kansas city photography blog – Page 3 – Kansas City Photography

A Romantic Windy City Engagement Shoot [We Snuck Onto A Dock!]

October 10, 2017October 12, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in Photoshoots

I drove up to Chicago this weekend to celebrate Emily and Stephen’s engagement! It was a gorgeous day — so we drove over to Lake Michigan and took some celebratory engagement photos!

Stephen proposed while he and Emily were on vacation. Their vacation spot was also off Lake Michigan, but seven hours north. Stephen told me when he got down on one knee to propose, he had this whole speech written out.

However, Emily immediately started bawling (happy tears). He said he still tried to fit in some of the speech he worked so hard on, but realized it just wasn’t going to work out because Emily was so excited and couldn’t stop crying. Maybe he can save the speech for the wedding?

The ring is gorgeous — with a deep blue sapphire in the middle. Stephen really wants to tell Emily how much it cost, but she says she wants it to be kept a secret! The world just may never know — but it is stunning!

These two couldn’t make each other stop laughing. This is probably one of my favorite poses — Stephen was supposed to be whispering sweet nothings into Emily’s ear, but the word he was actually whispering to get her to laugh is NSFW. So, just enjoy the photo instead! 🙂

And, sometimes, I’d be trying to pose them — and this is what would happen. This is definitely not how I instructed them to stand! I’m not sure if they’re going for a Rosie the Riveter vibe or what.

So, I just … let it happen. You’re welcome, world.

This is the pose we were actually going for —

Emily and Stephen are native Chicagoans. Emily loves everything about Chicago. So, when we found this backdrop around Montrose Beach — we had to hit it up. Emily can even tell you what the four stars on the Chicago flag mean!

We also hit a part on the lake with a bunch of fancy yachts. Emily told me the gate is always locked and that you need a card and code to get inside. We watched a woman leave — and it just so happens the gate didn’t lock. #wesosneaky

A few photos on the dock never hurt anyone, right? We did at least make sure it was locked on our way out, though!

I had originally envisioned the two of them on a cute canoe on the water. Emily kept trying to tell me the water was just too choppy — but I didn’t believe her until I actually saw it! Definitely better to just hang your toes over the edge!

Later that night, we all went out for drinks. At one point, Stephen was outside waiting for our Uber. Emily looked at me, and giddily declared, “I just feel like I found my person, you know? He loves me for me!” It was just too precious for me not to share!

Congratulations, Emily & Stephen! I can’t wait to be there for your wedding!

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

October 5, 2017 by Kcityphotography, 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 Kcityphotography, 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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Water Under The Bridge – Literally! A Fun Photoshoot With The Morales Family

October 2, 2017October 3, 2017 by Kcityphotography, 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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The First Professional Photo I Ever Took

September 27, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in Odes

As a photographer, I’ve come a long way. I’ve grown — a lot. Both as an artist and as a person. So today, I wanted to show off the first professional photo I ever took.

It was a few months before I started Kansas City Photography — a high school senior photoshoot for my little brother. Feast your eyes:

One of the next shoots I did after that was with my dear friend Sadie, for her engagement to now-husband Nick.

A lot of times when you first start something — and I mean anything — it’s your friends and family who support you first.

They are there to help you grow and encourage you along the way! If it wasn’t for Jacob and Sadie trusting me, I never would have gotten the ball rolling, or the confidence to know I could make my dream of owning my own photography business a reality.

So, for some perspective — here is a photo from the last senior photoshoot I did:

And one from the last engagement shoot:

Still improving, still striving, still fighting.

There’s always room for growth.

Thanks for believing in me!

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

September 26, 2017September 26, 2017 by Kcityphotography, 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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A “Hogwarts” Vibe & A 1-Year Anniversary — Celebrating Melissa and Richard!

September 25, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in Photoshoots

From the moment Richard said “bowties are cool,” I knew this was going to be a fun photoshoot! Tatiana here!

When I first saw Melissa’s gorgeous red hair and Richard’s bowtie — my inner Whovian shouted “Geronimo!” It’s always fun meeting other nerds through my line of work as a photographer.

This couple wanted to capture their one year wedding anniversary, and I’m so glad they chose to contact us. They picked Unity Village because it had a “Hogwarts” vibe. I didn’t think to ask what their houses are, but I’m a Slytherin myself … don’t hate. 😉

Actually, so is Christine, but she’s a little more upset about it than I am. Which is not at all.

The hanging lanterns make for an amazing glow, and I’m a sucker for pillars.

… also a sucker for archways! Unity Village has a vast amount of different scenery and backgrounds to choose from. You just can’t go wrong here — and as a photographer, you can never get bored!

Melissa and Richard are my kind of people! They frequent the Kansas City Renaissance Festival and go to Planet Comicon every year. It always makes me happy to see two people come together — and they’re a perfect fit!

Their love is so genuine and natural, I can see it shine through in each photo — which made it so hard to pick which photos to edit for their teasers!

Although, I had no problem deciding to include this one. I absolutely could NOT leave these gems out. Work it, Richard!

He sure knows how to strike a pose. Melissa, aren’t you glad forever is with someone who can make you smile?

Wishing you many more!

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Briana and Brian’s Rustic Engagement Shoot!

