I'm glad you took the time to visit my website. My name is Kenny Kim and I am a professional lifestyle wedding photographer based in Chicago, IL. I have been fortunate to shoot some fabulous weddings all around the world.
Here you will find various photos and articles related to my professional and personal life. So come travel with me as I journey through this thing called life.
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@kennykim twitter updates... @chrisjsotelo that looks like lot of fun. can we do that when I visit too? :) #7 hours ago
Business card these days seem irrelevant today due to the electronic information era. However, as photographers, we ought to be constantly networking with new people everyday in person. And when networking, it is important to have a business card to pass along your information to potential clients and/or people that might refer you work in the future.
In my home, I have a big glass jar that is about to spill out with hundreds if not thousands of business cards I collected over the past few years (mainly from photographers). I kept all of them because one day I wanted to talk about how important it is to have a good business card. I have seen some well-designed cards and I have seen some ones that made me ask myself: “What were they thinking when they made these cards?!” Having been a graphic designer in my previous occupation I have learned a thing or two about organizing information and have created some corporate identity materials for various clients. Having said that, I wanted to take this time to share some tips for having a good business card.
1) You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Have you bought a book because you liked a way the cover looked? How often do we make perceived judgements on people we meet based on how they dress? This is exactly the same for photographers and your business cards. Your business card is the first impression people have of you as a photographer. A well-designed card makes people think you are professional, increases your perceived value, and make them think that you are a darn good photographer.
2) Include necessary contact information such as name, email address, website and a phone number. I have seen so many cards that did not have either email or phone number. I asked several photographers what their reasoning behind this was and their reply was: “they can come to my website to get the other information.” This is true but why add another step/obstacle from them contacting you? On the same token, do not oversaturate your card with information.
3) Being a specialist does not mean you are good at portraits, weddings, commercial & sports. Stick to one thing and mention that on your card if you wish to. You cannot be a specialist in everything. Just because you can do it does not mean you have to mention it. If possible, have separate cards for different things you specialize in.
4) Avoid “do-it-yourself home-printed business cards”. Again invest some money and get some quality cards. Your perceived value will depend on how nice your cards are. Why ruin it by trying to save money by either doing it yourself and/or use those inexpensive services that out in the market? People may not tell you this in person, but when they get a poorly designed or inexpensive cards, they already have a preconceived value about your photography and your business.
5) Make them unique. You are, after all, one of a kind. Rather than using a predesigned template cards, have one professionally designed that represents your photography. There are many ways to make them unique (die cut, sewn, letterpress, foil stamping, etc.) Work with a professional designer to get this done.
6) Never apologize for the card that you have. Your cards represent who you are and you should be proud of it. I have received numerous cards and as people are handing them to me, they are automatically apologizing to me because of the quality, not up-to-date information, etc. Be confident and proud of your cards when you hand them out.
7) As important as it is to exchange cards, more importantly, it is essential to follow up with the people you exchanged cards with. Rather than letting it go to waste, enter their contact information in an address book. Then shortly after, send them an email thanking them for the opportunity to meet together. It will go long ways.
Finally, I am proud to share my new business cards with everyone. These were beautifully designed by Studio Z Mendocino out of California. My photographer friend Patty Hildebrand gave me a card that really stood out. I then had to ask her for the contact information for who designed her cards. So big thanks to Patty for introducing me to Studio-Z!
Letterpress cards designed by Studio-Z for Kenny Kim (http://www.studio-z.com/)
Letterpress cards designed by Studio-Z for Kenny Kim (http://www.studio-z.com/)
Letterpress cards designed by Studio-Z for Kenny Kim (http://www.studio-z.com/)
Letterpress cards designed by Studio-Z for Kenny Kim (http://www.studio-z.com/)
Letterpress cards designed by Studio-Z for Kenny Kim (http://www.studio-z.com/)
Letterpress cards designed by Studio-Z for Kenny Kim (http://www.studio-z.com/)
Letterpress cards designed by Studio-Z for Kenny Kim (http://www.studio-z.com/)
Ok, so here’s proof that men do think about their wedding day. Maybe not to the same extent that women do, but we do put some thought into the day – sometimes even years prior to the actual wedding.
