maginei: The Key Light Blog

Ride-A-Wave

2009-05-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

I have the great honor of photographing for Ride-A-Wave, an organization dedicated to getting kids with special needs into the water to kayak, boogieboard and surf. Here are a few shots from the past couple of weeks

Stoked Surfer

Sittin' in Style

Perfect Trim

Copyright 2009 Kimberley Bermender
maginei photography

New Studio!

2009-05-15T17:56:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to let you know that after several long months without a studio, maginei will have a 'photographic roof' over our heads again. I'd thought that with the amount of location photography that I do, it wouldn't be that large of a loss to go without a studio. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

We'll be situated at Rodeo Plaza, a warehouse complex off of 41st Ave in Santa Cruz. Details (and photos) to come, but wanted to share the big new!

2nd Year In A Row: maginei Client Wins National Architectural Award

2009-02-15T17:55:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to ABW Construction, who recently won the prestigious National Association of Remodeling Industry’s 2009 Gold Medal award - for the second year in a row! This is also the second year that maginei has created the photography for ABW Construction's submissions, in addition to designing the image layout for submission.

This shoot had it's challenges, including photographing the front and back in the same day under really harsh lighting conditions and high winds blowing leaves constantly onto the set. On the other side, I had a great crew, we had lots of fun, and shared many laughs as well as sweeping duty. And here are the results:

Loggia

Carport, rear view

Pool

Pool & loggia

Panoramic view of back

Copyright 2009 Kimberley Bermender
maginei photography

What's New

2009-02-13T18:08:00.000-08:00

These have been busy times, and I have a number of changes to share with my community:

First off, and most business-changing, I closed the maginei studio at the end of the year, after being unable to secure a new space for the studio. I am still searching for a new studio location, and if you know of studio space available in Santa Cruz, I'd love to hear about it! So, what does that mean to you? First off, I continue to offer catalog and commercial services, but will have to set up at your location in the short-term. Location services continue unchanged.

Have I stopped photographing? Not at all! Just a hiatus from publishing on my blog. In fact, I have great news and kudos to a maginei client, ABW Construction, who just won a prestigious architecture award using maginei photography. Did I mention that this is the 2nd year in a row? Congratulations to ABW Construction, and photos to follow.

The last big item to share is that I am venturing into video - after helping out a good friend and cinematographer with a video shoot recently, I seem to have caught the bug. I'm in a steep learning curve as I discover the joys of audio, motion and location, as well as a completely different approach to visual narrative. I promise to share some results soon.

Well, it's been a belated 2009 update, but please stay tuned as change seems to be the mantra of my year.

Blessings to all,
Kimberley

Personal Work: Europe

2008-10-26T19:20:00.000-07:00

I've just spent two weeks in Europe (England and Italy), recharging the creative juice. I viewed more galleries and cathedrals than any one brain can absorb in two weeks, and have come back inspired from having the privilege of viewing works from so many great masters. It'll take me several years to digest it all...

Of course, I managed a few shots of my own while touring. More to come, but here's one, at least....

It was a strange time to be away from home, trying to follow news reports of economies crashing, 700 point drops, bailouts, buyouts, and the likes. I think this shot really captured my state of mind.

David Under Construction

Copyright 2008 Kimberley Bermender
maginei photography

Business Portraits

2008-09-23T19:46:00.000-07:00

I've just returned from holiday, and realize that I was so busy finishing orders prior to leaving that I've been negligent about posting recent photo sessions. More to come, but here are two business portrait sessions.

Christine

David

Copyright 2008 Kimberley Bermender
maginei photography

8/8/08 Wedding : The Perfect Day

2008-08-14T16:06:00.000-07:00

Beach weddings in Santa Cruz during the summer are often cold and foggy. Who said "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco?" Well, Santa Cruz is just down the road...

