newborn photographer st. louis – Kansas City Photography

He Puked On Me! Baby Oliver’s Newborn Session

September 12, 2018September 12, 2018 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

Oliver, unlike his big sister Genevieve, was all smiles for me during his newborn session!

I did manage to get one good grump face out of him, so here’s a side-by-side of Oliver at the same age as Genevieve!

And, with newborn sessions, there is usually some type of bodily fluid. I’ve been pooped on. And peed on. Oliver was no exception when he decided to upchuck on Aunt Christine.

Happy parents, Jenn and James, are avid sports fans. They love the Dallas Cowboys. This is something Jenn’s Dad passed onto them, because neither of them are actually from Texas.

And, of course, there will always be some sort of homage to Mizzou in Jenn’s photos. We can actually thank the University for us even meeting. And we were roommates for several years and still love each other. That’s saying something!

So, we’ve covered the NFL and college sporting teams, what do you think is missing, St. Louis?

It wouldn’t be a completely sporty newborn session without some Cardinals love. Having lived in Kansas City for years, I am personally partial to the Royals, but don’t tell anyone here that! :O

Oliver also has the cutest birth / beauty mark right on his eyebrow!

Tell me that isn’t adorable! We probably won’t be able to see it once his eyebrows grow in darker, so I wanted to make sure to get a picture of it!

Oliver is such a little stud. Thank you, Jenn & James, for letting me play with him for an hour! We had some drinks while you were away! 😉

Want to book your own adorable newborn session? Contact us!

Sass And Sassafrass: A Newborn & Toddler Photoshoot!

July 9, 2018 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

Tessa was full of sass, but she couldn’t stop me from catching some of her sneaky smiles! But let’s start with the sass, and this shot, which may actually be my favorite from the entire shoot:

At this point in the shoot, Tessa was walking away from us, and kept looking back to make sure we weren’t following her.

But let’s start from the beginning.

I was able to meet up with our friends Katie & Johnny last week, who just so happened to welcome a new little one into their family. Of course, a photoshoot was in order!

World, meet Cecilia!

She has the tiniest little toes and fingers. Big sister Gwen couldn’t get enough!

It’s Tessa’s first time into the world of being a “big sister,” but she was rocking it! She kept making sure her baby sister was comfortable, and giving her lots of kisses!

Big, big sister Gwen is already a pro in the world of big sisterdom.

And both she and Tessa are getting so big! Just look at this comparison shot from last year:

And if this next set of shots doesn’t convince you how important it is to take family photos every year, I don’t know what will.

The one on the top is from only last year. The one on the bottom was just taken last week — just one year apart!

And now, there’s a NEW baby in the house!

Tessa has gotten so big!! She wasn’t quite in the mood to smile and pose, so we had to get a little creative. We’d let Gwen take a solo shot, and then ask Tessa if she wanted to take a photo just like big sister.

It worked … sometimes.

Thankfully, Cecilia isn’t old enough to do anything but let me pose her. 😉

Sometimes it’s the small victories.

Although, she’s already workin’ on her sassy face for me. Maybe next year she’ll have it perfected!

Thanks for letting me capture your troop, Katie & Johnny!

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Our Top 3 Tips For A Successful Newborn Photoshoot

April 6, 2018April 6, 2018 by Kansas City Photography, posted in "How To" / Tips & Tricks!, Photoshoots

Everyone loves babies! Seriously. Who doesn’t? But these newborn wiggle worms don’t make it easy to get cute, snuggly photos of them! Here are our top 3 tips for a successful newborn photoshoot!

1. Make sure the house is WARM.

We usually recommend turning the heat on and having the house set around 78. No matter the season! If the adults aren’t sweating a little, it isn’t warm enough! Keep in mind, these new little snuggle bugs get cold easily. And if they’re cold, they’re going to cry. It needs to be comfortable enough in the house that the baby can have no clothes on and feel warm.

2. Feed Baby 30 Min. Before The Shoot

A hungry baby is a crabby baby. And we want your little nugget of love to be happy and smiling during the photoshoot! Feeding your snuggle bug 30 minutes before the shoot ensure they won’t be hungry come closeup time! It also gives some time for any stomach rumblies or spit up to happen. Now, not that we still won’t get pooped on from time to time … but at least the babies are happy!

3. Schedule Within The First Two Weeks

Babies grow — FAST!! We’ve found they really retain that new “baby” look within the first two weeks after birth. After that, they really start changing into their own little person very rapidly. The “baby” cheeks go away so quickly, it’s actually kind of heartbreaking! If you want true “newborn” photos, we need to take them when they actually are newly born!

We hope these helpful tips will make your newborn photoshoot a success!

~*~

Are you currently expecting, or have you already given birth to your bundle of joy? We’d love to help you capture these first couple weeks with a newborn session! Contact us to set a date and time (don’t forget — we are in both KC & St. Louis)!

Christine’s 7 Most Romantic Photoshoots of 2017!

January 17, 2018January 17, 2018 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

2017 was full of amazing photoshoots! From anime conventions to a haunted winery — we had a lot of fun!

