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

Marketing Yourself on Social Media

The beauty of today’s Social Media Market is that the world of Facebook and Instagram and Snapchat are FREE. And as a business owner FREE is GREAT. But, no one ever handed out a Manuel on how to market on social media the right  way. 

Here’s our top 5 points to consider when starting your buisness media presence. 

Headshot created by Kansas City Photographers Pimentel Portfolio LLC.

1. Your face is the face of your new Buisness. Get a professional headshot of yourself. Use your headshot for all your media outlets.  It often amazes us when we do sessions for clients and then go to look at thier media links and never see the images they paid for to be made in action.

2.  First appearances are everything !  Your mom used to tell you that and it’s true! As a representative of your business it’s up to you to display professionalism.  Have a professional Social Media Video made for your business.

3.  Be Neutral, Truth Hurts.  Ok this one is a bit political but hang in there. It’s for your own good. Be careful with your posts to be neutral. Don’t take this personally.  It just allows you to reach more customers who want to hire you.  

4. Don’t be repetitive on your media business posts. You know you hate it when a buddy post his football party pics on Facebook and the same one on Instagram. Switch it up a bit. 

5.  Media presence is the knock on the door in today’s selling world. And quite frankly it’s no longer a “Hi! This is me!” But a “ Hi, this is what I can produce for you !” Be yourself and show your stuff!  

The opportunity to grow yourself comes hand in hand with growing your business base. Network, chat, meet and greet as many people as you can. And remember EVERYONE is a potential client. 

Cheers! 

Pimentel Portfolio LLC is an Award Winning, Published, Kansas City based, creative group that specializes in Portraits and  Creating Marketing Profile Videos. 

They can be contacted and inquiries made at  (913)687-1464. 

What Should you bring to your shoot?

As you prepare for your shoot day we will stay in contact with you to assist with your planning.

The Day of your shoot we will send you a Prep List that included the date, time and location of your shoot along with all our contact information.  We will also include your wardrobe guidelines that we will discuss with you at the initial consult.  Below is a list of things we will ask you to consider bringing to enhance your shoot.

Prep List for your In-Studio Photo Shoot:

1.  Wardrobe should consist of solid colors, varying degrees of subtle color with few or no large patterns.  Gentlemen no checkered patterns on shirts, jackets or ties as they reflect light aberrations.  For the ladies we have a selection of wardrobe that we will gladly offer for use to enhance your beauty.

2.  Bring a kit the will have your favorite lip balm, and hand lotion so we can keep your skin fabulous looking.  We will provide bottled water to keep you hydrated.

3.  Your favorite hair product finishing products so we can touch you up as needed.

4.  Accessories for the guys your favorite watch, jewelry, cufflinks.  And for the ladies your favorite scarf, jewelry make an image shine with your personality.  

5.  Lastly bring yourself prepared to have a great time.  Get plenty of rest the day before and give yourself plenty of time to arrive.  You are going to have a blast with us!! 

Portrait of Jackson by Pimentel Portfolio LLC

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.

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 

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 .

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

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 

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. 

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 

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.

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/

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.

First photo shoot of the year

My shoot with Roxane Carmen Petra Henrici. 

Kansas City Photographer Kimberly Pimentel

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 

Senior Photo-Session

This weekend I spent some time in the Woodlands Texas shooting Senior Images for a Class of 2017 participant.

Kansas City Photographer Kimberly Pimentel

Alex is a Singer, Composer, and Actress.  Lookout World this group of Seniors is fierce!

Fashion Photography Behind the Scenes Peek

I'm a Kansas City Photographer and can be contacted at:

http://kimberlypimentel.com

Assistant doing a light reading on a model

A lot of coordinating goes into one image. These behind the scene images to me share the concept of the shoot with the technical and artistic aspects.

Portraits of Men

I love creating solid images with impact and adding architectural detail, and a male model ups that ante.  For this Saturday's portrait I used male model Kelley Kimbley and Kansas City's Westbottoms to Create a set of male fashion images. I am Kimberly Pimentel a Photographer in Kansas City.  I can be contacted at:

http://kimberlypimentel.com

Model Kelley Kimbley

Kansae City Photographer Kimberly Pimentel  

While shooting men focus on creating strong jaw lines. Powerful angles in arms and leg position adds impact.

Contrasting boots added dimension to the background 

Create visual impact by engaging your model to the surroundings. A great place to shoot Kansas City's West Bottoms has the look.  I love shooting in Kansas City's diverse cityscapes.

I can be contacted at: 

http://kimberlypimentel.com