Tuesday, July 14, 2009

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!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

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.

Monday, June 29, 2009

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!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

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!

Sunday, June 14, 2009

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!

Friday, June 12, 2009

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!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

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.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

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.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Family Session on the Farm - Kansas City Portrait Photographer


I've probably photographed this little girl more than any other child since I started my business (clients will recognize her as the red-headed baby in the cake smash gallery mount storyboard in my reception room). Her mom, Dana, was one of my first maternity portrait clients two years ago, and she's stuck with me ever since (and referred many great clients to me!). Dana grew up at my hometown, and her mom, Mary, is good friends with my mom, so photographing them was a special treat. Soon, I hope to also create some portraits of Mary's mom when she's feeling better.

Photographing this family at their farm was really fun, and the images are so neat, I am going to over-share here =)

Thanks to my mom, who makes a mighty fine assistant!

Dana and Mary, your gallery will be ready really soon!

Monday, May 25, 2009

The Beauty of Dance - Jenna - Kansas City Portrait Photographer


Young, beautiful, sweet, talented. Yeah, Jenna's got a lot going for her. Just look at her - I mean, what can I say? The images speak for themselves. Jenna! I had such fun photographing you! Enjoy the preview.

Kansas City-area dancers - I do offer special pricing for adult dancer sessions - email me for information.

Friday, May 22, 2009

The Boy Loves His Cake - Kansas City Baby Photographer


I adore Christina and Jason and their baby boy, and am so happy they have chosen me again and again to photograph their son's first year of life. It means a lot to me to have been able to watch this baby grow through my portraits, and both parents are just great people to work with. Thank you, Christina, for being one of my biggest fans =) She's also a bit of a Center Stage star, as a couple of her maternity portraits have become a bit famous - one is hanging in my studio and a local maternity boutique and I have booked clients based solely on that portrait; and another was featured in an international magazine for photographers.

Enjoy your preview!And, one of the famous Christina portraits - isn't she beautiful? I'm thinking they need another baby!

Monday, May 18, 2009

Fun Time at Loose Park - Kansas City Portrait Photographer


I photographed Vanessa and Jim (and their puppy) last week in Loose Park, which is such a beautiful place for outdoor portraits. They are about to embark on an adventure in Singapore and wanted a session before they left. Jim, have a safe trip, and Vanessa, I'll be talking with you soon.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Golden Girl - Kansas City Maternity Portraits

Courtney came for maternity portraits this week. Young, beautiful and excited to meet her new baby, she was great to photograph and reminded me, again, why I love my job. In just a few weeks I'll get to photograph her again when she brings their new baby girl, and hopefully two grandmas as well - something to look forward to!

Thank you Courtney and Tim - it was a pleasure working with you.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Mindy & Dan's Baby Boy - Kansas City Newborn Portraits

I was so happy to see Mindy and her family again after having photographed her and Dan for Mindy's maternity session. This time they brought their three sons - including the newest one who was just five days old (but nearly 10 pounds!) for his portraits!

Mindy - you know how much I loved getting to photograph you again, and all of your boys.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Family Session in the Park - Kansas City Portrait Photographer

As promised, some family portraits from my session on Friday. This is the family of one of my very favorite clients, and they were all so easy-going and fun to work with. I hope I get to photograph them all again soon!

Thank you so much, Amber and family!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Cutie in the park - Kansas City Children's Portraits


I had such a fun family session on Friday, and I'll blog with previews for the family portraits in a day or two. But I just had to first share images of the beautiful little girl who is part of the family. Enjoy, and Happy Mother's Day to all you ladies in the family (and everyone else, too!). * You can click on the images to see them better.

Monday, April 27, 2009

A winning weekend for these pretty girls - AND Center Stage

This weekend, the Stage One dance competition was in town and three girls from the Academy of the Arts dance studio won Photogenic Awards with Center Stage Photography portraits! I'm very tickled for the girls, and happy I could do my part to get them recognition and a trophy.

Gwen, one of my favorite dancers to photograph, won the Senior Photogenic award with a senior portrait I took of her last fall;

My daughter Paige won first place in the junior division (it was a repeat for her as she won first place last year as well);

and Ashley, won second place in the petite division with a portrait I took just a couple of weeks ago!

I can do headshot sessions for your dancer as well - $125 gets you the 20-minute session and an 8x10 to enter at the competitions (weekdays only - contact me for details).

