Recital Portrait Time!

Here come the recital portraits! That is, Academy of the Arts in Shawnee next week; and the Aspire Dance Center in south Overland Park two weeks later. I'm so happy to give you a peak at what my recital portraits will look like this year - how cool are these? Don't you just love this new backdrop of mine? Center Stage Photography is taking dance recital portraits to the next level. Thanks to my models here - members of the Academy of the Arts dance team. (and by the way, my 9-year-old is pictured twice here -- blowing the kiss in the second photo below this; and all scary for their platinum-award-winning "Nightmare Mix" production number.

When they sleep, they sleep!

This session was so fun! Christina (my "Drama Queen" maternity session from a couple of weeks ago) and her handsome husband, Jason, returned today to my Shawnee studio with their 7-day-old son. This little guy was so sleepy, which of course made me very happy and made for an easy session. Look at what I can do with a newborn who is sound asleep! Isn't he just a precious little man?

Thank you Christina and Jason - it was a wonderful session and I can't wait to show you your proofs. Until then, here's three.

(yes, those are his toes that he's resting his face on! Sweet!)

Just like snowflakes, no two newborns are alike

I love photographing newborns. There's something so incredible about being able to document the freshness of these new little souls. And each and every one of them is different. Not only do they all look different (who ever said all newborns look alike was plain wrong!); but they also all act differently during their sessions. This little man was awake and pretty unsettled, but that seems to have mattered little, because I still captured some wonderful portraits of him. I love the "still curled up in the womb" look of the first one. Born two weeks early, I photographed him this evening just about when he was supposed to have been born. Isn't he just a cutie?

Thank you, Katie and Terry. I'm so happy you chose me to photograph you newest baby - I look forward to meeting your other children soon. Enjoy your preview.

Twins

That's right. I wrote, "twins" - this stunning mom-to-be is 35 weeks pregnant with twins. Hard to believe! And no, these portraits did not take me hours or editing to remove stretch marks ... because she doesn't have any. OK, we can all hate her now. Seriously, Julie, I'm so happy to have been able to do these special portraits for you, and it was such fun working today with you and your mom. Wishing you a safe delivery and two healthy baby boys.

P.S. - be sure to send this link to your deployed husband - I'm sure he will love seeing your previews.



Look at my new settee! I just bought it this weekend and thanks to help from my Aunt Carol, we got it ready for today's session. Isn't it great? I can't wait to use it with my ballerinas (as long as they treat it very gently!), but doesn't Julie look beautiful on it?

My little celebrity is back!

You all love this little girl.
It seems that every single one of you who comes into my studio remarks about the portraits of her on my web site; and on my wall.
She's so beautiful; and always ... shall we say... a "challenge" to photograph. But we always manage to get nice portraits in the end (I say "we" because it's always very much a team effort)- today we used a Nutcracker doll that just happens to reside in my studio to get her attention and get her to finally giggle and have a good time. Of course, the promise of a baby doll after the session didn't hurt, either. Today was extra special, because her mom, Jennifer had gifted her own mom with a portrait session for Jennifer, her mom, her sister and of course little "A." I had such a nice time seeing them all again - they are totally in love with this little girl!

Here's a few previews for you - your proofs will be ready soon!

And I am happy to add to my grandparent portrait portfolio -- yes, this is the the grandma! My husband could hardly believe it. (click on the pictures to see them better).

4 Weeks Old and So Alert!

Baby E. is already an old lady of 4 weeks. I'm used to photographing newborn babies who are about 6-10 days old. You wouldn't think that three weeks would make such a difference in a human being, but it sure does! Even though she's the size of some newborns, she made faces and eye contact with her parents. It was a quite a treat to work with this sweet little thing this evening - even if she would not fall asleep! Look at how wide awake she was! I hope this means she sleeps well tonight, Patricia and Rudy.

I enjoyed the session -- thanks for choosing me to photograph your precious baby girl.


Actually, the baby had a 2 minute nap - and look at her! She was smiling in her sleep. Isn't she the most precious thing?

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!