AWARDS & ACCOLADES

AWARDS

WPPIJohn Kaemmerling Wins Accolade of Excellence in the 2008 Awards of Excellence Competition

John Kaemmerling of Santa Cruz, CA, has received special honors in the WEDDING & PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHERS INTERNATIONAL (WPPI) 2008 Awards of Excellence 16×20 Print Competition. Designed to recognize outstanding photographers, the judging was held in Las Vegas, NV on March 15 and 16, 2008.

Print Awards Excellence CompetitionJohn Kaemmerling’s “Lighthouse” received an Accolade of Excellence in the Engagement category. Kaemmerling competed against an international field of photographers to win such honors. The Awards of Excellence 16×20 Print Competition awards are presented each year at the largest trade show, educational platform and convention in the United States for professional photographers. The 2008 competition included 2653 prints in 19 different categories submitted by photographers from all over the world.

ACCOLADES

We have photographed hundreds of weddings from Carmel to Napa, L.A. to San Diego, Hawaii to Seattle, New York and beyond. The biggest compliment we can receive this for our clients to refer us to their friends and family. It also says something about a photographer if wedding planners not only refer us, but choose us to photograph their own weddings as well.

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I wanted to drop you a quick note. As Managing Director of Here Comes the Guide, I make it a point to read every single completed reference check that my staff does on our new event professionals. And I just finished reading yours. I wanted to sincerely congratulate you on the work you do. You have impressed a lot of people and you obviously care very much about your photos, and, maybe more importantly, about your clients and how you treat them. Over and over again, people just gushed about you. I’m delighted by the level of enthusiasm we heard while doing your reference check. The Here Comes the Guide “seal of approval” means a lot to so many brides, (and because we put you through so much to get qualified) you may as well let everyone know about it. It is working with professionals like you that makes what we do both fun and worthwhile. We are honored to have you as “Certified by the Guide”. Great work!

Meredith, Here Comes the Guide

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Kaemmerling Photography has that rare ability to take an intimate interaction and fashion it into timeless art. Their photographic eye not only divines the essence of the moment, but creates a unique beauty that outlives the moment itself.

Bob Farnsworth, The Wedding Guide

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Uncanny intuition capturing the intricate qualities far above the rest the field. Once you see their work, you’ll see the difference.

Shannon Norfleet, Chaminade Resort and Spa

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By far one of the best photographers in California. The finished product is always a work of art.

Amy Byrd

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Never could I have imagined in 1 million years how great our wedding photographs are.  It was worth every penny and then some.  

Erin

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I cannot express how grateful we have been, on behalf of The Solis Family, The Montes Family, and all of our extended family and friends for providing us with priceless images portraying this wonderful event in our lives. Each day we sit and peer upon, what proves to be the best day our lives, and are so glad you, John and your Kaemmerling Photography crew, were present to portray each and every moment we still remember today. I cry when I look at your photos John. You’ve captured all of our moments and memories to the fullest capacity, and much more. Thank you so much, for EVERYTHING you’ve done to make this process simple and unforgettable. 

Rosa Solis and Johnny Montez

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I really wanted to thank you for our wonderful wedding photos. Mike and I had such an unforgettable day and you captured every special moment so beautifully. Our wedding photos reflect the emotions and atmosphere so well. You managed to capture everything and yet didn’t interfere with the flow of our day. The engagement photos are so amazing as well. You really took pictures that reflected us and who we are. They are beautiful and we had so much fun taking them! Last but not least, the album; not only does it tell the story of our wedding, but it is a work of art! It’s beautiful! I left the layout and design your hands and I couldn’t be happier with the results! Thanks again, it was such a pleasure working with you. Also, a special thanks for the AWESOME video! We love it! It’s too much fun!

Amy and Mike Tornicasa

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I have been working with John for over 5 yrs. I recommend him firstly, because his work is phenomenal.  Secondly, he creates a stress free environment for the couples and is open to do whatever they need or want.  Thirdly, I know that he is easy for the couples to work with. He is an amazing photographer, his brides all end up looking like supermodels. He takes the time to search out the unique shots and angles to ensure that the couple will have a album that is superior to so many of the albums that are produced by other photographers. Also, in addition he offers lighting and video services.

Donita Branson, Wedding Coordinator, Shadowbrook

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John’s work is technically excellent, and his style is definitely cutting edge. His photo-journalistic style is what most brides I speak to these days are looking for. He also does excellent portraiture. He does NOT create a tense or hurried atmosphere while doing his job. He makes it fun for the client’s and that makes my job easier! John has an efficient shooting regimen, an easy-going personality (very important on a wedding day!) and a very professional approach. I’ve only received gratitude and applause for having referred him, I’m sure it’ll be the same for you.

