Portrait Session: 3 Basic Elements by Kansas City based Photographer Kimberly Pimentel of Pimentel Portfolio LLC

A Portrait session that uses  the elements of Concept, Direction, and Environment is necessary in defining a professional aesthetic.   It's so important for a photographer to define her/his point of view.  And, to be able to translate this in a final piece of work is key.  But, equally important is learning to balance the footwork of your shoots.     

You will find that as you define your style and develop your workflow these three steps become your frame of a solid shoot. 

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The trinity of Concept, Direction and Environment are key steps on building a strong  portrait session for our clients. Also, these  three considerations will make your work stronger and more consistent, which is necessary to advance your skill.

1.  The first step is Concept.  You need to have an idea, a vision of what your shoot is to become. The difference between a professional and a weekend warrior Photographer is the Pro uses this element of Concept to achieve and drive the session.  Vision boards, combined with discussion from your team will develop and often sail your shoot into the next level. 

2. Direction, direction, direction.  You as the person behind the lens are the wheelhouse of the shoot. It's up to you to make sure the concept is achieved and ultimately delivered.  It's easy to slip back and let a event unfold in front of you. It's the professional photographer who steps up to the plate and calls the shots. If you are currently a solo show, not to worry you are developing skills of all the cast of characters. You are wardrobe, lighting, and tech.  When you develop a team you will know every job and what is expected. And, as I see our images grow, I see my own personal directional skills developing. There's so much more that direction on a shoot entails, but for the sake of hitting the basics here we will move on.

3.  Environment. So you shoot In-studio, be it a 1500 sq ft rented space, out of studio or both, this is your environment.  We vary our shoots from in-studio to out, depending on the look we want to achieve.  Both can be a challenge. Whether you're shooting in-studio or batteling harsh midday danger zone sunlight, as a professional you have to be able to control your environment. And you have to be able to capture your environment and let the world be your backdrop, if you are out of studio. Once you step out of studio to shoot, your images take on a whole new energizing look. That energy is you capturing the element of light, look and idea.

There are many more elements to a portrait shoot. But, if you keep in mind the three elements of Concept, Direction, and Enviroment you learn to develop and control your clinical work flow.  

I am Kimberly Pimentel, Kansas City based Photographer. My current work can be seen: www.pimentelportfolio.com

Push your Boundaries to increase your creative skills.

As a creative it's so important to challenge yourself.  Stepping out of the comfort zone can create new oppertunities and open new worlds.

Model Roxi Henrici and assistant Tina Frain enjoy a BTS iPhone capture at Kansas City Union Station.

Model Roxi Henrici and assistant Tina Frain enjoy a BTS iPhone capture at Kansas City Union Station.

Yesterday, we knew wedding dress portraits was the game theme. So we developed our makeup and hair plan and decided we would shoot a environmental  wedding portrait.  We headed into Kansas City seeking architectural eye-candy.  

  We knew Kansas City's Union Station would be one landing spot for a session. But, we also opted to do a additinal location.  We spotted the building that houses the Kansas City Ballet. And we stopped and set up a few images on the public sidewalk.  A few onlookers drove by with one stopping and a gentleman got out and approached us. 

I grabbed a few more shots knowing we were going to be scooted away soon.  But instead a opportunity arose.

The man was actually the owner of the building and he told us he was honored we chose his building to shoot in front of, because he "loved his building". We thanked him and made sure it was fine for us to be there and he continued on his way.

  Two minutes later he was back and motioned me over. I was a bit nervous as I approached. He smiled and said, to me that If I wanted I could take my team of model and assistant inside and shoot in the "chimney".  

   I was nervous, super nervous. I've been a photographer for a long time but have only recently decided to structure my skills into a profession. My heart was on overdrive a voice inside of my head blurted out "sure that's great!" . While another voice was screaming OMG! Are you crazy! 

  The owner said ok you guys have 20 minutes. I told the scaredy cat voice inside my head to shut the hell up. And grabbed my camera and gear and we flew inside that gorgeous building. 

