Jennifer Kathryn Photography Blog

Second Shooter Seminar with Veronica Hinojosa | Chicago Wedding Photography

Veronica is one of those people that is kind of quiet when you first meet her.  She listens with a smile on her face as people carry on around her. It’s not that she isn’t engaging in the conversation; in fact, it’s that she’s so in tune with what’s going on that she waits for the right moment to share what she has to say.  And when she does open her mouth, you know it’s gonna be good. Whether it’s the perfect quip, a word of encouragement or one of her many pearls of wisdom, she is someone that always leaves a conversation better than it was before she spoke. She exudes a warmth and humility that is disarming, but delivers with a conviction that leaves an impression.

When Veronica speaks, I listen.  And the joy of those that spend time getting to know V, as we call her, get to experience her laughter, radiance, and insights on a regular basis. Not only has she become a dear friend, but a resourceful voice in the photography community here in Chicago.  Tomorrow night (Wednesday) she will be giving the first session of her two-part Second Shooter Seminar. It is geared towards photographers who are interested in developing and contributing their skills to primary photographers during weddings and portrait sessions.  Whether you want to build your career as a freelancer or gain more experience to eventually start your own business, Veronica will share many of the perks and guidelines of being a Second Shooter.  Veronica has built Hinojosa Photography into a successful and wedding and portrait business over the past five years and credits much of her growth to her years of experience as a second photographer.

In my own journey as a photographer, I can attest to having gained priceless experience and knowledge from the primary photographers who had the patience to pour into me over the past few years in developing my skill. Not only was I able to hone my craft while working with talented photographers such as Brody Wheeler, Daryn Backal, and Kenny Kim, but I had the opportunity to see how a business works from the inside before I took the plunge myself.  They spent time teaching me how to best help them, but I can only imagine how much more value I’d have had to offer from square one had I attended a seminar like this to prepare me how to be the biggest possible asset to the primary photographer. I am so excited to attend tomorrow’s informational meeting, and looking forward to the educational seminar Wednesday, April 14th at 6:30pm.  It’s not too late to register. Come to Calumet Photographic (1111 N. Cherry) in downtown Chicago tomorrow night at 7pm for the  411 and see what it’s all about! Cannot wait to see everyone there!

Tags: Calumet Photo, Calumet Photographic, Chicago Photography, Chicago Weddings, Hinojosa Photography, Second Shooters
Posted in Workshops | 2 Comments »

Blair and Abigail | Chicago Boudoir | Hotel Blake

(ALERT: Sensitive intimate portraiture in this post. May not be suitable for children or office viewing.)

Ahh the day after St. Patty’s. The amount of Irish blood running through my veins is probably near indiscernible, but the truth is, I just like holidays. I’m sentimental, not in a “I need to go all out to make this a real holiday” kind of way, but in a “let’s find another unique way to celebrate life today, since after all, it is a holiday!”  It’s funny to think the first time I stepped foot in Chicago, it was this time last year.  I didn’t do anything specifically for St. Patrick’s Day, but it was such a wonderful time that I fell in love with the city instantly.  How could I not with getting drinks at the Peninsula, riding the ferris wheel at Navy Pier, watching the sun set over the city at the Signature Lounge in the John Hancock Building on Michigan Avenue, and seeing the remnants of the green Chicago River! I’m glad to have celebrated again this year Wrigleyville style with a few close friends, and sipping some green beers for the first time.

But my first holiday as a Chicagoan was actually Valentine’s Day. And as a single girl, what better way to celebrate than with the gals, and getting to know some new friends who modeled for a sexy Valentine’s Day Boudoir! Over brunch only a few days before, Lillian Toma of Starlight Makeup, and fellow photographers Veronica Hinojosa and Jaclyn Simpson infused even greater vision into my upcoming shoot.  A simple boudoir session became a lively Valentine’s Day event! I am so excited to have collaborated with such talented individuals who I am blessed to call my friends.

As chance would have it, early check-in to our room at the Hotel Blake wasn’t available, but it was those golden moments I sat talking with Blair and Abigail that I got a glimpse into their beautiful uniqueness as women. The gracious staff at the Blake accommodated us as the rest of our crew showed up, and soon it wasn’t about the roles of clients and makeup artists and photographers anymore, but six women sipping champagne, telling stories and laughing together.

These are the moments I live for- when photography is a vehicle through which we open our hearts to each other and make a genuine connection. The mood was lighthearted all evening long, but as we worked together the girls revealed the depths of their personalities without words. That is where a woman’s beauty lies. In boudoir we celebrate a woman’s sexiness, but it is by disclosing her inner strength in those intimate moments that she truly becomes empowered. It’s not merely about sexual appeal, but about every aspect of a woman’s exquisite character. It was amazing to see that take place as we photographed Blair and Abigail. Blair emerged with a flirty, playful allure, while Abigail glowed with a demure beauty. Both were undeniable gorgeous and classy, and it was a true joy to work with them.  They’ve allowed me to share with you just a few of the images we came away with from our session:

I had so much fun working with Blair because she was queen of playful expressions. She would frequently smile as if she was about to share a secret, but instead chose to revel in the mystery of it herself for awhile. She was a natural.

Blair’s dramatic makeup was the perfect complement to her bold look and her sexy, tousled fresh-out-of-bed hair. Lillian’s artistry amazes me!

The rooms at the Hotel Blake were perfect for our shoot. I loved the mahogany bed with the red cushioned headboard- so appropriate for Blair’s Valentine’s Day lingerie!

I adored Abigail’s look- from the pearls to the sexy skirt that only revealed a peak at her thigh highs.

Veronica and I booked a room at The Hotel Blake with two beds so we’d both be able to spend one-on-one time with the girls. This was one of the only images I grabbed of Abigail in her pink lingerie, but it expressed to me her sweet nature so appropriately.  Lillian so tastefully applied Abigail’s makeup to subtly enhance her almond eyes. She was simply breathtaking!

Lillian Toma is truly a talented makeup-artist and I highly recommend her for any event. As one of the elite offering airbrush makeup in the Chicago area, it was exciting to see Lillian work. She also offered priceless styling assistance during our shoot. Jaclyn played the role of cinematographer as well as capturing some behind-the-scenes stills. I cannot wait to see what she came up with! We were so thankful for her help with our lights, posing ideas and for keeping us all laughing!! And Veronica was just a gem- a truly unique photographer with an eye for excellence.  I am so looking forward to working more with her in the future. After our session with Blair and Abigail, we are hooked on boudoir sessions! We are both now offering intimate portraiture as a regular part of our businesses. For more details on my collections, you may contact me through Jennifer Kathryn Photography or via email.

Here’s to celebrating life and beauty, holiday or not, one day at a time!

Tags: Boudoir, Chicago, Chicago Boudoir Photography, Chicago Intimate Portraiture, Chicago Lifestyle Photography, Chicago Photographer, Chicago Photography, Chicago River, Hinojosa Photography, Hotel Blake, Intimate Portraiture, Jaclyn Simpson, Jennifer Kathryn Gaudreau, Jennifer Kathryn Photography, Lillian Toma, Photography, St. Patrick's Day, Starlight Chicago, Starlight Makeup, Veronica Hinojosa, Wrigleyville
Posted in Boudoir, Intimate Portraiture, Personal | 7 Comments »