tatiana schaffer – Kansas City Photography

What’s Employee Appreciation Day?

March 2, 2018March 2, 2018 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Odes

Happy Employee Appreciation Day, my friends! I hope you’re feeling great and that your employer is showering you with love today! If they aren’t, your boss told me to tell you they’ll buy you some Starbucks on them. 😉

So, before I dive in — what is Employee Appreciation Day?! The first Friday in March is the non-official holiday to celebrate your hard workin’ workers! It started in 1995, and was kicked off by a guy known as the “Guru of Thank You.” I dig it!

Tatiana went full time with Kansas City Photography this past September. She has been such a blessing for this company, and I am so happy to have her on the team!

She’s very artistic, and taking wonderful photographs comes naturally to her. She has been on the other side of the camera a lot thanks to her very awesome cosplay business, Momo Bunny Cosplay.

She poses people so naturally and makes them feel comfortable when she is the one behind the camera, too!

Here is a shot from a wedding she did just a week ago:

Gorgeous, right?! She climbed up into a chandelier for that shot!

But not only is Tatiana a wonderful employee, she is also an amazing friend!

I tend to be all over the place, and she really helps reel me in.

Things like:

“Christine, you can’t be in two places at once,” or “Christine, stop working and hang out with your family,” or even “Christine … seriously, we should do this or this, but probably not that.”

I promise it really sounds much wiser than that! Hahaha.

So, thanks for keepin’ me sane, my dudette. And thank you for doing amazing work to help Kansas City Photography continue to thrive. I can’t wait to see where 2018 is going to take us!

Sending you all my love … and snickerdoodles … and banana cream pies! But seriously, HyVee will be delivering something to you between 5 & 6 tonight! 😉

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A Day In The Life Of A Photographer – Come To Work With Me!

January 23, 2018 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

Hey, everyone! Tatiana here.

I thought would be nice to do a sort of “take your readers to work” sort of blog! Come with me and I will take you on a magical journey into the life of a full time photographer.

My work station is pretty glamorous, right? I usually edit photos in my living room because it’s the darkest room in the house. Although natural lighting makes for the best photos, I can’t have any glares on my laptop screen while I’m editing! So I shut the blinds and get to workin’.

Depending on the amount of shoots I have to edit, I usually spend 6-8 hours a day editing!

Factoring in potty breaks for both myself and the fur babies, of course!

And then I also have to factor in the spot stealing, which adds more time to the work day. I’m very fortunate to have such a comfortable work space, but I have to maintain a lot of self discipline to get my deadlines completed on time! So my doggos are usually in another room as they can be rather distracting.

During the slow season, I will use my office hours to network on our social media platforms, set up meetings with potential clients, and research new locations to shoot.

I never thought I would be able to visit a haunted winery for work, but that’s all part of my awesome job! This job is also so wonderful because I get to capture monumental and touching memories for my dear friends, as well as the amazing people who book with us!

During the busy season, I usually find myself away from “the office” more often. Here’s an example of a typical week:

I started off June with an elegant engagement shoot at Unity Village with Taylor and Tyler. We usually want to have the teasers and blog completed within 3 days after the shoot so our clients can see the magic as soon as possible!

During this time, I still had another engagement shoot, a 6 hour babyshower event, and Mia’s newborn shoot (shown above) to complete as well as the teasers for the most current shoot.

This is where that self discipline stuff comes in. My job depends greatly on holding myself accountable to get the photos done on time as well as producing teasers for the current client of the day.

Time management is crucial because weekdays mean the weekend is just around the corner. This particular corner in June had three photoshoots — ON THE SAME DAY!

We started off the day at good ol’ Unity to celebrate Clarissa’s graduation.

This gorgeous arced rose bush was truly a lucky wonder because the following week, it was gone! I’m always grateful for the clients who go along with my vision because there’s always a good reason I yell “quick, GET IN THE BUSH!,” which I probably learned from Christine.

After this shoot, I had just enough time to drive to West Bottoms to do another engagement shoot with Sydney and Zane.

West Bottoms is probably our second most requested location, which means I should probably do a separate blog on it soon!

