best family photos kansas city – Kansas City Photography

A Gentleman & A Lady At Belvoir Winery!

May 6, 2018May 6, 2018 by Kcityphotography, posted in Photoshoots

Belvoir Winery is said to be haunted. But as far as photography purposes — it serves as the perfect backdrop for gentleman and a lady — Kaylee & Konner!

Twice a year, I (Christine) be sure to go back over to Kansas City to photograph my much loved regulars (Tatiana usually covers the Kansas City area!). So, of course, I sent a message over to the Good family to let them know I would be in last weekend.

Kate not only loves photos of her adorable children, but also loves Scentsy — so I always make sure to hook her up with both!

We were originally going to do a photoshoot with the entire family, but Kody is serving in the military (thank you!), and got called out with his unit last weekend. So, we decided to take photos of just the kiddos this round, and then have another mini shoot with the family this Fall!

And my regulars know how important it is to have photos every year! These two photos below were taken only one year apart. And look at how different Konner look already! Kids grow like weeds!

Crazy, right? And it was almost exactly one year apart! And let’s not forget about our beautiful Kaylee:

I am excited to get photos of our high school sweethearts later this year, too! Then, we can compare the family photos from the year before, too! I love watching the Good kiddos grow up!

Kaylee looked like a beautiful princess! Her dress was flowing and long, and just perfect for her! She also had a flower crown around her curly hair.

However, in true princess fashion, we did have to help her from one photo spot to the next. The dress was really long, so we had to keep reminding her to lift it up when she walked!

And now it’s story time for Mr. Konner. My oldest, Lily, is little besties with him. She came with me to this photoshoot. At the end, Konner and Lily raced back to the car. Lily beat him and he goes: “You cheated!”

Kate asked Konner how Lily cheated. He informed her that Lily beat him.

Kate said, “That’s not cheating, she was just faster than you, bud!”

To which Konner said: “No, she won, so she cheated!”

Kate said he got his losing skills from his father. Hahaha!

It was great to see all of you! Excited for our next family shoot.

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Crunching Leaves Through A Wilderness Trail: Tatiana & Eric’s Fall Tryst!

November 23, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in Odes, Photoshoots

Tatiana and Eric made a quick trip up to visit lil’ ol’ me in St. Louis! We were really wanting to get some cute photos before all of the leaves fell off the trees. We met up at a nearby conservation area that we all love — it even has a scenic lookout!

Since it was freezing, and Tatiana’s sweater dress wasn’t as warm as she thought it was going to be, we didn’t actually make it to the scenic lookout this time around! Eric’s sister also came up to visit with our two lovebirds, so of course we had to snap a family photo.

Aren’t they all so presh?

After walking for a few minutes on the trail, I realized my property was actually still more colorful. Most of the leaves had already fallen off the trees at the conservation area, but there were still some holdin’ out a few miles down the road at my house!

There are some really huge leaves at my home. My mother-in-law told me they’re from the cottonwood trees! You learn something new everyday!

And if you give a Tatiana a huge leaf, she’s gonna want a photo to go along with it! 😉

Tatiana and Eric will have been together 5 years this July! They’re just too cute for words, and I am so happy to be their friend! One day, Eric will finally pop the question — and I can help Tatiana start wedding planning! 😉

*hint, hint, hint*

And since this is Thanksgiving, I wanted to take a moment to talk about how thankful I am that Tatiana came into my life!

We first met at an anime convention. She stopped by my photobooth I had set up in the vendor’s room. After seeing her at a couple conventions, she decided to book me for an outside shoot. She cosplayed as Fluttershy!

The first time we tried to meet, my memory card corrupted halfway through the shoot, and we had to set a new date and take the photos all over! That was her first outside impression of me. Wooooo.

From there, she invited me to an outing at Power & Light. That’s also where I met our fellow photographer friend, Dawn, whom I am also so, so thankful for!

Now, Tatiana is a part of the Kansas City Photography family and I just don’t know what I would do without her! She’s an amazing friend, my confidant, and a good noodle all around! She keeps me sane, and, a feat no one has done before her — organized.

I am also so happy she has Eric! He makes her happy, and he’s a loyal, trusting friend to me. I am working on convincing them to move to St. Louis … but then I’d have to find another Kansas City photographer!