  I set up my model got in place and my assistant placed light. And the dance began.  I found light, I controlled light and I grew as a Professional. We created magic I showed the model and my assistant our images as we created so they could see the mood we were creating.  We finished,  packed our gear and grabbed a elevator out of the "chimney" of the KC Ballet building. 

   We thanked the owner and exchanged emails so we could send him a image of his beloved building.  Later that evening as I culled through images I saw our shots and was so proud.  We had created magic!  I had driven a team   and had learned in doing so that pushing my limits was a great learning thing.  

Entrepreneurs, creatives must challenge themselves to do different things to grow thier crafts. It can be hard but if it isn't hard then your not challenging yourself and you will not grow your skill set. 

Pimentel Portfolio LLC is a Portrait Photography business. Our website can be seen at www.pimentelportfolio  

Instagram Pimentel Portfolio  

 

Allowing Yourself the Luxury of being Powerful in your Media Portraits

When we did the Portraits for Business Owner Brandi Sharp we knew it would be easy to capture her essence of Power because it was genuine.

Media image from a Portfolio shoot in Kansas City

Media image from a Portfolio shoot in Kansas City

How do you allow yourself to be genuine in your Portraits?  ​

1.  Be you, there is no one else that is as interesting or funny or as engaging as you. ​

2.  Your portrait day is all about you. It's your day to be posed and put into the movie start light.​

3. We will capture your true inner glow the only job you have is to be you and that's a pretty cool job!​

Enjoy the luxury of being you and let us  create a shoot for you!

We are a Kansas City Portrait Photography business and we can be reached at (913)687-1464 to set up your Photo-Session.

www.pimentelportfolio.com

 

Kansas City Photographer on Entrepreneurship.

    Do what you love in life, and you'll love your life. Entrepreneurs often walk to the best of a different drum.  They live life facing challenges of career moves and often self doubt thier creative skills.

     People will doubt your ideals and question your paths at times. I still cringe when I think of someone telling me  " yeah someday that might be a business for you!", or things like " I've seen you do way better". Comments like these and self doubt can lead some entrepreneurs to kick their dreams to the wayside.  

    But at the end of my day running my Photography Portrait business I know two  definitive things:  

   1. It's my dream  

   2. It's what I love to do

and what it all boils down to in life is "what you create is a biproduct of who you are and your love to create. "

I feel lucky everyday to do what I do.  I meet interesting people learn about them and capture their energy in a portrait session. I couldn't ask for a better medium for my creative inner nature.

Pimentel Portfolio Studio creating a Look for a client.

Pimentel Portfolio Studio creating a Look for a client.

We all walk through our lives placing markers on events that are meaningful to us.  Journeys we've been on good and trying. We all look back on memories. The thoughts we carry with us become postcards of the mind. 

When your lucky enough to be doing a Profession that you love, you soon realize how the pieces of the puzzle fit so well. When  your engaged in tasks that allow you to create and be in your element the workflow is rewarding instead of daunting.

Tether shooting a session for Male Model Jacoby of Kansas City.

Tether shooting a session for Male Model Jacoby of Kansas City.

Life does move so fast it's a challenge  to keep up the pace at times. But, I have realized that if you are involved in a career that you Love you will Love your Career.

     Nothing's ever perfect and it all takes work and commitment to the goal. But, heres my list of three pivotal steps, to increasing your life happiness ratio.

   First, find what you love to do. Really think about this. Some of us take decades to find this key. Try on many hats and explore.

  Build a a footpath to your goal. look at others journeys. Learn and research your ideals. Educate yourself as much as possible. The most beautiful of bridges have crumbled when the dreamer forgot to see the river nearby and how it flooded occasionally.

Surround yourself with a Army of associates, family and creatives. You need have to have sounding boards for your visions, in all facets. From the accountant, the banker, the lawyer the spouse the best friend all will become your extension into your new world, and all are necessary.

