Birthday Portraits for J - Kansas City Children's Portraits

I've photographed this girl for years and each time is such a pleasure. So sweet and kind - and you can totally see that in her face. Thanks, Shelley - photographing your children is always a joy!

Holiday Studio Mini - Kansas City Portrait Photographer

Lisa has asked me to photograph her little girl several times and she's generally pretty outgoing in front of my camera. But this is the first time her brother has come for a session; and he does not share his sister's sentiments about portraits. Let's just say he was a tough case - but in the end, softened up to my witty charm!

Lisa - thank you! Expect your gallery shortly.

The family who laughs together... - Kansas City Family Portraits

A few days before their session, this mom emailed me to tell me a little about her children which I not only appreciated very much because it gave me insight into the family. The picture I got from her email is that this is a very strong, close family, and they enjoy spending time together. Creating these portraits for them was a good experience for me, and I am so happy that Michelle found Center Stage.

Here are a few previews - enjoy!

(The portrait below is just amazing to me! This type of image is a specialty of mine and I was thrilled with this one - the difference in hair color is amazing! And you can certainly see characteristics of each parent reflected in each child's face.)

Kelsey - Kansas City Senior Portraits

I enjoyed photographing Kelsey and was really honored to get to spend a part of her 18th birthday with her. She's such doll, and very talkative, which always makes my job fun. Kelsey had been set to go to someone else for portraits until my aunt forced my business card on Kelsey's mom one day (my mom and aunt like to do that!), and so instead she came to me. I'm very pleased with my aunt over this - and note to self - I need to hand out more business cards. The box I ordered about 18 months ago still has a bunch left. Well, I never said marketing was my strong suit!

Thanks Kelsey! Enjoy your preview.

They made me cookies! - Kansas City Family Portraits

Yes, you read that right. This adorable family made cookies for me and brought them to my session. The mom, Shelley, knew I had turned 40 the previous weekend so thought I could use a treat - how sweet is that? Maybe I'll start giving an incentive - $10 off your session fee if you bring me cookies! Ha!

Anyway, Shelley and Dale's youngest was so shy and very against having her portraits taken - but in the end I am very pleased! I know Shelly will be very surprised! They are yet another family who I have worked with during one of my many ballerina portrait events - it feels good when these families keep coming back to Center Stage.

I'll have your gallery ready soon - perhaps today!

Beautiful family, beautiful day - Kansas City Family Portraits

This family wanted to be photographed in places meaningful to them. I just love that. To me, those emotional connections make the most enduring images. For this family, it was the Longview Farm area in Lee's Summit. It was so nice to photograph this family. I first met them in February when the girls came for a "ballerina" session. What a shock when I met them again this past weekend - the oldest daughter has grown 7 inches since I last saw her - and what a beauty, too.

Thanks Megan and Mark for choosing me for your portraits this fall. I appreciate you so much!

Chrissy - Kansas City Senior Portraits

Isn't Chrissy stunning? She's the latest senior I've had the good luck to photograph. I just love her look, her style and how she went all "Top Model" during her session.

Chrissy - it's been a real pleasuring working with you, and getting to meet your family (and your little friend as well!) Thank you so much for choosing me for your senior portraits.

Seniors - I have special pricing for the class of 2010. Call or email me or details.

Finally, A Beautiful Fall Day - Kansas City Family Portraits

I loved photographing this family. They are returning clients, which means a lot to me; the weather had finally turned nice; the 2-year-old was amazingly easy to work with (when does that ever happen?); and it was the mom's birthday! I just love the portrait above - Lisa suggested she and their little girl both sit on Daddy - and I love the results!

I'm really enjoying these fall sessions this year - no wonder fall is the most popular time of year for family portraits. What a gorgeous backdrop the park makes. Of course, we had to work around about every other photographer in Kansas City who also happened to be in the park at the same time as us - it was a bit surreal! I'm now convinced that every third person in the metro calls themselves a photographer.

Thank you Lisa and Sam, for choosing me, again, to photograph your family - enjoy your preview.

Danae - Kansas City Senior Portraits

I had the pleasure to photograph this lovely young woman this week; both in my studio and on location. She has a great smile and a supportive family, and reminded me why I love to photograph seniors so much! You may find it unusual to see a family image among Danae's senior portraits. However, I have no problem with others joining the senior for a small part of her or his session - it makes it all the more special, I believe.

Because I'm in the process of building the senior portrait portion of Center Stage Photography, I am offering special pricing to seniors in the class of 2010. Contact me for details.

Thank you, Danae! Enjoy your preview. Your gallery will soon be ready.

Another Chilly Morning With Cute Kids - Kansas City Portrait Photographer

This October's weather has not been kind for we portrait photographers who do a lot of outdoor sessions in the fall. I photographed these two cute kids this past weekend when the temperature was about 48, and a cold wind was blowing. The sunshine sure did help, though! These cuties came for a birthday session - 4 years for the little girl and 1 year for the baby boy. They were a lot of fun. We walked pretty far into Shawnee Mission Park to find a pretty, more secluded location. I just love how the light looked that morning on the bridge. It's funny, when you become a photographer, you see light differently - I'm always noticing "pretty light" where before, in my life, it wasn't something I paid much attention to.

Anyway! Thanks, Tanya - your gallery will be ready soon.

Happy Birthday, S! - Kansas City Baby Portraits

This little sweetie has a special place in my heart. I photographed her mom and dad for a maternity session that still ranks among my favorites; she's the baby hanging in my studio on the large black and white gallery mount; we had a great 10-month session and now she's turning 1. They live in St. Joseph and with Daddy's job, scheduling can be difficult, so it was pretty gloomy (and cold!) outside for the session - but that just makes the colors all the more beautiful, I think.

Thanks, Lindsey, for being such a loyal client. That means a lot to me. Happy birthday to your baby girl.

Fire and Ice - Kansas City Portrait Photograher

I photographed this little beauty a couple of days ago. She had been sick for her "ballerina portrait" session the week prior so her mom brought her in to the studio for her make-up session and we had a great time. I even convinced her mom to let me work on a different backdrop for some, and I know she will love what she sees :)
I like to think of these as the "fire and ice" portraits. I'm sure you can figure out why. But when she came in, I told her, with her blond hair and blue eyes she reminded me of an "ice princess" but later, when she was in the fall colored tutu and in front of the warm backdrop, there was nothing cold about it!

Thanks, Jill, for bringing her in and for loving my work - I appreciate that so much!

Cold But Worth It - Kansas City Portrait Photographer

The session could have been miserable. Yesterday was so cold and dark. But when I get to photograph two little girls who love the camera, add in two wonderful and helpful and involved parents, a cute dog and an amazing environment, the session was anything but miserable. Sure it was only 40 degrees, but we all had fun and I am so looking forward to showing Shelly her gallery. Choosing ones for the blog has not been easy - I love them all! (FYI - click on the images to see them bigger/more clearly).

I have give a special compliment to the girls' dad, Clint. He's just the type of dad I like in my line of business. Instead of acting bored, or hiding out in their SUV, Clint was encouraging to the girls, drove us around all over the West Bottoms, never once looked bored, and he even carried around my antique yellow sofa.

Thank you, Shelly and Clint, for choosing me, yet again, to photograph your girls - it was a pleasure.

Sunday's Girls - Kansas City Portraits

Here's a preview for all of the families who came to the Oct. 4 portrait day at the Center Stage Studio. I saw a lot of traditional ballerinas, and then some not-so-ballerinas - all beautiful!

I did want to say that I'm so happy that so many of you brought your tweens. So many people, it seems, have portraits done of their small children, but once the kids turn 6 or so, they stop having them photographed regularly. But look at the many tween beauties I've photographed over the last couple of weeks. They absolutely love having their portraits done - much more so than the 2-year-olds - and look at them! Their beauty deserves to be photographed as well, and their personalities really shine.

Your galleries should be online by Monday. Until then, enjoy!

Friday's Ballerinas - Kansas City Portrait Studio

Here's a preview for everyone who had sessions on Friday. Such pretty girls!

Galleries for Sunday, Sept. 27's sessions are now online. All ballerina clients should receive an email from me today about that - contact me if you do not receive that email.

Also, these sessions sold out this year. We are trying to guage demand for another day of sessions this fall - most likely a Friday evening, or Sunday morning early in November. If anyone reading this would like a session this fall, please contact me to be placed on a waiting list.

Thank you!

My pretty ballerinas - Kansas City Portraits

Finally! Previews from Sunday's ballerina portrait event at my studio in Shawnee. I am really enjoying editing these images - so beautiful! I am so looking forward to hearing what you all think of your galleries. Thank you to all of you who have sessions. It is always a pleasure to create these beautiful images. We photographers have a saying - if an image is especially beautiful we called it "canvas worthy" - and I am seeing a lot of canvas worthy portraits.

