Kenneth Robert Images Blog

The Blog Has Moved

2009-06-21T22:15:00.002-07:00

Click here for the sexy, juicy Blog version 3.0

Can you feel the love tonight?

2009-06-12T15:29:00.002-07:00

I just LOVE, when I get notes like this! Click the note to make it bigger.

Budget for the wedding

2009-06-11T10:07:00.005-07:00

Okay Princess... Drop your registry scanner and back away slowly. Before you lose your head in the excitement of wedding planning 101, it’s time for a reality check. Weddings are super freaking expensive, and if you don’t plan ahead, you could soon find you’ve blown your whole budget on renting the venue alone. I am sure the building maintenance crews appreciate the extra cash. So what to do?

That my friends... is BUDGET!

Look, I am not trying to pee in your cornflakes, but the average cost of a wedding today is 35 grand. A more posh wedding 100-120 grand!

Now, before you jump off the bridge, just know that your dream wedding, your elegant affair is still attainable. You just gotta be smart about it. You have to create a budget.

Here's rough breakdown of how much of your budget you should plan to spend on each part of your wedding.

Let's dive in.

Reception Facility (includes building & booze) 15-18%
Beauty & Health 2-3%
Bridal Attire 6-7%
Cakes & Pastries 2-4%
Catering 18-22%
Ceremony 3-5%
Decorations & Rentals 6-7%
Flowers 5-8%
Invitations & Favors 3-4%
Music & Entertainment 3-6%
Transportation 2-3%
Video Services 7-9%
Jewelry & Gifts (excludes engagement ring) 2-3%
Photography 8-10%
Tuxedos 1-2%
Wedding Consultant 5-10%

I hope I have helped you spend your money well. Reach out if you have any questions.

Terri & Aaron - Engaged

2009-06-04T00:03:00.000-07:00

I love shooting in the city. Downtown Phoenix is a ghost town when the teams are off and it's after 5 PM. You have the entire city to yourself. That's good and bad. No place to get a drink! Terri & Aaron are my first wedding of the fall, getting married Labor Day weekend. This very energetic couple lives a fast paced, high flying life, as Aaron is an F-16 pilot. More on that in future blog updates.

High Speed Sync

2009-05-31T21:29:00.003-07:00

I have a pretty big shoot coming up in late July (more on that later).

During this shoot I will be using High Speed Sync. Technically, it's a very easy to achieve with the right gear, I will do my best to explain it.

When shooting into direct sunlight, you have to compensate for that giant light bulb in space, the Sun. Most point and shoot cameras cannot handle this kind of lighting. A good DSLR and off camera flashes can make a dent in compensating for the sun.

The boys laid down on the front lawn, and I set the shutter to 1/8000 at f 2.8 to demonstrate the use of high speed sync. In coming weeks I will show examples of real world use of high speed sync. The more you stop down (go from f 2.8 to f 16) as am example, the more dramatic the results. Right now, the sun is a mere blob in the sky. At f 16, and slightly underexposed (shutter speed), you get the gorgeous star burst effect on the sun.

As always, you can email me with questions.

Making dessert

2009-05-30T21:17:00.000-07:00

Allison made the cookie, then abandoned me for a hair appointment. I was left in charge of making pizza, a fruit pizza. Proof of my handiwork below, however bakers have nothing to fear. It was 2 hours of hand cramping, painstaking work. I would do it again, but not anytime soon.

This will haunt him for life

2009-05-30T21:12:00.001-07:00

My 9 year old son decided to play dress up with his 3 year old sister... Umm, well, I guess he forgot that I was in the kitchen with the camera.

Vicky & Jason

2009-05-29T21:59:00.011-07:00

Let me begin this Blog post with a personal note. It's also nice to get such an amazing acknowledgment of your work from a client.

I was so thrilled to deliver Vicky and Jason their album. We met at Luci's Coffee Bar in Phoenix late in the afternoon. In recent years, I have seldom seen a bride so excited to see her album she was just glowing, no vibrating with energy.

Sarah & Phillip Engagement Shoot

2009-04-25T13:55:00.006-07:00

Sarah was at first hesitant. After all, I chose to shoot in South Central, pretty rough hood, with lots of great warehouses. Phillip seemed pretty much ready to shoot, and Sarah relaxed and started striking poses after a brief moment or two.

Thanks Michael Levine for allowing us to use your awesome property.

Work Flow Checklist

2009-04-12T12:09:00.006-07:00

As a wedding photographer, I often look at the work I do as sexy, beautiful and fun. But the back end work, the stuff that makes it come together actually takes thought, time and effort. I have a checklist that goes in each client folder, right over the cover page of their contract. This allows me to track the process from start to finish. It's an evolving document, always able to change as does my work flow, but always needed to keep the studio on track. Copy if you like it, customize it for your studio needs.

Click here to download the pdf version.

Disney Copy Cat Movies

2009-04-08T15:04:00.002-07:00

I stole this link from my buddy Jim. Made me laugh, and right now we all need one.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Christina & Jeff's Wedding

2009-03-21T15:41:00.001-07:00

I started working with Christina and Jeff a year ago. From the first meeting, I knew this couple fit my style. I love clients that are relaxed, fun, playful and easygoing. Christina and Jeff fit the bill.

They had an amazing day that started and ended at the Sheraton Crescent Hotel. The photos with the red door were taken at the Old Spaghetti Company in Phoenix.The ceremony was at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

Thank you for including me in your awesome wedding.

All the wedding pics are now up. Click here to log in and see them.

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This wedding was also the inaugural wedding of my new CameraSlingers strap. Any photographer who shoots the way we do, needs to get one YESTERDAY. Tell Candi I sent you and thank me later.

The Cobblers Kids Get New Shoes

2009-03-20T13:04:00.003-07:00

Allison complains that I don't take enough time to get good pictures of the kids. So this morning, we went out for a family photo shoot.

We shot at the beautiful Rancho Solano Schools in Gilbert.

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Chandler Ostrich Festival

2009-03-15T09:36:00.002-07:00

We went to the Chandler Ostrich Festival with the family. While my wife went one way with the little ones, I took my boys and father-in-law to the rides and rip-offs side. They had a blast and we ate fair food. Ostrich burgers taste like beef, but are very lean.

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Mason's First Day Of Ice Hockey

2009-03-07T14:50:00.006-07:00

My son Mason, decided he wanted to play ice hockey. Here is the first day of "Mason on Ice". The little guy in blue jersey is his friend and our neighbor Austin.

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12 News at Phoenix Bridal Show

2009-02-22T19:12:00.004-07:00

OK so they say no publicity is bad. I was fortunate to be on 12 News tonight as they covered the Phoenix Bridal Show today.

See the video here.

Fun in the high country

2009-02-15T20:11:00.006-07:00

We went with friends up above the Mogillon Rim to play in the snow. We took sleds and packed for fun.

It was a blast.

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I am a sucky blogger

2009-02-08T11:27:00.000-07:00

No really! I am!

Just a fact.

Jocy & Steve Wedding Day

2009-01-31T00:00:00.001-07:00

Jocy and Steve are the perfect couple for me. Deeply crazy in love (which is great for photos) surrounded by a HUGE family and group of friends.

I was blessed to not only be their photographer, but be treated like a guest.

Thanks for having me capture the beauty of your wedding day.

My Nephew Turns 1

2009-01-10T15:50:00.010-07:00

Today we celebrated Mac's First birthday. We had a fun party at my sister-in-laws house. Tonight it's Cardinals football.

On Any Given Sunday...

2008-12-07T22:34:00.008-07:00

While Arizona may not elicit the vision of the frozen tundra of Green Bay and the glory of a wintry NFL game, the excitement of pro sports is never lost.

I shot the NFL Game on Sunday as the Arizona Cardinals won their division. The fans really made this game memorable for me as a photographer.

On any given Sunday... I will take the turf, and shoot this kind of action.

Ryan & Brian - Wedding Day

2008-11-29T05:29:00.002-07:00

Ryan and I met at the Phoenix Bridal Show, she and I hit it off right away... A fun couple, who had planned this wedding for a long time. This was the first wedding I ever shot at Windstar Gardens.

This quaint property has only been open a short time, and the converted farm is a great place to shoot. I highly recommend the location from brides on a tighter budget, looking for a cute locale.

The wedding day way so much fun. I have never gotten so much crap from a group of bridesmaids. The lace to bind the dress was left at the dry cleaner, so things got off to a slow start. With an hour an a half lost, we had to make up some time. We did, and had a great night.

Make A Canvas

2008-11-25T08:10:00.002-07:00

Did you know you can now order Canvas prints of your favorite photos. Log in to your Pictage event and order the size you want.

Your photo will be inked onto a stretched canvas and wrapped around the edge like in a museum or gallery. You can choose no frame or a floating frame. They are an awesome way to display your favorite image.

