‘This Is The Last One, We Swear!’ A Shackelford Newborn Session!

August 12, 2018 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

Everyone, step back, because you aren’t going to believe this. But we got Cameron to smile.

Hold your applause, though, because we also got a few to add onto his grump gallery. Here is what I have been used to seeing over the years, with the most recent one at the end!

Now, this cross-armed pose is something we all look forward to! Hahaha!

I met with the Shackelford family last weekend to meet their newest bundle of joy, Devin. I hadn’t seen them since their pregnancy announcement in January!

Devin was born July 18, 2018. Weighing in at 7 lbs., 14 oz., he is the eighth grandchild for the family!

It seems like just yesterday I was taking his brother, Holden’s, newborn photos!

But he’s a BIG brother, now!!!

I think the second photo sums up just about he feels about that. 😉

But, we did get some good shots of Holden, too!

Ayden is a veteran at this point. She is the big sister to THREE little brothers. Oh, boy!!!

I mean, not even during this meltdown did she lose her cool:

It was too funny not to share … and I know Jordon loves it when I include shots like that above. 😀

And, not only that, Ayden is a dog mommy, too! Meet Annabelle and Princess!

Nanny Della always wanted a granddaughter named Annabelle, but other than Ayden, all the grandkids are boys … so she got a grandpuppy named Annabelle instead! I thought this was too hilarious not to include!

Every time I see Ayden, she has gotten taller! These two photos were taken only ONE year apart!

Ok, Jordon & Ethan, make sure to tell Devin he isn’t allowed to grow up as quickly as the rest of them! My heart can’t take it!

See you all again soon!

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She Owns THREE Businesses?!

July 13, 2018 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Our Silly Family

Many of you already know Christine, but did you know she also owns not one, not two, but three businesses?

Kansas City Photography

The first, as you all know, is Kansas City Photography. She started this business when she moved to Kansas City in 2011, when she was 23.

After years of hard work, the business has grown so much that she has hired on another full-time photographer, Tatiana!

Christine moved to St. Louis in 2016, so now Kansas City Photography also has a St. Louis branch!

Both Christine and Tatiana keep busy year-round taking breathtaking photos for their clients in both cities.

They excel in weddings, engagement, family, newborn, and cosplay photoshoots!

Plus, they get bookings all over the country. Especially in Denver and Chicago!

Kaleidoscope Consignment

The next business Christine owns is Kaleidoscope Consignment, in Pacific. The business closed, and Christine took it over and re-opened it on December 11, 2017.

Here is her wonderful store staff:

Kaleidoscope is a retail shop — it has new & like new clothing, children’s items, home decor, Coach & other designer purses … the list goes on! And since Christine owns it, there’s quite a bit of wine paraphernalia, too!

Oh, and Wine Wednesday — where you get a free glass of wine while you shop, every Wednesday!

And since it’s a consignment store, people bring in their goodies for the store to sell. So many unique pieces — like this re-finished dresser with the NYC backdrop! This piece was sold to a gal who lives in San Diego, California! How cool is that?!

And, of course, the store boasts other obligatory knick knacks:

Scentsy

The third thing Christine does is sling that wax — AKA sell Scentsy!

That’s why Kaleidoscope always smells so good when you walk in! Christine’s house usually smells pretty epic as well. ALL THE WAX! ALL THE SMELL GOODS!

On top of all of this — Christine is also a wife and mom of two.

It’s definitely a balancing act to keep up her businesses, social life, and family time — but she’s able to do so many things because of the wonderful people she surrounds herself with: A supportive husband, family, and many best friends to help her along the way!

#GirlBoss power!

Puppies & Kittens! An Animal Shelter Photoshoot

March 28, 2018March 30, 2018 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Animal Shelters, Photoshoots

Animals are near and dear to my heart. When I know there are thousands upon thousands of animals in shelters across the U.S., it breaks my heart. And, since it matters to me, I’m determined to do something to help. That’s how it should go, right?

So, I volunteered at a no-kill animal shelter in St. Louis, Judy’s Forgotten Jewells, to take pictures of their animals up for adoption!

Studies have shown that photos of the animals increase the chance for adoption. Furthermore, professional photos help increase that chance for adoption even more!

So, without further ado — let’s meet some PUPPIES!

1. Jynx

Little Jynx was shy, but sweet. When I set her down on the couch, she kept naturally going to the corner so she could bury her face (she was scared). But, as soon as I picked her up, her tail started wagging and she was also perfectly content burying her face into the nook of my arm.

Jynx is looking for her forever home — is it with you?

