Custom Photography - Why It's Worth It - Kansas City Portrait Studio

A friend of mine who lives near Chicago, the supremely talented Marianne Drenthe of Marmalade Photography, a couple of years ago wrote an excellent and comprehensive article about custom photography. You can read it here.

Of particular interest to many of you would be the section about custom photography pricing. She goes into great detail about why quality custom photography can be an investment.

Of course, I am confident that my own clients do understand this. You all do "get it" - you understand that you are not only paying for the paper your images are printed on; and the ink used. You make a choice to invest in something beautiful and timeless. Something special. You choose me/Center Stage Photography because you know that I offer a unique style, outstanding customer service, quality prints and albums, a memorable experience during your session, and a guarantee on my work.

Tween Beauty - Kansas City Portraits

Saying I had a tough time choosing images for this blog post is an understatement. I've photographed this beautiful kid a few times in the past, and it's always such a great session. Doesn't she have amazing eyes?

I actually photographed her three years ago when I was just developing the idea of a portrait photography business. I knew her family from my daughter's dance studio so called them one day and asked mom Angela if I could practice on her daughters. See one of my favorites from that session, below (no comments on the funky editing, please! LOL!)

Angela - you might be interested to know that I looked at the photo info on that image and it says it was taken on Dec. 30, 2006! Exactly three years to the day prior to our most recent session.

I :heart: Maternity! - Kansas City Maternity Portraits

I know, I know. I say this a lot - but I love, love, love maternity sessions. This one for Christina and Joe was a lot of fun - they are so excited about their first baby. Plus, Christina was a great model (she danced when she was younger and it really showed!); and Joe is a photographer, so we had a lot to talk about. I can't wait to meet their baby girl.

Here's a preview for you - gallery coming soon!

Amazing Family - Kansas City Portraits

I just absolutely love this family! If you read my blog often you will recognize them all - I do a family session for them every fall; and birthday sessions for all of the kids every year. They are great clients but even better friends. This year the little guy was a "bit" of a problem - you all will never know what all we went through to get these portraits! (The story involves "Connor's truck," a lollipop I found at the bottom of my purse, maracas, and lots of silliness).

Thank you, Shelly, for your continued support of Center Stage!

Gotta love the 6-month-olds - Kansas City Baby Photographer

I know I sound like a broken record, but I love photographing 6-month-olds! Oh my goodness, there's just nothing cuter than a baby that age who has just learned to sit up on their own. The faces they make are amazing and I love to capture that in my work (those many, varied expressions make for wonderful albums and storyboards).

I photographed Christy's baby boy when he was just a few days old, and she brought him back for portraits this week - which totally made my day! What a doll. Plus, his "big" brother came along as well, and the result was a rare event indeed - a 6-month-old and a 3-year-old both looking at the camera and both smiling! Gosh, that makes me happy!

Christy - this is only a tiny taste of the cuteness coming your way - gallery coming soon!

Beautiful Kids - Kansas City Portrait Photographer

Pam brought her kids for holiday portraits and I'm so happy she did - they are darling! And her son wasn't that unhappy about having to sit for me (boys usually think they are way too cool for portraits). I just had to share a few.

Holiday Family Portraits - Kansas City Photographer

I enjoyed photographing Patti's family - her kids were cooperative and funny - which always makes the session a good one. It was a pleasuring meeting you all. Thanks for choosing Center Stage for our holiday family portraits.

Anniversary Gift - Kansas City Portrait Photographer

Diane and Deb came for a portrait session this week to celebrate their anniversary - Diane had, in fact, given the session as an anniversary gift to Deb after Deb had seen a co-worker's maternity images and loved my work. My goal is to not only provide my clients beautiful images, but to also capture emotion in my work, and I certainly did that here. Thank you both trusting me with this session.

The Fabulous Paperis - Kansas City Family Portraits

Nancy recently brought her four kids for holiday portraits at the Center Stage studio. I have known her dancing daughter for a few years now but had not yet met all of her sons. What a treat - aren't they all so attractive? They were really fun to photograph, too.

Thank you, Nancy, I enjoyed our session.

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.