Sessions for this event are now sold out - I've got about 30 children to photograph between Friday and Sunday. If you know someone who wants a session, please have them contact Laurie Wood (not me - even though our names are similar). We are considering starting a waiting list for those still wanting sessions, and if we get enough interest I will schedule another date later this month or in November. Her email address is: lauriehullwood@hotmail.com

Ballerina Portrait Previews...tomorrow

Hi everyone - I wanted to let you know that I will be posting previews from this past Sunday's ballerina sessions on this blog tomorrow - one from each session. I can't wait to show you!

Another birthday boy! - Kansas City Baby Photographer

I've had lots of first birthday sessions lately -this time it was Tessa and Jason's little boy. I hadn't seen him for a year, so it was quite a treat. Remember him? I have always loved this image of him. You can see more by clicking here.
His parents are just wonderful clients. Tessa writes me the sweetest emails - the second I see her name in my in-box I know it's going to be a good day. Tessa and Jason - thank you again for choosing me to photograph your little boy - it means a lot.

Little Miracles - Kansas City Baby Portraits

It's hard to imagine these chubby little fellows started life as tiny preemies only three and a half months ago. But look at them now! They've come a long way, and I know that to their loving parents, Angela and Scott, they are amazing miracles.

Angela - I think these portraits prove the saying "better late than never" - I'm so happy you decided to bring your babies to my studio. I enjoyed our session so much, and can't wait to show you and Scott the rest of your gallery.

By the way - I'm told it's still not clear whether the twins are fraternal or identical. I'm putting my bets on identical. What do you think?

I Love My Clients - Kansas City Children's Portraits

I do. I love my clients. Especially those who return to me year after year to document their family; their children; their lives at that moment in time. This little boy's mom is one of those. I remember back when I did his newborn portraits when I was merely a woman with a camera and I honestly didn't know what I was doing! And then I learned a bit, and took his 6-month portraits and ended up with some images that are still among my favorites. And then came one year, two year, a large family group, dance portraits for mom, and now 3-year portraits.

I know there are many portrait photographers around; many choices and styles and price points, yet year after year Krystin puts her faith in me and my work, and for that I'm awed and grateful!

Here's your preview - gallery to follow very soon!

Urban Baby - Kansas City Portraits

And, as promised - previews from Meggan and Ryan's baby girl's urban session. I have to say I absolutely love the family portrait above - one of my favorites ever! What a great little family! Plus... you all know how much I love blowing hair - I would say there was a fortunate wind going at that moment =) I think it would look great as a 16x24 in a really funky frame, or as a gallery mount on black.

Anyway - enjoy the preview Meggan - your gallery is coming along. Thank you, again, for continually putting your faith in me to capture these special milestones for your baby. I appreciate it so much.

Happy Birthday, K! - Kansas City Baby Portraits

I have had the pleasure to photograph this sweet little thing several times in her first year of life and it's always special for me. It's such an honor to have gotten to follow her growing and changing through the year, and we celebrated the end of her first year with a cake smash in my Center Stage Studio. Even her parents, Meggan and Ryan, got in on it - and ended up with a bit of pink frosting on their faces, too!

A few days later we followed up the studio session with a urban baby session in Kansas City's West Bottoms - I'll share some of those tomorrow.

Happy birthday K!
Eat a piece of cake for me!

The Beauty of Dance - Stephanie

I've wanted to photograph Stephanie, now studying dance in New York, ever since she was one of my daughter's dance teachers. She was on a little break in Kansas from her bi-coastal life last week and so I finally got a chance to put her in front of the camera. She brought along a friend (who I have photographed many times) and we had a good time in the studio. Besides dance portraits, we had fun with headshots, and other things, too. Stephanie - I'll have your gallery ready soon!

This first one below is my favorite of her. It's not my traditional dance portrait, but I love it. I've always thought that Stephanie is very cerebral about dance. When she taught her classes, I could see her thinking - this portrait shows that side of her, I think. (click on it to see it better).


Fun with Marky!
I love this headshot of Stephanie - she looks like she's ready for Hollywood, doesn't she?

And my favorite headshot of Marky! I love showing women how beautiful they are!