2. Jamie [UPDATE: Adopted!!!]

This little pup was so playful! As soon as she was set down on the couch, she kept doing that cute, playful puppy pose. You know — this one:

I loved Jamie’s white tummy and paws!

I soon realized this playful pup wasn’t going to sit still for a photo. I had one of the staff members hold this little gal instead, so we could get a good shot of her face.

Not that I could ever get her to look at me, but hey! I will take what I can get. Jamie is ready for her forever home! She is a perfect pup for kiddos. Loud and rowdy in your household? I think she’d love it! She was so playful and fun!

3. Justice

Justice was quiet and mellow. She loves attention, too! She wasn’t shy, just … chill!

Maybe timid is the right word? When you first put your hand up to pet her, she seemed uncertain. However, after the petting began, she wasn’t about to let you stop! She just loves love!

Justice was perfectly content lounging on the couch with me and getting love. Her tail was going approximately 150 MPH during the petting session, too!

4. Chester

This little chihuahua mix was playful, but a little shy at first. He also kept sticking out his tongue every time I went to take his picture!

Chester was feeling playful, but when I called him, he came over and laid down for pets! He’s full grown, so he’s going to stay this little puppy size!

Chester is ready for adventures in a new home!

5. Betsy

Miss Betsy is the perfect dog for someone with a yard. She has a lot of energy, but boy, was she ready to pose!

She was so excited to be out of her kennel. Betsy was sniffing everything and super excited about life, but when I told her “sit!” — she did it on cue! So, even though she does have a lot of fun energy, she’s ready to strike that pose!

She would also be a great dog for someone who jogs regularly. She is ready for some exercise! She needs someone to play with, or to let her out in their yard to work off some energy!

6. Nova

Nova has been at Judy’s for about a week. She had been with animal control since September, and they were going to euthanize her. Judy’s Forgotten Jewells rescued her from that fate!

Nova loves attention. She is the perfect gal for someone who could pet her a lot! Another great thing —

Staff told me Nova’s adoption is sponsored! This means, there is no cost to adopt her!

Nova was a very quiet pup. She’d be perfect for a retiree, or a family that has some home time to give her love and affection. She was absolutely loving the attention!

7. Buddy

Buddy is very vocal! In between doggies, this guy was demanding attention. I could hear him all the way in the other room! When they would bring one dog down and bring the next one up, I would have a few minutes. And he wanted those few minutes to be spent petting him!

Since it was just in between doggy photos, I had to pet him through the cage. Once I was finished with all of the pup photos, I could let him out. He rubbed all over me, and followed me around for attention! He also stopped meowing when he was being pet!

He also showed me where the treats were in the closet! So, staff at Judy’s … there are 1-2 missing treats … just so you know.

And as a bonus for Buddy — Kansas City Photography will gladly sponsor his adoption! We’d love to find him a good, loving home!

~*~

Want to meet more animals at Judy’s? Here are photos from Christine’s previous visit!

~*~

Interested in adopting any of these adorable pets?

They are all waiting for their forever home at Judy’s Forgotten Jewells. Here’s how to get ahold of them:

Judy’s Forgotten Jewells

Address: 6400 Chippewa St, St. Louis, MO 63109

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/judysforgottenjewells/

Phone: (314) 351-4700

More Contact Info: http://www.judysforgottenjewells.com/Contact_Us.html

~*~

If you adopt any of these adorable animals, please let us know! We’d love to do a photo session with your family and your new pet! <3

A 19-Person Family Reunion In 5-Degree Weather!

January 3, 2018January 3, 2018 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

At this chilly (and huge) 19-person family photoshoot, we had two high school seniors!

What an exciting time for the family! We made sure to get a lot of photos of seniors Morgan and Nick since two of the grandchildren won’t end up as seniors at the same time again!

But, let’s back up to how we booked the shoot first!

An old high school friend and tennis teammate, Jessica, posted she was looking for a photographer in the St. Louis area. Here’s a shot of that glorious high school time in our lives —

I am in the back right next to the coach. Jessica is in the middle row, the third from the left.

I reached out to her and she explained the ENTIRE family was getting together the very last weekend in December. And they were a fun bunch! Here’s proof:

We booked the shoot over the phone when it was an unnaturally warm August day. I don’t know if we were hoping to have a warm winter like last year, but come the day of the shoot 4 months later … it was freezing. Single digits freezing. But, we were determined! Plus, it helps that everyone was such a good sport!

I was told the last time the entire family got together to take pictures — Gino and Reese weren’t even born! Since Reese is so little, I could see that — but Gino is a big guy now!!

