You Are Your Brand

Kansas City Photographer Kimberly Pimentel created  this Portrait of business  owner  Jason Williams.  

I’ve been creating portraits for Jason since 2017, and this year we also photographed his fiancé.  

Each time Jason is photographed it’s a journey. He  is a intellectual sensitive energetic man and I know when we photograph him it will be a lesson in branding.

Headshot portraits are the first step of creating your social media look. You have to present yourself in a professional way. Jason knows this and that’s why he chooses professional photographers to capture and create his yearly look.  We do business branding headshots for people who know that their look must be honest and professional in order to be effective.  They chose me to create the look for them. Because they can trust me with their image and know I will not let them down.

In order for branding to be effective the main rule of thumb is, it must be honest and Jason portrait’s encompass him completely and honestly.  He is his one man. There are no pretentious feelings when he sits for me. It’s all him 100 percent and in this honesty we create these intense portraits of him, for him.  

Im sure I’ll Photograph Jason next year and continue to capture him in branding portraits.  Watching him become more successful as we also grow our portrait business it’s a interesting symbiotic relationship and I’m glad I met him and and thankful he trusted me with making his portrait. I enjoy seeing people grow and become the portrait and embrace their self strengths. And creating portraits for them gives me a unique window to see them grow. 

We can assist you by creating a Professional Headshot that will capture you.  

 Kimberly Pimentel is  owner and Photographer at Pimentel Portfolio a Kansas City based Portrait business.

She is a member of the Professional Photographers ( PPA) of America, also, member of Professional Photographers of Greater Kansas City( PPGKC). 

She is also a Accredited Portrait Masters Photographer. Her images have been awarded and published.

And can be reached to set up your session at (913)687-1464

Branding Portraits are for everyone. Not just business Owners.

​You are your brand. From the moment you wake up get dressed, drive to school or your work place.

Your Brand begins with you. So, represent it the best way possible, and this includes making a positive strong presence on your media. ​

Senior Portrait reflecting style and presence. 

A Senior portrait can be the beginning of a journey into your adulthood. And your portraits at this time will reflect this journey.

You will change and grow in the next 5 years. New places to live, careers, and collegiate paths will be chosen.  As You change so will your goals and also your self-Brand will change to fit your path. 

You, are your Brand and that becomes your message to others. So, yes we all create a brand, business owners, college students, teachers.  What does your brand say about you today? 

And, where will it take you?  

Pimentel Portfolio LLC is a Kansas City based business, that specializes in creating personal portraits for everyone who needs to Brand themselves and more importantly needs to create social impact. We can help you do that.  

 We can be contacted at:

 http://www.pimentelportfolio.com/

Pimentel Portfolio LLC

Kansas City Missouri

(913)687-1464

Motherly Love, the Perfect Portait

What makes a beautiful Maternity Image ? 

Creating a Unique Portrait of you that captures who you are and your love of being a Mother.   And that’s exactly what we do.  It’s simple; we love capturing you, the beauty of who you are.  It’s what we are good at.

 Pimentel Portfolio LLC is a Kansas City based Photography business that caters to your photographic needs.  When we started our business we did it knowing we wanted to create Legacy Portraits.  What better time to start your legacy? 

Portrait created for the Maternal time, a Legacy of time and Quality.  

What makes a great Maternity Portrait ? 

You do,  and the beauty of your moment. 

Pimentel Portfolio LLC is a Kansas City Based Portrait business. We are women owned and proudly serving all women and their families to create Legacy Portraits that capture “You”. 

Contact us to find out how to schedule your Legacy Portrait.  

Call us at (913)687-1464. 

Planning Your 2019 Social Media Attack

If you haven’t already started planning then you are too late.  But, as we all know in retail it’s never too late to make that sale.  All it takes is some strategizing and well thought out planning.  Your Social Media strategy should be well thought out and planned, as well.   These are the top 5 things to consider about your Media Game Plan.

1. Advertising Media Library should be created prior to your year. This is the time to schedule your Professional attaché Portrait.  The New Year brings changes and we all look at doing things differently. We change services, we plan, we decide on new things. Be ready! Your clients want to see you attack the year too!

2.   Have Goals set for the Year.  Decide on a monthly and quarterly plan of media posts. This way you can gauge your progress and grow your sites.  As we all learn the algorithms of social media, as humans, we seek patterns.  Your clients will respond to the patterns you send them. So be consistent in your posts. Set patterns of these posts for best results. 

3.  The top five media outlets are Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube and  LinkedIn. Arrange a plan that involves all these platforms.

4.  Engage with your clients in Relevent ways. To stay engaged you must first establish a pattern, then keep the pattern interesting. Utilize different mediums. Video clips engage, are relevant, and create lasting imagery content for your clients. 

5.  Maintain a constant presence with your clients. Instead of telling them what you offer, be instead of service to them. Offer them advice from your professional knowledge. This will engage them, and engagement is the first step of the inquiry that leads to sales. 

In order for your targeted clients to request services from you, they have to have already seen you. This pregame strategy exists in every competitive endeavor. We look at the numbers of the previous year and make strategies on where, as a company, we slipped and where we grew. 

The game of Social Media is to always have Professionally created media, readily available previous to the time needed.  Have a plan and execute it. 

Media Headshots Done by Kansas City Phorographers Pimentel Portfolio LLC

Pimentel Portfolio LLC is a Kansas City Based Photography Business. We can be contacted for Portrait and Social Media imagery at (913)687-1464.

Portrait Awards for Pimentel Portfolio LLC of Kansas City

Portraits should have several qualities to become Memorable.  Awarded images must capture unique qualities for a judge to merit the image as above standard and into the realm of advanced placement.  Photographers work for decades improving the technique and putting together the skill needed to produce this quality of work. 

Awarded Portrait Capture from Pimentel Portfolio LLC

But, what exactly makes a awarded image?

Yes, there are standards of criteria that Judges use for awards competition. Things like composition, focus, lighting are a few.  

We at Pimentel Portfolio LLC shoot for you, our client.  So, what is it that we capture in our Portraits that make them award winning is YOU! 

What draws you into a Portrait? The eyes. The gateway to appreciating a good protrait is the ability to see the sitters story, through the eyes. 

Photographers call this, connection.  The ability to capture this connection and take it to the next level of art appreciation can take decades to learn and master.

When we create A Portrait of you, we want you to be able to see this image as a Story, a legacy a timepiece.  We want your portraits to be your museum, so to speak.  When we create your portrait in one of our studio sessions. Long after you have left for the day. We are reviewing our work of you. And finding that one Portrait that we know speaks that language of your ancestors stories. 

Their story is in your eyes, we capture the story. 

Yes, there are many things that make a award winning Image. For us, the most important thing is You!   

Let your ancestors story continue, consider your Legacy Portrait as “ your chapter” .

Pimentel Portfolio LLC is a award winning Kansas City based Portrait Business. We can be reached to find out how to start your legacy portrait at 

(913) 687-1464

The Portrait by Kimberly Pimentel

I am a Portrait Photographer.

I capture and preserve portraits for people so they can see and embrace their real selves as others see them.

I remember with fondness years ago as I was purchasing my first L series professional lens. It was a Canon 50 mm 1.2 L. As the young clerk at the local electronics store where I had  purchased  the lens smiled at me and said, 

Portrait of Flamenco Dancer

“Wow your getting the 50mm 1.2! That’s a amazing lens you must shoot a lot of portraits?”

I replied “yes I Shoot only Portraits”

#thebeautyofyou

Portrait of Ballet Dancer Roxi Henrici

     He replied , “ Someday.... I’d love to own that lens , but portraits are hard to shoot.”

     - I thought as I walking out the door  clutching  my new glass  to my chest I love creating Portraits and  for me Someday had begun.

I have throughout my career as a Photographer shot many  different Prime lenses. I’ve owned a 28mm, a 85mm a 135mm, but never have I owned a Pro Canon Lens. Nor would I ever have thought I could own a Canon Pro lens.

Portrait of Entrepreneur.

   Let’s start with where I came from to explain who I am as a Photographer.  I came from very meager beginnings don’t get me wrong I was by all means from a middle class family, But my family worked very hard  to achieve where they are now.