Ashlynn, part II-Mill Valley High School-Kansas City Senior Portraits

Ashlynn, who I blogged about last week, wanted some senior portraits on the farm. We had a bit of an adventure even getting to the farm outside of Lawrence, but once we were there, it was pretty magical (except, maybe, that menacing turkey).

Ashlynn is my Center Stage senior rep at Mill Valley High School in Shawnee - you can ask her about getting senior portraits done with me, and she can give you a coupon for something special when you place your order.

Here are a few previews, Ashlynn - I had a fun time with you on Sunday!
(click on the horizontal images to see them more clearly)

Ballerina Portrait Event - Kansas City Children's Portraits

I'm thrilled to show you these portraits I took as examples of what I have planned for this year's fall ballerina portrait event.

I am styling this year's portraits around this stunning backdrop, loaned to me by a wonderful photographer, Kimberly Hill of Bliss. I have many costumes available for your daughter to wear, and our parent volunteers will pamper her with a beautiful hair do, a subtle make-over with lip gloss and a touch of blush (all optional!), and then help her slip into costume - transforming her into a prima ballerina. Once her session is over, she will leave with a few special little treats, as well.

If you aren't into tutus and tiaras, bring an outfit for your child to wear - dresses in pink, white and/or ivory would also look beautiful on this backdrop. Plus, if you prefer a fashion session, we can do that as well - I am also offering an alternative, modern paper backdrop in tan for those of you not interested in roses.

Session fees and print prices are discounted for these limited edition Center Stage sessions - contact me for details. Scheduling officially begins Monday, Aug. 31, although we've already filled several appointment times.

SESSION DATES: Sunday, Sept. 27; Friday, Oct. 2; Sunday, Oct. 4
PLACE: Center Stage Studio, located in the Academy of the Arts building, 5413 Martindale, Shawnee.

P.S. I've even bought a new settee for this event - isn't it lovely?
Alternative, "fashion" styling on tan paper for those of you wanting something different this year (and yes, the fashion sessions can have blowing hair, just like a model!):

Moms Are Special - Kansas City Family Portraits

I wanted to share this image from last week. It was part of a large family portrait session that was done under very emotional circumstances. At the end of the session, I took a few different smaller groupings, including this beautiful image of this mom and children. I just love it and would love to have a similar portrait of me and my kids one day.

Thank you Rachel, and family, for trusting me to photograph your family under these circumstances. I'm thinking of you, and your mom.

Ashlynn-Mill Valley High School-Kansas City Senior Portraits

I love shooting senior portraits, and so it was my lucky, lucky day when Ashlynn chose me for her senior portrait session. Isn't she just beautiful? I've asked her to be my senior portrait representative at Mill Valley High School in Shawnee - so Mill Valley seniors - contact Ashlynn if you are interested in Center Stage senior portraits. She will soon have some information to give you.

I'm actually running a special on my senior portrait sessions this year - $90 session fee; and $500 yous get digital files from your session and a proof book. Contact me for more complete details, restrictions, etc.

*By the way - you can click on the images to see them better.

Thanks for choosing me, Ashlynn!

Experimenting with Light - Kansas City Portrait Photographer

So, you all recognize this young woman - Gwen is one of my favorite people to photograph. She's sweet, fun, beautiful and talented (and I'm leaving out some adjectives just so my gushing doesn't get embarrassing).

I have wanted to use studio light outdoors for a while now. What's called "OCF" (off camera flash) is very popular in the portrait photography world right now. While no self-respecting portrait photographer uses "on camera flash" - that is, the camera's built-in flash, for portraits, the use of a flash unit (be it a small portable one or a large studio light) outdoors can create a whole new look, and also make night-time portraiture possible.

So, I grabbed Gwen, and off we went to some land just north of my studio door, and I gave it a try (using a long extension cord to plug in my light). How cool is this? I can't wait to try this again (and will do so at my parents' farm this weekend - if my kids will cooperate...if not, my parents, sister and husband may be forced to be my models. Watch my blog for an update on that - lol!)

I have one more to post - my own favorite - that has some very different qualities - I'll do that once my hosting site is back online.

.

9th Birthday Session - Kansas City Portraits Photographer

Happy 9th birthday, sweetie! I enjoyed hanging out with you in the park - not once, but twice =)

Second Time's the Charm - Kansas City Baby Photographer

I was to have photographed this baby back in June, but heavy rain that day ruined our plans for an outdoor session. She and her family live in St. Joseph so we were not able make up the session until last week. Rain was threatening again but thank goodness we didn't get wet (although I do admit to getting a few mosquito bites - gotta start remembering that bug spray!). Isn't she a little beauty? She was so curious!