Kelly Priest, Dream Video

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After seeing their work in their studio we were amazed with the quality! Their style is very unique and classy and they are very professional people not only did they do what they said & what I expected, they went beyond what was promised. They spent extra time and showed up early and stayed late with out hesitation. I have and would recommend them to anyone in the future. We hired them for our wedding in 6/06 and our family portrait session in 5/07 and we received more than plenty of pictures to choose from in a timely manner.They stand out from other photographers because of their unique style and they are dependable. They are willing to travel ANYWHERE for your event and they have the attitude and charm to make you feel comfortable. They will touch up and adjust your photo’s to your liking and make sure your are happy what what they have presented to you.If you don’t meet Kaemmerling Photography, you would be missing out on wonderful people who provide the best of the best in this county and beyond………Yes, If I were you, I would be honored to have them as a part of my team and/or business services. I love my pictures…By the way, in case I haven’t told you, you guys are amazing! The pictures are amazing! I’m so happy with them. Now it’s just picking the best of the best!

Cassie Olsen, Wedding Coordinator, Seascape Resort

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I hope you find amazing photographers on your daughter’s wedding day for your daughter as I did mine.

The Bechtolds

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WOW JOHN!!!!!!! We are SOOO happy with our photos. You guys truly are THE BEST!!!! AMAZING 🙂 

Ale & Joseph

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Thanks so much, I did watch the video, and I must applaud you for the masterpiece! What I liked most was the way it genuinely portrayed the beauty, pace, and emotions of Kathryn and Phil’s wedding day. It wasn’t pretentious or unreal at all. It was beautifully produced, and made me relive that day all over again so I can only imagine how valuable this must be for the couple and their families. I also liked how you incorporated the photos into it, which made it much more interesting to view! Great job!!!!!

Jubilee Lau, Certified Wedding Consultant

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“I would highly encourage all brides to purchase a video for their special day. I was so impressed with the quality and professional appearance of the film. It is outstanding! Your wedding day goes by in a flash and it is so special to be able to watch the day and reflect on it again and again by watching your video. Our wedding day was so hectic that I did not notice a lot of details of the day that were captured forever on film. A wedding is a rare occasion when all those that you love come together for you regardless of how they feel about each other. It is amazing to watch our video and see all of our family and friends together in one place for a few hours, all with smiles on their faces. I cannot express how happy I am that we were able to capture the day on film forever.”

Luann Lauesen

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I highly recommend John Kaemmerling Photography. Both he and his wife Michonne are professional yet personal. Although they probably shoot 30+ weddings/year, they somehow made us feel as though we were their only clients. We really enjoyed working with them! We were immediately impressed with the quality of work that he had on display when we met them. We also appreciated his flexibility to deliver only what we really wanted – not the typical all or nothing flat rate approach that we had seen with so many other photographers. Their passion for their work was evident – after a follow-up meeting at their home, we were sold. We are extremely happy with the entire process from start to finish. His recommendations for dress, locations, timing, lighting….everything….was spot on. John and Michonne did more than we ever expected. They were very accommodating to our unique requests. Never felt as though we were getting the one-fit-all approach. But most of all, our album and photos are stunning, absolutely stunning. Quality and personal touch – I have not seen better wedding photos or presentation. Really though, John and Michonne together are a rock star team. They complete “the package” that really gives you something special that we didn’t feel in any of the other 8+ photographers that we interviewed If you are looking for best in the industry, just stop here.

Heather & Noah Fox

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I’ve been sharing the link from my daughter’s wedding with everyone at work and friends that attended our celebration. I really appreciate the time you spent since the all the photos came out Fantastic! You did a wonderful job capturing our special moment and I thank you for that.

Rosa Solis, Mother of the Bride

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Christian Louboutin’s $800, Monique Lhullier dress $8000, wedding cake $1600, Kaemmerling Photography….. PRICELESS!!!!! The album is incredible, beautiful, it made are day look like a fairy tale! Thank you guys so much!!!

Regina Bernardini

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My husband Ricky and I were very lucky to find John as our wedding photographer. He is not only a professional that took his time and patience with all pf the pictures taken on our wedding day, but is also a true artist when it comes to photography. Just take a look at his pictures, I think they speak for themselves. John, to you and to your wife, thanks for making that day a memorable one! I can’t wait to share our wedding album to our one day to be grandchildren, as I always have imagined it. Thanks again, John!”

Jacqueline Cisneros

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“My husband Ricky and I were very lucky to find John as our wedding photographer. He is not only a professional that took his time and patience with all pf the pictures taken on our wedding day, but is also a true artist when it comes to photography. Just take a look at his pictures, I think they speak for themselves. John, to you and to your wife, thanks for making that day a memorable one! I can’t wait to share our wedding album to our one day to be grandchildren, as I always have imagined it. Thanks again John!”