Anyways, after this shoot I had an hour or so wiggle room before my next shoot — BACK AT UNITY VILLAGE!

I’m so happy I was able to meet this awesome girl, although it was due to severe weather keeping Christine in St. Louis that day. Natalie’s dance shoot was almost interrupted by that same storm! Thankfully, it started pouring once the time was up.

No matter how busy the business gets, I wouldn’t have it any other way! Life as a photographer lets me discover new places, meet new people, and most importantly it give me room to have time with my family.

I hope you enjoyed this blog! Going through these older photos has me ready for SPRING! <3

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Tatiana’s Top 5 Most Memorable Photoshoots of 2017!

January 11, 2018January 11, 2018 by Kansas City Photography, 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.

Crunching Leaves Through A Wilderness Trail: Tatiana & Eric’s Fall Tryst!

November 23, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Odes, Photoshoots

Tatiana and Eric made a quick trip up to visit lil’ ol’ me in St. Louis! We were really wanting to get some cute photos before all of the leaves fell off the trees. We met up at a nearby conservation area that we all love — it even has a scenic lookout!

Since it was freezing, and Tatiana’s sweater dress wasn’t as warm as she thought it was going to be, we didn’t actually make it to the scenic lookout this time around! Eric’s sister also came up to visit with our two lovebirds, so of course we had to snap a family photo.

Aren’t they all so presh?

After walking for a few minutes on the trail, I realized my property was actually still more colorful. Most of the leaves had already fallen off the trees at the conservation area, but there were still some holdin’ out a few miles down the road at my house!

There are some really huge leaves at my home. My mother-in-law told me they’re from the cottonwood trees! You learn something new everyday!

And if you give a Tatiana a huge leaf, she’s gonna want a photo to go along with it! 😉

Tatiana and Eric will have been together 5 years this July! They’re just too cute for words, and I am so happy to be their friend! One day, Eric will finally pop the question — and I can help Tatiana start wedding planning! 😉

*hint, hint, hint*

And since this is Thanksgiving, I wanted to take a moment to talk about how thankful I am that Tatiana came into my life!

We first met at an anime convention. She stopped by my photobooth I had set up in the vendor’s room. After seeing her at a couple conventions, she decided to book me for an outside shoot. She cosplayed as Fluttershy!

The first time we tried to meet, my memory card corrupted halfway through the shoot, and we had to set a new date and take the photos all over! That was her first outside impression of me. Wooooo.

From there, she invited me to an outing at Power & Light. That’s also where I met our fellow photographer friend, Dawn, whom I am also so, so thankful for!

Now, Tatiana is a part of the Kansas City Photography family and I just don’t know what I would do without her! She’s an amazing friend, my confidant, and a good noodle all around! She keeps me sane, and, a feat no one has done before her — organized.

I am also so happy she has Eric! He makes her happy, and he’s a loyal, trusting friend to me. I am working on convincing them to move to St. Louis … but then I’d have to find another Kansas City photographer!

I think my favorite thing about these two is how they can just be themselves around each other. Even if that means being weird.

#specialponies

Thank you all for visiting me!!

Wedding Series: Tips For Brides — The “First Look,” / Bridal Reveal

April 27, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Wedding Series: For Brides

You’re getting married! There’s so much to do, and so many things to get done. Find a caterer, a florist, get the perfect dress, and then make sure you’ve hired the right photographer to capture all of your hard work!

Well, you’ve definitely taken the right step as far as a photographer goes [oh hey, we travel]! 😉

Every Thursday over the next six weeks, I will be doing a piece for our “Wedding Series: Tips For Brides.” It’s going to highlight tips and tricks for the bride when working with a photographer.

Week Two: The “First Look” / Bridal Reveal

One of the first questions I ask at my meetings with brides: “Did you want to do a “first look,” or will walking down the aisle be the first time he sees you?”

Here is a first look we did before the ceremony, below. I was able to get this close and intimate specifically because it wasn’t done during the ceremony. It was a special moment set aside for just the two of them (and me … the third wheel photographer). 🙂

If the bride asks what I prefer — it’s always that we do a special “first look.” It’s where I set the groom up, his back facing away. I bring in the bride. She puts her back against his, or reaches her hand around the corner. There is always so much tension in these shots — the can’t wait to see each other.

From there, I snap the shots and either take the bride back to her room, or … we let the groom turn around.

I prefer this because I can catch the intimate one-on-one response of the groom the first time he sees his bride. It’s special. It isn’t a moment that has to be shared in a crowd. It’s just the two of them.

Now, sometimes I can’t convince the bride and groom otherwise, and that’s ok. It’s your day! I can only speak from a photographer’s standpoint, because after that reveal, we can take the bridal party / bride & groom shots, etc. — all before the ceremony! After the ceremony, we can snap the family photos, and then send the bride and groom off to the reception and not have to keep their friends and family waiting.

That’s not to say we can’t get great photos if the first time the groom sees his bride is when she walks down the aisle.

We definitely can, but if I am ever asked my preference — it’s to have a special first look. So I can get shots like this:

Check back next Thursday for the next post in our “Tips For Brides” series. To read them all, click here.

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Our New Website!

April 25, 2017April 25, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

I tried to log onto the Kansas City Photography webpage last week. I was met with an error message. I may have panicked a little, but I figured it’d be an easy fix. I reached out to my web person — but it was crickets. My face was probably equivalent to Miss Luna’s:

My bells and whistles started going off — and here’s why. This happened one other time, with the same web person. I reached out to him (the same one, I never switched) and he responded saying I needed to pay him to get it back online. I was confused as to why, and he said it was a maintenance fee, and he had to re-build it. I actually lost a potential wedding client over this — they had seen my site, loved my work, and then got concerned when my site suddenly went down.

You’d think I would have learned my lesson then … but, long story short, I stuck with him and he put the site back up (after I paid him again *grumble*), and it has been sunshine and roses since then.

Then, the error (again). And no response.

Instead of waiting around, this time I decided to go ahead and just build it myself. This way I can make changes and add photos any time I want, without having to pay every time I want an update. It was really a long time coming, I should have done it a lot sooner.

Go check it out and tell me what you think! –> http://kansas-city-photography.com

On a side note, I recently tried to get Kansas City Photography published on Wikipedia, but I need some press coverage for that to happen. They have really strict guidelines, and I meet all of them but that one. Stay tuned!

A Creepy Car & Playing Around At West Bottoms: Dawn’s Family Photoshoot!

April 24, 2017April 24, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

Tatiana here! It was a real pleasure to capture one of my dearest friends being so in love with someone who is also so in love with her! It’s been a long time coming and it just warms my heart that she has reached her “relationship goals.”

Dawn’ son, Aidan, was the explorer for sure. He is so full of energy and kept wandering off, climbing on things and I just let him do his thing! He just started jumping on things and I was like, “WELP! Since you’re already there…” *snaps photos*

This one below makes it seem like Lilly and Aidan are about to drop the next hot album in KC. And Aidan plays the drums, so who knows? Maybe this will be a thing!

In this below, I specifically asked them to do a funny pose. I think the quote was, “act like you guys are in a street gang!” This is a perfect depiction of the Vieux clan ready to rumble! And also proof they could never be in an actual street gang.

It took Miss Lilly a little bit to loosen up, but I think she enjoyed the pictures! She really liked the ones of just her, which is great, ’cause I would love to rock a senior shoot with her! Hint, Dawn, hint!

Lilly was just standing on this rock trying to stay away from everyone, but me, being totally impervious just went, “Joke’s on you, ’cause you look cool on that rock!!!” *snaps photo*

This is my favorite picture of Dawn and her kiddos! It also shows off some hidden treasures of this area known as “West Bottoms.” We just happened upon this hobbit door, it was super random!

But you never know what you’re going to run into here, which is why we love this location! It even made it in our Top 10 Photoshoot Locations in KC list!

Although, there was one bizarre incident — there was a black car at the end of the bridge with tinted windows. When we started to take pics, the driver revved the engine and opened the driver’s door … but no one got out! Later, the driver shut the door, and turned the car sideways. This is when I began thinking, “Am I gonna die?!” And Dawn is just like “what poses should we do next?!”