Entrepreneurs face difficulties daily when starting new ventures. I have made mistakes on my path, have doubted my art, my self. But defeating attitudes breed defeated ideals. I choose these days to wake up each morning and think of ideals and plans to make Pimentel Portfolio bigger and better.  For now it's my creative niche but someday I would love to help others pursue their dreams. Everyone deserves to see a dream come true. For me right now this path is a dream. I can't wait to see where it leads me.

Branding, Media Portraits in Kansas City

#BrandiSharp a local Kansas City buisness owner came to PimentelPortfolio.com for a Social Media Branding Session.  She was in the process of creating and inspiring others in her Journey and was ready to show the World.   And we were there to create and capture her Media Branding Look.

Brandi Sharp local  Kansas City business owner discussing her Media Shoot 

Brandi Sharp local  Kansas City business owner discussing her Media Shoot 

Your Brand as a Entruapneur starts with You. And we all know first impressions are a game changer. And a envoking connectable  polished Social Media Portrait is a part of your Journey. For Brandi,  we did a thinktank Consult with her input.  Her needs were to have a Media Portrait that was Approachable, Energetic and Glamourous because she is #glamlife .

Post Shoot captures dialing in the Look

Post Shoot captures dialing in the Look

To make your Branding Social Media Portrait Session a success create a game plan. Start with hiring a Photographer who can caputure the energy of your look.  Then discuss with your creative your Brand, who are you what's your journey. Then assemble your wardrobe looks. Then book your session.

 I am Kimberly Pimentel a  Kansas City Photographer and owner of Pimentel Portfolio.  I can be booked for Social Media Branding Portrait Sessions. Contact me Kimberly@kimberlypimentel.com

 

What is Shutterfest?

Remember the night before your birthday as a kid?  How you would lay in bed thinking about all the cool presents  you were going to get the next day? Well, that combined with sleepless nights, more new professional acquaintances you've ever met, and endless photographic shoots kind of explains Shutterfest.

Shutterfest swag

Shutterfest swag

We, from PimentelPortfolio, had never been to a Shutterfest convention before. So, we packed everything we've ever used to shoot, and I mean EVERYTHING, including two Military grade parachutes we use for concept shoots. 

Back of our Outback Subaru 

Back of our Outback Subaru 

So we started our  journey to St Louis Union Station; home base of Shutterfest and Photographic Guru Sal Cincotta, a world renowned St. Louis photographer and Papa to the Shutterfest Convention.

On our way discussing our plans

On our way discussing our plans

We Arrived and met Dorothy, the queen of all shutter festers. 

We Arrived and met Dorothy, the queen of all shutter festers. 

We arrived at Union Station in St Louis and saw carloads of other photographers unloading bag after bag of gear. We had arrived!! We were in Utopia!! The sidewalks were already filled with people starting to set up shoots.

Union Station 

Union Station 

Elevator madness

Elevator madness

We hustled into the Hotel to check in. I turned around and there stood Editorial and fashion photographer Michael Corsentino. We exchanged salutations and then in another turn I spied New York Fashion Photographer and Author of the book "Photographing Men", Jeff Rojas. At this point we knew this was going to be a great week!

Opening Of the Games

Opening Of the Games

And what a week it was!  We went to classes throughout the day with some of the Industries Top Dogs, people like Craig Lamere, Kerri Jean and Justin Houng. After classes we mingled and then ran back to our room to prep for what the festers call "After hour" shoots.

We even posed for a couple self portraits. 

We even posed for a couple self portraits

The time flew by.  We had arranged a few shoots, concentrating our game on the Male Models, who we really wanted to photograph.

Aspiring actor Ryan Rodriguez, image we captured 

Aspiring actor Ryan Rodriguez, image we captured 

We met some pretty amazing people along the way.

 

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St. Louis Model Jason Williams 

I honed my skills and was surrounded by so many other crazy creative photographers, so many that at several times our radio controlled flashes went completely ghost in the machine from others signals.

Shooting a late night session 

Shooting a late night session 

With Model Jason Williams.

With Model Jason Williams.

We danced the night away to a 90's themed party, running outside to catch some air and boom there was a shoot in session with 100's of photogs all clicking away.

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90s 🎉 

Epic shoot set up by the Tonkins amazing photogs

Epic shoot set up by the Tonkins amazing photogs

I grabbed the camera I had on hand and started shooting.  It was fun. It was freedom. I wasn't shooting for anybody but myself and I was not bogged down by equipment; just me and my iPhone 📱.

A scene to remember 

A scene to remember 

We even took a class with the master himself, Sal Cincotta, and it was, as he says, "Epic". We learned how to see greatness and capture it in the Cincotta style. We were humbled and engaged to the coolness of this.

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With The Godfather of Shutterfest, Sal Cincotta, in downtown St. Louis.

The next few days we met more cool models, and other Shutterfest legends.

Models mingle with the photogs

Models mingle with the photogs

Meeting new friends; where's KC?

Larry and us share a laugh

Larry and us share a laugh

We met a few local models that we will return to St. Louis to shoot.

exchanging ideal with model Kelsey Eckelkamp 

exchanging ideal with model Kelsey Eckelkamp 

After two days of Shutterfest, the business of the buisness began with Shutterfest Extreme; an intensive with several speakers.

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Who taught us Branding and Marketing hints. 

We gained some self confidence 

We gained some self confidence 

Man did we gain some confidence. It was intense to be surrounded by other creatives who all spoke the same language. For a kid who's Always felt like an outsider, for once I was inside the loop and it was.... well It was Shutterfest!!!!!!

The Photographer 

The Photographer 

We will return next year and we will be attending Lunacy, the spinoff Photo experience to Shutterfest, in Las Vegas.

And.. we can't wait!!! 

Studio Shoot for Business Look

Today's Business Portrait Shoot with Kansas City Business Owner Dawn Hupp owner of Houndstooth Planning. 

When you decide to do your Business Portrait you want to make sure you choose a Photographer who can capture your personal style elements.  

Your Business Portrait is a Visual calling  card it's the first thing some of your clients will look at as they reference you.  

Kimberly Pimentel of Pimentel Portfolio shooting client images.

Kimberly Pimentel of Pimentel Portfolio shooting client images.

A few key things to do to ensure your shoot is top notch.  Talk with your photographer prior about wardrobe.  We suggest clients bring 3 outfits so we have a few options darker colors works best, but a pop of color here or there is a nice element for the eye. A contemporary piece of jewlery or your favorite watch or professional handwriting tool is always a plus.

Prior to your shoot ladies and gents a day at the nail Salon and a trip to your hair care Pro is a must.  Also get plenty of sleep before your shoot and hydrate and eat well. Photoshoots can be fun and should make you feel like a Star!

Cute ice breaker shot a before the shoot "No Paperazzi Please Pose!"

Cute ice breaker shot a before the shoot "No Paperazzi Please Pose!"

Contact us at Pimentel Portfolio to discuss your image campaign. 

Email at Kimberly@kimberlypimentel.com

Instagram at

PimentelPortfolio

http://pimentelportfolio.com/

Self Portrait

Rarely do I get in front of the Lens.

The Photographer poses. To understand the method experience all aspects of the Art.

The Photographer poses. To understand the method experience all aspects of the Art.

Today I was setting up Lighting and set for model Amber Botros of Kansas City.

When my assistant Roxane Henrici offered to take my image in my set-up. I hesitated then agreed.  It's a good experience as a Photographer to do this, to let your guard down and see what it's all about. It's not a Easy thing to do at all, but with the right direction and the right support and expertise it's 

a Pretty cool experience. And when you see your  portrait and you know it captured you, in your element it rocks.  So, don't be afraid, go to a pro who knows how to capture you in your light. The right team can be amazing and I love my team of creatives. Thank you. 

I am Kimberly Pimentel and I am a Kansas City Photographer.

Imagine, look, live

Kansas City Photographer

We are Pimentel Portfolio and we specialize in Contemporary Portraits.

We are a unique duo of a Photographer and a Artistic Visionary. 