On this wedding day, 8/8/08, we had perfect weather. Not only was the weather perfect, but this was one of the loveliest weddings in which I've been honored to participate. The couple were charming, location gorgeous, amazing light, fun friends and family... it truly came together as a perfect day. Here are some of the moments:

Ceremony

Love On the Rocks

"I'm Married"

The Guys

The Cake

Copyright 2008 Kimberley Bermender
maginei photography

Catalog Session

2008-07-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

Last week I did a two-day clothing catalog photo shoot with 60 final images delivered for a clothing company. Lessons learned from such an aggressive number of shots in a short timeframe: In order to maintain a high level of quality, we worked with a very tight process. A really sound, repeatable process ensures consistency, accuracy and detail - all critical factors when working on catalog images. It also helps that I had truly talented clothing stylists working with me. Fabric can be tough, and these shots really came together as we worked collaboratively to get the best images.

Be consistent: Catalog images end up side-by-side, so consistency is key

Copyright 2008 Kimberley Bermender
maginei photography

Happy 4th Weekend!

2008-07-02T16:21:00.000-07:00

To clients, friends, family, I wish everyone a fun-filled, safe long holiday weekend. I am heading to High Sierra Music Festival where I will be photographing. I'll post some of the results here next week, time permitting. I have a completely booked schedule next week, so bear with me if I lag a bit on the blog posts. Actually, I'm already lagging, as have several jobs that are yet to get up here yet.

Happy travels!
Kimberley

Band Promo Shots: When High Noon Works

2008-06-19T15:46:00.000-07:00

I love a challenge: six guys, four locations, high noon, just over two hours. This session took a lot of scheduling to get the entire band together, and we had very few choices for timeslots. While many photographers will say they never photograph at noon, I actually find that with my style, which tends toward high contrast and dramatic, I can make that harsh light work in my favor. There were a few instances where I had to change spots to get the light, but for the most part, it worked out just fine. And the band was fantastic to work with - they're excellent models as well as musicians. To hear them live, check out Cuordoroy Jim.

Band on the Tracks
Bent Bike Wheels and Graffitti - Should be a Song Title!

Cuordoroy Jim

My Tombstone Vision Comes to Life

Stylin'

Copyright 2008 Kimberley Bermender
maginei photography

Photographer in Action

2008-06-12T14:47:00.000-07:00

I took a holiday weekend with my husband to celebrate a friend's birthday. We were in Big Sur for three fun days of camping, great music, celebrating and enjoying ourselves with many friends.

So what does a photographer do while on vacation? Well, Arizona Steve caught me in action, camera in hand. It's not often the photographer gets her picture taken, so thought I'd share.

kb Caught in action. Photo credit: Arizona Steve Schneider, runningamok.net

Copyright 2008 Kimberley Bermender
maginei photography

Event Photos: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

2008-05-21T12:01:00.000-07:00

It was an absolute thrill to photograph Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as he spoke at the corporate event that I was photographing yesterday evening. His environmental message was so powerful and compelling that I almost forgot to photograph at moments! He followed his presentation with a book signing of his new book: the riverkeepers (find out about the amazing organization behind the book at riverkeeper.org). Here are some of the highlight moments of the evening:

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Speaks

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Environmental Crusader

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Speaks

Book Signing: the riverkeepers

On another note, I, along with so many people in America today, extend my wishes to Senator Kennedy and the Kennedy family as they deal with the news of his tumor. Senator Kennedy has given decades of dedicated service to this country and his nephew, as demonstrated at last evening's event, continues and extends the service of this great American family. A heartfelt thanks to both.

Copyright 2008 Kimberley Bermender
maginei photography

Event: Star Analytics

2008-05-15T17:34:00.000-07:00

I'm just back from photographing two days of Star Analytics' Customer Advisory Board meeting. Highlights of the event (for me, at least) included their announcement of winning a prestigious Red Herring 100 award, as well as presentation by industry luminary Howard Dresner. Congratulations Star Analytics!

of the evening:

A Round Table Discussion

Howard Dresner, Industry Expert

Quinlan Eddy, Founder & CTO, Star Analytics

Copyright 2008 Kimberley Bermender
maginei photography

Concert Event: Zyante Hoedown

2008-05-11T20:29:00.001-07:00

I've seen fire-dancers before, this being California and all. But I've never seen a fire-drummer! These shots were taken at the Zyante Hoedown, an annual music celebration in the Santa Cruz mountains. You can also check out the slideshow. which includes band images of Grampa's Chili and Dave Stein Bubhub.