A few years ago while I was living at the University of Illinois doing some freelance photography and graphic design, I met JR. We were both playing basketball on our lunch breaks at the Men’s basketball facility and developed a friendship right there on the courts. One day while shooting some hoops, JR told me that if and when he got married, he was going to hire me to photograph the big day. I think at the time, he already had the girl in mind.
JR and Kristie met in college while working closely together in the athletics administration office. They were both athletes, although technically JR was Kristie’s boss (she was interning at the athletics office). They started out as friends, both having their own significant other at that time. Eventually those relationships ended and they began spending more and more time together. Sparks flew, friendship grew, well you know, the rest is history. Next thing I know, JR contacts me to inquire my wedding services and all of us sat down one night at Starbucks coffeeshop to talk about the wedding day. It’s been some time now since I first met JR but two weeks ago I had the tremendous honor of photographing JR with his adorable fiancé Kristie for a downtown Chicago engagement session.
We spent the afternoon weaving through the crowded downtown streets of Chicago, which is typically packed on a Saturday afternoon, but even more so because of the gorgeous weather and also with the filming of Transformers 3 going on. In the midst of it though, we managed to escape the crowds, get kicked out at couple of different places and capture a ton of great moments. Afterwards, the couple treated myself and my assistant of the day Ashley to a nice sushi dinner and got to know each other even more over tasty food!
JR & Kristie are two of the most generous and giving people, and I was deeply touched by a sweet note I received from Kristie after she saw the images from their engagement session. Part of her note was so great, I just had to share (with her permission):
“Kenny, the – pictures – are – AMAZING. Not sure if you ever watch Rachel Zoe, the celebrity stylist, but she has a tagline for when she loves something and it’s ‘I Die.’
So Kenny, ‘I Die‘. The photos are unreal. I had a hard time picking my favorites because they are all individually incredible. I am over the moon that we have such gorgeous memories of our engagement. You really captured such a natural and open side of our relationship… JR and I keep saying ‘that’s how we feel, it’s just now conveyed in a photo!’ “
Chicago downtown engagement photos of Kristi & J.R.
Chicago downtown engagement photos of Kristi & J.R.
Chicago downtown engagement photos of Kristi & J.R.
Chicago downtown engagement photos of Kristi & J.R.
Chicago downtown engagement photos of Kristi & J.R.
Chicago downtown engagement photos of Kristi & J.R.
Chicago downtown engagement photos of Kristi & J.R.
Chicago downtown engagement photos of Kristi & J.R.
Chicago downtown engagement photos of Kristi & J.R.
Chicago downtown engagement photos of Kristi & J.R.
Chicago downtown engagement photos of Kristi & J.R.
Chicago downtown engagement photos of Kristi & J.R.
Chicago downtown engagement photos of Kristi & J.R.
Chicago downtown engagement photos of Kristi & J.R.
Chicago downtown engagement photos of Kristi & J.R.
In the beginning of our photo shoot, I yelled (to Kristi): “Strike a pose!” JR thought I was talking to him and followed my instruction as well. We had so many fun moments like this during our shoot. It was so much fun working with them.
Here is a fun/lesson photo: During my photoshoot, I help my clients with posing tips usually by showing them how to do it. This is when it goes too far and things get a bit awkward. I think I got Kristie a bit jealous here. I never ask my clients to do anything that I would not do myself – literally!
I think Kristi is getting little jealous.
Thank you Kristie & J.R.! I can’t wait to spend the day with you guys back in the old stompin’ ground of U of I. We are going to have so much fun together with everyone!
He was serving in Iraq for twelve months, while she anxiously waited for his safe return.
They originally met by chance one night at a country bar in Colorado Springs, Colorado called Cowboys. That first encounter happened just shortly before he was due to ship out, but there was magic in the air that night. For one year, Annabelle wore Cory’s dog tags around her neck – a daily reminder of him – and counted down the days to his homecoming.
After his twelve months of duty were up, Cory returned home to Annabelle. They decided to celebrate with a trip to her hometown of Chicago where they visited each of the city’s major tourist attractions, including the old Sears Tower. When they arrived to the top of the sky-tower, Cory dropped to one knee and proposed to the woman he couldn’t wait to come home to.