Thanks Lindsey! It's always great to see you!

Beautiful Sisters - Kansas City Family Portraits

I really love to photograph adults, so I was so happy when Andrea contacted me to photograph her, along with her sister. I love how these two are so different, yet have some interesting similarities (during editing I've noticed that their eye color exactly the same). Andrea and Natalie - it was a pleasure to photograph you! I only wish you had gotten your mom to come for the session, too. Enjoy the preview.

Beautiful 10-month-old - Kansas City Baby Portraits

I had the good fortune to photograph this beautiful baby earlier this week. The only catch is that she's recently become quite mobile and so keeping her on the backdrop, in the lighting area, gave her mom a workout. Elizabeth - thank you for choosing me to photograph your little sweetie - I'll have your gallery ready soon.

Allison - Kansas City Maternity Portraits

I was so excited to get to do maternity portraits for Allison. You all know how I love to photograph dancers, and you all know how I love my maternity sessions, so this session was off the charts for me! Allison is a professional contemporary dancer (see some from a previous dance session here) as well as a dance teacher, and every time I photograph her, it's such a pleasure because she really understands body positions and what looks beautiful on camera.

Here are a few - I must say, choosing a few for the blog has been hard!

Congratulations Allison and Aaron!

Worth the Wait - Kansas City Newborn Portraits

This little girl arrived a bit later than expected - and planned for. But I can see by how much she's loved that everyone agrees that she is worth the wait.

I think she is the youngest baby I've photographed - if you go by the time of day she was born, she wasn't quite 4 days old. She slept soundly through most of it, bless her little heart - that always makes my job much easier.

Congratulations Courtney and Tim - your daughter is a sweetie. Enjoy your preview.

Little Miss Sunshine - Kansas City Portrait Photographer

This little girl's face is like sunshine to me - when she smiles her face lights up any room. I have photographed her so many times and each time is just a special experience. Happy 6th birthday, sweet pea!

Fun Family Portrait Session - Kansas City Portrait Photographer

Ellen and her extended family came for a portrait session last week, and since it was pouring rain outside, we decided to just keep shooting - the result are some pretty fun studio portraits. Of course, the grandkids had seen lots of leaping images on my web site and wanted some of themselves jumping, too! Well, why not! Anyway, whenever I do a session like this it reminds me that I need to get my whole family together for a portrait session together. Portraits like this will be a part of this family for decades, and that makes me fee really good - I love my job!

Pretty Baby - Kansas City Children's Photographer

We thought Loose Park would make a beautiful setting for this sweetie's 9-month session. I get to photograph her frequently and it was really fun for me and her mom and dad to leave the studio for once and head outdoors. Doesn't she have the most amazing eyes?

Thanks, Meggan and Ryan. You don't know how much I appreciate you!

Happy Boys - Kansas City Newborn Photographer

Look at the little guys! All smiles for their portrait session with me. Aren't they cute?

It was a neat experience photographing Christy's new baby boy - I think he's the biggest newborn I've had the opportunity to photograph - 10.5 pounds! Which puts a whole new spin on the "laying on Daddy's outstretched arms" pose doesn't it?

Thank you for choosing me, Christy. I'm very happy you saw that birth announcement on your sorority sister's refrigerator. Enjoy the previews - your gallery will be ready soon!

The Twins Turn One - Kansas City Baby Photographer

Look who just had a birthday! You've seen these little men on my blog a few times - they are the only newborn twins I've photographed in my two years in business. Their mom, Julie, found me after attempts to schedule a maternity session with someone else proved difficult, and I'm so happy she did. It's been great to see these baby boys grow (and yes, they made a terrible mess with the cake!)

Julie - here's your preview - I know you've been patiently waiting.

A Blessing for Jenn and Mike - Kansas City Newborn Portraits

This little lass has been a bit of a trouble maker for her parents already (particularly her mommy!), but they of course consider her nothing but a blessing. I have photographed Jenn and her family a few times now - and you all know how I feel about repeat clients; plus Jenn enjoys photography as a hobby and we always have a lot to talk about. Love that!

Jenn, I hope you feel better soon, and congratulations to you and Mike. It was a pleasure.