Congratulations, my pretties! =)

Friday, April 17, 2009

Mother's Day Portrait Session - Kansas City Portrait Photographer

You know I've been pushing you all to get Mother's Day portrait sessions done. I truly believe it's important that we have portraits with our own mothers, children, and sisters. I am happy that my business partner, Tonya, wanted a session with her mom and girls. I just love the image of the four of them together. I am going to make sure Tonya gets a nice, big print of that!

I am offering discounted Mother's Day mini sessions in April and May. I have limited weekend session times available, so if you would like a Sunday session, please contact me as soon as possible. Weekday sessions times are still plentiful. For more information about my special Mother's Day minis, click here.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

The beauty of pregnancy - Kansas City Maternity Photographer

I happen to think that every pregnant woman is beautiful - but honestly, I am amazed by the stunning women who come to my studio for maternity sessions. Each is so different in both personality and physique - but each is so excited about her session and it makes me feel so good to be able to showcase this particular beauty that happens when a woman is creating new life inside her.

Ana and her family came from St. Joseph last Sunday for a session and she was so happy about her session, and the images I was showing her on the back of my camera that during the session, I kept thinking to myself, "I love my job!" She was also so complimentary of my work that I have now told her that I will need a weekly Ana fix just to boost my ego on a regular basis =)

Ana - sorry to make you wait a few days for this preview - your gallery will be online by Easter. Thank you so much for choosing me for this special portrait session!

Friday, April 3, 2009

Amy and Tony's Baby Boy -- Kansas City Newborn Photographer

Two years ago, when my photography career was just beginning, if you had told me that a couple would be driving from Des Moines so that I could do a newborn portrait session for their 18-day-old son, I would never have believed it. But that's just what happened today. We had a maternity session a few weeks ago, and Amy and Tony returned to my studio today with their tiny little man. I am truly humbled and honored! Thank you so much for choosing me - I have enjoyed photographing you so much - and there's that matter of 6-month portraits we were discussing today....

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Lady in Blue - Kanas City Maternity - Center Stage Photography

I am so excited to give Jenn this preview of her maternity portraits. I have photographed Jenn's kids a few times and was so happy to hear she was expecting #3 and wanted me to document her pregnancy for her. It's been a rough one for her, and she and her husband really wanted portraits to remember, also, the beauty of this time. I'm pretty sure I was able to deliver on the "beauty" part.
(I have to show off the "hands" image - we worked so hard for this! Their 2-year-old gave us fits - it's a bit of a miracle that we managed to get this image, I think.)

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Absolute Doll - Kansas City Baby Portraits - Center Stage Photography


When her mom sent me snapshots of this baby recently, I was so excited about doing her 6-month session because she's such a beauty. I couldn't wait until our session. And boy was I not disappointed! Look at her! She's so beautiful. I can't stop looking at that first portrait in this blog post.

I was lucky enough to have done her newborn portraits as well, and her parents are just so in love with her.

I can't believe sometimes that I get to do this for a job...

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Rural Engagement

I really enjoy engagement portrait sessions - each one is so different, dependent on the personalities of the couple as well as the location of choice. This one was as sweet as can be, because Crystal and Austin are just that - two sweet kids in love. I enjoy photographing this family - I did family portraits for Crystal's family two years ago when I was first getting started; then it was Holly's newborn portraits; then Elaine's senior portraits, maternity portraits for Holly's second pregnancy; and now engagement portraits for Crystal. I love that part of my job - being a part of a family's life.

(Thanks to my sister, who served as my photo assistant - now I want you to come to every session!)

Thanks Crystal for choosing me for your engagement portraits - I enjoyed it!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

High Key Dancer


Over spring break I had a chance to work on some high-key dance portraits. "High Key" is a photographic term for portraits that consist of mainly light tones. I don't often create high key portraits, but have been wanting to work on that for a while. One of my favorite dancers, Marquette Shannon, served as my model - we had such fun! I also used gels on my white backdrop to create some interesting silhouettes and different shades in the backdrop -- all very interesting - I am looking forward to working more with gels. I also photographed my 10-year-old, but she's forbidden me to put any of her on my blog (oh, wait, she okayed just one - and she chose it).

Thanks, Marky! I hope you are enjoying New York.
Gels:
Silhouette with gels:

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Mother's Day Portrait Sessions - offered in April and May


Last weekend, in my parents' living room, I found myself staring at an old photograph displayed on a small easel - it shows my Grandma Mil hugging her own mother, my great-grandma Maggie, outside their farmhouse. My grandma is probably 30 or so in the portrait, and my great-grandma in her 60s. The image is grainy and a bit dark, but it's special to us nonetheless, as it is the only picture we have of them together.

I want to create images like that for you (minus the grainy and dark part, of course!).
How long has it been since you've had portraits done with your own mother?
Do you have portraits of you and your children together?

I know many of us put off getting portraits of ourselves done for various reasons - life is busy, or we aren't happy with how we look right now, and want to wait until we loose a few pounds. But time moves quickly and before we know it, the moment is lost. I encourage you not to keep putting it off.

To encourage you to get portraits done with your mother, your grandmothers, your sisters, or your children, I am offering you a special Mother's Day portrait session. Make it a gift to yourself for Mother's Day, or a gift to your own mother. The details:
-- These mini sessions are offered in April and May.
-- Discounted session fee: $60 in my studio; $95 outdoors.
-- Collections start at $149.
-- 10 percent off any session album after the purchase of any collection.
-- You qualify for this special pricing as long as a mom is included in the portrait session (maternity & newborn sessions excluded).
-- These are mini sessions (30 minute session, one backdrop, one outfit, 10-15 proofs presented).
See more examples of my mom portraits on my web site - go to "Galleries" and click on "Moms."

Contact me to schedule your session.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Lady in Red - Kansas City Maternity - Center Stage Photography


I had the pleasure of photographing this beautiful woman this evening and when looking through proofs for portraits to edit and put on my blog, I couldn't stop looking at a series of portraits I took of her in my crimson wrap. Doesn't she look amazing?

Mindy - I so appreciate your choosing me for this long-awaited maternity session. I'm so happy you decided to finally have maternity portraits, and I know you are as well.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Two more cute kids!

This morning I photographed two 18-month-olds for my Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep fundraiser sessions. Did I already say how much I'm loving these sessions? I've photographed both of these kids before. Hadley for 6 month and 1-year sessions; but Jackson I haven't seen since he was a tiny newborn who slept through his entire session. It occurred to me that this is the first time I've seen him with his eyes open - and what beautiful eyes they are.

Aren't these two just full of personality? Both little people were very loving towards me today - toddler cuddles have a way of brightening any day.

If you would like your own "Center Stage Model Kids" session, contact me soon!

Thanks Sibyl and Christian; and Sara and Jesse - it was such a treat to see you all today.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

He's back again!


I get a special treat every three months - I have a session with this cutie-pie! Tonight was his 9-month session. I adore his parents, and of course, I love his chubby little self, too. We are already discussing his big one-year-old session, and words like "cake" and "outdoors" have been mentioned... yay! Something to look forward to.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Featured blogger on mom2momkc.com

Deb, a great client and fellow dance mom, came to me for portraits for her new role as featured blogger on the Kansas City Star's message board for mothers, Mom2Mom. Deb's first column as featured blogger will be published tomorrow (Wednesday), but she's been writing for the site for some time now, and is very good at it, too! I've enjoyed reading her blog entries, and I guarantee that all of the moms who read my own blog would enjoy it as well. You can find Deb's blog here.

I really enjoyed our session. I've photographed Deb's family, and her daughter has been in front of my camera many times - isn't she a doll? And as sweet as she is pretty. In fact, Deb's session has inspired me to do a special portrait event for moms and their kids, coming up in April and May. Watch the blog for details, or subscribe to my e-newsletter, using the box at the right.
Here's a few from our session - you can see a couple of these on the Mom2Mom site.
Thanks, Deb! I love that you chose me for these portraits!

Center Stage Model Kids!

On Sunday I conducted sessions for the national portrait event that is raising funds for the very worthy Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, an organization that coordinates sending photographers to hospitals to photograph babies who have just been born but are gravely ill, or who have already passed away. It's an outstanding charity and while I have not signed up to be a volunteer photographer, I was more than willing to take part in this fundraiser for them.

Funds are raised through this event by entering kids into a "Cutest Kid in America" contest - each vote is $1, and goes directly to NILMDTS.org. Only participating photographers can enter children into the contest, and only portraits taken since early January, of children 18 months-14 years, can be entered. I will be photographing a few more children this coming weekend, and could add a few sessions - if you would like for me to photograph your child for this event, my charity event session fee is only $35, and I am offering a discount on prints. Contact me ASAP! The families who have participated so far wanted to help this amazing organization, as well as get some great portraits of their kids.

