Michael Kitada Photography

Upcoming Portrait Class - Orange County California

2009-09-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

Would You Like To Take Better Portraits And Wow Your Family And Friends With Your New Found Skills?

If so, join Award-Winning Photographer/Instructor, Michael Kitada,
and learn to see and think like a professional photographer (in a small personalized setting).

Michael is an experienced photojournalist with more than 20 years in the industry and has taught photography at both UCLA and CBU.

Michael's work has been published nationally and has graced the cover of Newsweek Magazine.
(among many other publications)

To view Michael's portfolio, visit his site:
http://www.michaelkitada.com/

Course Name: Portrait Photography - Shoot Portraits Like A Pro!

Date: October 24, 2009
Time: 10am - 1pm
Location: Orange County (Fullerton, CA)*

*Exact location disclosed after booking.

Course Details:

You will learn to identify lighting (types and directionality)

Best places to take portraits
Optimum time-frame for outdoor portraiture
Best lighting to make your photos stand out
How to avoid common lighting mistakes
When to utilize your on-camera flash, even when outdoors

Composition

Learn how to compose your portraits so that people will be drawn to them
Best backgrounds to use (and how to avoid common background mistakes)
Small group portraiture tips (how to compose groups of people for best results!)

Posing

3 Simple posing positions that work great 98% of the time
"Beyond saying cheese" - How to Deal with reluctant subjects
Learning to chase the perfect image - it's not always what you'd expect

Secrets to make your portraits look like that of a professional!

Well, they probably aren't secrets really, rather a bunch of tips/techniques to turn drab photos into outstanding ones!

All this for only $97

Class size is limited to only 20 spots, so sign up today!
(see booking information at the bottom of this post)

Thanks in advance, I look forward to meeting you,

Michael Kitada

Michael Kitada Photography
http://www.michaelkitada.com/

PS - Please call me at (714) 422-9193 to get directions and futher
information regarding the upcoming class.

FAQs -

I'm a beginner, is this class for me?

Yes! We will start with the basics and will not assume prior experience/knowledge.

What equipment do I need to bring?

All you need is your camera, media cards with space to record, fresh batteries and a desire to take great photos!

What will we be photographing?

2-3 models will be on hand to give you real-world experience.

Do you offer other classes on digital photography?

Yes, I will be offering more classes in the future.
Email me to join my VIP Notification list:

michaelkitada@gmail.com

Where are we meeting?

The lesson will take place in Orange County (Fullerton, California) and will take place outdoors.
Please call me at (714) 422-9193 to receive detailed instructions on the location of the class.

How can I pay?

By Credit Card or PayPal.

Through PayPal, you may pay via Credit Card, eCheck or out of your PayPal balance. If you'd prefer to pay via Credit Card direct, please call me and I will process it directly through my merchant account.

Ready to book?

Click the button below to secure your spot for just $97.00

Have more questions?
Give me a call at (714) 422-9193

Harvest Crusade Saturday Night

2009-08-16T14:43:00.001-07:00

A record for attendance was set and it was standing room only at Anaheim Stadium for the Saturday night portion of the Harvest Crusade. The band Skillet played and rocked the stadium. Check out John Cooper, lead singer, as he ran around the perimeter of the stadium after face planting at the end of his jump from the stage. Awesome! A great guy, humble and talented (as was the whole band). Here's just a few selects from my take from Saturday night. A few of these are on the official Harvest.org slide show. Enjoy!

Harvest Crusade Opening Night 2009

2009-08-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

The 20th Anniversary of the Harvest Crusades started on Friday night. Pastor Greg Laurie shared a touching and relevant message that even talked about the tragic loss of his son last year. I've been able to photograph the Harvest Crusades since 1991, before that I was able to photograph for The Orange County Register. The past 4 years, as a volunteer for Harvest. It has been a fantastic experience. Please enjoy the images.

Robin & Gary's La Venta Inn Wedding

2009-07-22T17:30:00.001-07:00

One of the most beautiful and inspiring weddings that I've been able to be part of. Robin and Gary's special day at the La Venta Inn.

La Venta Inn Wedding

2009-07-22T17:27:00.000-07:00

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa - Chasty & Omar

2009-07-17T10:48:00.001-07:00

Help Choosing Your Wedding Photographer

2009-06-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

7 mistakes to avoid when choosing your wedding photographer!

Here are 7 things to avoid in your quest to find the perfect photographer.

1) Letting a friend / relative photograph your wedding?
Do you buy a used car from your best friend?
Do you let your best friend paint your house?
Do you let your best friend renovate your kitchen?
Why not?
Because you would like to remain best friends, right? If something goes wrong or if they do not have the technical skills needed to accomplish the task in the best possible manner, you probably don’t want the confrontation or the possible fallout. Use a professional for your wedding photography. That way you can remain friends and they can enjoy the wedding and you can have peace of mind about your wedding photographer.

2) Not connecting with your wedding photographer?
When you meet your potential wedding photographer, do you feel a connection? Do they communicate well and understand your wants for your wedding pictures? Or do you feel intimidated?
Consider this, you will spend more time with your wedding photographer on your wedding day than any other vendor or person. How do you want to be treated on your special day?
A connection with your wedding photographer is an important consideration.

3) Hiring the lowest bid.
The old saying goes something like this, “ You get what you pay for,” and it is so true.
Why would a successful wedding photographer be the lowest bidder for your special day? Maybe he or she is just starting out?
Well, that means he or she has little or no experience. When things aren’t perfect. Can they handle the pressure?
When was the last event you attended perfect?
Something always goes wrong.
That is when you want an experienced wedding professional.

4) Bait and switch.
Did you ask if the wedding photographer’s work that you are seeing as examples, will be the wedding photographer onsite the day of your wedding? Get that in the contract or you could end up being the practice wedding for the newest assistant.

