Kenneth D. Aston Jr Photographer

Vilma

2012-02-06T21:19:00.002+03:00

Camera: Canon 5D Mark II.
Lens: EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
Strobe: 580 EX II w/ Orbis Ring Flash
Format: RAW
Exposure: Varies
Setting: Manual
ISO: 200
Post Production: LR 3/ Photoshop CS5/Portrait Professional Pro

The Bennetts

2012-02-05T21:13:00.000+03:00

Camera: Canon 5D Mark II.
Lens: EF50mm f/1.2L USM
Strobe: 580 EX II (off camera)
Format: RAW
Exposure: Varies
Setting: Manual
ISO: 100
Post Production: LR 3/ Photoshop CS5

Kuwait Kite Team

2012-01-31T06:30:00.002+03:00

These guys fly every weekend here in Kuwait so I decided to drive over and take a few images. If you want to join them or learn more about the Kuwait Kite Team just click on their name.

Notes:

Camera: Canon 5D Mark II.
Lens: 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM.
Strobe: None
Format: RAW
Exposure: F/8 @1/400
ISO: 200
Post Production: LR 3/ Photoshop CS5

Catalog Photography Shoot

2012-01-28T20:29:00.000+03:00

Today I did a catalog photography shoot for a client here in Kuwait. This was the first time I had done this type of shoot and had a great time. I learned a few things today as well and think I will hire an assistant once I get my photography business up and running. I want to say thanks to Des Madrigal the featured model in these images for helping out again on a shoot, your awesome! She is also featured in the Yhuwdah Brand fashion shoot I did in December, click on the link to view those images.

Notes:
Camera: Canon 5D Mark II.
Lens: 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM.
Strobe: 580 EX II (off camera).
Format: RAW
Exposure: F/4 @1/100
ISO: 320
Post Production: LR 3/ Photoshop CS5

Kuwait break dance crew competition

2012-01-27T23:03:00.001+03:00

One Soul, Electric and Homies Break dance crews.

Run DMC, Big Daddy Kane, Sugarhill Gang, Funky 4 + one more and The Treacherous Three just a few of the Hip Hop artist I grew up with and yes I am dating myself, lol. Hip Hop has done many things. It has given us fashion, language, style and has brought us together as a people. No matter where you go on this big blue marble we call Earth, Hip Hop is there, if not the music the influence. Take a look around and you will see it everywhere. There was a time when it was exclusive to the Western world but that has changed. I knew there was a Hip Hop culture here in Kuwait and I finally got a chance to capture it and I was amazed at what I saw. I felt like I was back in the 80’s when Hip Hop was new and undiscovered. I want to say thank you to the One Soul, Electric and Homies Break-dance Crews for inviting me to capture your event, I had a great time and I hope everyone likes the images.

Notes:
Camera: Canon 5D Mark II.
Lens: 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM.
Strobe: 580 EX II (off camera).
Format: RAW
Exposure: Varies
ISO: 500 - 1000
Post Production: LR 3/ Photoshop CS5

Aika portraits and Image Retouching

2012-01-24T20:03:00.000+03:00

Before

After

Notes:

Camera: Canon 5D Mark II.
Lens: 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM.
Strobe: Orbis Ring Flash
Format: RAW
Exposure: F/4 @1/200
ISO: 400
Post Production: LR3/PS CS5/Portrait Professional Studio

Business Postcards

2012-01-13T22:57:00.001+03:00

Fashion

Portraiture

Tabletop / Studio

Just a couple of designs to distribute to future clients, comments welcomed.

Happy New Years, A Year In Review.

2012-01-01T18:33:00.001+03:00

Since 2011 I have had 18,171 viewers of my blog and I want to say thanks! A big shout out to the following sites www.248am.com, www.therealtank.com, www.taahiraherasmith.com and www.yhuwdah.blogspot.com for sharing my images on their sites and supporting me. Stay tuned to my blog because I will be relocating to the Philadelphia metro area in mid February and I hope to meet other professionals that are about the business of photography. See everyone soon.