Since it was so cold, and we had kiddos with us, we huddled together in the basement for warmth, and I took every family “unit” out one at a time. They were pretty tickled at the word “unit.” There’s just something about it that makes people giggle.

So, let’s break down our “units!” First, the two that started it all — Greg & Coleen! They’ve been married for nearly 50 years (47 to be exact)!

They were tickled pink about the photoshoot, and we made sure to get lots of photos of them with all of their grandbabies, even though most of them aren’t “babies” anymore. I always tell my oldest daughter she will always be my “baby,” and I’m sure the same goes for the grandkids!

Then, of course, Jessica and her unit — Tyler & Reese. Reese was a big fan of waving at the camera!

Little Reese would start laughing and then make crying sounds. At one point I wasn’t sure if she was elated or devastated. Jessica told me it was a “fine line.” Haha!

Then we have Jon, Julie, Genevieve, Grace, Gabrielle & Gino! I love how all of their children have “G” names, that’s so precious — just like them!

I kept telling everyone to pretend it wasn’t freezing! I think it worked pretty well.

Next, we have the family of one of our seniors! Meet Jen, Dan, Nick & Katie! Nick made sure to bring a shirt change so we could snap a couple more of him for some senior pics!

And our last unit to introduce you to is Jeff, Amy, Morgan & Drew! At one point, poor Drew didn’t think he had a good smile, but that wasn’t true!! Hopefully he can see these photos and see what a good smiler he is! Great job, Drew!

The entire family was so sweet. Every time we’d go inside to warm up, several of them would offer me coffee. My favorite was when Greg said he’d top it off with a little Bailey’s. Ha!

Thanks for an amazing time, Ribaudo clan!

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A Surprise Santa Visit!

December 17, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

‘Tis the season to be jolly … ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho!! Oh, wait … that’s not how it goes! But, since Santa popped into the owner of Kansas City Photography’s new store – that’s how the song should go!

Christine recently underwent another fun venture, and now she’s the owner of two businesses (including Kansas City Photography)! She has opened Kaleidoscope Consignment in the St. Louis area (where she lives), and Santa came in on his sleigh this Saturday!

Naturally, photography will play a huge part in the store as well, since Christine is all about Kansas City Photography! <3

Unfortunately, the day before Santa’s sleigh landed on the roof — Christine caught the nasty stomach bug her kiddos had last week. She managed to get up and get those photos taken, though! Then, right back to bed!

But, back to Santa! It was Miss Genevieve’s first time seeing the big man in red. She looooved him!

Although, not everyone was so happy to see the jolly ol’ guy …

Poor gal!! But she was a trooper, and loved the yummy candy cane from Santa afterward!

We also had a birthday girl come into the store! Sophie was wearing her special birthday sash, and brought Santa’s special elf, Buttercup (I think that was her name!), along for her picture.

I also wanted to highlight this sneaky sweater. It says “Nice” on it … but if you flip it over … it says “Naughty!” Her dad said that side fit her better. I hope Santa didn’t notice!

And, as we all know – not all kids are keen to the idea of seeing Santa. I wanted to highlight this little sweetie below. She was crying on his lap, but when he gave her a candy, she paused and said “thank you!” and then went right back to crying.

Thank you to everyone who came out to see Santa! I look forward to working with you both in the store and in the field taking photos!

To view the album on our Facebook page, click here.

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The Rule Of Thirds — What’s That? A Lesson From Working At A TV Station

September 26, 2017September 26, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in "How To" / Tips & Tricks!

My first day on the job at the TV station KOMU, I was 18 years old. I was a freshman at Mizzou, majoring in Broadcast Journalism. I wanted to get my foot in the door, so I applied for a cameraperson position for the morning show “Pepper & Friends.”

I had no experience using such a huge, movable, expensive camera. It was taller than me — with huge wires protruding out the back that would get dragged along with it as you wheeled the camera around. Here’s what they looked like — I snapped this shot while I worked there:

I learned a lot at the TV station. I started doing the cameras, then moved on to make the show’s graphics, and by my Sophomore year, I was on-air crew reporting in the field.

But on that first day, when I showed up and was being taught how to use this ginormous camera — the very first thing I learned was the rule of thirds. And it was actually a co-worker who taught it to me!

It’s one of the first, if not the first thing you learn in photography and videography: The Rule of Thirds.

All images can be broken down into thirds — both horizontally and vertically. You’ll see nine sections cut out on our cute picture of Bella above. This is what the Rule of Thirds grid looks like.

People’s eyes naturally gravitate to those outer corners — not the middle of the photo.

This has been proven with various studies — and using the Rule of Thirds and positioning your subject in a place where eyes naturally follow just makes sense, and in turn, makes your photo flow.

So, there are FOUR places you can place subjects in photos to follow this rule.

You can see this picture of Bella follows the rule — as she’s off-center and placed in one of those four important areas of a photo. Your eyes naturally go to her when you look at the photo.

Same below. I can guarantee you either looked at the window, chandelier, hallway, or couple at the bottom first. It’s because they line up with the grid.

I learned this skill at the TV station when working behind the cameras — and it was one of the first things taught in class when I entered into the School of Journalism my junior year at Mizzou.

So, this is a great rule for photographers — beginner, intermediate, professional.

But, we’re artists, and we don’t put ourselves in a box. Rules are absolutely meant to be broken. So, you don’t have to follow the Rule of Thirds in every shot. But, if you do stray — make sure it has purpose!

Want to learn more? Here’s more in our “How To” series!

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Eureka! We Have Family Photos!

August 24, 2017August 24, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

Today we have a much anticipated photoshoot to reveal: Christine’s family photos!

It’s Tatiana here, ready to show off this wonderful family! I figured I would give Christine a breather for a day and type up some bloggy goodness for you all. 😉

This blue building in downtown Eureka (above) was just screaming for photos. As soon as Christine saw it, she climbed into the alley and made her family follow.

When we first set out to do this shoot, it was the beginning of August — and 99% of us were elated about it!

Christine picked out the cutest outfits for the whole fam (seriously, I need an adult version of Lily’s dress), and we had a plan to conquer all plans.

The outfits were here, the photographer was in town, the location picked out, and then — Luna looked into the stars and just knew it wasn’t the right time!

Instead of making us adults look silly in not realizing this, she simply refused to wear her dress. And this was an outright, screaming and ripping it off kind of refulas.

She was just waiting until the stars had aligned, apparently.

Look at that. The face of wisdom and innocence right there. Turns out, she had the right idea because the original location closes at a crazy early time!

Good lookin’ out, Luna!

So, we rescheduled which actually turned out better because we ended up changing the location to downtown Eureka, Missouri.

Luna was thrilled to get all dressed up with her big sister — this time!

OK, in theme with my other blogs — it’s time for the sap.

Christine is seriously one of the most phenomenal humans I have met. She dedicates her life and love to her family, as well as managing a business through Kansas City Photography to share her light with others.

I always joke around that she is like “a puppy bathed in sunshine and rainbows,” but that is honestly the best way I think anyone can describe her optimism.

Christine would probably prefer to be called “a kitten” instead of a “puppy” because of her affinity for cats, but I’m a dog person, so …

She picked the perfect career as a photographer because she effortlessly makes everyone around her smile!

And let’s not forget Bryan. He’s pretty amazing too. I’ll let Christine say a few words about him:

“Bryan is a gem. He puts up with my crazy, crazy schedule with stride. He’s an amazing father, husband, and partner in crime.

To put this in perspective, let’s just go with a typical day in Christine’s brain:

‘Hey, Bryan! I know it’s Thursday, and this only gives us a 1-day notice, but do you feel like driving down to Arkansas this weekend to surprise my best friend for her birthday?’

That actually happened. And yes, we did go. And yes, she was surprised [Hi, Jenn!].”

[Photo credit above: Michelle Healy.] The rest of the photos in this blog were taken by us!

“He’s that rock that reminds me to bring water to photoshoots, charge my camera batteries, and actually get to bed at a decent hour.

That’s real love. And I’m so, so blessed.”

And I feel blessed to know such a wonderful family!

After the shoot, the girls were rewarded with cupcakes for their modeling efforts at Sarah’s On Central.

Luna was very pleased! She always has to have the cupcake with “the pink icing,” and then … only eats the icing! It’s ok. More cake for mom!

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Wedding Series: Tips For Brides — The “First Look,” / Bridal Reveal

April 27, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Wedding Series: For Brides

You’re getting married! There’s so much to do, and so many things to get done. Find a caterer, a florist, get the perfect dress, and then make sure you’ve hired the right photographer to capture all of your hard work!

Well, you’ve definitely taken the right step as far as a photographer goes [oh hey, we travel]! 😉

Every Thursday over the next six weeks, I will be doing a piece for our “Wedding Series: Tips For Brides.” It’s going to highlight tips and tricks for the bride when working with a photographer.

Week Two: The “First Look” / Bridal Reveal

One of the first questions I ask at my meetings with brides: “Did you want to do a “first look,” or will walking down the aisle be the first time he sees you?”