Lighting the sticks

Chanda drums fire and sound

Alana dances with fire

Fire song, power song

Copyright 2008 Kimberley Bermender
maginei photography

Event Coverage: Ride A Wave

2008-04-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

"Ride a Wave's mission is to give children with special needs the chance to feel the thrill of riding a wave and experience a safe, fun-filled day at the beach, whether they are physically, developmentally or economically challenged. Since its inception in 1998, Ride a Wave (RAW) has helped over 2,500 kids get in the water and have a life changing day at the beach."

Photographing these events and being part of these kids' first ocean experiences is an absolute honor. Their courage and the expressions on their faces as they experience the ocean is an inspiration to me. It is the most fun photography!

Slideshows

04/26/2008 - Sycamore House Commons RAW Camp

04/27/2008 - Burn Foundation/California & Peninsula Schools for the Blind

Business Portraits: Formal Headshot vs. Environmental Portrait

2008-04-25T10:41:00.000-07:00

I get a lot of calls from clients for headshots, and am seeing a trend moving away from the traditional executive headshot to clients looking for ways to compliment their personalities and businesses.

As both corporate and small businesses work to create approachable, customer-centric images for themselves, it's natural to reflect this positioning in your custom photography.As to which is right for you, formal vs. envirnomental, perhaps the answer is: both, depending.

WHICH ONE'S FOR YOU?

Formal Headshot
Environmental Portrait

Think of this: on your Web site, where you might have 3-7 key business member bios and photographs listed, a consistent, close-up view of the team is often the way to go. You can incorporate the feel of the business with colorized or black and white imagery, unusual cropping, unusual focus, etc. Magazines will often want a formal headshot image, and brochures and business cards generally don't have enough room for larger environmental images.

Alternatively, press packages and editorial articles, as well as the Web site, are often looking for that shot of the businessperson involved in the business.

Which one is right for you? When you're ready for a business portrait session, talk to your photographer about how you hope to use your photographs, what you want to represent, and what you style as a person and business reflects. Often, from answering those few questions, the answer is already solved.

Copyright 2008 Kimberley Bermender
maginei photography

Event Photography: Antics Movie Premiere

2008-04-23T14:40:00.001-07:00

Gary Irving's Santa Cruz surf film, Antics, premiered at the Rio Theatre on April 12th, as part of a benefit fundraiser for Ride A Wave. The film showcases a stellar cast of local surfers, including: Jason "Ratboy" Collins, CJ Nelson, Tanner Beckett, Dane Perlee, Robert "Wingnut" Weaver and many more standout talents.

I photographed the event, and many of Santa Cruz's most active surf community stars came out to support Gary, Ride A Wave, and watch a great film. Sponsor was GP Surfboards, and some lucky fella walked off with a beautiful new board (I still can't believe I didn't win it!).

View the Antics Movie Premiere Slideshow

We'll be photographing upcoming Ride A Wave events. Check back for images.

Gary Sees His Film on Big Screen
Filling Out Raffle Tickets

Enraptured Audience

In Front of Theatre

Only In Santa Cruz: Surfers Crossing

Copyright 2008 Kimberley Bermender
maginei photography

Professional Photographer's of America Workshop

2008-04-10T17:06:00.000-07:00

What do photographers do when we're not on assignment? The answer: continue learning, playing with gear, photographing photographing photographing the world around us. I attended a PPA (Professional Photographer's of America ) workshop last weekend hosted by Marc Benjamin in Suisun, CA. Here a couple of the shots where we were playing with lighting:

Model on Pony
Classic Portrait Setup

Pretty Girl, Crazy Lighting. 'Harry Potter' Double Side-Lighting

Copyright 2008 Kimberley Bermender
maginei photography

Architectural Photo Shoot

2008-04-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

This dramatic space was designed for a orthopedic surgeon's clinic. The space offered may angles to approach from; the stunning ceiling lines, windows, millwork, and granite gave me focus for my shots. Unfortunately, the sun was moving fast and bright across the sky throughout the shoot, so there were some significant time constrictions on some of the shots. Of course, as soon as I wrapped up for the day, I got the cloud covered I'd been hoping for since 10 am :)

Waiting Room
Reception Desk

Doctor's Office

Copyright 2008 Kimberley Bermender
maginei photography

Models: Studio Session

2008-03-18T18:59:00.000-07:00

Jessica and Kyle joined me in the studio for an action-packed session. They were high-energy, enthusiastic, and photogenic - every photographer's ideal combination for models.