We returned to Colorado Springs, the fateful city where they first met, to photograph their engagement pictures. The day began with a bit of rain, but no amount of inclement weather could stop this wonderful couple. We made a special trip to the Garden of the Gods and then the Broadmoor hotel, and with the help from my good friend Nicole Kulinski who assisted me on their shoot, we got a ton of great images.
Annabelle & Cory, you guys were awesome. You made this engagement session so easy – right for the start, you guys were full of energy, love and passion for each other. I think being apart for an entire year definitely helped bring that out! One advice I give to couples during an engagement session is to not to think of the time we spend as a photo shoot session. Rather, think of it as a time of celebration of your love and commitment to one another. I want them to think about all the good things that they love about each other and display that affectionately. These guys did that right from the start and it shows in their images.
Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods and Broadmoor Hotel Engagement Session of Annabelle & Cory
Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods and Broadmoor Hotel Engagement Session of Annabelle & Cory
Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods and Broadmoor Hotel Engagement Session of Annabelle & Cory
Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods and Broadmoor Hotel Engagement Session of Annabelle & Cory
Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods and Broadmoor Hotel Engagement Session of Annabelle & Cory
Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods and Broadmoor Hotel Engagement Session of Annabelle & Cory
Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods and Broadmoor Hotel Engagement Session of Annabelle & Cory
Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods and Broadmoor Hotel Engagement Session of Annabelle & Cory
Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods and Broadmoor Hotel Engagement Session of Annabelle & Cory
Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods and Broadmoor Hotel Engagement Session of Annabelle & Cory
Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods and Broadmoor Hotel Engagement Session of Annabelle & Cory
Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods and Broadmoor Hotel Engagement Session of Annabelle & Cory
Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods and Broadmoor Hotel Engagement Session of Annabelle & Cory
Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods and Broadmoor Hotel Engagement Session of Annabelle & Cory
Cory & Annabelle – I couldn’t be happier for the two of you! Looking forward to your wedding in Chicago in September!
If you believe in fate, then Sandy & Ed were meant to be. So many events happened in their lives pointed towards them being together but it was not until few years later that Ed finally realized she could be the one for him. Everything was crystal clear from there on. They had their first date at Molly’s cupcakes and many more followed afterwards. Now they are planning to tie their knot in October and I am thrilled to be working with this fun couple for their wedding day. For this shoot we got to spend a hot but fun afternoon in Chicago going around random places. Here’s just a few to share with you. Sandy got so excited she went ahead and made an album in her facebook gallery (Not sure if she made them public or not – so you might have to friend her on facebook!
Ed is an opthamologist so we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to do a fun shoot in front of the eyeball statue.
We slowed down by finishing our shoot inside Molly’s Cupcakes where they had their first date. We got to taste it afterwards and wow. If someone bought me a cupcake and asked me out, I’d say yes too!
Looking at the size of her ring, I think I can safely say that Ed is madly in love with Sandy.
I met Jessica her in college when she was playing tennis for the University of Illinois and I was working there at the tennis facility as a staff. Aaron is also an athlete – he was on the track team also at the University of Illinois. He and I both share love for basketball and it was on the hardwood courts that we became friends. Towards the end of their college years, Jessica and Aaron started dating and I lost touch with them after they both moved onto the career stage in their lives. Few of years later, I get a facebook message from Jessica telling me that they are engaged and wanted me to photograph their wedding. I could not be any happier – it was good to reconnect with them through this opportunity and they are great people (not to mention great looking)! They are getting married next June but wanted to do their engagement session right away. This session is part of 2 series – since we have so much time before their wedding, we decided to divide our session into two so that we can utilize different locations and season.
I had an opportunity to do a quick impromptu video interview with them afterwards talking about how the session went – so I will share that with you as well. We spent an afternoon in warm chicago weather by the North Avenue Beach and got some really great images. I love the way Aaron looks at Jessica. No words are needed to prove to me that he is absolutely in love with her. Her smiles assures me that she is crazy about him as well. I really enjoy photographing love between two people. Thank you for allowing me to capture that in you guys:
