KEVIN KEELAN international wedding photographer / BLOG

Marlo & Barry

2009-01-26T22:54:00.008-05:00

Marlo & Barry were married on a gorgeous fall afternoon at St. James Catholic Church in downtown Orlando.

Than onto a beautiful reception at Isleworth C.C.
An amazing day for a amazing couple.

Christian Fath Photographers Group Devotion

2008-11-18T13:06:00.002-05:00

Sunday Devotional, November 16, 2008

By: Kevin Keelan

What's up CFP'ers?

Today is my wife Julie and I seventeenth wedding anniversary. I thought I would talk about a few hard lessons I have learned over the years we have been married.

1- Consider your relationship an emotional bank account to where you make more deposits, than withdrawals.
2- Give 100% of yourself to your spouse
3- Don't expect 100% of your spouse until you have consistently given it.

Note: I'm still way overdrawn and somehow stuck around the 50% mark.
Time to make some deposits!

When our CFP friend Heather asked me earlier this week how my weekend went, I started to share with her how I really made a point of enjoying the small pleasures of being a husband and a dad this weekend.
Little things like, my little girl Carly (10 years old) awakening me with a very soft touch to my face and a rub on my back, than whispering in my ear "daddy, your coffee is ready"
Throwing the keys of my Fj Cruiser to my son Caleb (14yrs in Jan), and letting him show me his driving skills on a long dirt road.
A movie and dinner with my beautiful wife Julie at our favorite restaurant.

So often we try and try to reach and grasp the golden ring just missing it every time, frustrating to say the least.

I realize more and more each day: Even if I were to awake in a small bungalow the whisper of my little girl Carly would be as sweet as ever.
Even if the keys I tossed to my son Caleb were to a 1988 Buick, I know it's the journey that counts and not what we arrive in.
Even if the table Julie and I shared was a picnic table in the parking lot at Home Depot our hands would still reach across to meet.

6 years ago If you asked me where I would be today, it would be a whole different story.
So often I have been reluctant to accept what God has laid out in front of me because it didn't fit my dream or my vision.
His plan is sometimes uncomfortable, painful, and emotional. But, the results are always meaningful and fulfilling as He develops our character and abilities to grow in His wisdom.
I always wondered when my ship would come in, It came in this weekend; in the form of a whisper, a hand reaching out and a ride along a dirt road.

Hebrews 3:4 , For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.
Blessing, Kevin

Devotional for Sunday Oct-12, 08

2008-10-13T10:32:00.003-04:00

Just three weeks ago I felt the need to start a group "Christian Faith Photographers"
on Facebook. Amazingly in just that short time we have almost 275 members.
Daily devotions are a big part CFP so I thought I would start adding some to my blog as well.

Daily Devotional
By Kevin Keelan

Is money the root of all evil? No. The love of money is.
These were the first words of my pastor today. This really got me thinking;

The bible tells us we are all poor before God.
But I must admit, when it comes to the things we have and the possessions I desire I sometimes manage to strike up a compromise between my values and what we euphorically call practicality.
I’m not implying that we are all called to posses nothing, but if we could imagine it for a moment, it may help clarify many of Jesus’ teachings pertaining to not only wealth and possessions but also to discipleship.
Wow, there are many clues there as to how I might get rid of the barrier between my desire for wealth and possessions, and the barrier that obscures my Christian walk.

Maybe before worrying over how much cool stuff I can rack up for myself or how to continue to climb the social ladder, I should continue to make sure I’m in a place where I can hear what God is saying to me and that I would be willing to “turn my back on everything” if he told me to.
Sometimes I think, am I just kidding myself or have I really died to self, and if the compassion of Christ is discernible in my life, than my status or possessions is no longer important, and the barriers created by desire for wealth…. largely disappears.

So, Is money the root of all evil? No. The love of money is.
But, we show what we love by what we most devote our attention to.

Luke 16: 13
No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.
You cannot serve both God and money.

Blessings,
Kevin

An evening with Allie, I mean David Jay!

2008-09-08T14:21:00.015-04:00

When it was decided to have an after party at the studio following David Jay's Free to succeed Tour
Friend & fellow photographer Mike Richards went right to work on organizing the party.
So immediately after the seminar and a quick tour of the freedom bus, Allie and Dj hopped into the fj and away we went to the after party.

It was great to meet Allie ( Dj’s girl friend). Allie, it was so nice chatting with you. You have an innate ability to inspire. Thanks for your kind words.

David Jay’s seminar was enlightening to say the least. Success can be thought of in many ways.
For me, Free to succeed means: More quality time with my son
and daughter, more time to enjoy my beautiful wife Julie, more time as a family and less time behind the Apple.
Sometimes we see people succeed in business as we watch them fail in relationships. It’s a fine line to walk.
Dj's outlook along with his products are Perfect for those who are trying to achieve success in LIFE and not just business.
Thanks for doing what you do dude! I look forward to chatting about going global. Blessings for a safe road trip, Kevin

What a GREAT bunch of photographers!
Guy's It was so cool hanging with all of you at the seminar, the after party and the next day at the shoot. Keep in touch! Blessings, Kevin

Orlando Wedding

2008-09-08T12:37:00.007-04:00

Wedding of Christian & Natalie soooo great to work with:)
"Beautiful exposures all day long" I love it, k2 on the Go!

Wedding at the Ritz Carlton

2008-09-08T12:08:00.014-04:00

Still trying to catch up on some much needed blogging.
My total travel time was 10 hrs, but worth every mile. Narriman & Hassane were so sweet to work with.

Love, Love that lighting!!

Mission trip “Immokalee”

2008-09-08T06:16:00.010-04:00

It’s been a crazy few months and it was about to get a little crazier.
My son Caleb has been forever been asking to join me on a mission trip. For years I’ve been telling him he had to be 13yrs old.
He’s now 13 and he didn’t forget. So several months ago I arranged to take him on a high school mission trip to Immokalee.
I was one of the youth leaders so I thought Caleb and I would get some great father & son bonding time. Wow, I thought ‘my son and I doing God's work serving others for greater interests than ourselves’ I can’t wait!
So for months I have been imagining how it's going to be while working and sharing the many emotions of being in the midst of poverty. And sadly, seeing and hearing first hand how families and young children do without the basics in life.
I’ll be there for him I thought. Over and over in my mind I would think of how I would answer those difficult questions he might ask....

120 high school kids including Caleb and I arrived in Immakalee and set up camp as we prepared for a rough week of work.
I neatly arranged our sleeping quarters next to each other. There I said, we are all set and went about to help some other kids get settled. When I came back to our sleeping quarters I found that Caleb had moved all his stuff including his air mattress out of sight from me over with bunch of other kids! Wow!
For the remainder of the trip Caleb said about five words to me and acted as if he didn’t know me.

I forgot to mention that in the middle of this mission trip I had to leave to go back to Orlando to shoot a wedding at the Ritz Carlton. This was the first time Caleb had been on his own. That night just after midnight Caleb called me, I guess the blackness in the middle of the everglades got to him. I asked, are you OK? He said yes. I asked if he was scared, and he said he didn’t want to talk, he just wanted to hear my voice until he fell asleep:( So I did just that.
The next day when I finally arrived back to Immokalee I expected a big hug from him. But it was still as if he didn’t know me.
I thought this mission trip was going to be a great learning experience for Caleb. As it turns out, it was dad that learned just how painful it is to let go.

Recent Engagements

2008-09-08T05:48:00.010-04:00

I thought I would show a few pics from some of my favorite engagement locations. The first is Marlo & Barry. I cant wait until their wedding, they are one of the nicest couples I've ever met.
The next bunch is my nephew JC (God son) and Stephanie. Their wedding will be good times for sure, and I get to party as well!.

Follow Up

2008-08-27T18:37:00.003-04:00

I received more personal emails and pings than public comments on my last post (A Good Read) about discouragement. So I decided to post at least one response.

Dear Anonymous,
I understand.
As Christians we face much diversity in a secular world. Discouragement is only one of them and I believe the worst, especially in business.
When it rains we quickly gather just what we need and head for shelter. I recommend to do the same when discouragement draws near. Otherwise it quickly builds barriers between you, your hopes, dreams and desires as well as diminish your faith.
Sometimes just the fear of it prevents us from perusing with the very gifts that God has entrusted in us.
When your fighting the good fight trying to serve others as well as put food on the table through those gifts; You will come face to face with discouragement.
“It’s time to drop the shield and pick up the sword”

Let me know if I can help in any way.
Blessings, Kevin

A Good Read

2008-08-21T13:14:00.001-04:00

Recently I read a modern parable about the tools of the enemy that I believe we can really learn from.

"Some time ago, an advertisement appeared in which the
devil was putting all his tools up for sale. On the day of public inspection, each one of his tools was marked with its selling price: Hatred, Envy, Jealousy, Doubt, Lying, Pride, and so on, were each on the block.
Set apart, however, from all the rest of the pile, was a harmless-looking tool, well-worn, but priced very high –
it was discouragement!

Someone asked the devil, 'why is that one priced so high?'
He replied, 'Ah,
that one is more useful to me than all the rest. With it I
can pry open a man's heart and enter, when I cannot get near him with any other tools.
Once inside, I can lead him any way I choose. The tool is very
worn because I use it on almost everyone, since few people know it belongs to me.'"

The enemy loves to sow discouragement -- but believers have
a tool much more powerful -- encouragement! We can speak a word into the lives of those who desperately need to hear it:
to the college student adjusting to his new environment;
to the missionary who may feel alone in the harvest field;
to the disillusioned newlywed young couple; to the forgotten servants of God who labor in an obscure and difficult ministry;
to the orphans and the widows; to all those who need to hear a word in due season!

We have the power in our lips to rekindle a discouraged soul.
Let's inspire one another with words of encouragement! It costs nothing, and reaps an eternal reward..."encourage one another daily, as you see the Day draw near.
[Hebrews 10:25]

Courtney & Kevin wedding

2008-07-31T02:49:00.012-04:00

I still continue to be amazed at the difference my on the go light makes in any lighting situation. Chills in chimpin!

Preetha & Erick Wedding

2008-07-31T01:52:00.022-04:00

Wow! I cant believe its been so long since I've posted. It's been a silly crazy few months.
I'll start with a few pics for now and get back to posting more in the next few days.

k2 breakthru Workshop

2008-06-03T12:00:00.002-04:00

I cant believe it's over. I wish tomorrow morning I could wake up and start again with this class. We had a blast every day into the night! It's always hard to think your going to be spending four days with strangers, but the passion we share in wedding photography breaks all barriers and great friends are found.
I look forward to keeping up with everyone. Blessings, Kevin

Happy Mothers Day

2008-05-09T10:49:00.006-04:00

A little shout out to my beautiful wife Julie.
Devotion, sacrifice, love and tears,
Your heart, your mind, your energy and soul
continues to share with grace.
Can not be measured by years but is for eternity.
Greatfully yours with love,
Happy Mothers Day,
Kevin

Beach Weddings

2008-05-07T23:41:00.016-04:00

Good times in Coco Beach with Jessica & Trey, Thanks guys.

I love shooting beach weddings. It’s a challenge to say the least no matter what time of day. You never know if you’re going to be dealing with very harsh sunlight, bright reflection off the ocean, shadows, shooting against or with the light:{

k2 On the Go Lighting rocks when your fighting the harsh sun light as well as low light situations. It offers a whole new level of confidence that one can overcome the most severe lighting conditions.
Being a natural light photographer at heart almost kept me from specializing in wedding photography. I didn’t feel I would be adequately equipped or confident enough to overcome the more times than not bad lighting conditions at weddings.
Now, I wouldn't have it any other way. Just like Jessica's wedding the results are awesome. Chills are in the chimping:)

Funny story about the above photo: I knew the sun was throwing some harsh light directly from behind the bride as she walked down the stairs onto the beach. I was ready with my k2 On the Go Light to help fight the light and get great skin tones as she walked down the isle.
But at the last second I decided to turn off my Pocket Wizard from transmitting to my Vivitar, switch lenses from my standard lens to my fish eye and crouch way down in the sand at the bottom of the stairs and go for a silhouette into the sun.
Well, after getting off a few quick shoots in my crouching position I quickly tried to stand to get out of the way but my foot sank in the sand and through me off balance and I FELL and Rolled BACK with my feet sticking straight in the air, two feet in front of the bride!! OMG!
Verrry Humbling to say the least. I got the shot though! Jessica, Thanks for being so cool about it☺

After picking myself up a with a few pounds of sand in my pockets, I switched my Pocket Wizard on to transmit to my off camera flash and Wow! perfect skin tone and beautiful detail with nothing blown out. Sweet!.

My Biggest Event of the Year!

2008-04-18T14:59:00.004-04:00

I am sooo excited! Tonight I get to take my little girl Carly to a wonderful dinner and than to our 2nd annual Daddy Daughter Dance. Can’t wait! I love you Carly.

DWF Sponsorship winners

2008-04-18T14:35:00.002-04:00

The winners of the DWF tuition sponsorships have been notified by email.
For those of you that have applied and did not receive an email: Thank you, I will be sending you something special soon. Kevin

DWF Scholarship Program

2008-04-08T01:23:00.009-04:00

I want to thank the DWF for its participation in GIVING BACK with k2
breakthru workshops.
The response to DWF's newsletter article (Kevin Keelan Gives Back) is
overwhelming and has truly opened my eyes to the
needs of photographers around the world hungry for great, no bs
instruction on lighting and posture....
I have been touched by many stories from the hearts of unfortunate
circumstances that prevent those from attending such a workshop.
Still, I am awestruck from the passion and desire of all to fulfill
and bring their talents to full potential.
Many blessings are revealed through hardship. Thanks for coming from behind your lens and
sharing your story.

As we continue to consider the many submissions, I would like to thank
my friend Jeff Caplan and his awesome DWF teem in their continuous
support of the wedding photographic community. You guys rock!
I will be announcing the scholarship recipients on April 15 (tax day:)
here on my blog.

Some of you called and left me a message about the DWF scholarship,
Thanks for your patience. I will be getting back to you soon.

Kevin

Devotion

2008-03-18T10:44:00.002-04:00

Lord, sometimes I come to you in disappointment, despair and disillusioned.
Like going to my own father I never want to appear beaten or defeated by what the world is offering. In his eyes no matter how hard I try I can’t fake it.
Than I realize, like my own son I don’t care how he comes to me as long as he comes.
I sat down this morning with coffee in hand for a few minuets of morning devotion and that was all I could say.
Somehow after being completely honest about how I was feeling it all just disappeared! Wow!
Than I gave thanks for good friends like Scott David who has come to be a spiritual inspiration in my life.
Pastor John Thomas for continuing to remind me that God is:

before you to lead you
behind you to encourage you
beside you to befriend you
beneath you to uphold you
above you to protect you and
within you to inspire you!

Wedding photography workshop Feb 08!!

2008-02-26T16:18:00.010-05:00

Thanks guys it was a blast. I'm looking forward to keeping in touch.
John B, Tina, Nunzio, Bob, Paul, Steve, Gerry, Laura, Julie, Sarah, Amy, John, Melissa, Mike, Glenn, and Brian.
John B, Thanks for cooking up the greatest Salmon I ever had!

My good friend Brian Bazala a Style network videographer who travels the country shooting weddings as well as (Who’s Wedding is it Anyway and Married Away) Somehow finds the time to show up and get some great footage of my workshops.
Luminous Video rocks dude,

Saturday before the workshop I had a wedding that may have been the sweetest gathering of family and friends I had ever experienced.
Sunday I had another wedding, Paul from Miami who was attending the workshop as well, decided to come up early and be my 2nd shooter. We had such a blast even though the lighting condition was the worst it could be but, we nailed it with the k2 on the go lighting technique!
Paul and I made it back just in time for the k2 meet and greet at my studio.
17 of the coolest people who came from near and far were already having good times and I knew right then it was going to be a great workshop.

I love sharing, and this workshop was very special to me for many reasons.
I have spent years playing and practicing with light, posture, and coming up with a wedding day plan that would help produce high quality images.
I am so happy I stuck with it, I believe it shows in every image I deliver. The k2 system works, it’s that simple.

I will be scheduling 4 more workshops for this year so check out the k2 workshop blog for updates.

Kevin Keelan Wedding Vector Series

2007-10-25T01:23:00.000-04:00

Ive been working on a new series of prints trying to create a new twist.
I was thinking of jumping on the band wagon and using the latest and greatest photo shop actions available.
But changed my mind and decided to stick with what I knew best, great exposures, SWEEET lighting and posture and position.
Than add a few elements like vector lines to bring a new look to whats already happening within the image.
Vectors are nothing new to the art world and I am continuously thinking about vector lines to find great posture & position. so I decided to visually add the two together.

I have to give a lot of credit to the new addition to the k2 graphic design teem Shawn Harrison who brought my vision to light.
And as everything else Shawn is available to bring your visions to light as well, just let me know.

Don't give up look up

2007-10-21T00:46:00.001-04:00

Years ago when I left my home I was sure I could do it on my own.
For a long time the fury of temptation was hard and fast and still, I thought it could be done alone.
After many years of trying the temptation was to just give up.
Only than I decided to look up and take the Hand that was reaching out to me.
Turns out, I was never alone.
This video really reminded me of those days when I thought it was all up to me.
And today when I feel like giving up I look up.

Lifehouse Everything Skit

k2 Breakthru Wedding Workshop! Sept Class

2007-09-15T12:54:00.000-04:00

It's always so sad when we have to say goodbye. We wrapped up the end
of Wednesday on Park Ave. What a blast we had shooting in the streets
of the quaint little town of Winter Park Fl.
What a great group we had. Attendants from as for as Minnesota, Puerto
Rico, Virginia and some in-between. It's so cool to think that the k2
breakthru wedding techniques are helping to bring photographers to
the next level all over the country.

I really want to thank you guys for the good times shared. Hope to see
you all in Vegas!!

I will be posting some pics of our mock wedding from Tuesday as soon as you guys send me some favorites.
We have some great sponcors to thank, Photoidentities for killer websites, Albumcrafters, Tommy @ Greenery Productions for providing floral like you've never seen, Ariz-Michelle Salon for hair and makeup that speaks for it self. Jonathan @ Absolutely Fitting the ultimate in mens fine clothing and last but not least my good friends at The Collection Bridal , thanks Milly you're the greatest!
More pics to come soon=)

Good coffee, great books!

2007-09-06T13:08:00.000-04:00

This morning I arrived to my studio around 7:00 to catch up on some work. The next seven days are crazy busy!! Friday morning at 7:00 I have a fashion shoot for a bridal magazine and possibly a cover. Then, later in the day, off to an engagement session. Saturday I have a wedding all day and Sunday begins the kick off of another sold out k2 Breakthru workshop. Not to mention in the midst of this I am handling my website crisis. Vera and Max, thank you so much for all of your help. Photoidentities rocks!

So with coffee in hand I decided to take time for a morning devotional to help put things into perspective. After putting the Good Book down, I noticed another book that I just recently received from my friend Toni Sanzari, aka T the Brit. The name of the book is Grays of Westminster, Exclusively Nikon., “In the Company of Legends”. Singed by the author herself Gillian Greenwood, presenting her 79th copy (out of 100) to me! How cool is that? Toni knows I am a diehard Nikon fan, as well is he, so it was very special when he presented this to me at my last workshop. From the bottom of my heart, thanks T! Hope all is great with you and your beautiful family!

And that reminds me –did you know that Nikon is a derivative of the word “Niki”. The words Nikon and Niki meaning “to overcome, to achieve” were used in some of the original writings in the book of Revelations. I can't help but think about this each time I pick up my Nikon for a shoot.

I’ll be posting some picts next week from the workshop! I feel so blessed to be able to work with another awesome group of talented photographers. I can’t wait! Until next time – peace out and God bless!

Corporate Sponsor of the K2 Breakthru Workshops and KevinKeelan.com

2007-08-25T19:20:00.001-04:00

All of the people that put together the K2 Breakthru Workshops would like to thank Photoidentities for their continuing support.

Not only are the fine folks at photoidentities.com sponsors of the workshops, they are also helping with the re-design of the new kevinkeelan.com site.

If you are a photographer and need a site, don't hesitate to contact Max and Vera. They really raise the bar for customer service and overall job quality.

White water rafting Ocoee Tenn

2007-07-23T21:03:00.000-04:00

WOW! Unbelievable level 4-6 swells tried to throw us from our raft but not one of us fell out. Man what a ride! That’s me in the front in yellow & black.
Our cabin is three floors and sleeps 17, I’m thinking workshop=)

July k2 Workshop photo

2007-07-23T07:48:00.000-04:00

We finished up the workshop with a bang on Wednesday, I couldn’t believe the shots I was seeing on everyone’s camera. Cannon, Nikon or Fuji it just didn’t matter they were all amazing! A special shout out to Scott David who attended the workshop and was a tremendous help! Sometimes I don’t know what I would do without you dude, you’re a great friend, thanks.
Every student was someone I could hang with. I am so inspired by all the passion and talent. I am really looking forward to keeping up with everyone, I can’t believe after only 4 days how well connected we all became. Each student brought something special to the workshop, especially my friend T the Brit, I thought I was at comic relief! Tony’s unique character and timely whit kept us all in great spirits for the entire workshop, thanks my friend!
After the workshop, one student Brent decided to stay and observe my intense one day work flow of a project that had to get to the lab, then he came with me on a engagement shoot in the evening. Later that night I helped him put together his presentation album. Looking good Brent, let me know how it works out for you. This left me with Friday as the only day I had to catch up on emails and phone calls and Saturday was a full day shooting a wedding.
Sunday morning, the kids, Julie and I hopped in the fj and headed to the hills north of Atlanta, a little town called Ellijay for a little R&R. Man! What a ride that was, I am so glad we had the fj! We had to kick it in 4 wheel drive going up and down some of the steepest dirt roads, winding around some 2 and 3 hundred foot cliffs.
Well, we finally made it after 7 hrs of driving and 2 hrs of intense 4 wheeling until we reached the most breathtaking view of our cabin, hugging the Chattanooga River. Monday morn, it's white water rafting with my boy Caleb, my nephews Jay and Max and my brother in law Dan!
Thanks again to everyone who attended the workshop. God bless.

Power whithin

2007-06-21T02:08:00.000-04:00

Many times we wonder, can a simple person like me bring forth the power to move people?
This is what I'm talking about, this man might not have ever moved so many if he never decided to go for it.
We all are just one decision away from greatness.
What say you..
Thank you my friend Brian Bazala for sending me this inspirational clip!
k2

k2 and you

2007-06-06T15:54:00.000-04:00

k2 breakthru workshops

2007-06-03T01:39:00.000-04:00

Hey All,
#2 it is! k2 breakthru workshops logo now appearing on the www.digitalweddingforum.com as a proud sponsor. you'll find the k2 logo there under forums.
I really want to thank everyone for your comments, emails and most of all your support.
My Promise:
I will admire your efforts
cheer for your successes
and support your goals along the way
God Bless,
Kevin

k2 breakthru workshop logos

2007-05-30T00:46:00.000-04:00

My awesome design team just finished my new logo for Kevin Keelan workshops.
Now the tough part, I have to choose one. "help" 1, 2 or 3.
Or email me kevin@kevinkeelan.com
Thanks, Kevin

Kevin Keelan Workshops

2007-05-21T11:34:00.000-04:00

Amazing! May’s workshop was all that and more.
I LOVE THIS INDUSTRY! I am so thankful God has given me the opportunity to share the gifts he gave.
Passion: I was knee deep for four days, some of the most passionate photographers I have ever met left me with some of their passion, love and commitment for the art of photography.
You guys were great and I look forward to continued chats in the future.
So many times I am asked why I continue to share my ideas with others, I like to say: every time I share one idea I get around fifteen in return. Love you guy’s , Keep in touch Kev

On the last day of the workshop we were having such a blast on our mock wedding shoot we almost forgot to get a group shot.
Every one really got some killer images as seen above. Photo credits belong to:
From left: Loretta, Jeff, Tina, Mariel, Liz, Robert, Carmen, Julie, Jay, Jesse, Brian and Me. Attendees not present in photo: Scott, Carl, Bill, Robert L, Jon.

God is good!

2007-05-12T00:03:00.000-04:00

Wow! The last few weeks have been unbelievable. A few killer weddings, here’s some pics.
And May’s workshop went great we had such a blast. I met some of the most passionate photographers from around the country. I’ll be posting some pics as soon as I can sort through them all.

On the go lighting. The results are amazing.

I still get the chills when they pop up on my camera.

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Vivitar: Don’t go any where without it.

Special Thanks!

2007-04-29T13:27:00.000-04:00

I really want to thank all who have decided to participate in my May workshop. I look forward to seeing you all next week.I hope your ready!!
I have been blessed for selling out in less than 30 days.
Due to this overwhelming response I have decided to host another workshop in July.
I'll have the exact dates first thing next week. At that time I will be accepting registrations.
And of course My Good friend Ray Santana Who worked tirelessly on some design work for the workshop, a man of many talents in photography as well as graphic art design. Ray designs only for good friends and a few International Photogs right now but with a little coaxing, I would love to see Ray's album designs become available to the public. Thanks Dude!
As many of you know, I love to share with other photogs as well as shooting weddings.
To be successful at both means a tremendous amount of focus, organization and skill. Much of this credit belongs to my Business Manager Jon. He works full time for me as well as studying for his masters in Theology. Jon also runs our weekly staff meetings and always raps up with a 1/2hr of Bible study in the same topic of that weeks meeting. I believe it's important to surround yourself with people of purpose and Jon has a lot to offer in both business as well as spiritual support. Thanks
Jon.
A special Thanks to my sponsor: ALBUM CRAFTERS, Your tuition supports are making dreams come true. Thanks for your continues support. You guy's are the best!

Lighting Samples.

2007-04-12T13:31:00.000-04:00

Anika & Malcolm Saturday the Mar-31. I am so glad I was ready! When I arrived at The Country Club of Orlando I went right to where the ceremony was to take place.” good thing” Outside on the terrace overlooking the golf course was 1/2 in the direct sun, right where the were to stand.
Anika was running late, the later the better I thought. By the time the ceremony was to start B&G were all in the shade, accept now to get the proper exposure for skin tones the background and dress would be blown out.
So I set one ALIEN B 800 in the back. This would allow me to bring in the beautiful background "and it works like a charm every time!" It took me less than five minutes.

Preparing veil before ceremony. I’m using a 2nd light for separation and dimension.

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Daddy Daughter Dance

2007-04-03T02:27:00.000-04:00

Carly, I can’t imagine a prouder day then when hand in hand we walked through the doors of our first Daddy Daughter Dance. Carly you are truly my angel and I cherish every moment we spend together.

A few days ago Carly said the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.
I was being my annoying self trying to steel a kiss from my wife Julie and was once again unsuccessful. My little girl Carly noticed and said, “don’t worry Daddy in my world you’re the guy on the underwear package.” My wife and I went into a fit of laughter.

fj-Cruiser

2007-04-03T01:59:00.000-04:00

For two years the fj-cruiser was on my desk top. Now, It’s in my driveway. Finally!

Posture & Position/In the light

2007-04-03T01:40:00.000-04:00

Here's what two lights and two Minutes in the total dark of night will get ya.

Posture & Position

2007-04-03T01:04:00.000-04:00

Last week I took my new Nikon 200/f2 to my engagement session with Nicole & Scott. We had the best time at the Portofino Hotel at Universal Studios. This weekend I’ll be shooting their wedding there as well. I can’t wait! Here’s a few clicks from my 200/f2.

I had my 2nd light left to the rear, it really brings out the highlights in Nicole’s hair and the light also adds additional separation as well.
A $5000 lens and an $89 light, Incredible!

Then there was light

2007-04-02T23:24:00.000-04:00

I thought I’d show some results of my Lighting Techniques from a recent wedding, Jessica & Rocky's, one of my favorite bridal couples.
I am still amazed every time I shoot a sunset wedding, well in this case “a sun gone wedding”. The wedding took place over an hour late and any hope of using natural light was diminished along with the sun. There are endless possibilities of getting well exposed and great shots when aplying these techniques.

Almost total darkness “a candle light ceremony and reception”

Their 1st dance, unbeknown to me was to take place under the moonlit sky with only twinkle lights to accent the night. WOW!

This is the same lighting technique that I used when Mike Colon hired me to shoot with him for a wedding at Donald Trumps Mar-A-Largo residence. I wish I could show off some of those pics, it was amazing!

It's almost unthinkable what my lighting techniques will do for your reception pics in any lighting condition. I still get chills when I see the images on the back of my Nikon. "And it happens all night long!"

It’s truly AMAZING what two little $89.00 lights on two little stands will do, the first thing it will do is increase your confidence level to no end. I love natural light photography and use it to my advantage most of the time. But I’m a wedding photographer that never wanted to be caught in a situation that I couldn’t CONSISTENTLY get good clean exposures. And over the last few years with a lot of patience and prayer I have finally mastered the light for All wedding situations.
And "it’s not hard". The hardest part was keeping it simple and to tell you the truth hears how simple it is: I taught these techniques to my good friend Robert Loparo He’s been a great wedding photographer for more than ten years. He was very resistant to using any type of external flash for many years; Robert never even liked to put his flash on his camera unless he had to, until I helped him with one of his weddings. Only then he saw how easy it was. When he saw the images he was hooked. Robert taught this technique to his 12 year old son soon after. And now his son sets all his lighting for him. You can’t tell the difference between his pics or his sons anymore.

Posture & Position/Studio Lighting

2007-04-02T23:02:00.000-04:00

Bridal sessions are a great way to lessen your wedding day stress. This is Anika. Every photographers dream, personality, fun and need I say more. I just shot Anika and Malcolm’s wedding this past Saturday. I’ll post some pics soon.

