Brandon Kidd Photography

Brandon Kidd Photography - RSS http://brandonkidd.net/blog/ en Copyright 2012 Fri, 04 May 2012 09:15:20 -0700 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Japan - One Year Later The Butterfly Project to come out and use the creative arts to help serve the people of Japan and provide some emotional relief. I remember watching the devastation occurring through the news and trying to fathom what they were going through. As heart broken as I was for the Japanese people then- it would be nothing compared to being there in person and hearing the accounts of the victims first hand.

They have done and achieved so much in the past year. Cleaning and rebuilding in major areas has been phenomenal, truly, and it's safe to say that Japan is probably one of, if not the most self efficient, self disciplined societies on the planet. But unfortunately there is still a long way to go. The Tsunami of 3.11 generated over a 100 years worth of trash, in one day, ONE DAY! Cars, buses, boats, homes all turned into piles and piles of trash to sift through and separate. They have spent the last year trying to clean up and rebuild but living in those effected areas is still a constant reminder of what happened and what was lost. Since most people lost their homes they are living in temporary housing provided by the government. These homes are not much by any stretch of the imagination and are located about 20 miles outside of the disaster areas. In fact for most people the thought of revisiting their home town is too painful and many haven't been back since the tsunami.

We were given the opportunity to follow some small business around in the disaster areas to document how they are trying to rebuild those communities. We wanted to capture the work being done so it would encourage people to move out of the temporary housing and get back to enjoying their daily life.

We partnered up with CRASH Japan to work with some local churches and see who could benefit from this type of ministry. The images you see below are only a handful of the portraits taken. There were thousands and thousands of photos we took for one reason or another. As random as they may appear they were taken with a specific purpose. Either to remember something lost, to capture a moment in time, document the rebuilding of a community or even as simple as providing a fun escape from the pain they are still battling. Thus the real need and reason for our going was not only replace those precious family memories in the form of photographs but ultimately to restore hope in the daily lives of those affected. Specifically by sharing with them the everlasting hope found only in Jesus Christ. We hope that you enjoy these photos! I will explain the background stories behind some of the images but for others due to privacy and respect to the individuals I will only be sharing the image itself.

What used to be a High School

The bottom left photos shows how quickly the Tsunami came since the kids shoes were still in the cubby.

If you know Japan or ever been there before, you know how denselt populated every square inch of the country is. This is one of hundreds of areas that used to be completely filled with houses, restaurants and businesses.

This man lost his brother in the Tsunami along with his house. He has taken over his brothers book store along with staying in his brothers house. I couldn't imagine living with the constant reminder of loosing my brother like that.

Best Udon chef in town

Below is probably one of the most powerful photos I have ever taken. The couple standing on the foundation of where their house once stood.

The two girls below met and became friends living in the temporary housing shown above. I can't imagine the pain these girls have gone through. When we met one of the girls, she was completely closed off emotionally and who could blame her. Her grandfather wanted some portraits of the two of them together but Miss L, refused. We eventually got a couple of the two of them together but encouraged Miss L to grab her friend for some additional pictures. It was great to see this incredibly hard shelled little girl transform into the joy filled little teenaged firecracker that she should be!

I was honored to photograph the Kessenuma High School mens baseball team. The school itself was situated high enough to not really be directly affected by the tsunami (only the first floor was flooded) but a majority of the students watched their homes and other loved ones get washed away from the schools rooftop. The schoool opened up its facilities with neighboring schools and many students lived here while temporary housing units were built.

Probably my favorite memory from our trip was celebrating the anniversary of the Tsunami with all of the remaining survivors of the Kesennuma First Bible Congregation. The church was washed away in the disaster along with many of its members. The church body still stands although the church structure does not. During the anniversary of 3.11 Japan as a nation had a moment of silence for remembrance of loved ones lost in the disaster. During this time they sounded the Tsunami sirens at the exact time of the earthquake along with a second siren of when the Tsunami hit. It was such an incredibly powerful feeling standing on the foundation of where buildings once stood, holding hands with some of the remaining survivors and imagining the fear that must have overwhelmed them when they saw the huge wall of water heading their way.