Kimberly Pimentel and Roxi Henrici of Pimentel Portfolio 

Kimberly Pimentel and Roxi Henrici of Pimentel Portfolio 

 Current  work can be seen at :

http://pimentelportfolio.com

contact us at (913) 687-1464 

email at: 

Kimberly@Kimberlypimentel.com

To set up your Portrait session 

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Take the Moment

I try to shoot images daily.  IPhone or my digital gear,  Im always composing images.  The key to Gaining confidence in Photography Skills lies in Knowledge, Practice and love of the Art.  When you are shooting challenge yourself to focus on one aspect at a time.  Choose a theme,  maybe people, composition, lighting or abstract.  On the day we shot these images we were In  Palm Springs California   the only light we had to work with was natural sun from a doorway.   I filtered with with a soft blind and we grabbed a white folder for a bounce to even both sides of the face and shot.  

Black and white with Natural Light Bounce

Black and white with Natural Light Bounce

Palm Springs California Natural light capture color soft light, with sunlight adding a Hair accent.

Palm Springs California Natural light capture color soft light, with sunlight adding a Hair accent.

Shoot daily with whatever you have.  Your skills and love of the Art will grow as your confidence does.

Cheer! 

My name is Kimberly Pimentel and I am a Kansas City Portrait Photographer.  My website can be seen at :

       http://pimentelportfolio

I found a Golden Ticket

When I was two weeks old I was taken into surgery it was the first and last time. I was anesthesized with ether gas and my birthmark was taken from me. But, I was always happy as a child. I laughed with siblings took family vacations. And I can remember carrying around a empty broken camera with no Film in it.  Always seeing images.

The Photographer Kimberly Pimentel and blogger.

The Photographer Kimberly Pimentel and blogger.

I guess I'll never know what that birthmark was I hear it was called a "starberry" . A small red birthmark so harmless yet mine. My mom tells me I was so angry when I came out of the recovery room. I wouldn't even look at her. And to this day my angry Harry Potter Frankenstein scar that announces my side stays with me.

But, today's blog isn't about my scar. Not really it's about finding gifts in all parts of my life. As a creative I feel I have the best set of gifts ever. I have the ability to create Art and images and sometimes that can be a mixed bag of emotions. 

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As a Photographer I create beautiful portraits of people. I see them and find a side of them that perhaps they have never experienced. I show them glimpse of a reflection that I capture. And with these portraits I always feel a bit of meloncholy upon completion of  a session.  Why? Because to me the pure happiness comes from finding that one moment in a session.  But then when a client has the reveal session. And sits next to me and sees the work I created for them that is pure magic. The golden ticket. To see a client sit for two hours fixated on a image that I made it brings me joy beyond anything I can describe.

My tools image by Kimberly Pimentel

My tools image by Kimberly Pimentel

That one second when light meets eye when shadow becomes mood. 

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I love to Create images that become a glimpse of something anything a moment forgotten.  A time to remember. Something lost, someone found. A moment you will cherish as a art in your space.

Uma rescue dog who rescues me with Muse Roxane Henrici.   image I captured on a Sunday afternoon.

Uma rescue dog who rescues me with Muse Roxane Henrici.   image I captured on a Sunday afternoon.

So, yes I found a golden ticket!  I have my art my creative channel. My Photography becomes my voice and my dreams. And I am lucky and grateful   Daily.   That I can share this with my clients. Who so graciously allow me to vision quest a image of them for them.

Cheers

I am Kimberly Pimentel. I am a Kansas City Photographer. I create beautiful Soul Portraits and my website can be seen at :

http://pimentelportfolio.com/

I can create a Portrait of you that you will cherish forever.

Finding Peace with your Creativity

Have you ever heard someone say I wish I could tell my 15 year old self what a incredible journey my life would lead me too?  I guess we have all struggled and felt pain within ourselves as we built identies, with our  Art.  And each day I remind myself to find peace in my creativity.  And finding peace with your Creativity will allow your art to grow.

Postcards from Amsterdam turned into a Mobile in my Art space 

Postcards from Amsterdam turned into a Mobile in my Art space 

 But what is finding peace within your Creativity?  And how does one filter out all the other messages that cloud the reception of the creative mind?  These messages that I talk of are the ones that hold most Artist back from obtaining a satisfying life in which they utilize thier art to create income.