Jacqueline

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I am soooo sorry, but it just popped in my head that I never emailed you to tell you and John that Dan and I LOOOOVE LOOOVE LOOOOVE the album! Everyone that sees it is absolutely floored by it! Thank you so much for all of your hard work starting with our engagement photos of last year! We will definitely keep you guys in mind if there is anything we need by way of pictures, and I am absolutely referring all of my friends and family to you and John! So thank you so much again!

Jen McCrary

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Just went back and read my thoughts of the photo session with you. It was just so wonderful and I have had nothing but oohs and ahhhs about the photos you took! Thank you again. Spent some time reading your blog on your site…WOW.

This coming Sunday is the that made-up holiday called Mother’s Day (I am in the group that thinks that every day is “mother’s day” as I figured out years ago that no matter how well you child proof your house they still get in! Just kidding, kids!) Over the years I’ve struggled with this day, and finally came to the conclusion that it basically deserved to be ignored and if something happened, it happened. Not concerning my own mother and mother-in-love of course, but I am far away from both of those dear ladies and so must settle for phone calls and such with them.

Completely coincidentally, this week I finally was able to gather my chicks and set up a photo shoot for a family photo. This is something I have never done before…oh we have done the studio thing when the kids where little and the group picture thing where and whenever the occasion arose, but I am talking of a chance to get a keeper. And I want a keeper. A photo of the four of us, since Megan’s wedding is just around the corner and this little band will never look the same again. Without even seeing the photos I know I got my gift to myself–my “keeper” photograph. Not only will it be there in print (the photographer was John Kammerling and he is a fabulous artist when it comes to photography, his art) but it will be there in my heart.

We met at the beach, aiming for the light of sunset. The wind was blowing and the sky was a bit hazy, but no fog. A bonus in this timing was that John could also focus on taking some shots of Megan with Schyler, her fiancé, with the hope of using one of them at the wedding. John arrived and did his magic with people and I must say he is really good. I’ve watched him work before–even had the pleasure of taking a workshop from him, but this was different. We were on the other side of the camera and that turned out to be part of the gift. Watching the interplay. Watching as my grown up children smiled for the camera, and for me really, since I was the reason they were there mugging at the beach in front of the local crowd on their sunset strolls.

When it was all said and done, I drove away with my heart full. Full of the images of these marvelous creatures that are my children. Full of the beauty of the place in which we live. Full of the knowledge of the movement of time…it does move on but I think we just might have managed to capture a bit of it in my “keeper” photograph. My Mother’s Day gift to myself.

Wendy Russell 

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I just spent LOTS of time going through all of your website, amazing, beautiful, and AWESOME!!! Very well put together, and well thought out. I know what it takes to put a website together, and I was so impressed.

As you know, I have been coordinating now for at least 20 years and have yet to know anyone that has the ability of capturing not only the true essence of the event itself, but making everyone look like a million bucks!!! You are like no other photographer that I have worked with, because you make everyone feel welcome, but also make them feel wonderful about themselves. You both have the finesse of an angel… never knowing you are there, but in the end, a bright light that shines forever! You take time getting to know the client, what their needs are, with only their best interests in mind. You both have an amazing eye for capturing the beauty, and putting it into an art form that is breathtaking.

Of course, you know that I have been a big fan, (for many years…). You both have always been so sweet and kind during my events, and it is ALWAYS such a pleasure to work along side of you. I never see you stressed or frustrated… just pure joy to be around. I am honored to be able to refer you not only as a personal friend, but also as someone that I have been working with for many years now. It was even greater to see some of my weddings that we worked together on your website!!! You make every event timeless, but also have the ability of making them come to life, because they all tell stories!!! … My clients have always been very pleased! When it comes back as a reflection on me… that is very important. So, I want to thank you so much for the awesome opportunity of working along side of you! And thanks for making me shine!!!

Jennifer Roberson

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By the way, in case I haven’t told you, you guys are amazing! The pictures are amazing! I’m so happy with them. Now it’s just picking the best of the best! Cassie Olsen/Harris (former coordinator at Seascape Resort. Currently City Club in SF) I just wanted to let you know that I was at the Monterey Plaza yesterday and well they love you as does Pebble Beach. When I went in for the tasting with the clients, the first thing that Sarah said was…”have you ever worked with them?” as she pointed to your album. I said yes and of course that I love you!!! She said “yeah they are great.” She had one other photographers album there but I just thought it was great/interesting that one of the most popular venues in Monterey is pretty much showcasing you!!! Congratulations!!!

Amy Byrd