Longwood Gardens

During wedding season KOBO employees work 6-7 days a week. We are proud of our turnaround time and work hard to get your images and albums back to you as fast as possible. On a recent day off, Lori, KOBO's Studio Manager, visited Longwood Gardens. Here are some faves!

Michael Bonfigli Photography

Today's posting is a brief Q&A with one of our clients, Washington DC photographer extraordinaire, Michael Bonfigli. You can view his work at http://www.michaelbonfigli.com  or

click here to see a recent album that Michael photographed and KOBO designed.

1) On your email you note "Among DC's top photographers, 2000-2008" -Washingtonian Magazine * Grace Ormonde Platinum List 2007" Can you tell us more about those awards?
The Washingtonian magazine (now the Bride and Groom magazine) has a preferred vendor list that lists the top photographers and other vendors in the DC area. It's based on client and other vendor reviews. Its a great honor to be on the list for 9 years running.. really helps my business and its free! Grace Ormonde is an honor to be on their Platinum list because you have to be invited but it does cost money to be on it.

2) Is there a wedding or event that you've photographed that stands out from the rest?
My last wedding stands out because it was a beautiful wedding outside in the country, beside a big barn, you could hear the river running nearby, the birds etc... a perfect day and a perfect place for an intimate small wedding amongst friends. After the 20 minute ceremony everybody had a casual dinner some standing some sitting, it was all about being together and sharing in the moment. Simple but beautiful.

Also, loved a Georgetown wedding where the couple got married at the Georgetown chapel then everyone walked of the the Halcyon House for a big party reception. Everything from the flowers, to the lighting, to the DJ to the cake was just amazing. One of my favorite albums of all time was designed by KOBO from my photos of this wedding. Spectacular!

3) Can you tell me about your style?
My style originates from my training as a photojournalist. I worked many years with newspapers, including the Washington Post and the Christian Science Monitor. But my style has evolved into a more well rounded photographer who can shoot and capture all the wonderful moments but also can create beautiful, artistic and natural look portraits of the couple and their family and friends. I like to think that I am non obtrusive yet I am right where the action and the special unique moments are happening. I don't like to miss a thing!

4) How has working with KOBO helped you/your business?
Last year I had the most album orders ever. In part because of the way I market my packages and the other part is that I knew I was working with Kobo in designing my albums so I didn't have to worry about the work load and quality that I demand. It was a perfect match for me. The personal one on one customer service is amazing.. (sorry ..hope you guys don't get too big too fast as I really love how Sherry still answers the phone almost always the first time I call!!).
Anyway, the album design, the service, the quality and the turnaround times are amazing! Also, Sherry has a great sense of humor and is always keeping me on my toes with great suggestions and a few funny remarks to keep everything in perspective... What can I say I am a KOBO loyalist and it took me 8 years to decide to give up control of my album design... next step KOBO will be doing my color correction and posting to my website.. who knows I may just have them do it all.. can you guys shoot too?? (just kidding).

I continue to work on my documentary projects such as working in Asia and Latin America on causes that are very close to me. I have a website dedicated to that work, its: www.bonfigliphoto.com.

The Newlyweds

We see a lot of awesome images from our clients. Some are just gorgeous, some make us cry and some make us smile! Today's image is from Richard Overtoom. This certainly must've gotten a few laughs at the reception.

Dog Days at KOBO

One of the perks working here at KOBO, is that we bring our dogs to work. Chester and Cooper had a great time playing in the yard. Cooper is Jeanne's new puppy, he is a cavalier and cocker spaniel mix. All the employees dogs get along great and we can often be found taking several dogs for walks at lunchtime.

Cheryl Ungar Weddings

We recently had a chance to catch up with Cheryl Ungar, owner of Cheryl Ungar Weddings, a small boutique wedding photography business based in Colorado.

Tell us about your photography style

My unique perspective for wedding photography came from my early days as a photojournalist at a daily newspaper.  It is all about creating a story: wide shots, tight shots, medium shots, look at the subject from all angles and study the light. Most often, these are intuitive, split second decisions as I capture the moments and create permanent memories of your wedding day. I have been told that I have an uncanny ability to see the world differently than most: I see in compositions, I notice light. I recognize poses, I capture the unseen. 