Postcard from the Van Goth museum that now floats from a modern wire Mobile I filled with cards from my trip to Amsterdam 

Postcard from the Van Goth museum that now floats from a modern wire Mobile I filled with cards from my trip to Amsterdam 

I find it amazing that some of the most successful people I admire have spent the least amount of time in College classes. Why is this? Is it because college has no courses aimed at Creativity awareness?

The Masters in the Rjiks Museum image by Kimberly Pimentel.

The Masters in the Rjiks Museum image by Kimberly Pimentel.

So perhaps these entrupaneurs that I admire have learned the lesson of creativity awareness on their own. I found for myself personally the most rewarding time spent in Collegeite courses was when I was studying with a agenda. And that agenda was to allow myself to learn to create. Allow yourself to create is a big statement it's vague and encompasses a inner chain of thought.

Rooftop 360 degree Bistro in Amsterdam image by Kimberly Pimentel 

Rooftop 360 degree Bistro in Amsterdam image by Kimberly Pimentel 

 

Is it a day where the sun gently warms your arms is it when a sparrow lands next to you and you find comfort in the sound of its wings message? I think it's something different for everyone. Some people just haven't allowed themselves to find peace inside their heads yet. They struggle with the constraints of life, job,    Relationships and all things material.

Creatives must learn to engage freedom of thought to best utilize the combined strength of Art into entrepreneurship.

Breakfast before Museums Daam Square Amsterdam 

Breakfast before Museums Daam Square Amsterdam 

I am learning to let myself find peace within my Art. What I learned by this is just about everything out there in life reflects peace as long as I allow it to remind me  of the inherit message. And through this my Art has flourished and grows daily. 

Audio tour walking Holland 

Audio tour walking Holland 

As I was falling asleep my wife said to me " you know  they say in space there is no time." I responded sleepily what do you mean? She relied " people who space travel say the concept of time is a earthly conception."  I thought for a bit and then fell gently to sleep next to her knowing that all was well with the world and that in space time did not exist and I love that and I love the way she calms my head. Finding peace is allowing it to find you. 

Find peace  

cheers  

I am a Kansas City Portrait Photographer my name is Kimberly Pimentel and I create contemporary Portraits that capture a moment and create a lifetime piece of Art.

My website is at 

http://pimentelportfolio.com/

It's not about the Gear

When inquisitors approach me with questions about photography I'm always happy to answer their questions. But more often then not I will answer "it's not about the gear".

My trio of current go to lenses posing in afternoon California soft light. Image taken with a IPhone 6+http://pimentelportfolio.com/

My trio of current go to lenses posing in afternoon California soft light. Image taken with a IPhone 6+

http://pimentelportfolio.com/

It's not about the gear.  It's so much More then the gear. I have this image that to this day when I look at it reminds me of this statement.  I took the image while living in New Mexico, attending UNM.  The concept of the image was to go outside of the bounds of camera equipment. We spent the days using cameras made from paint cans and Holga cameras. ( Holga cameras are actually Japanese toy plastic cameras that actually shoot film but have light leaks in the body that create beautiful eerie images). If you've never used one before and are interested in Photography do yourself a favor and spend the $20 to get a Holga and $20 for b&w 120 film and start here. 

  The reason I beg you to do this is so you will learn the simplest lesson about photography. And that is "it's not about the gear".  It doesn't matter what camera you have the brand the lens when you are wanting to truly learn about the art of images. The art is seeing, looking and connecting to a aspect a visual glimpse,  and teaching your mind to relay to your eye to capture it and compose it.  

My Holga images that I took that day in New Mexico I developed  the film by hand. I scanned the large digital 120 film formats on my Epson scanner and printed 11x16 prints. And the one print that captures my mind everytime I look at it isn't in crisp focus, it's not accurately exposed (it's actually double exposed due to the nature of the Holga). This image is far from perfect. But to me a Photographer who practices the art of Photography it's perfect. It's beyond perfect it's F'ing ART!!  And I love it's shortcomings because it taught me to look deeper. 

