cute family photos – Kansas City Photography

A Family Photoshoot In A Thrift Store!

January 25, 2018 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

I had the great pleasure of photographing Danyelle and her adorable family in my store last week. It was all for Mickalie’s 2nd birthday!

This wall was just perfect because her favorite color is also purple!

Her shirt that her mom Danyelle made was also so cute. But don’t take my word for it — just look:

And for anyone who had ever been a parent to a 2-year-old … this is so true!! They do have a blast while we pull our hair out! Haha!

We had dreams of finding an ice cream parlor, but it was sooo cold outside we moved it to my store, Kaleidoscope. I am completely obsessed with the exposed brick wall (and Mickalie’s cuteness)!

I also want to delve into Mickalie’s name, which is so unique! Her dad’s name is Mick, so the name Mickalie is a tribute to him! How adorable, right?!

But wait — there’s more!

Mickalie’s middle name is Danyelle after her mom. Then, her mom’s name is Danyelle Kimberly. Danyelle’s mom’s name is Kimberly Susan. And then, Kimberly’s mother’s name is Susan! Danyelle told me she wanted to keep the middle name chain going. I just thought that was the coolest thing!

Danyelle and Mick have been together for 9 years and married for 5. Awwwww!

So, in this shot, we originally wanted to hang Mickalie upside down and let them kiss in the middle, buuuut she really wanted up on Daddy’s shoulders — so we went with that instead! Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches! 🙂

Mickalie loves anything to do with horses. She loves My Little Pony and Spirit! She even did a trick for me at the store with one of the toy riding horses there. It’s a trick from Spirit that involves her standing on the horse and picking up one of her legs! It’s super cute!

I can also tell you this little girl loves Oreos! But at least she shared with me, too!

I am excited to keep watching her get bigger and bigger! She and my youngest daughter, Luna, are friends. I see some cute photoshoots in their future!

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Top 3 Reasons To Take Family Photos Every Year

December 22, 2017May 6, 2018 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

We have our regular clients who make sure they get family photos every year. We are also big advocates of this ourselves — here are our top 3 reasons why it’s such an amazing idea!

SO much changes is such little time.

Especially if you have kiddos! In just one year, kids can change so much. But you don’t have to take our word for it – let’s just show you! These pictures were taken only one year apart!

Every year they get a little taller. Those chubby baby cheeks suddenly go away. Your little babies are growing up before your eyes! These photos were all taken only one year apart!

And it’s not just kiddos who change. We adults look different every time, too! Maybe it’s a different hair color. Maybe you look more mature this year.

Plus, having photos with your family is so important!

2. Everyone deserves to be in the photo.

You probably have that family member who is always taking the photos. This means they’re hardly ever actually in the photos. My mom is like this — she takes photos, so I hardly have any of her!

Setting up a time for family photos means everyone important gets to be in the pictures!

3. Update your walls!

Seriously. I want you to take a look around you right now. How long have those photos you have hanging up been on the walls? Keep them fresh! Updating your picture frames can make the entire room feel different, even if all you did was swap out that 1985 college portrait with one from 2018. 🙂

Make sure to follow Kansas City Photography on Facebook! And, if you’d like to book a family photoshoot, make sure to contact us!

Ollison Family ‘Units,’ A Huge Family Photoshoot!

November 29, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

I met up with the Ollison clan this weekend in Jefferson City. When I arrived, I jokingly divided them into “units” for the photos — and the name stuck the rest of the shoot!

But let’s start with the two that started it all — Becky and Dwin Ollison!

Dwin loved that hat. He didn’t get to wear it for many photos, but we compromised and let him wear it for a couple!

These two have been married for 38 years, and together for more than 40! Their love is still going strong — even after raising their 4 beautiful children!

Below, you’ll find the original Ollison unit. The OGs, if you will. 🙂

They’re all grown up and with families and significant others of their own. This shoot was a special time where all the family was together for Thanksgiving, one of them all the way from Florida!

Let’s start with Ollison Unit 2, AKA Christy and Jim! They’ve been married for 17 years!

Christy just graduated this summer with her BSN in nursing! That’s awesome!!!

We found this gorgeous yellow tree around the Governor’s Garden area near the Capitol. It was the only tree left with leaves! We really lucked out!

Ollison Unit 3 is Jodi and Chase. They’ve been together for 9 years! They have two boys, Cyrus and Canton.

If Canton was smiling in a photo, Cyrus was givin’ me a pirate face. If Cyrus was smiling in a photo, Canton was givin’ me the cold shoulder. Jodi said she loved the “moments,” though, and this is definitely one!

Cyrus loves “PJ Masks,” “Paw Patrol,” and “Power Rangers.”

One way we were getting all the kiddos to smile was asking them to say different character names, like “Mickey Mouse!” and “Chase!”