Evolution Of Images

2008-11-24T21:42:00.005-07:00

As a photographer, I realize I can spend a great deal of time fixing images. Adjusting every single one, until the refined image is just what I envision. The truth is, I don't. There are certainly signature images I love to create and always will with every client. Here is an example of some before and after work I have done on a Kate, a gorgeous bride and her wedding cake. You can see the evolution from out of camera, to first level of adjustment, to finished product.

As you can see, a few adjustments turns a good photo, into an artistic portrait.

Meet the Smiths

2008-11-23T06:39:00.012-07:00

I must admit, when my wife asked me to do a portrait shoot for some friends, I was reluctant. It's hard to direct people you know, more than people you don't. When someone is comfortable around you, they don't take direction as well. They see you personally, rather than professionally.

But when she told me who it was, I was more than happy to do it. Katrina and and her family are so easygoing, so relaxed and of course, very photogenic.

I hope you guys enjoyed the afternoon in Gilbert.

My Neighbor Walks His Birds

2008-11-22T18:00:00.002-07:00

We have a neighbor Randy, who has the most gorgeous birds. Last night he was out with two of his flock, taking them for a walk.

John & Kate - Wedding Day

2008-11-15T07:23:00.002-07:00

John and Kate... you rock!

I had a blast shooting your wedding. What a great family you both joined. It's always great when the bridal party is easy, fun and ready to do anything.

Francis, thanks for the dance. I am a sucky dancer and you made me look good.

The wedding took place at Tucson Botanical Garden on the nicest day. Sunny, warm and full of happiness.

I am designing an album for you right now... look for the proof shortly.

Megan & Matt - Engagement Photos

2008-10-11T20:58:00.004-07:00

We had to pick an alternate location for the shoot, since a Hindu wedding was taking over at our original location.

Megan picked a place that she loved going to as a child with her mom, the park at Fountain Hills.

As is typical of most couples I work well with, both Megan and Matt proved to be relaxed, fun and so incredibly easy to work with.

The 2 challenges of the morning were the chilly temps and the fact that the park was closed for over seeding. Unfortunately I only recognize yellow crime scene tape (thanks to TV shows), none of which was to be found. We were not deterred by fledgling soggy turf.

We have a year until the wedding... it will fly by.

Christina & Jeff - Engagement Photos

2008-10-10T20:06:00.002-07:00

Christina and Jeff have fast become friends.

We started with a sunrise setting atop the hill of CCV's main Campus on the West side of the valley. The air is just starting to turn cool here in the desert, so the shoot temperature was perfect.

Both Christina and Jeff have a deep rooted Christian faith, and I wanted to take that into account when we picked the location for their photos.

Thanks for the relaxed fun morning and great company. I look forward to being behind the camera for your wedding day in March, 2009 on the campus of St. Francis Xavier.

Nichole & David - Wedding Day

2008-10-04T21:09:00.001-07:00

Just back from a wet day in Sedona. Nichole was lucky enough to have rain on her wedding day. They say it's good luck, it's also frustrating. In the end, the day was beautiful and the skies cleared 30 minutes before the I do's.

KTAR's Talk The Vote Live 2008

2008-09-05T12:23:00.001-07:00

My job is pretty cool. I get to do lots of different things every day, meeting celebrities, dignitaries and statesmen falls into my routine with regularity.

Sheriff Joe with Glenn Beck

From left to right. Pat McMahon, Darrell Ankarlo, Glenn Beck, Mac Watson

Glenn Beck on stage

Pat McMahon, Darrell Ankarlo, Glenn Beck, Mac Watson

Me with Glenn Beck (self portrait)

Talk the Vote Live 2008

Glenn Beck receives custom AZ Diamondbacks Jersey from KTAR's Darrell Ankarlo

Friday September 5, I had the privilege of photographing News/Talk 92-3 KTAR's Talk The Vote Live 2008 at the Orpheum Theatre. This live broadcast featured Mac Watson, Pat McMahon, Darrell Ankarlo and special guest Glenn Beck.

The show was amazing. Then Glenn came back to the stage and tore it up in his one man show for another hour and a half.

What a great night.

Amie & David - Wedding Day

2008-08-10T10:00:00.001-07:00

First, Chicago is SUCH a cool city. I love the feel, the ethnic foods, and the White Castle just 1.8 miles from Midway airport on Cicero (no really) the iPhone confirmed it for me.

The best part of Amie & David's wedding weekend though, was being a part of the family. I was invited in to homes, shared meals, and got the chance to get to know all their friends and everyone involved in this great weekend.

The weather was more than cooperative and the location Danada House is off the hook. I could so easily live there if it wasn't for the whole "snow" thing.

Amie, thanks for being the best babysitter Allison and I could ever ask for. You rock! MORE PICS COMING!

Jenn & Shane - Wedding Day

2008-07-19T23:59:00.013-07:00

Just days after my family trip to Hawaii, I was up the hill in Flagstaff to shoot this wedding I had looked forward to for months.

I blogged about Jenn & Shane's wedding back in March. Finally that day arrived and it was awesome.

Seriously guys, your family and friends made me feel like an invited guest. They were warm, welcoming and shared their love openly. Thanks for including me in your day, and allowing me to capture the moments.

Jenn and Shane's wedding took place at the cute Little America Hotel in Flagstaff Arizona. The location was pretty, the temperature just right, and the people were great to work with.

Matthew Figueroa was the DJ and did an amazing job of keeping the reception alive, fun and moving.

Legacy High Definition Videography captured the emotion in motion. They shoot in Hi-Def video and do a killer job.

On TV with the legendary Pat McMahon

2008-06-06T16:55:00.004-07:00

Dropped in with the legendary Pat McMahon on AZTV to talk about your big day.

Amie & David - E-Session

2008-04-27T20:15:00.007-07:00

It's nice to shoot pictures in the desert, but the scenery at Trilogy at Vistancia is awesome. I would like to thank Kassie and the staff for allowing free access all over the place.

I am shooting Amie and David's wedding in Chicago this August and can't wait for the summer to be here.

My wife and I are blessed to have Amie in our lives, she is an amazing woman who has become friends with us, and a great caretaker to our kids when needed. It is a privilege to be capturing this wedding.

Amie and David were open to any location for the shoot, Kassie was willing to let us go anywhere we wanted and Trilogy at Vistancia did not disappoint. We began in this awesome Zen Garden, then worked our way through the spa's lounge and then out to the desert we went.

Website Updated

2008-04-20T22:32:00.003-07:00

Weeks after I started, the changes to my site are more or less complete. Thanks for all the suggestions and ideas it really helped. Still have a few images that act funky when resized for the site, but that's an easy fix.

Log on to Kenneth Robert Images now to see the changes.

Lyndee & Scott - Wedding Day

2008-04-12T08:00:00.006-07:00

Lyndee and Scott were a great couple to shoot for. Understated yet hip, they were open to treks up to t-box of the 18th hole at beautiful Silverleaf.

We started by scouting out some really nice places and ended up finding 30 more. The bridal party was so relaxed, everyone in such a great mood, and Lyndee a classy elegant bride, lit up the room when she walked in.

The celebration of marriage for this large family, went well into the night.

Amy & Steven - E Session

2008-03-29T08:00:00.002-07:00

We set up the E Session for Tempe Town Lake. Little did we know at the time that the music fest was happening the same weekend.

On the other side of the bridge (behind us in photos) were tens of thousands of music lovers enjoying band after band, with Fergie the headliner set to take stage at 10:30 that evening. Needless to say, it was noisy, and busy. In between the heavy foot traffic, we managed to capture some beautiful images. I look forward to shooting this November wedding.

Jenn & Shane - E Session

2008-03-09T08:00:00.012-07:00

In this business you establish relationships with brides and grooms... and moms. Jenn and I connected as well as her mom and I did. We planned the engagement shoot for something grungy, the back alley behind Starbucks on 7th Ave and McDowell, to offset the natural beauty and softness of Jenn. I find people look best when they are in an environment that contrasts them.

We also planned a second location at My Florist, for some intimate indoor moments. What we got, were some amazing pictures and lots of laughs throughout the morning.

I cannot wait for the wedding this summer in Flagstaff at Little America.

Kristin & Brian - Wedding Day

2008-03-01T08:00:00.001-07:00

Once or twice a year, I have the privilege of shooting a wedding for someone I have known for a while. As the Image Director for KTAR since 1998, I interact with lots of people. Brain, a radio sales rep approached me one day about shooting his wedding. I was excited at the opportunity to take care of someone I had an established relationship with.

Kristin, Brian and I met for lunch and the details of the day were put together. The wedding was taking place at her brothers phenomenal home in D.C. Ranch. The views were awesome, the house a showpiece, but Kristin was the show stopper. A stunning and classy bride, Kristin was the most relaxed bride I had ever seen.

The day flew buy, and I got to make friends with some of theirs. I broke my cardinal rule of never drinking while I work. I lifted a glass for this couples toasts.

