senior photos – Kansas City Photography

Top 6 Reasons To Get Senior Photos

April 22, 2018April 20, 2018 by Kcityphotography, posted in Photoshoots

It’s that time of year! High school seniors are looking toward their futures and gearing up for graduation. If you’re a senior — you’ve probably contemplated getting senior photos taken either for the yearbook, your friends and family, or all of the above! If you’re a parent — you’re likely so proud of your senior. They are officially entering adulthood, and you kinda wanna brag to the world, right?

If you’re still on the fence, here are our top 6 reasons why Senior photos are worth the investment.

1. They reflect who they are during a big change in their life

After high school graduation, everything changes. They grow and mature so fast, it’s hard to keep track. With graduation comes many life-changing decisions. Will they join the workforce right away or go to college? What will their major be? What is it they want to do with the rest of their life? They will meet new friends, new co-workers, and live on their own for the first time.

Capture who they are right now — because it’s all going to change so quickly. These are the last photos before they leave the nest and become adults. They’re on the cusp of greatness.

2. They need a yearbook photo

Sure, you can use the one with the same blue background they’ve had for the last 12 years from the same photo people the school has used for the last 50.

But those photos certainly don’t capture personality. And they certainly don’t show off who they are, or their interests. This is a chance to stand out, and be remembered.

3. They make great gifts

Tell the world! You’ve likely got your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends … send the photos to your great-aunt twice removed! You can make prints, or you can put the photos on keychains, canvases, etc.!

Plus, the more people you tell … the more likely your senior will get a congratulatory gift, right? 😉

4. They can serve as professional headshots as they enter the workforce

This is actually important! As soon as I started college, I applied at a local television station (my degree is in Broadcast Journalism). I had the immediate need for a headshot!

This goes for many other professions. Headshots are that little extra to attach to a resume to make them stand out from the crowd.

5. Great to use for Senior party invitations!

Everyone loves a good party, right? If you are hosting a celebration for your senior, even in this digital day and age, people still tend to send actual invites by mail. You can have your seniors picture printed onto the invite, or just put one of the photos in there with the invite! Maybe they haven’t had time to visit lately and will be shocked to see how much they’ve grown up!

6. As a reward / present for graduating!

Senior photos can be used for all of the things above, plus as a gift from you for your senior! Something that celebrates them and this exciting and ever-changing time in their life!

Ready to book a senior photo session? Let us know today to get your date in the books! We have several senior photos packages and are in KC and St. Louis!

On-Location In Kansas City: Featuring West Bottoms!

February 1, 2018June 11, 2018 by Kcityphotography, posted in On-Location Series

Today, we’re here to bring you some historical urban jungle goodness!

West Bottoms is one of the oldest areas in Kansas City, located west of the newer downtown. Due to its atmosphere of rich culture and inner city vibes, it’s one of our top 10 favorite locations to shoot!

Whether it’s graffiti or just vibrant brick walls, there are so many epic backdrops to choose from!

It has so many great uses for photography. Especially for solitary photos like Halee’s senior photoshoot.

Halee chose this location for all of the fun pops of color. And it’s always a treat for us photographers because the graffiti is different every time! Seriously. We’ve never seen the same artwork twice!

Pleasing pops of color, exciting artwork, and a surprise at each brick wall you stumble across!

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Around every corner, there are unique doors and entryways. These are perfect for symbolizing your path opening up to the future, like Sydney and Zane wanted to portray with their engagement shoot.

And, of course, we are ALWAYS down for a location that’s pet friendly. <3

The contrast of the brick with the metal rust and pop of color of the gate is a prime example of how unique this locale is!

And we seriously could not do a blog on West Bottoms without featuring the inner-city junkie herself — our former photographer, Dawn!

During Dawn’s family photoshoot, her son Aidan proved that there’s always a new and exciting photo opportunity when he ran over to this random pile of tires!

So, there you have it! West Bottoms is a diverse location fit for pretty much anything! A solitary shoot to showcase some self accomplishments, celebrating an engagement, or exploring with family.

Book with us today and let’s go on an adventure downtown together!

Tatiana’s Top 5 Most Memorable Photoshoots of 2017!

January 11, 2018January 11, 2018 by Kcityphotography, posted in Photoshoots

Happy New Year! Tatiana here to reflect on 2017, my first year with Kansas City Photography!