September 20, 2017September 20, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in Photoshoots

When I first arrived for Briana and Brian’s engagement shoot, I was met at the door with a grandma holding a shotgun. But more on that later!

Briana and Brian were winners from our free engagement shoot when I, Tatiana, first got hired on to work for Kansas City Photography!

Briana had a vision for her photos, so she and her fiancé Brian chose some gorgeous farmland out in Buckner for their location! It was beautiful for a rustic, country setting.

The farm is actually owned by her friends family, and that friend is also named Brianna.

When I arrived, the other Brianna’s grandma came out with a shotgun. It wasn’t pointed at me or anything, but I still wasn’t sure if I should laugh at the sight, or turn around and make a run for it. I explained I was there for Briana’s engagement shoot, and the grandma was in shock.

She told me she didn’t realize her granddaughter was engaged.

I TOTALLY THOUGHT I SPILLED THE WEDDING BEANS ON ACCIDENT!

Thankfully, it was just a miscommunication (that I meant Briana and not her granddaughter Brianna) that resulted in a funny thing I could write about.

Briana wanted a sunset photoshoot. We recommend doing 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. range for sunset backgrounds because once it starts setting, it’s not gonna wait on us to get to the next location! They are also using this antler for their “Save the Date” notice. So clever!

I couldn’t get over how beautiful Briana’s makeup was and then she told me she got it done from the same woman who does some of the Kansas City Chief’s ladies makeup — Dani Jo Bell Makeup Artistry. Work that contour, girl!

Brian and Briana met as Bass Pro Shop about four years ago to the dot. Literally, their anniversary was a week ago!

He proposed in the kitchen while dancing and cooking because all his previous attempts were interrupted.

First, he tried to take Briana to the place they first kissed, then later wanted to ask on a hunting trip; but then Briana was too sick to go. Finally, he just couldn’t wait any longer and asked her — right there in the kitchen!

I couldn’t stop myself from asking Brain to get up on the silo for this shot. This farm was a photographer gold mine! It was worth the constant bug attacks, right?

I love it when I get questions like “Can I get a picture of me touching his butt?” The answer is always a resounding “YES! Touch that booty!”

Seriously, it really brings personality to the photos! Also, it’s just really funny.

Remember what I said earlier about how the sun waits for no one? Well, that was true for the last half of the shoot. Still, I worked my photographer magic, played with the recipe of the photo, and pretended something was taken in daylight — can you even tell it’s nighttime? 😉

And it wouldn’t be a photoshoot I did without a furry friend somewhere. This doggo was following me all over the farm! I think his name was Buddy.

I really wanted to take him home, but Eric would probably not be too happy.

He just wanted to wish Brian and Briana a happily ever after — as do we at Kansas City Photography!

What’s In My Camera Bag?

September 14, 2017September 15, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in "How To" / Tips & Tricks!

This is Christine! I get asked a lot which lenses I use, so I decided to make a post on what’s in my camera bag!

All of them are linked if you’d like to get one yourself! Note: I am totally on #TeamCanon. Mainly because I can use and abuse my camera and lenses (I’ve dropped them all SEVERAL times) — and they still hold up!

The Bag Itself:

This is the bag I tote around! I like the backpack style a lot. I’ve thought about getting something more personal (or Sailor Moon related … tee-hee), but for now, this is it!

Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack

It’s handy and it does its job! I like the side pockets for sticking business cards into, and the front pocket for sticking little extras into like this adorable thing to get kids to smile!

The Tripod:

I prefer to free-hand my shots, but for the occasional time when I need a tripod (*cough* eclipse *cough*) — this is what I use. It’s my favorite color (orange), and fairly inexpensive. You can definitely upgrade to a better tripod, but since I hardly ever use it — this was the most bang for my buck (and did I mention my favorite color?!?!).

Sobrovo Portable Travel Aluminum Lightweight Tripod

I also found a cheaper one, same model, here.

The Camera:

Right now I am sporing the Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18.0 MP Digital SLR Camera. It’s not the latest model, but still does an amazing job.

The Lenses:

Here are the lenses I carry with me:

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens

This lens is my pride and joy (aside from my two children, of course). I saved for years to get this lens! I use it at almost every photoshoot (except newborn because I tend to not have as much space to work with during those shoots). I love how it gives the background a flawless bokeh effect.

Here is a shot I took with this beauty:

I also have a Canon 75-300mm that I won’t be highlighting in this post — and I prefer this one above over it anyway!

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

This is the lens I use for headshots and newborn photos. When you really want to get up in people’s business (no zoom, so you have to physically step closer or farther for the shot you want).

Here is a shot I took with this one:

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II SLR Lens

If you could only pick one lens from this list to purchase — this is it. It’s great for beginners, and is usually the lens you get when you purchase your first Canon.

It’s nice for shots where you’re really trying to get the scenery in along with the subject.

Here’s a shot I took with it:

If you’re a budding photographer, don’t freak out by what’s posted here.

I didn’t start out with all of these lenses. I started with a basic Canon DSLR and the 18-55mm lens that came with it. That’s it!

It took me a year to buy the backpack. And to put things in perspective, it took me 11 years before I bought the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens!

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Denver Takeover: A Romantic Photoshoot By Sunset

September 7, 2017 by Kcityphotography, 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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