Patricia & Chris - Wedding Day

2008-02-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

Many weddings remain in my memory for different reasons, Patricia and Chris's because of a memory I gave them... twice!

It was 5 minutes before ceremony time and the guests were almost all in place in this beautiful church in Glendale. I saw an opportunity to grab a shot of the pulpit and gorgeous stained glass behind it. As I squatted to take the shot (church full) my pants made a loud chchchchchhcrip (that was a ripping sound so loud the windows would rattle).

At this point in got up as if nothing had occurred and went into the brides ready room. In there I was greeted by the A-Team as I whipped off my pants and they helped me pin the inside back together. All is well and we all had a good laugh.

Fast forward to group shots of the bridal party. I needed to see some more leg for this one particular shot, so down I went into my squat and shoot position, when the pin job and remaining seam gave way.

The bridal party busted up and I stood there laughing. We got through the rest of the pictures and I made a pants pit stop at a local store on the way to the reception.

Thanks to a couple that had a great sense of humor and a bridal party that liked pointing fingers at me, I now carry a back up pair of pants in the car.

Samantha & Robby - Wedding Day

2007-12-14T23:59:00.000-07:00

What a great family, and quite a few frequent flier miles to get to Arizona when Samantha and Robby were sealed in the Mesa LDS Temple. It was such a beautiful day, and both families were so gracious and easy to work with.

The British Airways miles for Samantha's family had to be huge.

Knowing the grooms family for nearly 5 years, and having had his youngest brother in my employ for the last 2 made it that much easier to work with this great young couple.

The secondary ring ceremony was held at the Tuscan styled Villa Sienna in Gilbert. This was the perfect place for the more traditional wedding ceremony most non Mormons are familiar with. It was followed by a great reception at this beautiful facility.

Samantha and Robby, I wish you both a lifetime of happiness and look forward to taking your family portraits for years to come.

Golfing with KTAR

2007-11-27T08:18:00.001-07:00

Admission... 8 years since picking up golf clubs, but it was still a fun day on the desert links. We played at Sun Ridge Canyon the day before thanksgiving. What a great way to usher in the long weekend of over indulgence.

Thanks Russ, Rob, Evan and James. You helped start off my holiday weekend on a great note.

Angelica & Tim - Wedding Day

2007-10-27T11:46:00.000-07:00

I will never forget the day you first called me. Your Photographer had gone out of business and you were stuck. Your deposit was lost, and now you were in need. The hesitation in your voice was understandable as the experience you had was horrific.

Thanks for trusting in me. I don't mind coming to the rescue, and in your case I am grateful I was available that weekend.

I have never experienced Belly Dancers at a wedding before, and that made it a truly memorable day.

Kelly & Phil - Wedding Day

2007-10-20T10:37:00.002-07:00

What a great location. Tonto Verde is such a scenic Arizona location, grass, trees, mountains and the blue Arizona sky.

Kelly and Phil... it was fun shooting your wedding, once you were able to get there!

The road closure kept away the paparazzi, and gave us a great 30 minute delay, that provided even better lighting for your portraits.

Heather & Chris - Wedding Day

2007-10-14T22:21:00.000-07:00

What a gorgeous day in the desert mountains of North Scottsdale. Heather and Chris were in jeans when I arrived, and they were just starting the prep for what was one of the nicest days of the year.

Your friends were so much fun, easy to work with and made my job so much easier.

Still, I think we shouldn't have let the foursome play through... we were there first.

Pamela & Kris - Wedding Day

2007-10-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

Pamela and Kris were so awesome to work with. It's great to have a couple that are so into getting good photos, they allowed the necessary time together to achieve fantastic results.

Pamela, your family just ROCKS! They are the kindest, warmest people, and incredibly fun to work with.

Thanks for having me not only capture your day, but to really be a part of every aspect of it. I felt like a guest, and enjoyed every minute of the day.

Gwen & Justin - Wedding Day

2007-08-31T21:41:00.000-07:00

Going to Cancun to shoot a wedding sucks...

OK Not really! We arrived less than a week after hurricane Dean ripped through the peninsula and things were still being cleaned up.

Gwen and Justin were great. I spent 5 days in Cancun with their entire group of friends and family, and you guys made me feel as if I were part of the family. To cap off the wedding day with a trip to Coco Bongo WOW!

I was glad to bring my wife along for a little vacation too. She read, tanned and slept. It waas so gracious of you to include her in all your plans as well. Thank you.