Man, this year has had so many wonderful memories and I’ve had the privilege of working with so many amazing people! This in by no means is a “favorites” list, just a list of bizarre or unique things that occurred during these shoots, in no particular order.

Although none of my shoots are without their surprises! Like how a drain randomly started spraying water on Halee during her senior photo session.

But let’s start off the list with an intentional surprise:

1. A Surprise Proposal

Tony had reached out to us after discovering our blog to construct a surprise proposal for his now fiance, Katie. Yup, she obvs said yes! We chose Unity Village for their location as it’s in our top 10 locations in Kansas City.

This was my first surprise proposal shoot so I channeled my inner ninja for maximum impact.

And what an impact it was! Katie was so shocked that as I was right in her face with the camera, she still had no idea what was going on. “Oh my Gawd” was the main phrase of the evening. Hey, Tony! If you’re reading this, I know a fabulous wedding photographer. 😉

2. A Severe Weather Evacuation

Sweet Natalie was thrilled to show off her technique and dancing skills for me at Unity Village.

I seriously can’t believe how talented she is! I’m sure she’s truly a force to be reckoned with now since a few months have passed and she has practiced even more! Another powerful force was awakening in the clouds during this shoot, and for the first time ever, the intercom boomed through the gardens, asking us to evacuate due to severe weather!

Luckily we were able to get some stellar shots before the rain came pouring down.

3. A Photoshoot On The Go

Jaclyn and Jam’s engagement shoot was set to take place in Burr Oaks Conservation Center, but when we arrived it was CLOSED due to an organized hunt. Improvising, we went to a park nearby which was halfway closed due to a construction project.

We were able to get some heartwarming shots but I knew we needed MORE! So, we packed up and went to our third location: Bass Pro Lake!

As the old cliche goes, the third time’s the charm! Although we weren’t planning on our nomadic adventure, the new and final location was so worth it!

4. On Location in Denver, Colorado

Traveling to Denver and working in a new state was full of fond memories! I was able to take advantage of new locations and scenary such as the Adam’s County Fairgrounds where I was able to capture Ashlee and Craig with this romantic sunset backdrop.

I also represented the company at NDK, where we implemented “on location” cosplay photography specials. This was such a treat for me because cosplay is a huge passion of mine and I was able to connect with so many talented ladies! Here’s one of those ladies, Bad Emu Cosplay in her Nausicaa cosplay at the Capitol building.

Another cosplayer who booked us was Belle Mich Cosplay, who cosplayed from everyone’s favorite anime: Sailor Moon!

I’m itching to go back there in April and take advantage of all the new locations I discovered in downtown Denver, including the Civic’s Center Park with these stunning pillars! If you’re in the area, let me know and we can set something up! <3

5. The Longest Shoot of the Year

Well, of course it’s a wedding! Aftin and Anthony booked us for the largest wedding package we offer, and I had the privilege of capturing every intimate and extravagant moment with them for over nine hours!

This gorgeous couple wanted to celebrate every moment of their magical day, so it was my job to capture every first glace to each step down the aisle!

From the teary eyed first look (I’m not crying, YOU’RE crying!)

to each stolen kiss in between family photos, I was on it! It was the longest shoot of the year, and it was so genuine and mystical every step of the way! Congratulations again, Aftin and Anthony! <3

Here are my “Honorable Mentions” I just couldn’t leave out:

My little baby nephew Xavier came into this world July 3rd, 2017- which happens to also be my anniversary with Eric! <3 I need to get this precious squish ball behind the lens again!

My very first shoot with Kansas City Photography this year was a truly emotional one. I was able to capture my best friend, Ashley, and her fiance Skyelar for their engagement photos! Of course, Christine is going to be handling the photography at their wedding since I’m the maid of honor. She actually surprise proposed to ME at her engagement shoot! (Photo taken by the talented Dawn!)

Love you both, and I can’t wait to take some updated pictures in April. <3

That wraps up my list for 2017! I can’t wait to see what this new year has in store.

We Found Some Cute Ducks During This Senior Photoshoot!

September 5, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in Photoshoots

This Saturday was a beautiful day for some senior photos!

World, meet future dentist, Alexis! She’s already got the perfect pearly whites!

Alexis is currently a senior at Belleville West High School. She plans to attend KU to become the world’s greatest dentist — and if I would have known this, I would have poked her a little more — since this photographer is a Mizzou grad! 😉

We met at Forest Park in St. Louis (Kansas City Photography is in KC & St. Louis) Saturday morning. Even though Alexis’ mama, Crystal, got a little lost, with some help from modern technology (share my location), we found each other!

While shooting by the columns above, a security guard walked up to us, asking what we were doing. I may have had the deer in headlights look, because as far as I knew, it was perfectly acceptable to take photos at Forest Park.

Turns out, he was just chatty. But this worked in our favor!

Guard: “Whatcha up to?”

Me: “Taking some senior photos!! She graduates this year!”

Guard: “Ah! Congratulations!”

Me: “Uhhh … are we good to keep takin’ photos?”

Guard: “Yup! There are some really pretty flowers right behind ya there.”

He also let us in on a little secret — if we walked across the street to the second lake, and headed for the rocks. We would find some ducks.

On the way to duck haven, we spotted a willow. Alexis and I bonded over the fact that it was our favorite tree! Willows are so beautiful!

After a few willow shots, we continued our journey to Duck Island.

We walked over to where the security guard instructed, found the rocks, crossed the lake (I can’t believe I didn’t fall in, but if I did, I told Alexis to save the camera, not me!!), and slowly walked close to the ducks. These ducks were super, super docile. They literally did not care we were there.

Now, Alexis told me if we did a duck shot, she’d make it her senior photo for the yearbook. Dooooone!

Alexis wanted to spend the last few minutes of the shoot taking family photos. How sweet is that?

Alexis had her sister, Alivia, there, along with her mom, Crystal, and the German foreign exchange student currently living with them (who Alexis told me is also like a sister), Lisa.

And, of course, we needed to do one of just mom and daughter.

She wrote me this morning: “Me and her dad are so extremely proud of the young woman she has become. She is an amazing big sister to Alivia.”

Congratulations on your senior year, Alexis! I know you’ll do great things!

Are you a senior this year in KC or St. Louis? We’d love to tell your story, too! Message us today.

What To Wear For A Photoshoot [Our Recommendations For Stellar Photos]

August 18, 2017August 18, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in "How To" / Tips & Tricks!

You’ve booked the shoot! Hooray!

There are three questions we often get right after:

We already have a solid answer for No. 1 & No. 2. 🙂

As for No. 3 — that’s what this blog will be for!

In this post, we will go over recommended dress codes for maternity, engagement, family, and senior photos!

What Do I Wear To A Photoshoot?

Well, our recommendations really vary depending on the type of photoshoot we’re doing. Since we have our friend Ally featured up above, let’s start with maternity!

Maternity:

I love anything flowy for maternity pictures. We can angle you right into the wind and get that gorgeous wind-swept look. This typically involves some sort of dress or shirt/shorts, combined with some kind of flowy shawl / vest thing … I am not sure what to call it! But you know what I mean!

Definitely something form fitting for the top — we wanna see that bump!

I’ve also had clients skip the flowy shawl and instead opt for a dress with flared sleeves, which achieves the same effect!

Or, any dress that hugs that tummy! It all works!

As for the guy responsible for that bump — we usually let his significant other pick out what he wears. I personally love it if it’s a little matching — using the same color concept, or working in the same color our mom-to-be is wearing into his outfit somehow.

We don’t recommend the guy wears anything flowy … that’s just for mom!! 😉

During the shoot, I will still always do some of just mom solo. But, then I’ll include him in the rest!

Sometimes I have had moms come to us and want shoots that only include her — and that’s fine, too!

We are celebrating that life growing inside!

Engagement:

As with maternity — we still love anything flowy. Although in these photos, the focus isn’t on your stomach — so we can be a lot more lax about the outfits.

Anything that would possibly pick up when the wind blows, or if he gives a playful twirl. A long skirt, a tunic with flared sleeves, a dress that has an extra layer on top.

Again — if you decide to be match-y, that’s always adorable as well. I love it when couples plan their outfits together! It looks like you belong together, which you do!

Family:

We don’t need anything flowy for these photos. Since we are going to have more people — we aren’t going to be able to get those individual shots where your gown is flowing with the wind.

However, matching can be tricky with more people. If you’re having a large group, I highly recommend assigning each “family unit” a color. Like the Miller family did:

From there, we can break off into smaller family groups after the initial big group —

As you can see, the family can take the color recommendation however they’d like! They’re all in pink, but it’s not all the same shirt or style. The oldest daughter wore a pink top, the youngest a pink dress, and the middle some fun pink leggings and matching hair tie!

It also just makes you look like the lovable family unit that you are when you can tell that you belong together!

My biggest recommendation is to pick a color, and then have everyone incorporate something of that color.

It doesn’t even necessarily have to be the same “shade.” Here are some outfits I personally picked out for my own family photoshoot this week. I usually pick two colors — this time I went with pink and gray. I have pink, and so does one of my daughters. Then my husband has gray, and so does our other daughter. This is another way to match!

Senior:

Senior portraits special! It’s a time to focus on your uniqueness and the likes and interests you have at this time in your life. For seniors, I always recommend a few different outfits.

Jerseys / Sports Attire & Paraphernalia

What are you into? Sports? Let’s incorporate it! Bring jerseys, a ball, anything related to the sport that we can work into the photo.

2. The Cap & Gown

I always want to snag cap and gown photos as well! These ones are usually the fastest, and it’s really easy to throw the gown and cap on over whatever you’re already wearing!

It’s a great symbol to the world that you’re a graduate! You did it! And it’s your turn to turn that tassle to the other side of your cap.

3. Something nice!

I also usually recommend something a little nicer. A dress, a tux, whatever you think of when you hear the word “nice.”

You’re an adult now, you’ve come of age — I like to get some shots that reflect that!

4. Something that reflects your personal style

Are you always wearing Chucks? Do you have a favorite hat? A dress you’ve worn approximately 15 million times? Some jeans your’ve worn holes into that you’ll never part with? A promise ring? A bracelet or necklace that you never remove?

These photos are about you, your likes, your favorite things, what makes you the person you are now — we want the photos to reflect that!

♥.·:*¨ ¨*:·.♥

Phew!! This should help you decide what outfits to wear to your photoshoot — we’re so excited to be working with you! And if we’re not yet — feel free to reach out to us and book a shoot!

Make sure to follow Kansas City Photography on Facebook!

Oops! She Got Wet, But This West Bottoms Senior Shoot Was Still A Splash!

June 9, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in Photoshoots

Halee will be graduating from Penney High School next May — and what better way to commemorate this moment in her life than with a senior photoshoot?

Although, we didn’t manage to stay dry, despite being in West Bottoms. More on that later.

Her mom, Lauri, told us her daughter plans to attend UMKC and major in Psychology with a minor in Sociology.

“She’s active in her church and is going on her first mission trip to Colorado in July. She is a self proclaimed book nerd and enjoys spending time with her family and friends,” her mom told us.

Some of her favorite books, include: “All The Bright Places,” “The Catcher In The Rye,” “Everything, Everything,” and all the “Harry Potter” books.

I definitely get behind her choice in Harry Potter!

Halee is also the Parliamentarian of her Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Chapter. This is my favorite note from her mom:

“I don’t even know what a Parliamentarian is. 😉”

If I’m bein’ real … I had to do a little research:

Woo! This pretty much means she’s a big deal!

Now to that little water incident. Tatiana told me she had Halee pose against a wall. It was right below a condensation hose from an A/C unit. It started draining on her during the shot, but we got this gem out of it:

Worth it, right?!

Here’s the shot without water pouring onto her head:

We are excited to see where the future takes you, Halee! Congrats on your upcoming graduation!

Make sure to follow us on Facebook!

What To Bring To A Photoshoot — Props Or No Props?

May 5, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in "How To" / Tips & Tricks!, Photoshoots

I get asked this by clients a lot: “Do I need to bring anything?”

The answer? “It depends.”

What kind of shoot is it? For many engagement shoots, props aren’t really needed. However, if you want to use the image as your Save the Date — I have chalkboards I can bring along. I once had some clients bring along some faux leaves to write their wedding date on, and made sure I got a photo of it.

For maternity shoots, I often recommend bringing a onesie or a pair of baby shoes. We can work those into some really cute shots! It also works great for the newborn session after, because we can do a “before” and “after” effect!

First birthday cake shoot? You bring the cake, I’ll bring the cam (and in this case, I’ll bring the backdrop, too!).

And we’ve had a couple adult clients do cake smashes, too! In both instances, these ladies brought along all of their own props. They had a vision, so we made sure it was captured!

For Senior Photos, I always ask the person what they’re into. If they mention any type of sport, I ask them to bring along something related to that sport — a bat, a softball, a jersey, a soccer ball, a tennis racquet, etc. I like to work personality into shoots!

So, props or no props? That’s really up to you!