Saturday, March 21, 2009

High Key Dancer


Over spring break I had a chance to work on some high-key dance portraits. "High Key" is a photographic term for portraits that consist of mainly light tones. I don't often create high key portraits, but have been wanting to work on that for a while. One of my favorite dancers, Marquette Shannon, served as my model - we had such fun! I also used gels on my white backdrop to create some interesting silhouettes and different shades in the backdrop -- all very interesting - I am looking forward to working more with gels. I also photographed my 10-year-old, but she's forbidden me to put any of her on my blog (oh, wait, she okayed just one - and she chose it).

Thanks, Marky! I hope you are enjoying New York.
Gels:
Silhouette with gels:

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Mother's Day Portrait Sessions - offered in April and May


Last weekend, in my parents' living room, I found myself staring at an old photograph displayed on a small easel - it shows my Grandma Mil hugging her own mother, my great-grandma Maggie, outside their farmhouse. My grandma is probably 30 or so in the portrait, and my great-grandma in her 60s. The image is grainy and a bit dark, but it's special to us nonetheless, as it is the only picture we have of them together.

I want to create images like that for you (minus the grainy and dark part, of course!).
How long has it been since you've had portraits done with your own mother?
Do you have portraits of you and your children together?

I know many of us put off getting portraits of ourselves done for various reasons - life is busy, or we aren't happy with how we look right now, and want to wait until we loose a few pounds. But time moves quickly and before we know it, the moment is lost. I encourage you not to keep putting it off.

To encourage you to get portraits done with your mother, your grandmothers, your sisters, or your children, I am offering you a special Mother's Day portrait session. Make it a gift to yourself for Mother's Day, or a gift to your own mother. The details:
-- These mini sessions are offered in April and May.
-- Discounted session fee: $60 in my studio; $95 outdoors.
-- Collections start at $149.
-- 10 percent off any session album after the purchase of any collection.
-- You qualify for this special pricing as long as a mom is included in the portrait session (maternity & newborn sessions excluded).
-- These are mini sessions (30 minute session, one backdrop, one outfit, 10-15 proofs presented).
See more examples of my mom portraits on my web site - go to "Galleries" and click on "Moms."

Contact me to schedule your session.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Lady in Red - Kansas City Maternity - Center Stage Photography


I had the pleasure of photographing this beautiful woman this evening and when looking through proofs for portraits to edit and put on my blog, I couldn't stop looking at a series of portraits I took of her in my crimson wrap. Doesn't she look amazing?

Mindy - I so appreciate your choosing me for this long-awaited maternity session. I'm so happy you decided to finally have maternity portraits, and I know you are as well.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Two more cute kids!

This morning I photographed two 18-month-olds for my Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep fundraiser sessions. Did I already say how much I'm loving these sessions? I've photographed both of these kids before. Hadley for 6 month and 1-year sessions; but Jackson I haven't seen since he was a tiny newborn who slept through his entire session. It occurred to me that this is the first time I've seen him with his eyes open - and what beautiful eyes they are.

Aren't these two just full of personality? Both little people were very loving towards me today - toddler cuddles have a way of brightening any day.

If you would like your own "Center Stage Model Kids" session, contact me soon!

Thanks Sibyl and Christian; and Sara and Jesse - it was such a treat to see you all today.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

He's back again!


I get a special treat every three months - I have a session with this cutie-pie! Tonight was his 9-month session. I adore his parents, and of course, I love his chubby little self, too. We are already discussing his big one-year-old session, and words like "cake" and "outdoors" have been mentioned... yay! Something to look forward to.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Featured blogger on mom2momkc.com

Deb, a great client and fellow dance mom, came to me for portraits for her new role as featured blogger on the Kansas City Star's message board for mothers, Mom2Mom. Deb's first column as featured blogger will be published tomorrow (Wednesday), but she's been writing for the site for some time now, and is very good at it, too! I've enjoyed reading her blog entries, and I guarantee that all of the moms who read my own blog would enjoy it as well. You can find Deb's blog here.

I really enjoyed our session. I've photographed Deb's family, and her daughter has been in front of my camera many times - isn't she a doll? And as sweet as she is pretty. In fact, Deb's session has inspired me to do a special portrait event for moms and their kids, coming up in April and May. Watch the blog for details, or subscribe to my e-newsletter, using the box at the right.
Here's a few from our session - you can see a couple of these on the Mom2Mom site.
Thanks, Deb! I love that you chose me for these portraits!

Center Stage Model Kids!

On Sunday I conducted sessions for the national portrait event that is raising funds for the very worthy Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, an organization that coordinates sending photographers to hospitals to photograph babies who have just been born but are gravely ill, or who have already passed away. It's an outstanding charity and while I have not signed up to be a volunteer photographer, I was more than willing to take part in this fundraiser for them.

Funds are raised through this event by entering kids into a "Cutest Kid in America" contest - each vote is $1, and goes directly to NILMDTS.org. Only participating photographers can enter children into the contest, and only portraits taken since early January, of children 18 months-14 years, can be entered. I will be photographing a few more children this coming weekend, and could add a few sessions - if you would like for me to photograph your child for this event, my charity event session fee is only $35, and I am offering a discount on prints. Contact me ASAP! The families who have participated so far wanted to help this amazing organization, as well as get some great portraits of their kids.

I am thrilled to preview images from Sunday. I am really loving this look! I will probably continue to offer similar mini sessions even after the contest deadline, as Center Stage Model Kids sessions. Contact me for details!

OK - on to the *beautiful* kids I had the honor to photograph on Sunday. (and please click on each image so you can see it bigger!)

Aspen (above and below):Danielle:Jenna:

Jackson:
Lily:

Sunday, February 22, 2009

5-days old and oh so cuddley


I had the best day today - I photographed the most beautiful children (and some lovely moms as well!) - and the images I'm seeing are so amazing. I cannot wait to show you. But they will have to wait as I have to first show you Amber and John's little bundle of sweetness, whose visit to my studio this evening was the perfect ending to a wonderful day at work. Amber's mom remarked about what a great job I have - and I have to agree with her!

Because of this remarkable job, I got to cuddle with this tiny, 5-day-old baby boy, and to witness the joy that he's brought his mom and dad. They are such a special family to me!

Amber - I am so grateful that you found me and trust me time and again to photograph you and your family. Here are a few for you to enjoy while I get your gallery ready. Talk to you soon!