Custom Photography - Why It's Worth It - Kansas City Portrait Studio

A friend of mine who lives near Chicago, the supremely talented Marianne Drenthe of Marmalade Photography, a couple of years ago wrote an excellent and comprehensive article about custom photography. You can read it here.

Of particular interest to many of you would be the section about custom photography pricing. She goes into great detail about why quality custom photography can be an investment.

Of course, I am confident that my own clients do understand this. You all do "get it" - you understand that you are not only paying for the paper your images are printed on; and the ink used. You make a choice to invest in something beautiful and timeless. Something special. You choose me/Center Stage Photography because you know that I offer a unique style, outstanding customer service, quality prints and albums, a memorable experience during your session, and a guarantee on my work.

Tween Beauty - Kansas City Portraits

Saying I had a tough time choosing images for this blog post is an understatement. I've photographed this beautiful kid a few times in the past, and it's always such a great session. Doesn't she have amazing eyes?

I actually photographed her three years ago when I was just developing the idea of a portrait photography business. I knew her family from my daughter's dance studio so called them one day and asked mom Angela if I could practice on her daughters. See one of my favorites from that session, below (no comments on the funky editing, please! LOL!)

Angela - you might be interested to know that I looked at the photo info on that image and it says it was taken on Dec. 30, 2006! Exactly three years to the day prior to our most recent session.

I :heart: Maternity! - Kansas City Maternity Portraits

I know, I know. I say this a lot - but I love, love, love maternity sessions. This one for Christina and Joe was a lot of fun - they are so excited about their first baby. Plus, Christina was a great model (she danced when she was younger and it really showed!); and Joe is a photographer, so we had a lot to talk about. I can't wait to meet their baby girl.

Here's a preview for you - gallery coming soon!

Amazing Family - Kansas City Portraits

I just absolutely love this family! If you read my blog often you will recognize them all - I do a family session for them every fall; and birthday sessions for all of the kids every year. They are great clients but even better friends. This year the little guy was a "bit" of a problem - you all will never know what all we went through to get these portraits! (The story involves "Connor's truck," a lollipop I found at the bottom of my purse, maracas, and lots of silliness).

Thank you, Shelly, for your continued support of Center Stage!

Gotta love the 6-month-olds - Kansas City Baby Photographer

I know I sound like a broken record, but I love photographing 6-month-olds! Oh my goodness, there's just nothing cuter than a baby that age who has just learned to sit up on their own. The faces they make are amazing and I love to capture that in my work (those many, varied expressions make for wonderful albums and storyboards).

I photographed Christy's baby boy when he was just a few days old, and she brought him back for portraits this week - which totally made my day! What a doll. Plus, his "big" brother came along as well, and the result was a rare event indeed - a 6-month-old and a 3-year-old both looking at the camera and both smiling! Gosh, that makes me happy!

Christy - this is only a tiny taste of the cuteness coming your way - gallery coming soon!

Beautiful Kids - Kansas City Portrait Photographer

Pam brought her kids for holiday portraits and I'm so happy she did - they are darling! And her son wasn't that unhappy about having to sit for me (boys usually think they are way too cool for portraits). I just had to share a few.

Holiday Family Portraits - Kansas City Photographer

I enjoyed photographing Patti's family - her kids were cooperative and funny - which always makes the session a good one. It was a pleasuring meeting you all. Thanks for choosing Center Stage for our holiday family portraits.

Anniversary Gift - Kansas City Portrait Photographer

Diane and Deb came for a portrait session this week to celebrate their anniversary - Diane had, in fact, given the session as an anniversary gift to Deb after Deb had seen a co-worker's maternity images and loved my work. My goal is to not only provide my clients beautiful images, but to also capture emotion in my work, and I certainly did that here. Thank you both trusting me with this session.