Canton loves “Finding Nemo,” trains and cars. He was in the middle of chompin’ a mint in this picture, but it was pretty close to a smile! 🙂

Next, we have Bethany, Dean, and their son Lincoln.

Lincoln had the perfect little hair coif right in front! He wasn’t a big fan of givin’ me cheesers, but his grandpa sure could draw them out!

Lincoln loves Elmo, all kinds of animals, and bouncy balls! Who doesn’t though, right?

Moving along with our fun “units” (they seriously giggled every time I used the word), we have Zach and Christy! These two are both seniors at MSU. They pointed out that the family colors used for the shoot even matched their school colors. #fate

They graduate in a few weeks! I did go ahead and hint that, you know … Kansas City Photography does weddings, too! But, I know, graduate first!!! 🙂

But, what would a shoot be with this many people without a funny story to include? A few weeks before the shoot, Jodi was at the gym. She must be Mighty Mouse, because she was lifting a 45 pound weight. That’s when that weight fell onto her foot. Now, that part isn’t funny, but the fact she had to walk backwards down a hill with the help of her siblings because of her injury … was a little funny. 🙂

Sibling love, amirite? I actually went to high school with Jodi and her hubs, although they were both in different grades than me. But, our school is very, very small. So, everyone knows everyone. I’m so glad you booked me for this shoot, it was awesome to see you and your fam bam!

I am sure grandma and grandpa were also stoked to get photos with their grandbabies!

And getting all four siblings together is always a treat. Thanksgiving is the best!

Even if I did make you walk up a big ol’ hill for some pics!

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A Leaky Ceiling Led To This Family Photoshoot!

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

Even though he literally lives across the street from me, I probably would have never met Jason if it weren’t for a sudden leak in my ceiling a few months ago.

I went onto this app called Nextdoor that connects you to your neighbors. I was in need of someone who could fix our sudden leak in the ceiling above our fridge. Neighbors recommended him, so I gave him a cold call.

He came by and looked at the leak, and that’s when I realized it wasn’t just a slow drip like I had thought. He cut out a hole in the top of the ceiling and it sounded like a miniature waterfall. Once he got all the water out, he replaced the leaky pipe! Our hero!

He told me he only does small jobs like this for neighbors, so I really lucked out!

When Jason had come over to the house, he noticed my huge wall covered in canvases. I told him I was a photographer, and gave him a business card (I have no shame in my photo game!).

This week, Jason told me his wife Hollie had mentioned needing some family photos taken. He remembered me, or maybe remembered the canvas wall (haha), and shot me over an email. And that’s how I met Jason’s crew yesterday!

Jason told me his family really likes barns and rustic things, so he picked out Faust Park for their shoot location from our Top 8 List of Photoshoot Locations in St. Louis blog!

12-year-old Trey just had surgery on his ear this week. He was a total champion during the photoshoot — I would have never been able to tell if I hadn’t known ahead of time!

18-year-old Tyler has spent the last year in Colorado for college. Hollie told me they were thrilled to have him home for the Thanksgiving holiday. And then, Christmas is right around the corner, so they’re going to have even more family time here soon!

I asked the two brothers some of their favorite things to do together. They answered “wrestling.” I asked Trey who usually wins, and he was super honest: “Tyler does.”

Hahaha! I thought he was gonna talk smack, but he just up and told me he usually loses at wrestling. One day you’ll get him, Trey!

I also noticed Trey has red and green on his braces right now, which is super perfect for Christmas!! I really love how you can customize the colors!

I’m really glad I was able to meet the adorable Hanneke family — when I didn’t have a ceiling crisis! It’s always nice to get to know your neighbors! You never know when you’re going to need a plumber, a photographer, or borrow some butter! Haha.

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

November 23, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, 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!!

She FELL OFF The Slide — A Hilarious Photoshoot With The Fordemwalts!

October 5, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

BAM! That was the sound of Mackenzie hitting the ground while I was in the middle of posing her mom, Michelle. But don’t worry — no one was hurt … except from all the laughing we did.

World, meet the Fordemwalts!

Christian, Nick, Michelle, Mackenzie, and I went to John Nowlin Elementary School to take some fun family photos at the playground. Mackenzie had the brilliant idea of doing a family pose on the slide — but what she didn’t realize was that her plan was going to … make her hurt herself.

Here’s Mackenzie climbing on … I feel like we should have realized this was a bad idea right here. Michelle already looks like she’s expecting the worst. Orrrr Nick is just pulling her hair. Not sure which!

This is what the shot was supposed to look like —

Annnnd then that BOOM I mentioned. Here’s the aftermath …

I think my favorite part is Michelle pointing and laughing at her daughter.