Posture & Position/Outdoor Lighting

2007-04-02T22:47:00.000-04:00

I love shooting engagement sessions, It's a great way to get to know your bridal couple.

Knowledge 24/7

2007-01-13T17:18:00.000-05:00

My passion for wedding photography has led me to a new devotion. Over the last few years I have been training photographers. Sharing techniques I have developed on composition, lighting (flash and natural), position and posture, and marketing, as well as key elements to the wedding industry. Through this, I have made many new friends around the world who share the same interest in photography. One of my favorite things is watching their businesses grow. I never intended to make training photographers a career, but most recently some of these photographers had expressed their gratitude for the time spent and experience shared. I know God is leading me down this path for good reason.
I will soon be anouncing my new workshop details to take place in my Winter Park studio
For more info e-mail me at kevin@kevinkeelan.com

2006-11-23T17:44:00.000-05:00

Happy Thansgiving!

2006-10-30T17:16:00.000-05:00

Mike Colon’s Nikon Master Class, a great weekend was had by students and all. Working with my friend Ray Santana helping out at Mike’s workshop in Miami was fantastic! Mike never fails to energize, encourage and motivate all who are within hearing distance at his workshops even the Nikon people were in the ballroom taking it all in.
I met some great people from around the Globe. Mike continuously attracts the same type of photographers “nice”. I wish I had a chance to chat with all of them. If you were one of the attendees please, stay in touch I would love to keep up with you guys.
Phil Mistry with Popular Photography did a fantastic job coordinating the event down to the verry last detail, “it was great working with you Phil”. And thanks again for an amazing dinner.
I really didn’t get a chance to shoot much but here are a few I managed to squeeze in.

2006-10-10T16:41:00.001-04:00

"Mission Possible"
Five or six weeks ago I was watching 60 minutes on Rick Warren (A purpose driven Life) and how he plans to end world hunger. The cinematography was fantastic and I said a little prayer and asked God To give me the opportunity to use my talents as a photographer to help a worthwhile cause.
Within 48hrs of that little prayer my friend Mike Colon (Orange County CA) called and asked if I would like to accompany him on a photo mission to Guyana (South America).

I have heard of Guyana referred to as the Lost Land and as it seems, the forgotten as well.
Our Mission is to photograph some forgotten children that have been placed in some orphanages in and around the country. The photos will be used to reach out to the rest of the world to increase awareness to help provide at least the basics "personal hygiene supplies" and some "sweets" for the kids.
Bernard, our contact in Guyana as well as the founder of this mission said in one of our many phone conversations,
Kevin, you will see that even a toothbrush is a "miracle" to these kids, they have nothing, and Most will dye by the age of 7. Most of their parents died of Aids and left them homeless, most of the kids are under 5yrs old and most have HIV.
Bernards immediate goal is to provide some dignity, smiles and health supplies to these children and he wants amazing photos to tell the world of their needs. I will give Bernards contact and links at a later post.
Guyana is a young third world country and currently dealing with some political issues.

When I asked if there was any danger to Mike and I traveling the country his reply was "don't worry you and Mike will each have a guard armed with a semi-automatic rifle with you at all times. If this wasn't concern enough to cancel, I had many more... Financially I had just invested 12k in advertising so it would be tough. I also would not be able to book any gigs for the week I'd be gone. Many more personal reasons would come up in the process. So I thought my decision was clear "regretfully I would have to cancel" One evening Bernard called very excited, and befor I could get the news out about canceling he went on to say; The Prime Minister of Guyana wants to meet with us on our tour and; the Guyana media wants a quote from you and Mike about why you participe in life changing travel (Guyana talk for missions). I didn't have the heart to give the bad news about me canceling. I told him I would e-mail my quote in the morning.
Late that night I called a close friend Chris Jonhson for advice on what to do, what he said too me I will never forget; "Doing Gods work never comes without sacrifice and when He calles we must find the courage to ancer" Well, I prayed for courage till I fell asleep that same night. The next morning my Pastor, Paul Hoyer called to ask about my mission trip. I explained my situation to him about why I was canceling and he said, nonsence! I will sponcer you financially and you take care of the rest. "Thank you Paul from the bottom of my heart" For the rest of the day things just started falling into place. And my mision to Guyana was on. I confirmed my flights and e-mailed my quote to bernard of why I participate in missions, it said, "I have been asked many times about why I participate in missions around the world.
Funny as it is but I ask myself that same question many times before every mission I partake in.
My answer, My children. I am their example of the values I try to teach them.
I believe our values, which form the basis from which we act, should reflect who we are as children of God and deciples of Christ: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind... and Love your neighbor as yourself."
Although I am not by any means perfect, the values I hold and the actions I take as a result will reflect as an example to my children. Therefore, when God calls I must find the courage to answer"

Answers to prayers come in many ways, some come easy and some with difculty. So, be careful what you pray for "you just might get it"

2006-10-08T01:55:00.000-04:00

This is my son Caleb he is 11. Caleb loves sports especially basketball. He is also in his 2nd yr of Little League Baseball and this week he hit his first in the park HOME RUN! as he was rounding 2nd Coach Cash (2005 Little League World series Coach) was waving him home; The perfect Dad moment. Caleb has his life all planed. If you ask him what he wants to do in life he’ll tell you he plans on getting a full ride to Duke University to play basketball and get a law degree. Than get drafted into the NBA after a few years he will retire and become a grade school teacher. He says, how cool would that be to have a NBA player for a teacher! Than he’ll tell you; if my NBA dreams don’t come true he will become Legal representation for NBA players.
Caleb is a great kid he loves hanging with my friends and talk about sports, laughing and exchanging words of whit, He loves practical jokes, understands rules though he prefers to play by his own at times. His grades have always been great. He’s a pretty funny kid and I love hanging with him.
Caleb loves to get up around 6am every morning the only problem is he loves company and is always trying to wake everyone else. Oh, and he loves our new dog Jet.
Caleb has a strong spirit, loves God and wants to succeed in everything he does.
I am very proud of him.

This is my girl Carly; She loves cheerleading, children and animals. She truly has a passion for life. We are celebrating Carly’s 8th birthday this week. And I mean all week; Carly seems to think that birthdays should at least last all week long! She endearingly refers to me as “Hoss” she says cous I’m her big Daddy “I love it”
Carly always follows the rules while having compassion and understanding for those who don’t “mostly me”
She loves school, the beach and oh ya the Mall. Though I have to say she rarely asks for anything. Carly has a kind and loving spirit and is always willing to help and often does without being asked.
Julie and I often catch each other’s eye “while Carly is engaged in conversation” and are amazed of how wonderful she really is.
Everyone goes to bed pretty early except me, some times a little while after every ones in bed Carly will tip toe out to where ever I am just to chat for a while. I think she likes some alone time with “Hoss. I tuck her in every night, sometimes twice:)
Julie and I are blessed with Caleb and Carly and those of you who have children know the strains of raising kids to be productive citizens and have them remain in Gods grace. As a Dad it takes a conscious effort not to be a spectator but a participator in the lives of our children. When our kids were very young I traveled a lot for work and sometime had 60/80hr workweeks. I used to think it was the Mothers job to raise the kids and mine was to build wealth. I now know I almost lost the most important thing in my life “time with my family” After a few years of lots of love, patience and understanding from my wife I finally “got it” She is truly an angel. And now we both experience raising our children and we both continuously invest in building the wealth of our future in Heaven. I have finally realized we are exactly where we are supposed to be” in Gods hands.
Happy Birthday Carly I love you, Hoss

2006-08-23T12:51:00.002-04:00

The other day I wasted a few hours at a political rally at the airport. I was hired to shoot one of our candidates in the best light possible. Though I can’t say who the photos were of, they were going to be used to “increase votes confidence” in the candidate. After listening to the candidate’s jargon about their opponent for and hour or so, I decided it doesn’t matter if you are left wing or right wing, they all sound the same, blah, blah, blah!

I consider myself at least aware of our nations political issues and I have my own view of each. But, I can’t seem to consistently and confidently place myself on the left wing or right wing on many issues. I hear what the left is saying, as well as the right. It always seems they have more to say about the other candidate then actual issues. I wish we could see some passion in our candidates.

So I have decided not to shoot anymore-political rallies and stick to my passion, weddings and missions.

As Rick Warren once said, when asked whether I’m on the left wing or right wing my response will continue to be “I’m for the whole bird”

2006-08-17T10:56:00.000-04:00

2006-08-15T02:59:00.000-04:00

Before I introduce you to my beautiful wife Julie and wonderful children, Caleb age 11 and Carly age 7,
I would like to share some photos of me and my adopted family from a recent mission trip to Panama. Earlier this year I was one of 10 men and women that set out to make a difference in a small Panamanian Village.
Instead, a small Panamanian Village made the difference in the lives of ten men and women from America.
Who's undaunted Faith in Jesus and inspirational love for one another changed my life forever.

2006-08-15T01:06:00.000-04:00

I also want to welcome you to my new site
kevinkeelan.com
Your comments are welcome... as long as they are good.
I have had many pre blog comments on my website especially about the Evidence of Grace gallery. The ones with the little girls behind the red door,
every one thinks that I am a set-up or posing genius. And I am! Except I had nothing to do with it and had no idea they were even there.
This is what happened, I was finished with the inside shoots at the brides home and loading my MPV with equipment rushing to beat the bride to the ceremony. As I was loading I turned around and saw the bride come out the front door to wait for the rest of her family. My eyes just about popped out of my head, when she stopped and waited in the shade while chatting with others in the front yard getting ready to head to the Church.
I grabbed my 80/200 2.8 ran to about 25ft from the bride and started shooting, she had no idea and when she finally noticed I didn't say a word I just kept shooting.
Sometimes it's better to just shut up and shoot. "well maybe most times"
I only noticed the little girl behind the red door after the fact. God is good!

2006-08-14T21:32:00.000-04:00

"WELCOME"
I am so excited about my new blog, I have so much to say and no one to listen!
My wife Julie says she wishes I had one a lot sooner :{