Anyway, no one died … so here we are!

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It’s A Dog’s World — Meet Tatiana’s Furry Family!

April 5, 2017April 3, 2018 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Our Silly Family

Hi, everyone! Tatiana here to talk about my beautiful (and stinky) family!

First, let’s start with Eric:

We met in college and there is no one else in the world I would rather share my adventures with. He loves Minecraft, Warcraft, arts and crafts … Kraft Mac N Cheese — you get the idea!

I am constantly on the go. My mom FORCES ME to take naps at her place because really, who has time for sleep? I’m always busy with my cosplay, both an art and a business, promoting my brand Momo Bunny Cosplay. I make the world smell good with Scentsy, and make the world look good with photos. I am constantly running around KC for photoshoots (on one end of the camera or another), and editing until my stomach tells me it’s time to stop and eat. Eric supports me through it all! He is the most understanding, optimistic person I know and he is the calm in my chaotic world.

I introduced him to cosplay and now we travel across the country every year, exploring different cities and going to different conventions. We are the perfect team and four years later we own a house together (Christine’s old house, actually)!

We have very few professional pictures together (we gotta change that!) but I think our “Lady and The Tramp” shoot has some of my favorite pictures of us together!

We love Disney, and we love dogs. Speaking of which, lets move on to my fur babies!

Meet Lily:

Lily is a Coonhound I rescued from KC Pet Project about three years ago. I was looking for a doggie to be my companion during hard times and I fell in love with her picture right away! She is my baby girl, my best friend, and she has a deep bark to scare off sinister solicitors. 😉

Her hobbies include sunbathing, chasing critters, and digging.

Here she is trying to hide one of her holes in the yard with her face. Quite the personality she has!

Next up is Luna:

(Christine and I definitely did NOT plan to name our children the same names. Funny how that works out though, right?).

Eric saved her after she was chained up in a yard, left behind by her previous owners at an abandoned house (savages!). I suggested we name her Luna after my love for Sailor Moon over the phone when Eric explained she was black. He left out the detail of her being a Chihuahua… now Luna is short for “Lunatic.” She has her sweet moments, but her breed only really bonds with one person, and like Frenchie from Grease explains, “The only man a girl can depend on is her daddy.”

She loves barking, biting, pooping, yapping, more barking, and sacrificing the blood of the innocent to her nethergods… I mean … napping.

Meet Zero:

It has always been my dream to have a basset hound! I was looking around and realized we really couldn’t afford what breeders were asking for and no shelter had any basset’s available. Then, a breeder contacted me asking if I would possibly want one of her pups that has to undergo a minor surgery. Because of his hernia, no one else wanted him no matter the price. As soon as I went to her house to meet him, he jumped around his brothers and sisters right into my lap! He chose me from the beginning.

He’s about a year old now and I still can’t get over his cuteness! I always say dogs are a lot like toddlers and Zero likes to prove that everyday. He pushes his limits and then gives me those puppy eyes to see how much he can get away with. Boy is spoiled!

BUT HOW CAN YOU SAY NO TO THAT FACE?! HOW??

Zero was named after the dog in “Nightmare Before Christmas,” another huge fandom of mine. He enjoys snuggling for hours, chewing on random objects abruptly without warning, and howling. He is currently pursuing a music career in yodeling. He’s really going places.

I can never get the three in a photo together! This is the best there is! Luna barking Lily away and Zero wondering why his older sister be so cray-cray … and so tiny.

My babes are crazy, noisy, and hairy (especially Eric), but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Brian & Kellie’s Autumn-Colored Country Wedding

March 28, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

I started this blog in 2017, so some of my favorite weddings of 2016 never got highlighted — until now! Today I wanted to take a look back at the last wedding I did in 2016 before winter fully set in.

Brian & Kellie Hudson

It was an unusually gorgeous day Saturday, November 12. Renyers Pumpkin Farm in Wetmore, Kansas, was usually already closed for the season, but it stayed open for Brian & Kellie’s big day. And it was in the 60s. The 60s! In mid-November!