I always tell my clients when they climb something, or if we’re walking over a body of water — that if they fall, or fall in, I promise to take photos. I never thought I’d see the day where I could make good on that promise!

(I also tell people that if I fall in the water, they need to save my camera, not me!)

But hey — at least she didn’t fall out of this:

I first met the Fordemwalts when we moved in next door to them in 2013. My friend and I were in the midst of building a playset, when we realized we really, really needed an electric drill.

My friend, Lei’La’, went over to knock on the door — and little did I know that would be the start of a glorious friendship!

My favorite thing about Nick and Michelle is how they make each other laugh. Just look — I had them posed all cute, and then Nick threatened to lick Michelle. Annnd the smiles ensued.

My oldest daughter, Lily, really took to Mackenzie and Christian. She is thrilled every time we get to visit!

They’re all just getting so big!!!

*mom sobs*

This next photo was Michelle’s idea. She wanted it to look like she and her husband, Nick, were having the times of their lives — while their kids looked more than annoyed.

It’s a good analogy! They spent years raising them — and now it’s their turn for some fun!

Now, I am a sucker for candid shots — so I asked the Fordemwalts to go play some tetherball.

Nothing like a little family challenge!! I would post some photos of Nick playing, too, but his faces were all pretty hilarious. There’s one where he’s missing the ball, but I wanted to cut him some slack. 😉

Kenzie and Christian have your typical brother-sister relationship. They love each other, pick on each other, and protect each other!

Mackenzie is 15, and Christian is 13. Michelle and Nick officially have two teenagers under the same roof!

But, they should be really proud of them. They’re really, really good kiddos. I’m so happy Lily has such positive influences in her life!

I’m so glad I was able to come back to KC to capture these amazing photos of the Fordemwalts. I send you all of my love!!

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Kansas City’s Own Little Love Locks Bridge — An Adorable Hays Family Photoshoot

October 3, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

My dear friend Britton introduced me to Julie through LuLaRoe. It became a total obsession of mine!! And, thankfully, through this obsession, I was finally able to take Julie and her adorable family’s photos!

She picked the Love Locks Bridge, Kansas City’s own miniature version of the one in Paris, from our Top 10 List of Photoshoot locations in Kansas City! You can even buy your own love lock to put on the bridge (gotta include “I LOVE KC Parks!” in the notes section when you order)!

According to the city website, the first red bridge was built in 1859 “by Colonel George N. Todd, a 50-year old Scottish stonemason. … It was painted red, hence the origin of ‘Red Bridge.'” Cool, huh? The bridge we see and enjoy today is actually the third one that has been built there!

There’s also a secret past the bridge. If you walk through the brush straight back, you’ll see train tracks! Photographers are suckers for train tracks. You can put that in the “things that make all photographers swoon” handbook.

While I’ve interacted with Julie a lot (and … bought like all of her LuLaRoe … lol), this was the first time I had the pleasure of meeting her hubs, Andrew, and their kiddos Lincoln and Beau!

Beau, who is 9, races Go Karts and plays baseball. I didn’t even know racing Go Karts was a thing! How awesome is that?! I am gonna have to go to a race of his one day!

Lincoln, who is 4, likes Mario Kart and plays soccer. Now, at the mention of Mario Kart, I lit up. I asked Julie which version he likes — and it was the Wii. I am encouraging her to introduce him to the N64! We can be Mario Kart buddies, Lincoln!!!

At this shoot, Julie and her family got to meet my handy, dandy step stool (short girl problems) — named Juanita. She’s sassy, but she does a good job. I’ll make sure to take a photo of her when I get her all dolled up in purple leopard duct tape (I have a vision!).

This shoot was so fun — thanks, Julie!! I thought it was adorable that when they were holding hands together across the tracks, they could keep their balance. However, when they let go — they had trouble balancing! They need each other to keep balance!!!

*cue the awwwwws!!*

I look forward to many more photoshoots — and LuLaRoe purchases! 😉 They’re coming out with DISNEY VILLAINS!!! My poor husband …

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Two Wrestling Brothers: A Fun Family Photoshoot At Forest Park!

September 11, 2017October 30, 2022 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

Last Saturday, right after the fun duckling senior photoshoot, I was able to meet up with my Aunt Heather and her adorable family.

Their family photos were overdue! Looong overdue! She even shared a text with me from five years ago where we were trying to set something up. The stars finally aligned!!

My oldest, Lily, and her littlest, Grayson, are besties. They looove hanging out. Grayson just started Kindergarten this year. He loves the show “StoryBots” and the book “Monster Love Underpants.”

Glad to see silly underwear books will never go out of style. Anyone remember “Captain Underpants?”

Grayson also loves learning about the ocean, planets, and dinosaurs.

Older brother Colton is a senior this year!