But I really wanted to “focus in” (get it? Hahaha) on some of my most romantic photoshoots from 2017. Because why not start off the new year with a little bit of love?

This isn’t a favorites list, just some fond and romantic memories from 2017!

1. Bret & Hannah

I’ve known Bret since college, and was tickled when he filled me in on his secret proposal plan for his then-girlfriend, Hannah!

As far as romance goes — it’s hard to beat a surprise proposal!

Bret’s grand plan was to drive Hannah out to the wineries for their anniversary, so she thought he was being sweet and celebrating that. She didn’t realize he was going to pull out a ring! Now, a tornado watch was also in effect on the day of the proposal, because Mother Nature does what she wants.

Bret & I had a “secret spy mission” going so we could talk about the proposal in secret. You can read more about this fun shoot, here.

2. Lindsey & Dan

Lindsey and Dan made the list because they are so in love, they booked two engagement shoots! Dan loves hockey, so the first shoot was done at an ice rink. Look closely at the scoreboard – that’s actually their wedding date!

The second shoot was a more country setting, which was Lindsey’s dream! Plus, she had 7 outfits all planned out, with what shots she wanted in each outfit. She is the most prepared bride ever!

3. Genevieve, Theodore, Elena, & Jaxton!

And love leads to babies!!!

Let’s start with Jenn and James. They were so tickled to welcome their baby girl, Genevieve, into the world in 2017. She is their first, and very loved by all their friends and family!

But 2017 also welcomed other baby cuties that Christine was tickled pink about! Three of Christine’s very best friends all had them within months of each other!!

Mr. TJ (Amanda & Jordan) and Miss Elena (Steve & Alyssa) need to be highlighted, too! Elena actually POOPED on me during her shoot.

Plus, Christine’s little nephew was born this year. His name is Jaxton! SO MANY CUTE SNUGGLES WERE HAD!!!

TJ also gave everyone quite a scare. Amanda went into labor early.

He was in the NICU after birth, but he’s a tough lil’ guy!! Plus, his guard dog, Truman, is always at the ready! 😉

4. Emily & Stephen

Romance in the windy city! Emily is another one of my dear college friends. We worked together at the state Capitol and graduated from Mizzou together! I try to make it to Chicago at least once a year to visit — and after Stephen’s proposal … it was a must to make it out there ASAP!

With the romantic backdrop of Chicago against the water, it was a breathtaking photoshoot to celebrate their love!

5. Katherine & Josh

These two lovebirds just couldn’t stop kissing each other! I mean, of course it was their wedding day, but even during their engagement session, they kept sneaking little kisses! It was so adorable. A peck on the end of her nose, a kiss ever so gently on his cheek. It just made me squeak from the romance of it all!

Plus, Josh loves kissing Kathy’s hand!

6. Oye Engagement

I really wanted to highlight this adorable engagement shoot because these two lovebirds are in a long distance relationship, but they still made it work!

Months ago, Oye asked Sayo hypothetically, “If I happened to ask you to marry me, what would be your answer?”

Sayo gets so many bonus point for her answer: “You have to ask to find out!”

The happy couple is getting married back on the East coast in South New Jersey at Lucien’s Manor this October.

7. Jeremy & Amanda

This was definitely one of the most romantic settings this year – a gorgeous wedding at a country club.

Amanda & Jeremy had the entire property to themselves. It was spacious, and beautiful, both the land on the outside and the property on the inside! Bright grass, tall trees, a white picket fence surrounding the roadway, plus a deck to stand on.

We hope you had some romantic moments in 2017, and many more in 2018! After all, love makes the world go ’round!

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8 lbs., 6 oz. Of Cuteness! A Police Officer’s First Baby Boy!

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

World, welcome Xavier! Proud Aunt Tatiana here to show off my brand spankin’ new nephew’s newborn photos I shot yesterday!

This big ol’ hunk a chunk’s papa, Estevan, is a police officer with the KCPD.

These need to go in his patrol vehicle!

Xavier was kind enough to crack one smile the entire shoot. He’s probably dreaming of his Dad and Uncle Frankie catching the bad guys (since Frankie is also a proud member of law enforcement)!

He is the first Duque boy of the next generation, so he is the talk of the town!

Born on July 3rd, weighing in at 8lbs, 6oz and a whopping 19.6 inches, he is literally a BIG deal!

His birthday has special meaning to the family, as his late great-grandfather’s birthday was July 4th. His mother, Jessica, explained his name also pays homage to his abuelo (grandfather) and bisabuelo (great-grandfather) who were both named Javier. Mom and Dad added the “X” for a unique flair!

Can we just talk about his face for a second? Just like his father! I’m allowed to say that since I am family, too!

Xavier is the third of the Vargas-Duque bunch. Nya is the eldest, and used-to-be-the-baby-of-the-family Mila, is now the newfound middle child. Mila was feeling a bit blue to not be the center of attention at the shoot, so she started coloring herself blue with chalk! She’s still cute!

As you’ll know by now reading our other newborn blogs, there’s a lot that can happen at a newborn shoot! Babies run on their own time, and always keep you guessing on what they will do next. Or, sometimes they poop on you. It happens.