I think my favorite thing about these two is how they can just be themselves around each other. Even if that means being weird.

#specialponies

Thank you all for visiting me!!

A Chilly [But Fun] Family Photoshoot at Longview Lake, With Monkey Bars!

November 13, 2017November 14, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in Photoshoots

It’s Tatiana here, back from the cold and having one! I’m glad to be back to work — and boy, is there a lot of it. I can’t complain, though, since I’m doing what I love with lovely people. Like the Barnes family!

I was so excited to be able to meet the Barnes family for a mini family shoot at Longview Lake last week!

Christine got to work with them last year at Unity Village. It’s always fun to see the comparisons with clients over the years, especially when kids are involved! They can grow and change so much every year!

Kiarra has some new glasses — she went from pink to blue! And then Kinzie looks so much taller! Karson is definitely the biggest change since he’s the youngest. He’s gotten so big in just one year! *sniffles*

This was my first time taking photos at Longview Lake. It was stunning!! Speaking of stunning, Kiarra’s cute shoulder-cut out sweater was just perfect!

Kiarra is in the double digits now, and oh-so sweet! She even gave me a hug and thanked me for taking her photos. Isn’t that adorable?!

Kinzie is six and cute as a button! She’s definitely got that smile down! She was a total champion during the shoot, despite it being pretty frigid!

These sisters aren’t camera shy at all, which is great for me as I didn’t have to give them hardly any direction. They were also obsessed my hair … probably because it’s the best color ever (purple)!

Little brother, Karson, on the other hand, had to transform into a dinosaur and try to chase me in order for me to get some smiles outta him. That’s to be expected from any 2-year-old!

He actually did the same thing last year, too! He’s all about runnin’!

Plus, his candid pictures are priceless! These remind me of that Leonardo DiCaprio meme. So jolly!

Christina and Brad are the proud parents of three amazing children! I’m glad they were willing to venture out into the chilly winds so I could capture their love on camera.

I was also able to snag some shots of the kids on the playground before our time was up!

The girls were expert monkey bar flippers. I’m sure Karson will follow suit in a few years!

Of course if I tried this, I would fall flat on my face. Christine would probably encourage me to try, just so she could take the pictures of it if I fail.

Wishing the Barnes family happy times to come! We hope to see you next year, too!

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One Of My Most Important Photography Lessons: Shoot ‘Through’ Things

April 21, 2017September 27, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in "How To" / Tips & Tricks!

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Missouri. Broadcast works a lot with the camera — and one of the most important lessons I ever learned was to shoot “through” things.

It completely changed my perspective behind the lens. It was one of those “ah-ha!” moments. Shoot “through” things. Things other people may not look at — it completely changed how I view the world.

Apply it to photography. See a cool shape? Shoot through it.

A fence or netting? Shoot through it.

A bride’s veil? Shoot through it.

How about a beautiful blooming flower? Find a space between the leaves and shoot through it to the subjects in the background.

And it can be subtle. I was squatting down in some tall grass to get this shot!

It’s not that every shot needs this “shoot through” treatment, but it should be a component to think about at every shoot. If you see your photographer squatting in the grass, or rolling around on the ground … they’re likely using this technique!

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Willows & Redbuds: A Gorgeous Maternity Shoot At Forest Park

April 7, 2017April 7, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in Photoshoots

The third time is a charm! Ally and I had to re-schedule this shoot twice — once due to it snowing, despite it being 70 degrees the day before, and once due to a tornado. Such is the life of a photographer in the Midwest! But it was worth the wait — everything is in bloom right now! Plus, the wind LOVED Ally — it kept blowing her flowy floral jacket perfectly.

I met up with the lovebirds, Ally & Aaron, at Forest Park in St. Louis today (Kansas City Photography is in both KC & St. Louis!). Ally’s original due date was in May, but her doctor recently bumped it to the end of April. We are going to be meeting Mr. Jaxton even sooner — hooray!

Ally met Aaron six years ago while working at Syberg’s in downtown St. Louis. It took a few years, but Aaron finally worked up the courage to “officially” ask Ally to be his two years ago.

The couple brought along their pups Gonzo and Wilson. Gonzo is super old, and realllly blind, but he was a good sport. Thankfully, they brought a favorite squeaky toy that really helped get the pups to look at me! That’s one of the tips on our blog post about shoots with pets!