5) Experience and credentials.
Did your wedding photographer study photography in college or is this a hobby and they bought an expensive camera that they don’t quite know how to use?
Way too many brides end up disappointed with their wedding pictures because they hired someone who wasn’t qualified, but thought they were. Do not end up disappointed with your wedding pictures. Do your research.

Lastly, if a wedding is the hardest assignment that your wedding photographer has ever shot, beware. A great photographer is versatile, they can photograph just about anything. Experience is something you can't just have, it takes time and it shows in the photographs.

6) Contract for an album.
Too many brides think that they will have plenty of time and energy to put an album together to save money. Normally, this just never happens. How many friends do you know that didn't purchase an album have made their own? A year after the wedding? Two years? It's an overwhelming task that few can overcome. Why?
First choosing 40-60 images is really hard, especially if you have never edited photos before. You end up frustrated and without an album.
Secondly, you end up trying to make everyone happy. So, gridlock can and often does occur.
Contract for an album and let the wedding professional design a beautiful story that flows and presents your wedding day pictures in the way it deserves.

7) Not reserving Michael Kitada Photography.
Michael has over 20 years in the photography field with 17 years as a staff photographer for the Orange County Register and also 10 simultaneous years as a wedding photojournalist. Capturing moments, not posed and stiff brides and grooms in Orange County, Southern California and the nation for the past 10 years. Your wants and needs are met and crafted into a package that resonates with the special day that you deserve. For more information: www.michaelkitada.com

Cameron & Raechel Coyote Hills

2009-06-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

First Look
I was able to put a first photo of Raechel from her wedding on 6.7.09. One light inside the venue as the party raged on(The Cupid Shuffle was in high gear, and Tara and I were able to create some beautiful images of a lovely bride. Congrats to the new couple, who are headed to Jamaica! More to come. M

ICS Year 2008-2009

2009-06-04T17:20:00.001-07:00

Congratulations!

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach - Kyle & Kristen's Album

2009-05-28T19:47:00.000-07:00

A final look at the wedding of Kyle and Kristen. Congratulations on everything!

Kim&Brandon's video

2009-05-27T20:10:00.000-07:00

George Key Ranch - Kim & Brandon

2009-05-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

George Key Ranch in Placentia was the site for the wedding of Kim and Brandon on May 16th. A special couple who had a great wedding with their closets friends and family in attendance. I was honored just to be there to document this lovely day. Enjoy!

The Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay - Jenya & Jacob

2009-05-06T16:25:00.000-07:00

a few images from my latest wedding the weekend of May 2nd. A very special couple, on a very unique day. All my best...

a few shots from the ritz laguna niguel...

2009-05-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

a few images for some special people...

Robin & Gary

2009-03-31T14:34:00.001-07:00

Lynn & John E-session

2009-03-31T13:39:00.001-07:00

NLT

2009-03-19T00:25:00.001-07:00

Jacob and Jenya Engagement Session

2009-03-12T22:07:00.001-07:00

We met at the airport and the rain was crashing down around us. Fortunately, we were in a bubble all day long. Regardless of where we went, The Golden Gate Bridge, The Beach or The Palace of Fine Arts the rain moved on. A great couple who are planning on being wed in May. Best, Mike

Pelican Hills Resort

2008-12-16T13:00:00.000-08:00

I recently photographed the opening of the new Pelican Hills Resort in Newport Coast. Beautiful, the Irvine Company really planned and constructed a place of incredible beauty. Here's just a few vignette, including the first guest who arrived in a vintage '53 Pink Cadillac.

Amabel and Jesse

2008-12-01T09:03:00.001-08:00

Here's a few from my most recent wedding. Amabel and Jesse called and had a unique wedding. They were already married, but wanted to baptize their daughter. To be baptized in the Catholic church, the parents must be married in the church, so they got married and turned around and baptized their daughter. It was actually a lovely ceremony. We had some time for photos before they headed off to their reception and we had a great time. I was able to capture some very real moments with a bride and groom who had been married already for a number of years, but their love came through in their images. I hope you agree. Enjoy!

Welcome Sienna!

2008-11-18T22:06:00.000-08:00

How time flies! Heather and Paul were married in May of 2007 and now they have a 4 month old little girl named, Sienna. I had a wonderful time seeing them and catching up and photographing their pride and joy. Here's a couple of images from their session.

Kristen & Kyle Tate The Hyatt Huntington Beach

2008-11-05T16:31:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday morning after some brief showers, Kristen and Kyle Tate were wed at a beautiful ceremony at The Hyatt Huntington Beach.

A Time To Give....Coast Magazine November Issue

2008-11-03T18:43:00.000-08:00

Well, a few weeks back I posted an image from a shoot for Coast Magazine. Here's the link for this month's issue for the article entitled, "A Time To Give." I'm very excited about this article and the space they gave my photography. Thanks for taking a look and thank you to Jessica the writer, Lisa the managing editor and Justine the editor for shining a light on one aspect of the needy and those doing something about it in Orange County.

http://coast.godengo.com/Coast-Magazine/November-2008/A-Time-to-Give/

Kyle, Chelle & Jeremiah

2008-10-20T12:33:00.001-07:00

Shot my annual family photos of Kyle and Chelle and their son Jeremiah. Remember M&M's when photographing anyone under the age of 2 (or any other potentially cranky subjects). Actually, Jeremiah was a perfect subject and was rewarded with playtime at the park. Thanks for making it such a successful shoot, M, K & J. :)

Kristen & Kyle 11/1/08

2008-10-17T22:15:00.000-07:00

Just a last minute update for a very fun couple who are getting married November 1st. Almost there. :)