     My grandparents had been struggling Migrant workers from the City of Chiuauau Mexico.  And they came to America to better themselves . And, my parents  with this same ethic had instilled in us from a very young age that to get anywhere in life one must become educated and work hard. We had a good life growing up in the country , fishing and playing in the fields instead of working in them. All because my grandparents had a dream and changed their lives for my parents and then me.  

#thebeautyofyou

Portrait of Male Model

      Who know where my love of Photography and capturing portraits comes from? I like to think of  it as starting early in myself as a way of learning about people. Studying their eyes and. Facial features, As my grandparents spoke no English and I no Spanish and growing up in a bilingual family.  We, my brother and sisters would sit at the dinner table with our families trying to comprehend conversations through the facial emotions. 

Maybe my love for capturing portraits comes from the struggle of my grandparents. Maybe it’s because I know that everyone deserves the opportunity to tell their story.

And that the story can be seen through the eyes of the people I Create portraits for.

#thebeautyofyou

      In the eyes of the young Actor, the emotive eyes of a  dancer, and loving eyes of the bride for her groom, they all tell a story.  What story do your eyes tell?

Let me help you tell your story and capture it in time.  So that long after you and I have left this world , your story will live on.  I am a Portrait Photographer and my images tell your story. 

When was the last time you were photographed? 

💃🏻Flamenco Dancers Portraits by Pimentel Portfolio a Kansas City Photographer 📷

We had the pleaseure of Photographing several Flamenco 💃🏻 dancers and creating for them some fantastic dance portraits.  Below Roxane Henrici strikes a pose in a dancerly way at Kansas City's historic Union Station.  

Roxane Henrici dancer 

The colorful outfits were eye catching and their Flamenco 💃🏻 shoes clicked on the marbel floors of the beautiful Union Station as we captured images of these ladies of dance.  

Cheryl McMorris displays her Flamenco dance dress.

Dueling Dancers 💃🏻 below.  At Kansas City's Union Station.

Vanessa Dominguez and Cheryl McMorris dance out a rhythm.

www.pimentelportfolio.com

Is a Kansas City based photography business. That can be contacted to schedule your Portrait session at (913)687-1464.

Kansas City Business Owner Media Portrait

Portrait of Kansas City Business Owner Dawn Hupp.  Anytime we do a Portrait for someone we learn about them, and we learn from them.  Dawn is a millennial entrepreneur who owns Houndstooth Planning Company in Kansas City.  

Image done by Kimberly Pimentel owner of Pimentel Portfolio LLC, for Dawn Hupp Kansas City Buisness owner . 

As we culled through her portrait gallery, we chatted about images and being women  business owners.  She asked me what my opinion was on the above image being a sureshot Media Portrait.  I told her I loved the image but I saw the ones where she was looking straight at camera as being more approachable and powerful .  She thought about that for a moment and said

'Yeah, but I'm a millinial and we do things differently.'

As business owners it's essential that we do whats good for the process not just the moment.  Be yourself and trust your decisions.  And trust that gut instinct that you have to value yourself and place a high value on your self worth and what you do.   

   When your ready to let us create a powerful media for your platform we are ready! 

Pimentel Portfolio LLC, is a Kansas City  based portrait Photographer Buisness. Contact us at (913) 687-1464

Portrait Session for Kansas City Buisness Owner

  We were fortunate to shoot with Marlene Ollier a Local Kansas City Buisness owner.  Aesthetician and Owner of The Clearest Hydrafacial Skin Care, Marlene called us after being gifted a Portrait session for her birthday. 

We consulted with Marlene and determined that she was interested in shooting in Historical Dearborn Missouri's downtown. 

The client Marlene Ollier and Photographer Kimberly Pimentel owner of Kansas City Buisness PimentelPortfolio LLC 

After we knew the location. We scouted the area.  This step of location scouting is a imperative step in your session workflow. It allows your creative team to develop a pathway of creating.  

Below is a image of the Hotel in Dearborn MO. That remains a iconic landmark in this small town with history that dates back to the Civil War.  

  The owner of the above Hotel and a city matron of the area  both came up to us during the shoot. We chatted about history and Due to our researching the area and knowing some town facts, they shared more knowledge and we were invited to shoot thier again.

This step of researching and communication, is imperative as a professional photographer to let people in the area know who you are and what you are doing. Remain within the public areas of a location. Stay on public sidewalks and be respectful of the area. 

Client Marlene Ollier And Lighting assistant Roxane Henrici enjoy a giggle before the shoot.

We all enjoyed our journey back in time in this quaint Missouri City.  I encourage you to read of this city and learn about it's history.  And thank you Dearborn Missouri for allowing us to capture another moment in your cities history.

Pimentel Portfolio LLC is a Portrait Photography Buisness located in Kansas City Missouri. We can be contacted at (913)687-1464. Our work can be viewed at our website www.pimentelportfolio.com

Cheers!!!

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.

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.

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.

Tips for A Smooth as Jazz Portrait Session

Ok, you have consulted with the team of Creatives. You have your date and time of shoot nailed down. Now what?

Here's a few tips to make the day of the shoot easier.

1. Discuss what you want in a image. Make sure you and your creative are on the same page as to what type of images you are wanting.  Sure the creative part will be in the interpretation and execution of the images, but have a open communication on the images and it you have questions call your creatives. 

2.  We will email you the week before your shoot finalizing the time and date as a reminder. Make sure you know what to expect how to get there what time the basics. 

3.  What to wear ? What to wear? Don't panic. First ask for suggestions. We suggest the following, wear solid colors , patterns can create issues and for colors darker color translate better but a pop of color can be greate. Try and bring 3 outfits so we can look discuss and create. If we are creating a set of looks we will suggest a casual look, a buisness casual and perhaps evening look. If you find you really are in need of a look you don't have I suggest having a personal shopper such as a service that Nordtrusms offers. Where a staff will put together a rack of looks for you based on your needs / wants. 

Preparing to feel like star ! Start practicing your autographs you are going to have fun and be treated like Brad Pitt and Anjie. Really in all honesty this will be your day we are sure for this. 

Contact me at 

Kimberly@KimberlyPimentel.com

Instagram at Pimentelportfolio

Website at www.pimentelportolio.com

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.

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!"

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.

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 

 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 

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 

 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 

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.

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 

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 

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 

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/

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.

"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? 

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.

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 

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 .

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 

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. 

Top 3 Things that go into a Portrait shoot by Kansas City Photographer Kimberly Pimentel

Clients ask me what's your concept for my shoot. This to a creative can be a loaded question.  First, it's my job as a professional to deliver what you request. But, what if you don't know what it is that you are looking for in a Portrait, it's my job as a creative to bring my creatvity to the table and give you a image that is unique to my eye. And pleasing to you.

Many things go into making your shoot a success. Pre-planning is cruicial and we consider concept as major factor.

1. Concept comes to me through many variables, I like to use vision palletes of color, sketches patterns anything that to me triggers that "look" I want for your portrait.  I find ideals in movies, music, actors, magazines books really anything that catches my eye.  

My vision book includes ads from fashion magazines  that have caught my eye - combined with your color pallete info to be used for makeup. And costume planning and any notes about you.  Concept planning is a way to strength the end product of your look.

2. The next thing wardrobe and hair and makeup.  When a vision leads us to a look we start thinking of you and transforming or enhancing your best features.   My creative assistant and I hunt down wardrobe at a variety of outlets including thrift, rental or your own closet. These costumes may change.   I'll ask you to bring 3 looks of your own.  Hair and makeup join in here to stlyize your look.  We love to get creative at a shoot and create the usual into the unusual.

3. Then comes the Mechanics of it all. The nuts and bolts so to speak of your shoot.  This can include lighting equipment, light meters, hand painted canvas backgrounds, camera and lenses computer to tether your shoot. 

And  then, when everything works just right we nail it!  We create for you a look that is unique and yours.  

Of course there are many, many other details that come into play when you choose to let a Professional Photographer create a portrait for you, we jus considered this a starting list of our top 3 Things that go into planning your Photoshoot.

Contact:

Kimberly Pimentel a Kansas City Photographer  at (913) 687-1464.  to set up your preliminary consult then we'll get to work creating for you.

She told me

As we were driving from the Houston airport " I grew up in. Trailer park near by. You don't wanna see that." 

I love to create images, portraits, moments