family photographer st. louis – Page 2

Willows & Redbuds: A Gorgeous Maternity Shoot At Forest Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congrats to the happy couple!

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A Cupcake Parlor Baby Shower … With Plungers!

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

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

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

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

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

Game 1: Chug From A Sippy Cup

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

Check out the “after” faces below!

Game 2: How To Make A Baby

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I Got Pooped On! Elena’s Adorable Newborn Shoot

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Practicing his smug face for the ladies …

And wooing his gammy Bev with every little coo.

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

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How To Deal With The Weather During Photoshoots

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now, snow. Oh, snow.

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

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

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

To recap:

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

More of our “How To” series:

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

March 9, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in Photoshoots

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congrats, James and Jenn!!

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A Spring Photoshoot With Lily & Luna

March 6, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in Photoshoots

Ok, so I know it’s technically not spring yet, but it sure does feel like it! And I feel like since we’re in March, we are close enough! As a photographer, it’s hard for me to find time to capture shots of my own family — but I make sure to do it at least once in the spring and once in the fall with my own two children: Lily & Luna.

If I waited until I was all caught up with client photos, I would never have time to do it — so it’s really important for me to set aside a day or two so that I can capture my vivacious, sassy 6-year-old and playful, giggly 2-year-old while they’re still small.

The clothes? Zulily. I am totally obsessed with that site.

I am lucky enough to live in a wooded area, so I just had to walk out my front door to snag these awesome shots of my two goofy girls.

And being photographer’s kiddos — these girls know how to pose. Luna turns 2 at the end of the month, and already any time she sees a camera, she goes: “CHEEEESE!”

Lily is the exact same way, although she has gone beyond the mastery of “CHEESE!” and can come up with poses all on her own!

Love my babies!

I have a Capital One card with an old photo I did of Lily when she was Luna’s age — and now when people see it, they think it’s Luna on the card! Guess I should update it with one of these, eh?

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A 50th Birthday Cake Smash

February 27, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in Photoshoots

Cake smashes are fun. They’re really popular for first birthdays:

But Judy wanted to change that up — she did a cake smash for her 50th instead!

Kansas City Photography’s other half, Dawn, went to Lake Jacomo this weekend to meet up with Judy and George. She had it all, and had been planning for months: The cake, the sign, and most importantly — the wine.

But something to keep in mind — icing. During the shoot, that black icing did not look like it was going to come off their faces any time soon.

One of Dawn’s favorite moments was when Judy told George he looked like an Angry Bird with all of that icing on his face. He then started squawking at her, which was totally hilarious.

Judy told us she feels a lot younger than 50 — and she really wanted the photos to reflect that. Adding cake into the mix makes anyone look at least 20 years younger, right?

And in the shots with George, Judy’s personality and playfulness really came out. And that sass, too!!

After some scary health issues for George, both he and Judy started thinking about life different and wanted to enjoy it more.

Enjoy life more? Mission accomplished.

And we want to give a quick shout out to Dusty & Susan — our original cake smash ladies who did it for their 40th! We hope the fun keeps on spreading like that icing on your faces!

How To Do A Photoshoot With Kids

February 22, 2017September 27, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in "How To" / Tips & Tricks!

The joys of a 2-year-old. They’re so cute, but they’re very opinionated. And sometimes their opinion is that Mom & Dad don’t need to be doing a photoshoot with them. But they can be swayed!

Be goofy. Dance around. Get their attention. Jump up and down!

If they are tired of saying “cheese,” pick another word they like. Do they dig dinosaurs? Asking them to say “T-Rex!” creates the same smile effect as saying “cheese!”

Is the kiddo not it the mood to pose for pictures? That’s ok! Let them run around. You can get some great actions shots, and some great smiles by just letting them be a kid.

After they’ve run around and played for a bit and you’ve gotten some great action shots, that’s when you can try and do more group family photos.

Ask the kiddo what their favorite shows are, talk about them with them. Instead of “cheese,” have them say a character from their favorite show.

You can also try Simon Says. “Simon says jump up and down, Simon says spin in a circle, Simon says smile for a picture.” Kids just like to have fun.

And parents can have fun, too! If the kid doesn’t wanna sit down and smile — put them on your shoulders or throw them in the air! Heck, you can even hang ’em upside down!

Another good tip is to bribe them. I have had so many parents offer their kiddos a sucker … but only if they smile for the camera.

And then there’s always the tickle. This shot below was taken by my fellow photographer friend, Dawn. I was tickling my daughter with my hidden hand. Worked like a charm!

The last tip we have — use the same photographer.

I have had some kiddos for years. The first shoot I would have to use these tricks, the second one they started to recognize me and not as many tricks were needed — and from there on out, they felt like they “knew” me and I no longer had any problems getting them to grin for me.

Here are our tips in a handy, dandy list — complete with a bonus tip:

Be goofy to get their attention, even if that means dancing around and acting silly.
Instead of asking them to say cheese, ask them to say the name of one of their favorite TV show characters. “T-Rex” also works well!
If they don’t feel like sitting still, let them run around. You can get some great action shots and genuine smiles this way.
After running around, try for those group photos again. Get them talking and excited by mentioning their favorite shows and characters.
Play Simon Says.
Get the parents involved. Throw them up in the air, put them on your shoulders, hang them upside down …
Bribery. It can totally work. Bring on the lollipops.
Tickle them!
Use the same photographer. This builds trust with the kiddo — and they’re more willing to smile for someone they like!
BONUS: Show them the back of the camera. Kids LOVE to look at photos of themselves. Tell them to stand back and then promise to show them the photo afterward!

Check back often — we blog every week!

A Day At The Park

February 21, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in Photoshoots

I met with Sarah, Shane, and their adorable family this weekend in Parkville. They picked this location based off of our Top 10 Photo Locations in KC post. It was a gorgeous day — in the 70s — in February!!

Their three sweet girls were a riot. They didn’t want to say “cheeeese,” but we could get them to say “Anna,” “Elsa,” and “Frozen.”

At one point, they were dancing on the bridge singing “Let it gooooo, let it gooo!” How cute is that?

Since it was so nice, it was really busy — and joggers kept trying to interrupt our bridge shots. But we still got some great ones!

We walked past the bridge to look at the water, and then decided we may get our youngest princess Aarabella to smile if we used the swings. Who complains about swinging? No one, that’s who!

A gorgeous day for a gorgeous shoot!