Rapper JOELLE ORTIZ preforms at the Redbull EmSee 2011 Philadelphia PA

Rapper SCHOOLLY D preforms at the Redbull EmSee 2011 Philadelphia PA

Model from the Iszonica Modeling School at the Trash to Treasure fashion show

Model Taahira Hera Smith

Model from the Iszonica Modeling School at the Trash to Treasure fashion show

3 in 1 extravaganza fashion show featuring Yhuwdah (Judah) brand fashions

Eileen and Kevin Engagement Portrait taken at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Portrait of Ms. CynthiaWilliams

Yhuwdah (Judah) Brand Fashion

My favorite food

Sweet Peppers

Colored Smoke

Tech N9ne and Krizz Kaliko Concert

2011-12-19T20:15:00.000+03:00

Tech N9ne

Another Holiday treat from USO for the US Troops and US civilians serving in Kuwait. Number one Independent Rap artist Tech N9ne and Krizz Kaliko brought that Kansas City MO love to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. And despite having a broken rib, he fell off a helicopter, Tech N9ne still put on an outstanding show! Tech N9ne showed mad love to all that attended the show he mad a bunch of new fans this night. A few weeks ago I caught him on the BET Awards 2011 cypher and seeing him live was off the chain! Great show Tech N9ne and Krizz hope to catch you both in Philly sometime, Peace!

Tech N9ne and Krizz Kaliko

Fans enjoying the show

Krizz Kaliko

Tech N9ne

Fans showing some Kansas City MissOuri Love

Tech N9ne

A fan captures a close up of Tech N9ne

Estelle showing Holiday love for the Troops!

2011-12-16T09:01:00.003+03:00

What a wonderful and exciting performance by singer Estelle at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The crowd started out small but in an instant grew to over 250 US Military, DOD civilians and contractors enjoying the beautiful sounds of Estelle as she preformed hits from her "Shine" CD to include “Pretty Please”, “Come Over” and everyone favorite “American Boy”. You can follow Estelle on twitter and check out her blog too. I had a blast photographing the show and I look forward to catching her show in the States, you have a new fan here Estelle! Enjoy the photos everyone.

The Fashion Show

2011-12-12T05:45:00.001+03:00

To learn more about Yhuwdah clothing line click here

Yhuwdah pt 2

2011-12-09T05:19:00.001+03:00

Finally finished photographing the rest of the Yhuwdah collect by James "Da Clay" Owens yesterday. His collections will be featured at the 3 in1 Extravaganza at The Bayt Lothan in Salmiya tonight starting at 7pm, hope to see everyone there. Thanks for viewing

The New Studio

2011-12-06T22:02:00.001+03:00

Finally moved into my new location within the E.E VICTORY RECREATION CENTER located in Al-Manqaf, Kuwait. The new studio is very spacious, has a balcony and a changing room, also not as creepy as my apartment. I already have a few portrait sessions and commercial shoots planned and will be posting them on this blog or kenastonfreelance.com so check back or better yet set an appointment for a session. I want to thank Ms. Cynthia Williams for letting me photograph her Christmas portraits.

The new home of Aston Photography

Ms.. Cynthia Williams Photographed using my Orbis ring flash

My backdrops and strobes

Ms.. Cynthia Williams Photographed using my Orbis ring flash.

Yhuwdah (pronounced Judah) brand fashions

2011-12-04T19:01:00.001+03:00

James Owens (L) designer of Yhuwdah brand design

Cerue Tapp

James Owens

James Owens (L) with Des Madrigal

Cerue Tapp and James Owens

Des Madrigal

Images for James "D Clay" Owens brand Yhuwdah. You can view more of the images and order clothing from his site by click here.

Images to hang.

2011-11-22T18:19:00.001+03:00

I was eating breakfast at a locally owned restaurant and one of waiters told me that the owner is interested in hanging some of my work, he recognized my business card! I am now in the process of coming up with a series that would appeal to everyone. Some of the themes are Kuwaiti landmarks, beach landscapes, street photography and still life, wish me luck. If any viewers would like large prints of any of my work contact me at kdastonjr@gmail.com

Thanks for viewing

Annual Holiday Bazaar in Kuwait

2011-11-18T23:31:00.001+03:00

Where can you find a Russian circus show, Bar-B-Que Beef and Santa Clause all under one roof? At the Holiday Bazaar hosted at The Salwa Sabah Al Ahmed Hall, the bazaar is the idea of Karla Khaja of K Events. Over 100 vendors attended the event selling hand made jewelry, silk nightwear, baked goods and art. I was amazed how many people showed up to attend the event and I can’t wait till next year. I took a few images to share with all my viewers hope you enjoy.