So ask me anything you want about Photography, but if you really want to know about cameras and ask me what type to get I will suggest a Holga!  

Cheers

Shoot more talk less!  

My name is Kimberly Pimentel and I am a Kansas City Photographer.  

My website is  

http://pimentelportfolio.com/

Altitude Attitude

One of the best ways to maintain and gear up my creativity is to expeience new things visually. Travel encompasses all the senses. Which in turn resparks my creative process.

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"What do you remember the most from Germany ?" She asked 

"that coocoo bird ever morning at Cousin Iris's house "  every morning this solitary bird would beckon me to arise shake off my jetlag and go out and experience the Countryside. 

What will I experience next? What will I take back with me? A sight? A sound? A taste? A feeling? 

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I love travel the flying the adrenaline the arriving to a new place. All the travel I have been fortunate to experience engages my mind and allows me to spark my creativity.

A quiet moment on a Palm Springs evening.

A quiet moment on a Palm Springs evening.

Discussing a upcoming shoot with my Creative director in the desert air last evening.  Allowing  our minds to engage  in some free thought ideals for our  client. We scramble down a few notes to the makeup artist. 

Then shoot the client a email engaging her ideals and letting her know we are constantly creating images for her shoot already in our creative process time. 

Every part of the creative process is gift to me I can engage a part of my mind and spirit and then transpire a image of that moment to my subject.

"Cool wind in my hair Warm  smell of a colitas rising up through the air " Hotel California The Eagles. 

A flowered vine on a wall in Palm Springs California 

A flowered vine on a wall in Palm Springs California 

As we exited the small plane into the turmac of the Palm Springs airport a stewardess said to us. " you were really having a great time I wanted to join you". 

We had been engaging in a creative moment a game we had made out of pantomime and word description where we each took a turn at describing her boring escape and safety spiel into a show.  You know life is short and every second I am humbled enough to laugh and enjoy it. 

Cheers!

I am a Kansas City Photographer, my name is Kimberly Pimentel 

and my website is  http://pimentelportfolio.com/

 and I am ready to create a magnificient portrait for you .

He had that Johnny Depp coolness

This guy pulls up to his shoot in his brand new BMW convertible. With a killer smile and I jus knew it was gonna be a cool cat kinda shoot.

Kelley Kemble Kansas City Model

Kelley Kemble Kansas City Model

We got him under the lights and I captured this look from him. It was like Lou Diamond Phillips and Johnny Depp posed for me in one day! 

Kimberly Pimentel Photographer 

Chandra Cheyenne Makeup 

Roxane Henrici  Creative Assisstant 

Kansas City

There are perhaps a handful of things that Kansas City Is Famous for.  BBQ, World Series Baseball  Winners The Kansas City Royals and being know as "The City of Fountains".  And being home to some incredible artist. 

Last Month I had the unique opportunity to do a Studio Shoot.  The images my team captured are breathtaking. We knew magic was happening as lighting, makeup, model and photographer all joined forces to create for her for us as well. 

Mikaela Carson model photgraphed by Kimberly Pimentel.

Mikaela Carson model photgraphed by Kimberly Pimentel.

You know when the moment is just right when it takes your breath away. And we all knew it was happening as we balanced the light the mood the movement. I love capturing images of Dancers, performers, artist and anyone whom catches my eye. To find and capture the soul in a image is unique. And when it's there it's there.

KANSAS CITY is Home. Its a feeling a place of wonder. From the Beautiful Kauffman to the Art Deco designed bridges to the Spainish influenced Plaza  area to the Foutains.

Happy Valentines Day Kansas City!

 

Creating a Unique Photographic Style

There are  many Photographers on today's Social media sites, as we all know. And just about everybody has a Aunt, cousin or neighbor who "shoots images".  I personally love that so many people are enjoying photography as a hobby. With so many in the market one must stand out to be seen.