Once the sounds of sirens stopped there was nothing but silence accompanied by the sight and sound of tears and sniffles. A few moments passed then one of the members of the congregation picked up his guitar and starting singing "How Great is Our God". Even in the midst of pain, sorrow and complete brokenness they lifted their hands up high and started singing to and praising our Savior King.

A picture of the remaining survivors and the new prayer center planted behind them.

Our goal was to document hope. I don't think there is any better picture of this then the two images above. Kristin and I felt so blessed to be apart of this incredible ministry and hope to return again soon. We will continue to pray for Japan and all the people dealing and struggling with loss in one way or another.

]]> http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2012/05/japan---one-year-later.html http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2012/05/japan---one-year-later.html Philanthropic Fri, 04 May 2012 09:15:20 -0700 Off to Japan The Butterfly Project and CRASH Japan. We will have limited access to internet and phone service during this time so we appreciate your patience! We will be sure to post a ton of photos of our trip when we return so stay tuned!! Here is a shot I took the last time I was in Japan. I CAN NOT wait to go back!! See you all soon!!

]]> http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2012/03/off-to-japan.html http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2012/03/off-to-japan.html Philanthropic Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:09:21 -0700 Moe and Jen - A Rooftop and the Marvimon Ruffled Blog for featuring this wedding on your awesome blog today!

Event Management: Tact Event Management
Rooftop Venue: LA Fashion District
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Marvimon
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Floral Design: Flower Allie
Wedding Cake and Desserts: Sweet and Saucy Shop
Caterer: Huntington Catering Company
Taco Bar: Jalisco's Mobile Taco Grill
Hair and Make up: Kelly Zhang
Invitations and Paper Goods: Minted
Coordinator: Christine Patron

]]> http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2012/02/moe-and-jen---on-a-rooftop-and-the-marmivon.html http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2012/02/moe-and-jen---on-a-rooftop-and-the-marmivon.html Weddings Mon, 27 Feb 2012 18:42:47 -0700 Ryan and Michelle - Smog Shoppe, Culver City, CA engagement photos taken last year. So much personality incorporated into their details I knew that their wedding was not going to disappoint especially since the talented girls of Sitting in a Tree were on board! I could not believe the amount of details that went into this wedding. Even the coasters were letter pressed!! Ryan and Michelle truly pored their heart into this wedding (no pun intended) and you could really see that evidenced throughout the day! A special thanks to Green Wedding Shoes for featuring this wedding on your blog today! Hope you all enjoy the photos!!

]]> http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2012/02/ryan-and-michelle---smogge-shop-culver-city-ca.html http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2012/02/ryan-and-michelle---smogge-shop-culver-city-ca.html Weddings Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:21:56 -0700 Andrew and Hanna - Noguchi Plaza

]]> http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2012/01/andrew-and-hanna--.html http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2012/01/andrew-and-hanna--.html Engagements Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:11:20 -0700 Matt and Lisa - Korakia, Palm Springs Korakia Pensione Hotel. It was the first time I had ever been there and I must say it was awesome! So many places to shoot that the options seemed limitless! Here are some of the photos from this great day!

]]> http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2012/01/matt-and-lisa---korakia-palm-springs.html http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2012/01/matt-and-lisa---korakia-palm-springs.html Weddings Mon, 16 Jan 2012 02:25:52 -0700 RUCHE - Sparkling Soiree RUCHE including an awesome line up of all their wonderful holiday party attire. If you want to see more and possibly snatch some of these goodies you can shop the whole lookbook HERE! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everybody! We will see you all in 2012!!

]]> http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2011/12/ruche---sparkling-soiree.html http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2011/12/ruche---sparkling-soiree.html Fashion Fri, 23 Dec 2011 10:33:08 -0700 Gregg and Chelsea - s'mores and more

]]> http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2011/12/gregg-and-chelsea.html http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2011/12/gregg-and-chelsea.html Engagements Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:21:29 -0700 Ryan and Jennifer - Big Sur, CA here! Also a thanks to Green Wedding Shoes for featuring this wedding on your awesome blog! Hope you all enjoy!!

Venue: Private Big Sur Estate
Event Design: Matthew McKee of Archery Goods LTD One of the creative masterminds behind the day.
Wedding Dress: Sarah Seven dress
Catering: Paradise Catering (All locally grown and seasonal menu) it was delicious!
Desserts and Cake: all baked goods made by Jen and her Maid of Honor Mckenzie
Music: ipod + vinyl records during dinner
Flowers: Jen and her friends and family did all the flowers as well using seasonal flowers from Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.

]]> http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2011/12/ryan-and-jennifer---big-sur-ca.html http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2011/12/ryan-and-jennifer---big-sur-ca.html Weddings Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:36:14 -0700 Jeff and Fern - Rowboats and Bowties

]]> http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2011/11/jeff-and-fern.html http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2011/11/jeff-and-fern.html Engagements Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:43:26 -0700 Ruche Winter Lookbook 2011 RUCHE! Introducing Cherished, A Romantic Winter. We are particularly fond of these photos so I hope you guys enjoy them as much as we do!!

]]> http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2011/11/ruche-winter-lookbook-2011.html http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2011/11/ruche-winter-lookbook-2011.html Fashion Fri, 18 Nov 2011 06:57:54 -0700 Logan Brian

Geoff and his dad.

So cute!!

Day 3 going home!

]]> http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2011/11/logan-brian.html http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2011/11/logan-brian.html Personal Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:11:05 -0700 Kimi's Baby Shower

had to include a photo of the sisters from the photobooth.

]]> http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2011/11/kimis-baby-shower.html http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2011/11/kimis-baby-shower.html Events Fri, 04 Nov 2011 09:00:48 -0700 Steve and Esther - The Cravens Estate Events by SAVVY for making the day flow so seamlessly!

Some of the other amazing vendors that helped contribute to the day!

Reception Venue: The Cravens Estate
Ceremony Venue: First Baptist Church of Pasadena
Coordinator: Events by SAVVY
Rentals: Signature Party Rentals
Vintage Decor: Found Rentals
Shaved Ice Truck: Tropical Shaved Ice
Cake and Desserts: Vanilla Bake Shop
Hair and Make up: Design Visage
Videographer: Walter Pawluk
Catering: TGIS Catering

]]> http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2011/10/steve-and-esther---the-cravens-estate.html http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2011/10/steve-and-esther---the-cravens-estate.html Weddings Thu, 27 Oct 2011 07:07:32 -0700 Gary and Lora - Figueroa Farm House Amorology, Nicole Deanne, Shade Tree Films, Flowerwild, Duo Catering and Events to name a few... you see what I mean!!!

Meet Gary and Lora! These two originally inquired nearly 2 years ago talking about their vision and all the details they wanted to incorporate into their day. It was the first time that I had received a 4 page single spaced document with a list of details, poems and inspiration boards included with an initial inquiry. Immediately I knew that we were going to make a perfect match! Gary and Lora are originally from England and had a specific vision to have a destination wedding. A wedding away from the gloomy skies of Manchester and under the warm sun of the California coast. They had come to visit California to look for potential locations and found The Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse to be the perfect backdrop for their wedding festivities. I think you will agree!

They incorporated details galore and they wanted every single one of them to represent who they were as a couple, the romance uniquely found in their relationship and for all of it to tell a story. Heather and the team from Amorology did a fantastic job at pulling off the vision for the day! Rustic, vintage and emotional were the three words Lora used to describe her day and I couldn't agree more. The amount of emotion displayed was so amazing we actually felt like we were part of the wedding by the end of the night and were really sad to leave! Thank you so much Gary and Lora for including us in on your big day! We feel so blessed that we have such great friends on the other side of the world. Also thank you to Jen from Green Wedding Shoes for featuring this awesome wedding on your blog today! Enjoy!

Here is the list of all the seriously talented vendors that contributed to this beautiful event:

Video: Shade Tree Films
Coordinator and design: Amorology
Hair and Make up: Nicole Deanne
Officiant: JP Reynolds
Venue: Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse
Florist: Flowerwild
Caterer: Duo Catering and Events
Wedding Cake Baker: Duo Catering and Events
Stationary: Brightly Designed
Lighting: Bella Vista
Wedding Singer (ceremony) Stevie Rae Stevens
Wedding Band: Blu Note Party Band

]]> http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2011/10/gary-and-lora---figueroa-farm-house.html http://brandonkidd.net/blog/2011/10/gary-and-lora---figueroa-farm-house.html Weddings Mon, 17 Oct 2011 07:24:08 -0700