I am thrilled to preview images from Sunday. I am really loving this look! I will probably continue to offer similar mini sessions even after the contest deadline, as Center Stage Model Kids sessions. Contact me for details!

OK - on to the *beautiful* kids I had the honor to photograph on Sunday. (and please click on each image so you can see it bigger!)

Aspen (above and below):Danielle:Jenna:

Jackson:
Lily:

Sunday, February 22, 2009

5-days old and oh so cuddley


I had the best day today - I photographed the most beautiful children (and some lovely moms as well!) - and the images I'm seeing are so amazing. I cannot wait to show you. But they will have to wait as I have to first show you Amber and John's little bundle of sweetness, whose visit to my studio this evening was the perfect ending to a wonderful day at work. Amber's mom remarked about what a great job I have - and I have to agree with her!

Because of this remarkable job, I got to cuddle with this tiny, 5-day-old baby boy, and to witness the joy that he's brought his mom and dad. They are such a special family to me!

Amber - I am so grateful that you found me and trust me time and again to photograph you and your family. Here are a few for you to enjoy while I get your gallery ready. Talk to you soon!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Jessica's baby boy

AWWWW! Look at this widdle face!!! What more can I say, really! Isn't he just the most precious? Thank you, Jessica, for bringing your "little" guy for me to photograph today, as I continue to explore a lighter style of newborn work. More than 9 pounds at birth, this baby still seems so tiny, doesn't he? So good seeing you again! There's nothing better than getting to photograph a family over time.

(By the way, in case my blog readers are left wondering: I'm still committed to the dark, black and white style of newborn portraits that can be seen on my new CenterStageBaby.com- but it's nice working on different styles as well).

Monday, February 9, 2009

Ballerina update

Hi everyone - just an update that I'm a bit ahead of schedule with the ballerina portraits taken last weekend and will have your galleries ready a couple of days ahead of schedule. Stay tuned!

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Happy birthday, H!


I feel a little something special for this wonderful little guy. I photographed his beautiful mommy when she was pregnant with him and I also photographed him as a newborn and a 6-month-old. He came today for his birthday portraits. That's one of the best parts of my job - seeing these tiny human beings grow and develop. I so appreciate all of my clients who give me the chance to share, in small part, in this amazing journey of babyhood!

Thank you, John and Julia, for trusting for all of this time with these precious portrait sessions. You are all three special to me!(click on the images to see them better)

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Blondie

I had such a great session Thursday with this little girl and just had to share a few with you! Isn't she a beauty? Thank you, Becky - I hope you all have great time in Florida.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Angel face


Look at this little guy! Isn't he just beautiful? Those eyes, those lips, those tiny blond curls. We felt the angels wings were fitting. What do you think?

Thanks, Kathy! It was a pleasure meeting you and your baby boy.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Awwww! Cute little guy!

Beth and Brian brought their baby boy to me this evening; and I got to try out a bit of a different look for newborn portraits. I am known for my very dark, shadowy "low key" newborn portraits but have been wanting to try out a lighter approach -- maybe it's because spring is approaching? Anyway, I appreciate your letting me experiment with your baby! He was sweet as can be - if not a bit...headstrong! Here's a few to enjoy while you wait on your gallery.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Ballerinas - Part II

Here you go - previews from the afternoon sessions. Enjoy! (Your galleries will be ready sometime late next week. I'll email you when they are ready.)

A note about the one just below: I assure her mom that there are plenty of her not making this funny face (when I asked her to say "puppies!"). But it's so cute I had to share.

Ballerinas - Part I


Here's a preview for my latest ballerina portrait families. Thank you to all who took part - photographing your lovely children this weekend was fun - I love my job! (you can click on each image to see it better).

These are from morning sessions; afternoon's will follow later today.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

9-week-old sweetie

Katie and Ryan drove from Liberty today to bring their baby girl for a session. How different it is to photograph a 9-week-old rather than a 9-day-old - her eyes were actually open for the entire session! They make such a great looking new family, don't you think? Thank, Katie and Ryan! I'll have your gallery ready in about a week; until then - enjoy! (you can click on each image to see them a bit better).