zealous right before he hits the stage with his bro.

Bad-ass image of Lamont…

Right after their set…

Kiss the wife…

Obligatory shot with collaborating artist, Lady X-Plicit…

Lauren and Mike

Ben and Kirin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:06:49 +0000

Lauren and Mike’s wedding was a big, warm, Italian hug of a wedding. It was sweet, raucous, loud and happy, and reminded Kirin and I so much of our own familes. I know I sound like a broken record saying this, but Kirin and I are so lucky to be in a business that allows us to meet so many genuinely warm and loving people. Lauren and Mike are no exception to this. Here’s to you, guys!

The Wedding of Jackie and Joe

Ben and Kirin — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:55:54 +0000

Jackie and Joe are easily one of our favorite couples. They were up for almost anything we threw at them. They had a great engagement session. And our aftershoot session with them at Torrey Pines State Park was poetry. We love you guys! We’re just sad that you couldn’t get married to each other again so we could do this some more!

Laurence and Cherryl: Engagement Session

Ben and Kirin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:21:12 +0000

It was cold! When we shot these engagement photos of Laurence and Cherryl, it was at the tail-end of Summer, and we just finished a string of days with 80+ degree weather. Laurence and Cherryl chose to do their photoshoot in the late afternoon by the water, at Coronado and in San Diego along the harbor. Of course, the day of the shoot turns out to be unusually cold–downright chilly!

Laurence and Cherryl made the best of it, though; they gutted out the cold, and we managed to get some pretty good shots from that session. I felt so bad for them, working so hard to keep their teeth from chattering so as to not interrupt the sexy! Extra kudos to Cherryl for getting through that icy harbor wind in that short dress!

Now check out the pix…

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.