Let's hope this means he sleeps well tonight!

This wee little man -- all of 11 days old -- was at my studio this evening for newborn portraits with Mom and Dad. Problem is, he would not settle nor sleep. So, after we tried for about an hour and a half (with feedings, swaddling, patting, waiting him out, and various other measures), and he was still bright-eyed, we decided to call it a night and try again on Monday for those cuddly, sleeping newborn portraits that are so precious. (That's one benefit to choosing a private photographer).

I still got some beautiful portraits this evening - Julia and John - here's three to look at tonight (actually, I hope all three of you are sleeping right now). Looking forward to Monday evening - we need to read up on our Baby Hypnosis... you know how it goes.... you are getting veerrry sleeeeepy.....

Sold Out!

The ballerina portrait mini-session event this coming weekend at the Aspire dance center in south Johnson County has sold out. If you missed out on a session, please contact me - we will get something figured out. Thanks to all who have signed up for portrait sessions! I look forward to meeting you all this weekend :)

Ballerina Portrait Event - South JoCo Style!

The next ballerina portrait mini-session event is about to happen at the Aspire! dance center in south Overland Park - the weekend of Feb. 2-3. The event is a fund-raiser for the studio's competitive dance team, so the team moms who help with the event will get the session fees. They are busy scheduling appointments, and from what I hear, the sessions are about to sell out. But if you act quickly, you might be able to grab one of those few remaining sessions. To find out what sessions are left, call the Aspire studio at (913) 851-2020 in the evenings. You will need to go to the Aspire studio to pay for your session fee and register -- you can get directions from Aspire's receptionist (it's near 135th and Antioch).

As the mom of a dancer, and as the owner of a custom portrait studio located inside a dance studio, I'm eager to support dancers, and these ballerina portrait mini-session events are a great way for me to do that.

If the sessions are sold out when you call, you can of course contact me for a private session at my Shawnee studio. My ballerina portraits are creating a bit of buzz here in Johnson County - if you haven't seen my ballerina portraits, go to my Web site, click on Galleries, and then click on Ballerinas. A mom who has an appointment at the Aspire event told me that once you see my ballerina gallery, you are hooked!

I mean, really, how can you deny
the power of the tutu? =)

Worth the trip

I have known Sarah for some time - we "met" each other on an internet message board for moms about 5 years ago, and we have kids about the same age. We had lunch one day a couple of years ago, and now today, she and her family traveled nearly two hours for portraits with me at the Center Stage studio. Do I even need to say how flattering it is to have clients drive so far for my work? It seems to be happening more and more lately - and I love it!

Here's a few to look at until I have your gallery ready - enjoy! Thanks Sarah, Matt and kids, for coming to the studio - I really enjoyed the session. My favorite moment was when your daughter saw herself in the tutu!
(click on the portrait to see it more clearly).

Introducing Couture Portrait Jewelry

I am excited to introduce some new portrait jewelry to my boutique offerings. This line is so beautiful, and high quality, that the second I discovered them, I knew they were perfect for my clients. My portraits and your kids' faces couldn't be displayed better! Many of you have already admired the tile I have been wearing of my own kids - and my necklace is on its way.

This is no ordinary piece of jewelry - each is one of a kind! The tiles are quite large and made of mother of pearl; the beading on the necklace is made of precious and semi-precious stones, Czech glass, Swarovski crystals and top-of-the-line Beadlion wire with Sterling silver components. The artisan who makes these pieces chooses each bead with care - she does not buy in lots.

The price is $195. They are available to all of my clients.

If I have created portraits for you since April 2007 and you would like to order one of these necklaces with one of your portraits on it, please contact me. I will be happy to go over the choices with you:
-Necklaces are available in several color combinations, or can be custom-designed to match the portrait on the tile.
- The tiles can be ordered in two sizes.
- The necklaces come in three lengths.

See more examples on our Web site:

http://centerstage.smugmug.com/gallery/2444803#241822195

Happy Birthday!

Let's all sing a (belated) Happy Birthday to this cute little man, who turned one last week. This evening his mom brought him for portraits - along with one of the neatest props - a Radio Flier fire truck. Thank goodness for the truck - this little guy used to pose so nicely for me - but now that he's a Big Boy he's decided portraits aren't in his plans - he would rather be mooooving!

Happy Birthday J! Your proofs will be ready in about a week, Shelly!

I *love* 6-month-olds!

Six-month-old babies are the world's sweetest little creatures, and one of my favorite ages to photograph. Today I did a session for this darling little one - my third time to photograph her - and we had a great time. Chubby, red hair, big blue eyes - she's perfection.

Dana - I will have your proofs ready in a few days - but as always,
here's a few that caught my eye. Enjoy!