Speaking of — Xavier needed a little time to poop out the modeling jitters, so as I was waiting for the next dress change, the girls decided to have fun with the frames I brought along!

I didn’t pose them or tell them what to do! Sometimes, letting kids just do their thing makes for the most precious photos! I can’t believe how grown Nya looks in these – STOP!

Okay, she’s still the lovable goofball I watched My Little Pony with years ago.

Mila was really eager to be in the spotlight! That smile melts my heart!

Okay, so back to what we came to see. Baby Xavier is truly a work of art! Wanna know how I captured that shot above? Take a look at our Facebook page! It involved a ladder …

It’s so incredible to have seen the journey of bringing Xavier into this world and seeing the joy he brings to his parents. Welcome, Xavier, to the Duque family! Your big sisters are going to take care of you!

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The Cutest Little Muggle We’ve Ever Seen!

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

“Yer a wizard, Jaxton!”

Well, that’s what I wish the shirt said, but hey, “Snuggle this Muggle,” is equally as adorable!

I met up with Ally, Aaron, and Mr. Jax on Monday at their home in St. Louis (Kansas City Photography is in both KC & St. L!). I had been chompin’ at the bit to meet this little dude since the happy couple’s maternity shoot a couple months ago!

For newborn shoots, I usually recommend the parents home — the main goal here is to get the baby comfortable, and that’s usually best done in their own house! I also recommend setting the temperature to around 77-degrees. We will be sweatin’, but the baby is going to be super happy!

Plus, he’s a trained firefighter, so if it got too hot, we’d be OK!

Jax is a baby man of many talents, though. He is also training under the man in black himself — nana nana nana nana nana — Batman!

The proof? Just look at these socks. Given to him by the Bat King himself:

Need more babies in your life? Here are some more amazingly cute recent newborn shoots we’ve done:

A Little Tiger Is Born! A Mizzou Family’s Newborn Shoot

Mia’s ‘Royal’ Newborn Shoot!

I Got Pooped On! Elena’s Adorable Newborn Shoot!

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

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A Little Tiger Is Born! A Mizzou Family’s Newborn Shoot

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

The world welcomed baby Genevieve into the world on Friday, May 19. Her mother, Jennifer, was in labor for 30 hours. Read that again.

30 hours!

But Miss Genevieve was well worth the wait and the pain — just look at this cutie:

We learned Genevieve’s middle name is Rose during Jennifer & James’ maternity shoot earlier this year.

The name Genevieve comes from Jennifer’s maternal grandmother, who she is also named after! Rose is Jenn’s mama’s maiden name.

I always find it so touching when family members are honored in the naming process.

Jennifer graduated from the No. 1 journalism school in the nation — The University of Missouri — fondly called Mizzou. I’m totally biased here, because I also graduated from the good ol’ black and gold!

Both of Genevieve’s parents are huge Mizzou fans — so of course we had to incorporate that into some of the photos!

Genevieve was nice and warm for the shoot. I always ask parents to turn up the heat / make sure it’s warm in the house for newborn photos. We may be sweating, but the baby is going to be so happy!

I also didn’t get pooped on during this shoot, so that’s a huge plus! Thank you, Genevieve!

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Mia’s ‘Royal’ Newborn Shoot!

May 23, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

Brittney messaged me back in April telling me her sister, Stanze, was having her first baby. Originally, Brittney was hoping we could be there for delivery room pictures, but as we all know, babies work on their own schedules!

Mia was due May 16, but she came a day early, on May 15 — at 11:41 a.m.!

In the end, the doctor requested a photographer not be in the room since Miss Mia wasn’t wanting to cooperate. Thankfully, she was more than cooperative for her newborn shoot we re-scheduled instead!

Mia was a big fan of this blanket. She peed on it a couple of times — and she christened Mom, too! But hey, at least she didn’t get pooped on!

One tip I always give before the newborn shoot is to make sure the house is warm. Like, the adults should be sweatin’ a little. That way, the baby is nice and content and doesn’t get cold from all the outfit changes / naked shots.

And since Stanze’s mom was there — we had her hop in a photo, too! Grandma to the rescue!

There were quite a few people there to welcome Mia, and also to help us hold up the backdrop, which is always appreciated.

She kept wanting to hold onto her mama’s necklace, which was too cute not to capture.

Being in Kansas City, Stanze is a Royals fan — and she’s going to make sure Mia is, too! Even here, Mia has her eye on the crown. Just like the Royals did in 2015.

I have a feeling Mia is going to know what it feels like to be royal, though. She is already such a beautiful princess! Plus, look at that crown she has right over her crib!

She was nice and comfy cozy for most of the shoot, which means she was more than happy to snooze away while getting her close-ups taken. We did, however, get a glance at those beautiful eyes —

We loved working with this family — let’s do it again for her 6 month photos! 😉

Need more babies in your life? Check out some of our other adorable newborn shoots:

I Got Pooped On! Elena’s Adorable Newborn Shoot

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

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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.