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 :)

His eyes tell a story

I am lucky enough to photograph this baby boy often. Today he was in for portraits - he's 10 months old and just so handsome. His parents live a good distance from Kansas City and so can't always get him in for portraits on the traditional months (3, 6, 9 months, generally). Today, someone who saw his portrait said, "His eyes really tell a story" - and boy do they! He has very expressive eyes - and they are the most amazing blue/green color.

Thanks, Angie and Brian - your proofs will be ready soon!

Couture Line Portrait Jewelry - Beautiful!

I just have to show you - a couple of my clients have recently ordered pieces from the couture portrait jewelry I offer - and the artisan who crafts these beautiful pieces has shown me photos of them before they arrive. You can find out more information about these one-of-a-kind necklaces and portrait charms here: Couture Line Portrait Tile Jewelry

The necklaces are fashioned from a blend of semi-precious stones; as well as Czech glass and Swarovski crystals. The portraits are transfered onto mother of pearl tiles. She can customize the necklace to match the portrait.

Trish and Michelle - your jewelry will be here shortly!

Urban Engagement

Elece and Shane met me today for engagement portraits. They've been together for about 9 years and are getting married in a few weeks. They've never had portraits done of the two of them, and thought it was about time (and I agree!). We had a fun time driving around Kansas City to all my favorite urban portrait locations; and it was just the most perfect day for being outside. They are both pool players (isn't that cool!!!), so urban portraits seems to fit them well.

Thank you so much, Elece and Shane! It was so fun photographing you today. I'll contact you soon !

And the Moos go to....

Ballerina #6! Congrats Jenn - you did a great job getting out the vote. Thanks to all for playing! The Moo Cards will be coming your way. They are printed in England so it will be about 3 weeks before they arrive at your door. Enjoy!

Happy First Anniversary to Us!

April 15 will mark the first anniversary of the very first portrait session I did for strangers -- before that I had been practicing for a couple of months on friends and family. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Amy W. and her family. They didn't know that they were my first real client session - although they probably do now!

It's amazing what has happened in the last year - Center Stage Photography has really taken off. I have learned so much about photography and portraits, and the business of portraits. I have developed a distinct style that you just won't find somewhere else, and I'm so proud of that.

It's been such a fun year and I thank each and every one of my first-year clients for choosing me to capture those special images that document their lives; and my husband, kids, sister, parents and aunt who have supported me so much through the last 12 months. Thank you, also, to my business partner, Tonya, who took a non-risk-taker like me and pushed me into business when it seemed impossible and scary! If it weren't for her I'd still be *thinking* about going into business, rather than doing it!

To celebrate Center Stage Photography's first year, I want to offer you something special - schedule an appointment in April or May and get:

* $20 off your session fee (not including mini-sessions or maternity/newborn combo sessions); and

* a complimentary 8x10 or 8x12 with the purchase of a collection; plus

* a low-resolution digital file of any portrait you purchase as an 11x14 or bigger.

***This offer is extended to anyone - new clients or returning clients. To get this special just mention having read about it on my blog.***

I am so happy to be able to offer you this special, and look forward to hearing from you. You can call me to schedule an appointment, or you can fill out the contact form on my Web site at http://www.centerstagephotography.net/. I limit my sessions to 2-3 a week, so contact me soon, please.

To all of my first-year clients - let me hear from you! I am eager to hear how you all are doing. Send me an email at lori@centerstagephotography.net. Thank you for trusting me to photograph the special times in your lives. Life is so precious and I'm thrilled to play a part in telling your family's story.

Remember - although you've seen a lot of ballerinas on my blog recently, I do many types of portraiture:

Maternity:

Newborns:

Babies:

Children:

Dancers:

Seniors:

Teens:

Families: