kids in photoshoot – Kansas City Photography

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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A Cupcake Parlor Baby Shower … With Plungers!

April 3, 2017April 3, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, 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 Kansas City Photography, 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 Kansas City Photography, 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 Kansas City Photography, 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:

A Spring Photoshoot With Lily & Luna

March 6, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, 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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How To Do A Photoshoot With Kids

February 22, 2017September 27, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, 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!

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