You can tell Gonzo is not impressed. Or he is just squintin’ ’cause he can’t see anything. Poor dude! It also helped they brought along an assistant, AKA the sisters of all sisters — Jessica!

One of my favorite things to do during shoots is crack jokes. Then, I get reactions like this:

It doesn’t help that I am good at getting people to laugh, builds up my ego a little too much! Hahaha.

Congrats to the happy couple!

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A Cupcake Parlor Baby Shower … With Plungers!

April 3, 2017April 3, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in Photoshoots

I hosted a baby shower for my bestie Jenn on Sunday. But she didn’t want a “typical” baby shower. She wanted games that involved plungers, sippy cup beer chugging, and sangria.

Aight. Challenge accepted. Let’s do this thang!

We all met at Celebrating Life Cupcake Boutique in Chesterfield (KC Photo is in St. Louis and Kansas City!).

What a perfect name and place to celebrate the new life of Genevieve! Jenn loves Hooters, so even though the shower was Paris themed, we had wings to go alongside the cheese and fruit platters.

Game 1: Chug From A Sippy Cup

It’s seriously not easy to chug from a bottle or sippy cup … and it’s certainly fun to watch people try it! We filled them 1/4 of the way full of sangria or beer (depending on the person’s preference) and got some amazing facial reactions. The chugging winner received a cute miniature Paris hat box filled with fun goodies like candy and necklaces. Added perk — Jenn got to keep all of the sippy cups after the shower!

Check out the “after” faces below!

Game 2: How To Make A Baby

I asked for four volunteers. I wouldn’t tell them why. Then, I handed them plungers.

Then, I asked for four more volunteers and handed them two rolls of toilet paper.

Next, I told everyone to put whatever item they were holding between their legs. So, plungers between the legs, and toilet paper rolls between the legs.

The point? Make a baby! The plunger-holders had to get the toilet paper onto the end of their plunger without using their hands.

These games were really fun, and could get a lot of people involved at once.

I also told everyone that Jenn loves it when people touch her stomach. That was a lie. She hates it. On the bright side, she says she hasn’t had any strangers come up and touch it — so that’s a plus!

The one person who totally earned the belly rub, though, was Kyli. She flew in for the shower! She moved into her new house the day before, then caught a flight! That’s dedication.

We had a great turnout at the shower, and absolutely loved how cutely decorated the place was. We were told we could order custom cupcakes, but turns out that wasn’t the case. Regardless, we had a lot of laughs, Jenn raked it in on the gifts, and we all can’t wait to welcome Miss Genevieve into the world! Another perk — we had a lot of newborns at the shower, too, to really get our baby fix! By “a lot,” I mean two.

Also a shout out to the two Grandmas-to-be! Genevieve is the first grandbaby on both sides!

Want to see Jenn & James’ maternity session? Click here!

I Got Pooped On! Elena’s Adorable Newborn Shoot

March 27, 2017March 27, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in Photoshoots

I had a first this weekend — I got pooped on by a photography client. I mean, she was definitely one of the cutest clients I’ve ever had, but poop is poop!

As a photographer, I’ve had my fair share of baby tears, spit-up, even pee! But somehow I managed to stay away from the poo. Until this Sunday.

Miss Elena Rose christened my shirt … and pants. We had just taken off her diaper for some adorable shots:

But it was oh-so worth it! Just look at some of these gorgeous shots we got of her! And it’s a fun first to talk about.

Plus, after the whole “that’s not chocolate pudding” moment, Elena snoozed quite peacefully. I mean, we were all sweating like crazy (I recommend you turn the heat up for newborn shoots, keeps ’em comfy and quiet), but she was content as could be!

What’s an outfit change and a few sweat beads when you get to hang out with this sweet thing? Alyssa & Steve are proud parents to an adorable baby girl! <3

Have baby fever? Check out Mr. TJ’s newborn shoot.

From NICU To A Photoshoot: Teddy’s Newborn Shoot!

March 20, 2017March 28, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in Photoshoots

Two of my best friends, Amanda & Jordan, welcomed their main man Theodore Jordan into the world early.

He was due March 19, but decided he wanted to break out early — on February 28. I got the pleasure of taking this little man’s photos on what was supposed to be his original due date (sooo yesterday!!). His first days were spent in the NICU, but that’s where his nickname of “meatball” was born.

