family photographer kansas city – Kansas City Photography

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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Water Under The Bridge – Literally! A Fun Photoshoot With The Morales Family

October 2, 2017October 3, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

I just adore the Morales clan. I’ve been seeing them since their now 5-year-old, Bella, was just a teeny, tiny newborn.

Then came Mr. Ben – who just gets bigger every time I see him!

I love it when I have shoots with my regulars!

Although, with my regulars comes an entirely new challenge. I have been doing photoshoots with the Morales family for years and years – so we’ve hit up most of the regular places. We usually have to get creative! This time, Britton suggested a small park right behind Coldstone Creamery in Independence.

It’s great catching up, seeing how their families have grown, and just givin’ out all of those hugs!

Speaking of hugs … this little montage below makes me smile. I asked Bella and Ben to hug – then Bella snuck in a smooch. You can see what Ben thought of that! 🙂

We walked along the Little Blue Trace trail, and we spotted a bridge. We walked toward it and realized the Little Blue River went right underneath! Jackpot!

The best part – at the end was a playground! The kiddos loved it, so of course we had to get a shot in front of the “castle.”

Love to you all!!!

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I Crashed Into This Family’s Car — And Then Booked Their Photoshoot

August 28, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

WHAM!

That was Courtney’s first impression of me. Accidentally ramming into the back of her car with my own.

There I was, driving along Clayton Road in Chesterfield when my oldest, Lily, complained from the backseat: “I’m hottttt!”

I looked down to turn on the A/C. I look back up, and it turns out I missed the memo that everyone was slowing down.

I hit my brakes as hard as I could, buuuut I knew it was gonna happen: CRUNCH!

We pulled over, and Courtney was just the sweetest as I walked toward her apologetically. “They call it an accident for a reason!” she assured me.

But hey, a jumbled Prius turned out to be a blessing in a really ridiculous disguise.

World, meet Courtney — and her adorable family:

Somehow, me rear-ending this complete, but so, so sweet stranger — led to me taking her family photos!

We met this Saturday at Castlewood State Park. Courtney brought her crew — her husband Ryan, her son Chase, and her daughter Ella.

Amazingly, our children are literally the same ages! I foresee playdates in our future!

Ella was such a good smiler! She’s 2 — and loves Skittles. I know because that was her reward when she would give a big ol’ cheeser for the camera!

One trick I always do is ask what the kiddos favorite shows are. If there’s a character that has a name that makes you smile when you say it — welllll, have them say it! Ella loves Minnie Mouse. So, when she was so over me asking her to say “cheeese,” I asked her to say “Miniiiiiie!” It has the same effect, and makes them smile when saying the word!

You said the words out loud, didn’t you? 😉

I’m pretty sure Miss Ella models at home — how perfect is her cute little self?

And then there’s older brother, Chase. He’s 6 and a big ol’ first grader.

Chase is really into sharks and any kind of ocean life. He actually loves to watch ocean documentaries! He also digs race cars and basketball. Actually, the same day as the shoot, the Hubbard family was headin’ to the races that evening!

Chase had this really cool ring he wore on his thumb. I wanted to make sure we showed it off!

And then the lovebirds (and former high school sweethearts) themselves — Courtney and Ryan!

They dated for a little while in high school, and then re-connected a few years later. Can it get cuter?!

As for this photo below — there’s a fun story. We were walking along one of the trails at Castlewood. As soon as you enter (before you even park your car), there are signs that say: “THIS RIVER KILLS! DANGEROUS WATER!”

Then, as we walked farther on a trail that actually led down to the water, there was a big gate that blocked off the beach. The same “IF YOU GO HERE, YOU’RE PROBABLY GONNA DIE” signs were posted in both English and Spanish outside of the gate.

Since we didn’t have any plans on actually swimming in the Meramec River that the fence was guarding, we thought it would be ok to … go around the sign … and the gate.

So, we did.

#outlaws

I knew I liked them.

On our way back up the trail, Chase spotted this huge tree in the picture below. He was pumped, and went right off the gravel and into the grass to get over to it.