When I did the couple’s engagement photos in February, Kellie told me she wanted to encompass the colors of fall in her wedding colors — oranges, purples, yellows. We even incorporated that into her Save the Date!

And when I walked into the Coach House to see her wedding decor in person, I gasped. She nailed it! It looked like a lovely autumn day — but inside! The chairs were lined with colorful orange and red leaves. There was a fire going, and logs were set to place their delicious wedding cheesecake upon (yes, cheesecake!! It was so good!).

Since the weather hadn’t yet turned bitterly cold, the leaves were still clinging to the trees. We could really get some great shots that reflected everything we love about fall — there were some leaves that already said goodbye to the season on the ground, but there were still some clinging on hoping we’d just skip winter and prance right into spring.

The dresses and vests were a dark, autumn purple. Kellie’s bouquet had twine and fall flowers interlacing.

It was truly a fall wedding — gorgeous colors of nature represented throughout! There was a shot from the couple’s engagement shoot that they absolutely fell in love with — and asked me to recreate it for their wedding day. Done!

Brian & Kellie were adorable. The cute little forehead kisses Brian kept sneaking. The way Kellie would reach for his hand instinctively — the same hand with a new promise displayed on his ring finger.

The two didn’t want to see each other before walking down the aisle. Kellie was so nervous he would catch a peek, but Brian said it was so important to him to get this shot. They held hands around the corner, not seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day until Kellie walked down the aisle.

After the vows and the tears, it was time for some fun! Renyers has a life-size foosball! I have never seen one of these, but before I could even make the suggestion they go play, the groomsmen’s jackets were flying off, and the bridesmaids were sprinting into the game!

We ended the evening with gorgeous country sunset shots. It was an unforgettable day of love, laughter, vows, cheesecake, and foosball.

The best touch — Kellie gave me a card at the end of the evening. A handwritten letter thanking me for being her wedding photographer. It was so humbling — especially when the honor was all mine!

Thank you, Kellie & Brian!

Are you getting married? We are in both Kansas City and St. Louis — plus, we travel! Contact us today!

“How Much Do You Love Me?” Amanda and Dustin’s Engagement Shoot!

March 22, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

Hey, everyone! Tatiana here to talk to you about a celebration of LOVE. First off, congratulations to Amanda and Dustin for winning our free engagement shoot!

They chose the Love Locks Bridge for the shoot location. They picked it from our awesome list of the Top 10 Photoshoot Locations in KC. This was such a fun area to explore and I’m grateful they were willing to go on little adventures to get the perfect shots.

It was such a treat meeting them and seeing their love for each other shine through on camera. When I asked how they met, here’s what Amanda had to say:

“We both met each other on Tinder (what people nowadays consider a hook up site lol). Definitely not our case!”

They were both in search of their special someone and became head over heels!

This is one of Dustin’s signature signs of affection for Amanda: the forehead kiss!

When the proposal happened, Amanda was so surprised, she thought the conversation was heading for the worst. AKA a breakup … not an engagement!

They were at the Plaza for their anniversary and it was bitter cold. Dustin casually asked Amanda “so, how much do you love me?”

She put her arms out wide and said “THIS MUCH!”

“Alright, and how much do you think I love you?” Dustin countered, with Amanda giving the same response as before.

Dustin disagreed and held his hand up, measuring a tiny amount, almost an inch. At this point, Amanda was really confused and thought he was trying to break up with her.

He then said (and I’m paraphrasing) “Sometimes you need to appreciate the small things, because they can turn into something much more.” That’s when he got down on one knee and pulled out the ring!

And what a ring!!! Whoo-whee!

When I heard the touchingly romantic story, Dustin said jokingly: “Yeah, I had to bring her down a little bit to build up the moment.”

There you have it, folks! TRUE LOVE! This tree stump is a new favorite hot spot — we got so many cute shots by it.

I wish them the best in their happy future together!

May the playground teasing never die, and Amanda stay safe from the slide bandit.

P.S. Book us for your wedding! 😉