Food's Always Good!

There is something about shooting food. It is always a challenge, a puzzle, to make all the elements of a dish line up, and get it to look as tantalizing as possible, while making it believable at the same time. This is why I have tremendous respect for the work that food stylists do. Unfortunately, I do not get to work with one very often, so it is usually up to me to make sure everything looks right. Take the chili from Tolbert's in Grapevine, for example. They have been photographed multiple times in national magazines, so it was a bit intimidating to make something that could compete. However, after working with the chili, and figuring a few things out, I managed to style it to my satisfaction. Then eat it. Delicious.


The fun part about the next two images is that I shot them back to back, going from one culinary extreme to another. It is an experience to drive all the way to Mary's Cafe in Strawn, TX, which I had never heard of before this shoot, the town or the restaurant. In either case, it was amazing. I was hungry when I got there, and she fed me a medium chicken fried steak, which I absolutely could not finish and was stuffed beyond belief. Then she brought out the large. As you can see, it is bigger than the platter it comes on. And I do mean platter, not plate. That is a Texas-sized dish. And boy did it taste good. Next to shoot was the Magret du Canard at St. Emilion Restaurant in Fort Worth, TX. For those of you who are not well-versed in French, it is duck breast. So, in a day's time I was able to shoot the biggest CFS I have ever seen, then experience beautiful French cuisine. Lovely. This is why I love what I do so much, I seriously never know what I will be up to next.

Jack Borden 101

Hello all,
Now that I have a little downtime to work on images, I thought that I would post a few recent favorites of mine. As you may know, one of my favorite things to shoot is portraits, especially editorial portraits for magazine use. The reason for this is because you can usually try new and different ideas, versus a standard portrait. Jack Borden was a perfect example of this. This man is 101 years old, but goes to work every day at his law firm. Pretty impressive. So, I made a portrait of him sitting at his desk in his suit, and around his office, but those are the same old shots you always get (and have to get).
However, before doing the shoot, the writer told me about how avid a fisherman he was, as I wanted to know if he had any special hobbies or interests. That of course sparked an idea for something different. I spoke with his assistant though, and getting him near any body of water was pretty doubtful, due to his limited maneuverability, and the fact that it was so hot outside (this was photographed when the temperature was around Mr. Borden's age).
I was pretty pumped about my idea though, plus I'm stubborn, so I could not be so easily discouraged. Since we couldn't move far, I found a great spot behind his office where you could avoid the parking lot and houses, and see nothing but trees. He stepped out on his walker, flicked the rod for a minute or so, and I had my shot. Fun and whimsical, just like Mr. Borden.

Six Tips For a Fabulous Bridal Session

Below are 6 Tips for your Bridal Session. Provided By

Jason Kindig Photography

There are two times in your life that you will be the beautiful blushing bride. One will be the most magical day of your life, the day which you walk down the aisle before all of your friends and family. The other time will most likely take place before you mom or maid of honor as well as strangers who continuously stop to tell you how stunning you look.

After the wedding date has been set, the plans have been made, the dress has been chosen and the venue has been booked you will prepare for one of the most important parts of your wedding day: your bridal portraits. When your guests arrive at your reception, the first thing they will look for is the stunning pictures of you, the bride. In the following article you will find important key tips for creating the most beautiful bridal portraits for your wedding day.

Tip 1: Bridals are all about Location, Location, Location

One of the most significant parts to your bridal session is the location you choose. You want to find a location that inspires you and your beauty. Spend time considering whether you want an indoor portrait, or something outside in nature. Consider whether you are looking for a more traditional bridal session in a flower garden, or something more modern such as a train station. Choosing your location is definitely the starting point to creating perfect bridal portraits.

Tip 2: Bridal Location: What Questions Should You Ask

When you have decided on a location you will want to run though a list of questions before the day of your bridal session. Consider the following questions for your bridal venue.

1.) How much does it cost to have my bridal session here?

2.) How much time does my photographer have?

3.) Is there a changing room where I can get ready for my portraits? This is a critical question because sometimes venues do not offer changing rooms. You will need to plan ahead if this is the case because you might have to get dressed before you leave your home or find another location closer to your venue to change at. Make sure you look into this. You do not want to get to your bridals and have nowhere to change except a public restroom.

4.) How many guests can I have with me, including the photographer?

Tip 3: What Does Your Wedding Photographer Supply for Your Bridal Portraits

In this article we are assuming that you have already chosen your photographer, and we hope that the photographer who is shooting your bridal portraits is also the one photographing your wedding day. Choosing the same wedding photographer for both your bridal session and wedding is important because your bridal portraits are a time when you can truly get to know your photographer so you are comfortable with him/her on your wedding day. With that being said, you will want to find out what your photographer supplies for your bridal session. Here are some things to consider:

1.) White Sheet: Does your photographer supply a white sheet in case you need to stand on it to keep your beautiful wedding dress from getting dirty before you big day. If the photographer doesn’t supply a white sheet, bring one.

2.) Drinks: Find out if your photographer is bringing drinks for you especially if your bridals take place in warmer temperatures. If he/she doesn’t supply drinks, come prepared. You will be much hotter in your wedding dress and you don’t want to faint during the session.

3.) Ice Packs: See if your photographer supplies ice packs for bridals photographed in warm/hot seasons. Again, if they don’t, bring a cooler with ice as well as plastic bags. This way you can make your own icepacks which can keep you cool between takes. Also consider bringing a few wash cloths that can keep any condensation from dripping on your dress. Dish cloths make perfects wraps around your neck between takes as well.

Tip 4: Bridal Session: This Is The Real Deal, Not A Trial Run

Remember that your bridal session is the real deal and you only get one shot at it. Don’t wait for your bridal session to try out the makeup artist and hair stylist for the first time. Prior to your bridal session do a full run through with your makeup artist, hair stylist and your dress. Have your mom or friend take pictures of you so that when you go in for your bridal session everyone is clear on how you want to look. If you wait till your bridal session to test out everyone you might not get exactly what you were hoping for. The bridal session is too important. Make sure you are prepared. Treat this photo shoot as if you were preparing for your wedding day.

Tip 5: Surround Yourself With People You Love

Your bridal session will be an amazing experience. Nothing compares to being all dolled up in your wedding dress. This is supposed to be a fun time where you transform into a model for a day. It’s all about you and your beauty. So, surround yourself with people who love you. You want this time to be stress free so choose people to help you on the bridal shoot that are encouraging and loving whether that be your mom or your dearest friend.


Tip 6: Bridal Essentials: Don’t Leave Home Without Them

Your bridal session day will most likely be hectic, so be prepared. There are certain things you do not want to leave home without the day of your bridal session. Perhaps pack these items the night before so you are sure to not forget anything as you are running about the day of.

1.) Powder – It’s always good to have your powder compact on you, especially for your bridals. If it is warm outside, you may sweat. Bring your powder.

2.) Blush – You want to make sure you bring blush because an extra hint of color on your cheeks goes a long way.

3.) Lip Stick – The shoot may last a few hours. It’s always good to have lipstick on hand for touchups. Don’t simply rely on your makeup artists’ application. Make sure you have your own lipstick to freshen up with.

4.) Lip Gloss – Make your lips look sexy with a touch of lip gloss. A hint of lip gloss goes a long way.

5.) Bobby Pins and Hairspray – Bring these items just in case it’s windy outside. You want to have extra on hand so your hair looks perfect from start to finish.

6.) Flip Flops – You don’t want to walk everywhere in your wedding heels. So, bring some comfortable shoes along with you.

With these 6 Tips you will be ready for your bridal session, one of the most important aspects of your wedding day. When your guests arrive at your reception they will be greeted by stunning images of you, the unforgettable bride. These tips have been provided for you by Jason Kindig Photography.

Many thanks to Katie, our beautiful bride pictured above.