We definitely needed to get a shot of him in front of it — he went off-roading to get to it he thought it was so cool!

Toward the end of the shoot, Ella had decided her modeling fee was more than a few Skittles and asking her to say “Minnie Mouse.” But she hung in there for this precious shot with her dad and brother.

I am just tickled pink I was able to connect with this cool family in a much more positive setting. ‘Cause you knoooow, my first impression was … in the back part of their car. A literal impression.

Thanks again, Courtney, for being so chill about everything!

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Stop Chasing Your Future Self — You’re Beautiful NOW

June 30, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Odes

I once had a mother of a bride tell me she wouldn’t be in photos.

Playing Dinosaur To Get The 3-Year-Old To Smile — A Photoshoot In The Woods

May 16, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

Have you ever tried to get a toddler to smile when they didn’t feel like it? May as well try to turn a banana into an orange while you’re at it.

That’s where creativity comes in! I met with Savannah, Darin, and Cruz on Sunday at the Myron and Sonya Glassberg Family Conservation Area in Eureka.

Savannah told me Cruz is notorious for not smiling in photos. I asked her what shows he likes, and she told me “Dino Cars.” I asked him to say “T-Rex,” since it has the same effect as “cheeeese!” He didn’t feel like it.

So, I asked him if there was a dinosaur behind me. Without skipping a beat, he goes, “Yup!”

I told him the only way to scare away the dinosaur behind me was to say “cheeese!” He has a heart, because he didn’t want the dinosaur to eat me, and therefore said what I asked him to.

Sometimes it’s just about playin’ along and being creative.

Although, Darin wasn’t helpful. He told Cruz to “ROAR!” at the dinosaur. This is what happened:

Thanks, Darin! Hahaha.

Cruz was also very much into showing me sticks.

All the sticks.

I am happy I was able to capture this mom and her family on Mother’s Day. It was a beautiful day for a walk in the park — and to play dinosaurs!

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

April 21, 2017September 27, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, 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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Photo Fixing / Restoration Services? Yup!

April 17, 2017November 10, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Uncategorized

The phone rang last week. It was a Kansas number, so I went ahead and answered it since it wasn’t a random number from Florida or Connecticut (anyone else feel like their cell has been extra spammed lately?!). It was a woman asking if Kansas City Photography does photo restoration services. Yes, we sure do! It’s quite the specialty!

But don’t take our word for it. Let’s show you some more examples! I had a friend come to me a couple of years ago. She said she had no photos of her mom and dad together (her mom passed away years ago), but she did manage to find a photo of them in the same picture … just not standing by each other.

I did do some digital restoration on the original, but what I ended up doing was more than that with Photoshop magic. I removed the person in the middle, and then cleaned up the rest, added in some fun clouds, brightened the colors (the photo was taken in the 80s I believe), etc.

I’ve also had several people come to me to “fix” their photos. Not necessarily restore, but fix the coloring, make it look better, etc. Or, in Emily’s case … fix that nail polish! 😉

Another time, I had a friend reach out to me about a bride who was just devastated with how her wedding photos turned out (I’m telling you, going with the cheapest option for a photographer is a big mistake … there’s a reason they’re cheap) — I took them and edited a handful for her. Once I reached out to the bride with the edited photos, she said she nearly started crying from joy after seeing them.

(Keep in mind, I don’t own these wedding photos. I did not take them. I just fixed them.)

Another time, I had a friend message me on Facebook to ask me to remove her bra strap that was showing in a fun picture of her from a wedding. I get these requests all the time, but until that phone call last week, it never occurred to me to advertise it as a service Kansas City Photography can do.

I recently had an old friend reach out to me. This was the last picture ever taken with her grandma before she died. She really wanted the shot of just her and her sister:

If you’re looking for photo restoration, or fixes to your photos, make sure to contact us!

A Nature Trail Family Photoshoot

April 13, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

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):

But Mr. Konner is much bigger now!

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.

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

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. 🙂

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

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

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.”

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.

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

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

April 12, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

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.

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!

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

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

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

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!!

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

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!

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