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.

Finally, A Beautiful Fall Day - Kansas City Family Portraits

I loved photographing this family. They are returning clients, which means a lot to me; the weather had finally turned nice; the 2-year-old was amazingly easy to work with (when does that ever happen?); and it was the mom's birthday! I just love the portrait above - Lisa suggested she and their little girl both sit on Daddy - and I love the results!

I'm really enjoying these fall sessions this year - no wonder fall is the most popular time of year for family portraits. What a gorgeous backdrop the park makes. Of course, we had to work around about every other photographer in Kansas City who also happened to be in the park at the same time as us - it was a bit surreal! I'm now convinced that every third person in the metro calls themselves a photographer.

Thank you Lisa and Sam, for choosing me, again, to photograph your family - enjoy your preview.

Danae - Kansas City Senior Portraits

I had the pleasure to photograph this lovely young woman this week; both in my studio and on location. She has a great smile and a supportive family, and reminded me why I love to photograph seniors so much! You may find it unusual to see a family image among Danae's senior portraits. However, I have no problem with others joining the senior for a small part of her or his session - it makes it all the more special, I believe.

Because I'm in the process of building the senior portrait portion of Center Stage Photography, I am offering special pricing to seniors in the class of 2010. Contact me for details.

Thank you, Danae! Enjoy your preview. Your gallery will soon be ready.

Another Chilly Morning With Cute Kids - Kansas City Portrait Photographer

This October's weather has not been kind for we portrait photographers who do a lot of outdoor sessions in the fall. I photographed these two cute kids this past weekend when the temperature was about 48, and a cold wind was blowing. The sunshine sure did help, though! These cuties came for a birthday session - 4 years for the little girl and 1 year for the baby boy. They were a lot of fun. We walked pretty far into Shawnee Mission Park to find a pretty, more secluded location. I just love how the light looked that morning on the bridge. It's funny, when you become a photographer, you see light differently - I'm always noticing "pretty light" where before, in my life, it wasn't something I paid much attention to.

Anyway! Thanks, Tanya - your gallery will be ready soon.