Over the last 25 years, I have perfected my craft by shooting for some of the world's most renowned publications and clients, such as The New York Times, This Old House magazine, Allure magazine, Harper Collins Publishers, Anheuser-Busch, Mision La Serena in Cabo San Lucas and Monteverdi in Tuscany, just to name a few. 

PS - Cheryl wanted us to mention she is interested in partnering with other KOBO clients. Having had the privilege of working on many albums for Cheryl we highly recommend her. You can contact her through her website at http://www.cherylungarweddings.com

Love KOBO's music? Meet Nancy Falkow!

We are frequently asked about the KOBO theme song and music on our website, slideshows and phone system. All of our music is provided by Nancy Falkow. Nancy spent many years in Philadelphia as a Singer Songwriter, a session vocalist, an entertainment publicist and recording studio manager.  After the release of her 3rd solo effort, the acclaimed "Clear View," Nancy fell in love and hightailed it to Dublin, Ireland.  She currently lives there with her husband and daughter and is celebrating the release of "Under the Stars" with her latest project Sunflow, a duo with writing partner Fran King and producer Duncan Maitland. We recently caught up with Nancy, on Easter Sunday, and interviewed her for the blog. Click here for Nancy's new video!

How has living in Ireland affected your music?

Dublin is a lot harder of a nut to crack than Philly was, or maybe I was just in Philly long enough that I became a big fish in a small pond. There are A LOT of singer songwriters here and the opportunities in my opinion are fewer and further between, or maybe I just haven't been at the right places at the right times.  Since I've had my little girl, I've been performing a lot less.  I am just grateful that I met Fran & Duncan and had the opportunity to make a record that I am ridiculously proud of, so I don't feel like DOING LESS, means less.

What project(s) are you currently working on?

I just released "Under the Stars" a collection of lullaby-esque songs with the band Sunflow. After I had a baby, I was inspired to write songs for other parents to listen to that didn't want to make them put ice picks in their ears!  My friend, also a Dad to 2 kids, Fran King, wrote a bunch of songs too, we enlisted his good friend Duncan Maitland....and Sunflow was born.  The album came out in November and is doing great, we love the feedback from real parents who put their kids to bed with it and tell us how much they enjoy it (and how it actually works!)

What do you miss most about the US?

TARGET, is that so wrong?  Well, I must be honest, I'm here 5 years and I'm used to NOT having some things, but still import others.  It's all about the products.  I have a lot of American friends here and we're always bargaining to get each other to bring light weight items back with them since they've stopped the slow boat postal option.  There is no kind of discount-ish store like Target here. And let me tell you Ireland is EXPENSIVE.  I miss the certain conveniences America offers. And screens on the windows. I miss having screens on my windows.

Do you have any advice for aspiring singers?

I'm all about following your dreams, but if you don't have a large pile of money to fall back on, it's not crazy to be a singer AND get an education. Practice a lot and be as creative as you can with as many people that you can meet. Don't be afraid to do Open Mic's, you may meet some life long musical friends and get a lot of experience.

LINKITY GOODNESS:

www.nancyfalkow.com

You can buy all Nancy's solo albums at:

http://cdbaby.com/all/popmoosic

You can buy and listen to Sunflow:

http://www.itsaboutmusic.com/sunflow.htm

Indie

Indie was born on Independence Day 2004 and was named "Miss Independent" after the Kelly Clarkson song. Boy, did we get her name right! She is one strong minded dog. She is an accomplished counter surfer and carb addict. She has eaten such things as a 1# bag of Hershey Kisses, many loaves of bread and a birthday cake. She is a Bernese Mountain Dog and lives with Lori, her husband and two children.

Chester

With all the talk of Bo, the Obama's new puppy, we thought it was a good time to introduce some of the pets of KOBO. First, our official mascot, Chester! You may recognize him from our holiday emailings and other promotions. Chester is a great model and he lives with Sherry, her husband and their cat Molly.

Jack Randall Photography

"Sand and Surf" is a compilation album that we recently designed for California client, Jack Randall Photography.  A showcase of recent weddings, this will make an awesome sample album to take to Bridal Expos!  A larger version can be viewed HERE.

Margarita Wars

Ok it's time we come clean....margaritas are the official drink of KOBO Services. On a recent trip to Mexico I emailed Sherry the image above of a pitcher of margaritas on our patio. She promptly emailed me back her New Jersey deck margarita shot. Sherry gets bonus points for her homemade calamari!