A Family Photoshoot In A Thrift Store!

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!

Barbeau Family (10)

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

IMG_4017.jpg

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)!

Barbeau Family (4)

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!

Barbeau Family (2)

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!

Barbeau Family (9)

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! 🙂

Barbeau Family (13)

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!

Barbeau Family (11)

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!

Barbeau Family (1)

Make sure to follow Kansas City Photography on Facebook!

Top 3 Reasons To Take Family Photos Every Year

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!

  1. 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!

IMG_7788Barnes 17

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!

Fordemwalt (1)

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. 🙂

IMG_6867

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

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

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!

Tati & Eric Fall 2017 (2)

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.

Tati & Eric Fall 2017 (6)

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!

Tati & Eric Fall 2017 (9)

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!

Tati & Eric Fall 2017 (10)

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*

Tati & Eric Fall 2017 (11)

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

Tati & Eric Fall 2017 (7)

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!

img_0827 copy

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!

group

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.

img_9935

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!

Tati & Eric Fall 2017 (4)

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

Tati & Eric Fall 2017 (8)

#specialponies

Thank you all for visiting me!!

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

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!

Fordemwalt (1)

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.

Fordemwalt (6)

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!

Fordemwalt (7)

This is what the shot was supposed to look like —

Fordemwalt (8)

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

Fordemwalt (9)Fordemwalt (10)

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!)

Fordemwalt (3)Fordemwalt (2)

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

Fordemwalt (20)

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!

Fordemwalt (15)

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.

Fordemwalt (4)Fordemwalt (5)

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*

IMG_9193Fordemwalt (17)

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!

Fordemwalt (11)

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. 😉

Fordemwalt (13)Fordemwalt (12)Fordemwalt (14)

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

Fordemwalt (19)

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!

Fordemwalt (18)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!!

Make sure to follow Kansas City Photography on Facebook!

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

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

IMG_9524

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!!

IMG_9519

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.

IMG_9533

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.

IMG_9554

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

IMG_9584

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

IMG_9574

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 —

IMG_9591

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! 🙂

IMG_9665IMG_9666IMG_9669

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!

IMG_9635IMG_9606

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

IMG_9676

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

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!

Ashley and Skyler engagement 471.jpg

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 Craig 2

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!

Ashlee Craig 1.jpg

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!

Ashlee Craig 4.jpg

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.

Ashlee Craig 8.jpg

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:

Ashlee Craig 3

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

Ashlee Craig 7

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

Ashlee Craig 10

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.

Ashlee Craig 5.jpg

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!

Make sure to follow Kansas City Photography on Facebook!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eureka! We Have Family Photos!

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. 😉

Christine Fam 18

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.

20286750_1385555524884947_1419560437511116988_o

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.

Christine Fam 16

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!

Christine Fam 22

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!

Christine Fam 19OK, 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.

Christine Fam 20

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 …

 

Christine Fam 23

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

Christine Fam 24

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!].”

16711819_10209132954303377_4690016210745525285_n[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.”

Christine Fam 21

And I feel blessed to know such a wonderful family!

Christine Fam 17After 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!

Make sure to follow us on Facebook!

We’d Book us today: kcityphotography@gmail.com

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

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 Family 18.jpgDawn’ 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*

Dawn Family 5Dawn Family 15

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!

Dawn Family 16

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.

Dawn Family 11

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!

Dawn Family 17

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*

Dawn Family 12

Dawn Family 4

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!

Dawn Family 6

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!

Dawn Family 8Dawn Family 3

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!

Dawn Family 2Dawn Family 14

Follow Kansas City Photography on Facebook!

A Nature Trail Family Photoshoot

Burr Oak Woods in Blue Springs is such a lovely place — it’s full of trails, nature, and perfect photo spots. We love it so much, it made our Top 10 Photoshoot Locations in KC list!

I met with Kody & Kate this Sunday at said nature center. I’ve known Kate for years — it started way back when she came to a Halloween special I was doing in 2012 (I’ve come a long way since then):

IMG_2106

But Mr. Konner is much bigger now!

IMG_5707

Since that very first photoshoot, Kate discovered I am also a Scentsy consultant and fell in love with the Havana Cabana scent. Now, here we are, years later — still friends, Scentsy companions, and photoshoot pals.

IMG_5628

Kate’s family has grown by one since we first met — meet Miss Kaylee.

IMG_5718

Kaylee loves “Hello Kitty” and anything musical! She took a tumble off the bed just a few hours before the shoot and had a nice, big bruise under eye. That’s what Photoshop is for, right? Bruise removal. 🙂

IMG_5678

Kaylee just loves her big brother. She likes to follow him around and do what he is doing! Konner certainly doesn’t mind!

IMG_5745

Konner is so full of energy and fun! He loves to run, climb, find random sticks … 🙂

IMG_5713

He informed me at the shoot he’s having a “Harry Potter” birthday party and I’m invited. He also loves “Power Rangers” and dinosaurs.

I wanted to make sure to get some great pictures of Kate and Kody. These high school sweethearts have been together for 10 years this November — Kate’s nickname for him is “pookie.”

IMG_5776

Right after the shot above, I yelled, “Quick! Kate! Do something ornery!” She didn’t even skip a beat. BOOM. Tongue by his face. This was Kody’s genuine reaction, it wasn’t posed at all.

IMG_5786

Glad to have these two as inspiration in my life — they keep the fun in their marriage, and are so in love!

IMG_5764

Follow Kansas City Photography on Facebook!

A 3-year-old, a 5-year-old, & A WWI Museum

I love the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City. Not only does it have a rockin’ view of the downtown KC skyline, but also lets Kansas City boast it has the nation’s official WWI Museum. We love doing shoots here — so much so, it made our list of the Top 10 photoshoot locations in KC!

I met up with some of our amazing regulars, Nic and Britton. They wanted to do a birthday shoot for their adorable kiddos, Bella and Ben. Now, when Bella was a little girl, she didn’t ever want to smile for the camera. Ever.

IMG_9680

We got the hang of it by the time she was 2, and the smiles continued from there!

Now, here we are, and I can’t believe it — but Miss Bella is now five! She has so many things coming this year, like Kindergarten! Bella is stoked, especially after going to see her future school!

IMG_5551

Bella loves the color purple, soccer, “Hotel Transylvania,” and “Moana.”

IMG_5532

She wants to be a police officer when she grows up!

IMG_5578bw

And then we have Mr. Ben. He’s 3, and a total toddler stud! Look at this:

IMG_5482

IMG_5537

He gave me the same “no smile for you!” treatment as Bella, but he held out a little longer. 🙂

But now that he’s 3, he’s an old pro!!

IMG_5541

Ben loves dark blue (he’s specific), “Paw Patrol,” Mickey Mouse, planes, and trains!

IMG_5466

It was so windy this last Sunday during the shoot, that if you stood at the base of the tower and looked up and saw the clouds flying by, it looked like it was going to fall on you!! It was tripping me out, so I shot a video of it!

https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKansasCityPhotography%2Fvideos%2F1283144718459362%2F&show_text=0&width=400 

After the shoot, Britton tells me the kiddos talked about it the rest of the day. It was neat for them to have a shoot, and then see WWI stuff! It was a fun, breezy, warm day!

IMG_5590

Follow Kansas City Photography on Facebook!