Christina - Kansas City maternity photographer

I love to create very dramatic studio lighting, especially for maternity portraits. There's something so dramatic about pregnancy, especially the very end of pregnancy, with the anticipation of labor and delivery, and the impending birth of a family.

Today's mom-to-be, Christina, is young (26), and hip and tiny. But yet I saw a bit of regalness in her looks, and during her session today created a few portraits that really play on that. I hope you enjoy your preview, Christina and Jason! I enjoyed photographing you today; and am looking forward to meeting your baby in a couple of weeks.

Look Laurie!

Here's a preview of your Midnight Couture -- beautiful! I will let you know as soon as the two necklaces arrive!

My dream client....

... is a newborn who sleeps so soundly I can pose her in all sorts of cute ways. And this evening, I was living my dream. Sweet baby Eliza, living her seventh day, was just so cuddly. She prefers to be swaddled, but her daddy knew she also loves to be warm. So he used my little space heater to our advantage, holding it very close to his little girl, so the waves of warmth would keep her sleeping. It worked! I've just begun to proof the session but have chosen a few that caught my eye for your preview. Your proofs will be ready in a few days. Thanks for bringing your darling baby girl, and congratulations to you both, Erin and David!

Sweet Senior

Well, she's not a senior yet. But Gwen is one of my "senior reps" at Mill Valley High School in Shawnee. You don't get any sweeter than Gwen. Today we had senior portrait a session in the sunshine (although it was only 42 degrees!). Later this week I'll post shots from my other senior rep's session, and tell you a bit about my Senior Collections. But I promised Gwen some previews on the blog tonight, and she's such a sweetheart, so I just couldn't let her down.

Here you go, Gwen. Thank you so much for all your hard work today!
(as always, you can click on each photo to see it better).

As you can see - yes, I do senior portraits - and enjoy them very much! So come on Johnson County, bring me your seniors!

Look out - here comes TROUBLE!

I'm talking about my lovely daughter, Paige, and her very good friend, Katherine. They are both members of their dance studio's competitive dance team, and perform a fun jazz duet to "Trouble" from "Smokey Joe's Cafe" (If you haven't heard it, you can find it on iTunes - great song that took us months to find!). They are doing great dancing this routine this year and I am so proud of both of them. Better yet, they have so much fun with it - which is what it's all about. This evening they won a "first place" at a dance competition that is in town; and my daughter won "Junior Miss Photogenic." (Yes, I can take headshots for your daughters, too - contact me for pricing).

Really, aren't they both just beautiful? I took the top picture last weekend in a Westport alley -- the light is just amazing there; and I think this portrait really shows off their unique beauty. Katherine on the left; Paige on the right. When I showed this portrait recently to a local artist, she exclaimed, "Oh, that portrait tells a story about about the strength of today's youth." I love that. This session was actually to model my new, fun petticoats, but this one, my favorite shot of all, doesn't even show the petticoats! (I'll post more about the petticoats in a few days. I have two on hand right now for your use in photo sessions - both will fit most girls, ages 3-11 or so; and about 10 more are set to arrive by late summer).

Here's a few of the girls dancing their duet from this evening - these were taken by my husband, Todd. We often take performance photos for the dance division of Center Stage Photography. I am so proud of the girls, I just had to share.

Very Special Session

This evening I had a very special portrait session. I'll keep the details private, but Catherine and family, I am honored to have been able to do these portraits for you. I'll be sending prayers and positive thoughts your way on Tuesday.

Enjoy the preview - I think grandparent portraits are so special - and I know that you agree.

(If the image looks pixelated, simply click on it to see it better.)

Little Red

I just love this baby. When I did her newborn portraits, she had barely-there red hair and I was just sure she would loose it. But, she's proved me wrong, much to my delight. I have a love affair with redheads ... probably because my dad had red hair (it's faded now to "strawberry gray"); and his mom and brothers and sisters are/were redheads, too.

If you are a frequent reader of my blog, I'm sure you recognize this sweet girl- she's a "baby planner" and this is the fourth time I've photographed her (not counting mom Dana's maternity portraits!). I'm sure you are enjoying watching her grow, too.

Here's a preview for you, Dana and Ryan. Enjoy!

See - even Baby A. wants to show you that she's getting "Soooo Big!"

She had better enjoy it while it lasts...

... Baby Eliza that is. She's only got, at most, eight more days to enjoy that snuggly little home inside Mommy. Because if she hasn't arrived before then, next Wednesday she gets her eviction notice. I enjoyed the session tonight, Erin and David! Best wishes for a safe delivery and a healthy baby. See you April 29!


BTW - I think Dad's got quite a sense of humor - this was his idea... he wanted a drinking glass but I didn't have one. But being located in a dance studio has its advantages. Right outside my studio door is a big dance room where cheer practice happens - and the megaphone came in handy this evening - I think Daddy thinks he's getting a sneak peak at his little girl :)