Photographer Kimberly Pimentel, Model Mikaela Carson, Makeup Chandra Cheyenne, Artistic Direction Roxane Henrici 

Photographer Kimberly Pimentel, Model Mikaela Carson, Makeup Chandra Cheyenne, Artistic Direction Roxane Henrici 

In order to stand out with your portraiture in today's market you must have unique appeal. It takes much work to create a style that is not the mainstream. It's harder to fit the mainstream when your images are different and your style is unique. But to creatives there's is a big aestethic victory and satisfaction of knowing your "style" is unique.

Im by no means a expert in developing a style of images but I do know what I like  visually and what I have done  to tap into my creative flow and it may or may not work for you. But hey! It's worth a shot and if you grow to love Photography and creating as much as I do and start to see your creative self flourish then it was worth it to me to tell you these STEPS  I took to start allowing myself to DEVELOP A UNIQUE PHOTOGRAPHIC STYLE.   

1. Get acquainted with the Photographic community. Join a shoot  club. Get to know other photographers. It's helpful to have others as sounding  boards for the questions you may have about anything from lighting to copyright. And joining these groups where others are also developing as creatives helps you learn technique and perhaps question your own techniques. 

2.  CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO BE DIFFERENT.  That being said here's the kicker to the first item- learn to live out of the popular bubble. And here's why.  We all learn in patterns we learn to draw within the line,  cut a straight line ect ect. Challenge yourself to be different allow your inner weirdness to be boss.   Creatives think differently. We see things differently and it's ok to  BE DIFFERENT. It's ok to not have everyone love your images or even Like them.  For many years I leaned to hide my creative self afraid that when others would see my unique point of view I'd I'd .... what be less popular. Who cares? Be YOU. When you learn to embrace your unique eye you'll love the results and things will start to change. 

3. Enjoy and surround yourself with the Arts.  What do I mean by this go see a ballet ? Maybe, not your thing go listen to a symphony, umm read a classic. Go to the local museum. Just be in the Arts. When I found myself struggling to define personal style I hopped into a University Class at UNM in New Mexico where I was living at the time.   I went back to the basics building cameras out of paint cans, spending days in the darkroom. Through it all did I learn more about my style of photography? No,  but I had a professor who challenged me and didn't tell me "hey your images are great" instead he told me you need to pick up a canvas and paint,  your a painter inside." I scoffed no way. I'm a lefthander who scribbles illegibly. I can't paint. But years later I did just what he had told me.   I picked up canvas and paints and you know what happened? I set aside my camera and I painted. Furiously I threw paint everywhere. Thinking I'll show him! I'm no painter. But what happened is I discovered that I do love to paint. Why? because I have no preconceived issues in what I should be as a Painter. Instead I was just a ceator. I learned to let my style not over define me but I learned to jus let creativity be. So surround yourself with the arts, write prose, paint, learn flamenco dance do something to engage your creative Brain. 

So get out there and meet people engage in ideals. Learn to enjoy your creative self and not take it to personally when others do or don't enjoy your aesthetics. And enjoy doing things that will engage your brain.  Your art will prosper as you develop a unique aesthetic. 

 

 

 

Creative teams enhance your photo shoots.

There are many components that make a sucsessful Studio Shoot.  The equipment, the Lighting all the technical elements.  But to take your images to the next level you must have a creative team.

Makeup Artistry touches being added by Chandra Cheyenne 

Makeup Artistry touches being added by Chandra Cheyenne 

It's important on many levels that your creative team be able to communicate effectively.  Makeup artist, Model, wardrobe and Artistic directors all have input. As creatives the struggle to bring to fruition ideals and concepts can seem daunting, but with a creative team you can let artistic ideals drive the momentum of your shoot.

 

Model Mikaela Carson, Miss Northwest 2016 is also a creator of amazing Headpieces as displayed.

Model Mikaela Carson, Miss Northwest 2016 is also a creator of amazing Headpieces as displayed.

I am  Kimberly Pimentel I am a Kansas City Photographer That loves to create beautiful images of people.  My current work can be seen at: 

http://pimentelportfolio.com/