Theodore was having trouble learning how to nurse, so his mama Amanda told him: “You have to eat, goofball!” Jordan overheard and got really confused because he thought Amanda said “meatball.” Then, Amanda got confused as to what the heck Jordan was talking about, and the name just stuck!

Teddy, as we call him, is now enjoying his days at home, waking mom up every four hours to nurse …

Practicing his smug face for the ladies …

And wooing his gammy Bev with every little coo.

We love you, bud! If I have my way, your first word will be “cheeeese!”

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How To Deal With The Weather During Photoshoots

March 15, 2017October 20, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in "How To" / Tips & Tricks!

It’s a bright, sunshiny Missouri morning. But there’s snow on the ground. Ignore the fact it was 75 degrees a few days ago. Such is the life of a photographer living in a state where the jet streams cross. You get completely unpredictable weather. So, what’re you gonna do? Learn to love it.

We try not to re-schedule shoots due to the weather, unless necessary. Otherwise, I’d be re-scheduling all the time. All of nature’s elements are workable.

Let me take you back to 2012. I woke up for a shoot and the sky was gray. And not the pretty kind of gray. It was like a grainy, gloomy, depressing color — with a weird tint of orange to top it off. It looked like it was going to pour any second. Nicole and her family were about to move to another state — and wanted some memories of their time in Kansas City. There wasn’t another day to re-schedule. So, I packed some umbrellas just in case, and we were off!

The key? Shoot without including the sky. Get up close, have a different background like greenery, train tracks, train cars, etc. Something where the sky doesn’t play a part.

We ended up going to a fire station. Nicole had complications with birth — and it was the firefighters who were her first responders. She teared up when I went inside and retrieved a firefighter. They even let the kids play in a firetruck. How awesome is that?

Ok, so we’ve talked about gloomy skies. What about wind? Like blow your hair in your face wind? The best tip is to face the wind. Then, it makes the hair blow back behind them. I call it the “model effect.” No fans needed!

In this shoot below, we were down by the water. It was so windy, but you can hardly tell!

Now, snow. Oh, snow.

Firstly, if the conditions are so bad that the roads aren’t drivable, or even if they are, but they’re slick — re-schedule. A photoshoot is never above someone’s safety. But, if the roads are fine — go play in it!

Use it to your advantage. Snow is so white and fun — nature’s perfect backdrop.

Although, use your head. I did recently re-schedule a maternity shoot due to the snow. It wasn’t because of the roads, it was because I didn’t want mama and baby to have to brave the very, very cold weather. So, like I said, just use your head!

To recap:

All weather is workable
Bring umbrellas. Rain shots can be really fun!
If the sky is gray, shoot up-close, or shots that don’t involve seeing the sky.
Use the wind to your advantage. Have the person face into the wind.
Snow is awesome, it’s nature’s natural backdrop.
Re-schedule if the roads are too slick or covered.
Re-schedule if it’s too cold for children or pregnant mothers.

More of our “How To” series:

The Calm Before The Storm: Jenn & James’ Maternity Shoot!

March 9, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in Photoshoots

We got hit really hard with severe weather Monday night. We even had to go to the basement at the wee hours of the morning when a tornado warning was issued for our area. But the good news is — I got a shoot in before all that hail hit! Meet Jenn, James, and baby Genevieve (she’s still bakin’)!

Jenn had a whole Pinterest board for me to look through, and I noticed a lot of those pins were silhouette shots. Some of my absolute favorite shots are silhouettes!! Done!

Not gonna lie, James supeeeer didn’t wanna do the shoot. He just got the Nintendo Switch (the last on in Missouri), so he had Zelda brain. But regardless, he was a great sport, and we got some amazing shots!

You could see how much they love each other just by the photos!

Jenn is very fit. She goes to the gym 6 days a week. It was important to her that we incorporate some workout shots into the shoot. Her favorite hashtag is #fitbump. She lives it!

I saved the best shot for last — this sums up Jenn’s pregnancy. She has been SO hungry, especially for sweets. Since my oldest daughter, Lily, just got her Girl Scout cookies in to deliver … we had quite a few cookie props for Jenn to use!

Congrats, James and Jenn!!

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