Beleganticism jewelry

The Annual Holiday Bazaar

Beleganticism jewelry

Santa Clause

Hand made baked goods

Mr Haitham AL-Saffar Founder of Q8 BBQ

Flower Zone Center's Poinsettias

Art work created by students at Khalifa School

Leila's Russian Show performer

Yasar Khaja (L), Courtney Sledge, Karla Khaja and Kim AL-Yousifi (R)

Faye Alamango culinary Artist and owner of Faye's Cucina

Artist Mr. Yasir Khaja

Christmas items for sale

Items made from recycled materials

Harriet Bushman owner of Agapanthus

The Salwa Sabah Al Ahmed Hall

Stand up for America Comedy Tour, Camp Arifjan

2011-11-16T22:44:00.001+03:00

The Armed Forces Entertainment "The Stand up for America Comedy Tour" featuring Tommy Davidson of "In Living Color" fame and comedian Dante Carter who has been featured on Def Comedy Jam and BET's Comic View really went all out for those serving in Kuwait and supporting the US Forces. Over 1000 folks attended this event and a great time was had by all.

Tommy Davidson

Dante Carter

Big laughs

Dante Carter


Tommy Davidson

Smoke Art

2011-11-15T18:51:00.001+03:00

Bart

Dancer

Old Man

The Watcher

Flowers & Fruit

2011-11-08T19:16:00.000+03:00

PT 2 "UMOJA TOGETHERNESS" FASHION SHOW

2011-11-02T00:19:00.000+03:00

As promised, The 2nd annual Umoja Togetherness Fashion and Creative Art Exhibition. This was an outstanding event for a great cause so glad I was part of it, thank you. Also my images were featured in the Arab Times here in Kuwait. It is such a pleasure to see my work featured in a local newspaper, thanks. enjoy.

FEATURED IN THE ARAB TIMES NOV 2 2011

E.E VICTORY RECREATION CENTER

2011-10-31T21:19:00.000+03:00

E.E VICTORY RECREATION CENTER

Thanks to the vision of Ebon Morris, Mangaf now has a recreation center for everyone to enjoy. The E.E. VictoryRecreation Center , click here for location, is now open for business! The center is a great place for family activities, company gatherings, receptions or an all night spades tournament. The center is equipped with pool table, game room, arts and craft area, Foosball table, outdoor patio and a full kitchen. I have included a few images of the open house for everyone’s enjoyment and comments are welcomed. If you have any questions feel free to contact Ebon and thanks for viewing

Ebon Morris along with his wife cut the ribbon and officially open the center

Flyers of upcoming events

Wonder who is winning

Ir's all in fun

A fun time was had by all

Pt 1 "UMOJA TOGETHERNESS"

2011-10-31T10:33:00.004+03:00

Spent time today covering the rehearsal for the 2nd annual UmojaTogetherness Fashion and Creative Art Exhibition sponsored by Iszonica Modelingand Grooming School in Kuwait owned and operated by Ms Michelle Johnson. I, along other photographs, will document the show, which will start at 7PM 1 November at the Holiday Inn in Salmiya, stay tuned for more images and thanks for viewing.

Happy Halloween from Kuwait

2011-10-29T23:50:00.000+03:00

Photographed a Halloween party here in Kuwait, thanks DJLoso (follow him on twitter). I set out to do costume photos and captured a few and just felt like sharing some images. I used my wonderful and sexy orbis ring flash, enjoy and thanks for viewing.

Another Awesome Session!

2011-10-18T00:04:00.001+03:00

TAAHIRA

I purchased new backdrops and an Obis ringflash (see review) and wanted to “play” with my new toys. I needed a model, a professional! I contacted Taahira, originally from Los Angles California, who is not only a model but also a singer, songwriter, and dancer, what a great combination. She did an outstanding job for me and I cannot wait to photograph her again. For those that are interested she can be reached on twitter @Hera_smith . Thanks for viewing!

Orbis ring flash review

2011-10-15T20:31:00.001+03:00

I have been in the market for a ring flash for about a year now. I want to use it for portraits, product and macro photography. I think for portraits this would be a great source of light for several reasons the shadowless light, the catch-lights and that cool signature ring flash halo just to mention a few.

I shopped around and found a few ring flashes and I finally settled on The Orbis Ring Flash with the orbis arm (bracket) and is a great piece of gear. I went to Amazon.com, price $237.90 but couldn't get them to ship to APO, go figure. I finally ordered from B&H and used my ASMP discount, total cost $239 and got it within 7 days! I followed the directions, assembled the Orbis arm and Orbis ring flash. It took me awhile to adjust to the weight and bulk of everything but soon I was totally oblivious to entire issue of bulk.

I Picked up my 50mm, Canon 5D Mark II and Canon 580 EX II speedlight. set my ISO to 400, Orbis recommends that, set my flash in TTL/auto mode, set my camera to manual and began to document the event. I used f-stops between 1.2 - 4 and got great results which I posted here. I have plans to post more images in the future so stay tuned, thanks for viewing.

My new toy

Shannon

Stefanie

DJ Loso and fan