Colton is into working out and soccer (which is practically just another workout. Soccer is hard!!). One of his pursuits is to get into a top 10 college! He’s a dedicated student and loves wrestling with his little brother.

Speaking of wrestling — Grayson kept trying to tackle Colton in between shots. Apparently, wrestling is also one of his favorite things to do.

Grayson even told me he “beat” Colton at their last wrestling match. Something tells me big brother let him win. 😉

My Aunt Heather is super craftsy. She teaches a card class a couple of times a month — and what she teaches you to do aren’t just any ol’ cards. These are like super ornate, “looks like you buy in the ornate handmade section at Hallmark” amazing!

And while she didn’t make this prop below herself — I wasn’t surprised when she whipped them out —

I love hanging out with Aunt Heather & Uncle Jim. They’ve been married for ten years!

And, seeing someone you love so happy in turn makes you so, so happy!!

I couldn’t stop smiling when I was editing these next three photos! 🙂

A really neat thing about Heather & Jim — they had two weddings, so they have two different anniversary dates! They got married here with their friends and family present — then got married again on their honeymoon in Greece!! How cool!

Oh yeah — did I mention Grayson and Colton did a lot of wrestling?

Make sure to follow us on Facebook! And don’t forget — we’re in Kansas City and St. Louis!

Denver Takeover: A Romantic Photoshoot By Sunset

September 7, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

Tatiana here — and I just got back from a week long journey in Colorado!

I originally planned this trip because my best friend, Ashley Fields, is getting married and she scheduled a dress fitting. Obvs I had to be there when she said “YES!” to the dress!

Above is where she surprise “proposed” to me during her engagement shoot and asked me to be her Maid of Honor! Since I am in the wedding, she totally booked Christine to take the photos! 😉

Then, I thought, “Hey! Since I’ll be in Denver for a week, why not also do what I love and take some photos?” Because I’m a crazy person who can’t just NOT work, if you can even count what I get to do as work!

My first client of the week, which I booked literally less than an hour after my 9 hour drive (again, I’m a crazy person), was another bridesmaid and mutual friend, Ashlee Hatcher. I also had the pleasure of photographing her adoring husband, Craig.

Ashlee and Craig first met on MySpace in 2006, but officially met in person in 2009. Ashlee had just gotten laid off due to the economy, so Craig picked her up and made her Rice Krispies treats to make her feel better. How gallant!

They have been together ever since — for almost eight years, and married for two!

Craig still can’t get over how pretty, fun and smart she is. He’s sweet like those Krispies Treats!

Now, the location was tricky because I’m from out-of-state. Although, I can tell you some fantastic places for photoshoots in KC, it was a little more tricky to pick somewhere in Denver!

Thankfully, this cute couple had some ideas! They chose Adams County Fairgrounds. This location is amazing! It has everything a photographer dreams about — and all in one location! It’s equipped with a lake, multiple bridges, docks, and beautiful wild flowers.

I had to run to claim this bridge from another photographer trying to beat the sunset. I would have thrown fists for this shot! Thankfully it didn’t come to that. Tee hee.

Ashlee and Craig aren’t without funny moments in their marriage, and we had our share of laughs during the photoshoot. When I direct people how to pose, sometimes things can get lost in translation:

No, Ashlee! Put your arms around his neck, not your hands!

Craig, don’t throw your wife in the lake — we still need more photos!

They are seriously a fun bunch to be around — and to discuss “Game of Thrones” theories with!

You can see things through the camera lens, I swear. Things that are unseen unless you’re the photographer. Ashlee and Craig had these little touching, sincere moments. They’re so in love, and it’s so adorable (and evident)!

They have been through so much, and through it all they hold each other up from all the challenges life has given them.

When I asked Ashlee if she had anything she wanted to add, here’s what she said:

“He’s my best friend, he makes me a better person. He always makes me laugh especially when I’m upset.”

It was a pleasure to work with them, as well as get to know them as friends! They are planning to bring another Hatcher into the world in 2019 — I’m ready for those maternity and newborn shots!

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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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Tag: cute family photos

A Family Photoshoot In A Thrift Store!

Top 3 Reasons To Take Family Photos Every Year

SO much changes is such little time.

2. Everyone deserves to be in the photo.

3. Update your walls!

Ollison Family ‘Units,’ A Huge Family Photoshoot!

A Leaky Ceiling Led To This Family Photoshoot!

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

She FELL OFF The Slide — A Hilarious Photoshoot With The Fordemwalts!

They’re all just getting so big!!!

Kansas City’s Own Little Love Locks Bridge — An Adorable Hays Family Photoshoot

Two Wrestling Brothers: A Fun Family Photoshoot At Forest Park!

Denver Takeover: A Romantic Photoshoot By Sunset

Eureka! We Have Family Photos!

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