Kyle & Jessica, 'Come Hither'
Boarder Kyle

Jessica

Kyle & Jessica

Copyright 2008 Kimberley Bermender
maginei photography

Event Coverage: Rock Band Images

2008-02-16T15:32:00.000-08:00

Here are some shots from a recent Five Eyed Hand rock show at Don Quixote's in Felton, CA. Show summary: combine awesome talent in a great venue and good things happen. I was happy to have the opportunity to photograph this very talented group of musicians and their special guests.

Five Eyed Hand, Don Quixote's

Chris Zanardi

"Fiddler Mikey" Henderson
Jeb Taylor, Fiddler Mikey

Special Guest, Poet Sam Flott

Copyright 2008 Kimberley Bermender
maginei photography

Images from Joshua Tree Retreat

2008-02-16T15:23:00.000-08:00

I mentioned in a previous post that I spent a week in Joshua Tree as part of my annual business planning, figuring everything out, get inspired retreat. Well, part of keeping inspired as a photographer is working on personal projects, and one of my projects is to photograph California deserts. Here are some of my favorite images from Joshua Tree.

Intrepid Photographer in Rattlesnake Canyon (photo, Dan Bermender)

Approaching Storm

View from the Mine
Coyote 1

Coyote in the Road

Copyright 2008 Kimberley Bermender
maginei photography

maginei Prints on Display in Santa Cruz

2008-02-11T10:33:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy time for maginei local displays. We displayed a series of retail images from wedding and portrait sessions at Bay Photo located on 41st Ave throughout the month of January. Now, in Feb, we've been invited to display at the Bay Photo located on Branciforte and Soquel Ave in Santa Cruz. Check out the display, as it runs through Feb.

Bay Photo Lab, 41st Avenue

Bay Photo Lab, Branciforte & Soquel

Copyright 2008 Kimberley Bermender
maginei: weddings & portraits

Best Wishes for 2008 from maginei

2008-01-02T17:22:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of the maginei clients for another fun-filled, great year of photography! Some of the highlights of 2007 included opening our new studio downtown Santa Cruz, having one of our architectural clients win a national design award using maginei photography and design for award submission, being including in the International Museum of Women's gallery, and being represented by Adobe Stock Images. And of course, the grandest highlight goes to our clients, I thank you for all of the wonderful photo sessions I had the honor to be involved with in 2007.

So what's in store for 2008? First off, I will doing another 'desert-retreat' in January, followed by attendance at the ASMP Strictly Business Conference in LA. Last year, I spent a week in Death Valley. This year, it will be Joshua Tree. The goal of the retreat is to reflect on the past year, look ahead, and regroup for another busy year. Oh yes, and of course I'll be bringing my camera, as one of my personal photography goals includes a desert series ;) Also on the agenda for 2008, a Web site revision, or actually, two. Visit www.magineiweddings.com for wedding and family portrait work. Visit www.maginei.com for corporate, editorial and architectural work. The goal is to better serve our different client groups.

OK, now to work, I have lots to do! Looking forward to working and playing with everyone in 2008!

maginei Client Wins National Architectural Award

2007-12-20T16:33:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to ABW Construction, who recently won the prestigious National Association of Remodeling Industry’s 2007 Gold Medal award for an entire House Remodel in the $500K-$1M category!

maginei has enjoyed working on a number of architectural photo assignments for ABW Construction, including photographing the house that won the award, and for designing the image layout for the design submission. We had a number of panoramic VR movies that were taken of the interior, and for the final design submission, we created a single image from the movie.

VR images are becoming more and more popular for commercial photography, as they provide both a sense of a space the flow through the space, allowing viewers to become virtually immersed in the scene, rather than viewing a traditional image.

VR Movie of Award-winning Remodel

Reduced version of the image

Copyright 2007 Kimberley Bermender
maginei