Here is a first look we did before the ceremony, below. I was able to get this close and intimate specifically because it wasn’t done during the ceremony. It was a special moment set aside for just the two of them (and me … the third wheel photographer). 🙂

If the bride asks what I prefer — it’s always that we do a special “first look.” It’s where I set the groom up, his back facing away. I bring in the bride. She puts her back against his, or reaches her hand around the corner. There is always so much tension in these shots — the can’t wait to see each other.

From there, I snap the shots and either take the bride back to her room, or … we let the groom turn around.

I prefer this because I can catch the intimate one-on-one response of the groom the first time he sees his bride. It’s special. It isn’t a moment that has to be shared in a crowd. It’s just the two of them.

Now, sometimes I can’t convince the bride and groom otherwise, and that’s ok. It’s your day! I can only speak from a photographer’s standpoint, because after that reveal, we can take the bridal party / bride & groom shots, etc. — all before the ceremony! After the ceremony, we can snap the family photos, and then send the bride and groom off to the reception and not have to keep their friends and family waiting.

That’s not to say we can’t get great photos if the first time the groom sees his bride is when she walks down the aisle.

We definitely can, but if I am ever asked my preference — it’s to have a special first look. So I can get shots like this:

Check back next Thursday for the next post in our “Tips For Brides” series. To read them all, click here.

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Our New Website!

April 25, 2017April 25, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

I tried to log onto the Kansas City Photography webpage last week. I was met with an error message. I may have panicked a little, but I figured it’d be an easy fix. I reached out to my web person — but it was crickets. My face was probably equivalent to Miss Luna’s:

My bells and whistles started going off — and here’s why. This happened one other time, with the same web person. I reached out to him (the same one, I never switched) and he responded saying I needed to pay him to get it back online. I was confused as to why, and he said it was a maintenance fee, and he had to re-build it. I actually lost a potential wedding client over this — they had seen my site, loved my work, and then got concerned when my site suddenly went down.

You’d think I would have learned my lesson then … but, long story short, I stuck with him and he put the site back up (after I paid him again *grumble*), and it has been sunshine and roses since then.

Then, the error (again). And no response.

Instead of waiting around, this time I decided to go ahead and just build it myself. This way I can make changes and add photos any time I want, without having to pay every time I want an update. It was really a long time coming, I should have done it a lot sooner.

Go check it out and tell me what you think! –> http://kansas-city-photography.com

On a side note, I recently tried to get Kansas City Photography published on Wikipedia, but I need some press coverage for that to happen. They have really strict guidelines, and I meet all of them but that one. Stay tuned!

A Creepy Car & Playing Around At West Bottoms: Dawn’s Family Photoshoot!

April 24, 2017April 24, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

Tatiana here! It was a real pleasure to capture one of my dearest friends being so in love with someone who is also so in love with her! It’s been a long time coming and it just warms my heart that she has reached her “relationship goals.”

Dawn’ son, Aidan, was the explorer for sure. He is so full of energy and kept wandering off, climbing on things and I just let him do his thing! He just started jumping on things and I was like, “WELP! Since you’re already there…” *snaps photos*

This one below makes it seem like Lilly and Aidan are about to drop the next hot album in KC. And Aidan plays the drums, so who knows? Maybe this will be a thing!

In this below, I specifically asked them to do a funny pose. I think the quote was, “act like you guys are in a street gang!” This is a perfect depiction of the Vieux clan ready to rumble! And also proof they could never be in an actual street gang.

It took Miss Lilly a little bit to loosen up, but I think she enjoyed the pictures! She really liked the ones of just her, which is great, ’cause I would love to rock a senior shoot with her! Hint, Dawn, hint!

Lilly was just standing on this rock trying to stay away from everyone, but me, being totally impervious just went, “Joke’s on you, ’cause you look cool on that rock!!!” *snaps photo*

This is my favorite picture of Dawn and her kiddos! It also shows off some hidden treasures of this area known as “West Bottoms.” We just happened upon this hobbit door, it was super random!

But you never know what you’re going to run into here, which is why we love this location! It even made it in our Top 10 Photoshoot Locations in KC list!

Although, there was one bizarre incident — there was a black car at the end of the bridge with tinted windows. When we started to take pics, the driver revved the engine and opened the driver’s door … but no one got out! Later, the driver shut the door, and turned the car sideways. This is when I began thinking, “Am I gonna die?!” And Dawn is just like “what poses should we do next?!”

Anyway, no one died … so here we are!

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