the blog
One of the best parts of being a photographer is getting to capture love stories as they unfold. With Katherine and Cody, I’ve had the absolute pleasure of documenting so many special moments in their journey together! From their engagement session to their wedding day and now their one-year anniversary at the Kauffman Center, their story has been nothing short of amazing.
From Engaged in the City to Married with Style
I first met Katherine and Cody for their engagement session, and let me tell you—they brought it. Their fun personalities and bold outfit choices made the session uniquely them. We wandered through downtown Kansas City, stopping in alleyways, posing against historic architecture, and, of course, visiting one of their favorite spots—Brown and Loe in the River Market. Every moment felt effortless with these two. They were up for anything, totally comfortable in front of my lens, and their connection was undeniable.
Then came their wedding day—a day filled with love, laughter, and so much thoughtfulness. Every detail was intentional, reflecting their personalities and the love they share. From their heartfelt vows to the little touches throughout the day, it was truly the perfect representation of who they are as a couple.
A New Chapter at Kauffman Center
So, when they reached out for an anniversary session, I couldn’t have been more excited! Capturing this next phase of their love story felt so special. We chose Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts as the backdrop—its modern architecture and clean lines were the perfect complement to their timeless style.
As always, Katherine and Cody were completely down for anything! Whether I asked them to twirl, dip, or strike a dramatic pose, they jumped right in without hesitation. That’s what I love about them—they trust the process and bring so much energy to their sessions. Their laughter, the way they look at each other, and their playful dynamic always shine through in their photographs.
Photographing these two over the years has been such a joy, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for them! Whether it’s another milestone session or just an excuse to capture more of their love, I’ll be there, camera in hand, ready to document whatever adventure comes next.
Katherine and Cody, thank you for letting me be part of your story. Here’s to many more chapters ahead!
There’s something incredibly special about capturing the beauty and excitement of pregnancy! For Elodia and Luis, their maternity session at Loose Park was nothing short of magical. This session not only celebrated the upcoming arrival of their little one but also highlighted the timeless charm of Loose Park.
Elodia and Luis opted for a neutral color palette that worked beautifully against Loose Park’s vibrant scenery. Elodia wore a light grey knit dress that accentuated her baby bump in the most adorable way. Luis complemented her look with a tan knit sweater and black jeans, creating a cohesive and timeless feel. Neutral tones like these allow the park’s natural beauty to take center stage, making the colors and textures of the rose garden and surrounding greenery even more striking in the photographs.
Speaking of the rose garden, it surely provided a romantic and elegant backdrop for many of their images. The vibrant blooms, paired with the intricate stonework of the columns, stairs, and walkways, added depth and texture to the photographs. Each detail of the garden’s design tells a story of timeless beauty, creating the perfect setting for such a meaningful session. Beyond the garden, Loose Park’s vast open fields offered a serene and natural atmosphere. The wide-open space allowed us to capture breathtaking images of Elodia and Luis, highlighting their love and excitement as they prepare to welcome their baby.
Pregnancy is a uniquely exciting and transformative time in life. It’s a season filled with anticipation, love, and a touch of magic. Capturing these fleeting moments is not only a joy for photographers but also an incredible gift for expecting parents. Maternity photographs freeze this special phase in time, giving families cherished memories to look back on for years to come.
Loose Park offered everything we needed to make this session unforgettable. From the vibrant rose garden to the expansive fields, every element of the park provided stunning backdrops. Together with Elodia and Luis’s natural chemistry and thoughtful wardrobe choices, it created photographs they’ll treasure forever.
Maternity sessions like this one remind us how magical life’s transitions can be. It’s an honor to capture these moments, preserving the love and excitement that make them so special.
A summer senior session in downtown Kansas City is always a fantastic choice. Amelia’s session at the National WWI Museum and Memorial proved just that! A 2025 senior from St. Theresa High School, Amelia brought her bright personality and impeccable style, making every moment a joy to capture.
National WWI Museum and Memorial
The National WWI Museum and Memorial offered a perfect mix of timeless architecture and iconic Kansas City scenery. Its backdrop paired beautifully with Amelia’s light and breezy wardrobe. Her outfits were a standout feature of the session! The watercolor pastel dress added a soft, artistic touch, while the white lace dress brought a timeless elegance. For a relaxed yet classic vibe, she opted for jeans and a blue skirt paired with a cute white tank top.
Amelia’s bronde hair and deep brown eyes stood out beautifully against the bright summer skies! Each outfit highlighted her natural beauty, blending seamlessly with the city skyline. Speaking of backdrops, the Kansas City skyline and fountains were out to impress! The fountains brought a sense of movement and life, while the cityscape gave a modern, urban edge to the session.
Style and Comfort
What truly made this session special was Amelia’s confidence and energy! She completely owned every look, from twirling and laughing in her pastel dress to leaning casually by the fountains in her baby blue skirt. Her excitement for senior year at St. Theresa brought a fresh, vibrant energy that made each moment unforgettable!
Senior sessions are an incredible way to celebrate this milestone in life. Amelia’s session perfectly captured the magic of summer in Kansas City. With an iconic location, stunning wardrobe choices, and her radiant personality, everything came together seamlessly. It was an absolute honor to capture such a special time for an amazing senior in an unforgettable setting!
I had the pleasure of capturing a beautiful pregnancy announcement session with Kelsey and Ben in downtown Kansas City. We began our session on a stunning rooftop, overlooking the iconic city skyline. The vibrant energy of the city created a perfect backdrop for their exciting news.
Kelsey looked radiant in a striking red dress, paired with a chic black leather jacket. Her matching boots added the perfect touch of style. Ben complemented her perfectly, wearing classic jeans and a stylish green top.
As we started our session on the rooftop, the setting sun cast a golden glow over the city. The soft light enhanced the joy and excitement on their faces. Each photograph captured their genuine happiness and love for each other.
After capturing some rooftop photographs, we headed down to the streets below. We found charming alleys, colorful murals, and historic architecture that perfectly complemented Kelsey and Ben’s style! Each photograph reflected their personalities and the excitement of their baby announcement.
One of my favorite moments was when Kelsey and Ben posed in front of a vibrant mural. The bold colors and intricate designs provided a stunning backdrop for their announcement. The mural’s artistry and the couple’s excitement combined to create a truly magical moment!
Kelsey and Ben’s pregnancy announcement session was a wonderful experience, filled with love, laughter, and beautiful downtown Kansas City moments. It was an honor to capture their special news and create lasting memories for their growing family. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this wonderful couple and their little one on the way!
Capturing beautiful moments between couples is an art. Here are ten portrait photography poses for couples that help to create stunning and memorable photographs.
1. The Classic Embrace
The classic embrace pose is timeless and romantic. Have the couple stand close, wrapping their arms around each other.
2. Forehead to Forehead
Forehead to forehead poses create an intimate and sweet moment. The couple gently touches foreheads, sharing a quiet connection.
3. Walking Hand in Hand
A candid walking pose is natural and relaxed. The couple walks hand in hand, looking at each other or the camera.
4. The Piggyback Ride
The piggyback ride is playful and fun. One partner gives the other a piggyback ride, creating joyful and spontaneous expressions.
5. Sitting Side by Side
Have the couple sit side by side, either on the ground or a bench. This pose is cozy and comfortable.
6. The Dip
The dip pose is dramatic and romantic. One partner dips the other backward, creating a sense of movement and passion.
7. The Lift
The lift pose is dynamic and joyful. One partner lifts the other off the ground, capturing a moment of pure happiness.
8. The Nose Nuzzle
Nose nuzzle poses are intimate and tender. The couple gently touches noses, sharing a soft and loving moment.
Making the Most of Poses
These poses can be adapted to suit different styles and personalities. Encourage couples to relax and enjoy the moment. Natural interactions often lead to the best photographs. It’s important to capture the love and connection between the couple. Communication and comfort are key to achieving stunning results.
Great poses for couples can turn a portrait session into a beautiful experience. These ten poses are perfect for creating memorable couple photographs. Whether classic or playful, each pose tells a unique love story.
Are you ready to elevate your business with a professional branding session? Here’s how to prepare and make the most of it!
What to Wear
Choosing the right outfit is crucial for a successful branding session. Select clothes that reflect your brand’s personality. Stick to solid colors that complement your brand’s color palette. Avoid busy patterns and logos that can distract from your face. Ensure your clothes are clean, well-fitted, and wrinkle-free. Bring multiple outfits to add variety to your photos. Layering can add depth and interest to your look. Accessories should be minimal but can enhance your outfit. Comfortable shoes are a must, especially if outdoor shots are planned. Consider your brand’s style: casual, formal, or somewhere in between. Professional hair and makeup can make a significant difference.
Poses for Branding
The right poses can convey confidence and approachability. Stand or sit up straight to project professionalism. Smiling naturally helps you appear friendly and trustworthy. Candid shots of you working or interacting can add authenticity. Look directly at the camera for a strong connection with viewers. Angled shots can add depth and interest. Use props that are relevant to your business to tell a story. Relaxed, open body language is more inviting. Try different expressions to convey various aspects of your brand. Practice in front of a mirror to find your best angles. A professional photographer will guide you on poses that work best.
Benefits of a Branding Session
A branding session is an investment in your business’s image. High-quality photographs enhance your website and social media profiles. Professional images build trust with potential clients and partners. Consistent branding helps your business stand out in a crowded market. Images from a branding session can be used in marketing materials. Visual content is more engaging than text alone! Showcasing your personality helps humanize your brand. Strong visuals can improve your overall marketing strategy. A well-executed branding session can attract more clients! It’s an opportunity to reflect on your brand and how you want it perceived.
Preparing for a business branding session requires thoughtful planning. Your attire, poses, and overall demeanor should align with your brand’s message. Professional photographs can significantly enhance your marketing efforts. They help build a strong, trustworthy image for your business!
Amidst August’s warmth, I ventured into Shawnee Mission Park with the B’s for family portraits. Choosing Shawnee Mission Park as the backdrop provided vibrant green foliage and a stunning setting. The family’s wardrobe, a blend of bright and dark neutrals, harmonized seamlessly with the natural palette, creating timeless yet vibrant portraits.
For families planning their session, consider these tips:
Coordinate Outfits: Opt for a color palette that complements the natural surroundings. A mix of bright and dark neutral colors can add depth and visual appeal.
Choose the Right Time: Scheduling your session during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon ensures soft, flattering light that enhances the warmth of family moments.
Embrace Candid Moments: While posed shots are essential, candid moments capture the true essence of your family. Encourage playful interactions and genuine expressions to create authentic memories.
Plan Poses Ahead: Discuss with your photographer about specific poses or moments you want to capture. This ensures a variety of shots that reflect your family’s personality.
Relax and Enjoy: Family portraits are about creating memories together. Embrace the joy of the moment, and let the photographer capture the genuine connections between family members.
The B’s family’s session at Shawnee Mission Park radiates love and joy. As they braved August’s heat, their portraits stand testament to familial warmth, love, and timeless bonds. I had a blast capturing it!
As the class of 2024 prepares for their next chapter, it was wonderful to capture Ava from Louisburg High School! A session that seamlessly blended her sophistication and spunk. We got to explore the iconic Kauffman Performing Arts Center and the vibrant streets of downtown Kansas City.
Ava, a radiant senior with a personality as dynamic as her wardrobe, effortlessly transitioned between three distinct outfits. The session kicked off with Ava donning a sweet white dress that exuded timeless elegance. Against the backdrop of the Kauffman, the soft hues complemented Ava’s natural grace, creating a series of portraits that encapsulated the purity of her senior year.
Transitioning to downtown Kansas City, Ava embraced her vibrant side in a spunky mosaic top paired with crisp white jeans. The juxtaposition of the eclectic patterns against the urban backdrop added a playful touch to the session. As we meandered through the city’s dynamic streets, Ava’s radiant smile radiated through every frame.
For the grand finale, Ava showcased her bold and daring side in a silky maroon top paired with sleek black leather pants. This ensemble perfectly mirrored her confidence and determination as she approaches the threshold of a new chapter in life. Against the backdrop of the city’s skyline, the rich colors and textures created a stunning visual narrative, symbolizing the limitless possibilities awaiting Ava beyond high school.
As a senior portrait photographer, there is immense joy in capturing the individuality of each graduating senior. Ava’s session was a perfect blend of elegance and edge. Congratulations to Ava and the Class of 2024!
Spring means graduation and with graduation comes the opportunity to capture senior sessions! There is something so fun about a senior session and capturing this phase of life for people. Whether they are graduating High School or they are graduating College and entering the workforce, it is such an exciting time! All my graduating seniors are so full of zest and ready to take on the next phase of life. Jolie was no different!
She graduated from Louisburg High School with plans to attend Missouri State University. If you didn’t know, I am a MSU alumni (GO BEARS)! It was wonderful to meet her, and talk about her plans for the future. It’s always fun to talk with people who plan to attend my alma-mater, it allows me to reminisce on my time there. I’m also always willing to share advice on what to do and where to get the BEST food!
The sun showed up for us at sunset! It was a beautiful evening for a senior session at The Nelson Atkins Museum and we had a great time walking around and chatting. Her outfits were so cute and a great representation of her personality!
A good rule of thumb is to do a mix of casual and dressed up looks. It’s common for people to bring a uniform or t-shirt from their school to wear so they can capture those memories!
Scheduling a senior session is a great way to capture this special time in your life! Whether you have one outfit or 3 and are attending a University or starting your career post-graduation. One of the best parts of my job is being able to meet people who are in different phases of life. They all have one common goal – preserve these moments and memories!
This session makes me long for warmer days! I can’t wait to get back outside with my clients in the warmth and sun. Blaine and Jess met me at Lone Summit Ranch for a couples poolside session on this hot Summer day. We had the pool to ourselves and I had so much fun capturing their fun and loving personalities.
Lone Summit Ranch is located in a quaint and secluded area, with beautiful white buildings and a gorgeous pool! I always suggest to my couples that we go somewhere special to them or go do something they enjoy doing together. This helps their personalities shine through and makes their photographs really unique to them! The case was no different for Jess and Blaine.
I had such a great time helping pose them in this unique setting. They were up for anything and so great to work with! The pool area was a decent size, so we had room to move around and get creative with poses in and out of the pool.
If you are considering doing something out of the ordinary for your next session this is your sign to go for it! As long as your photographer is on board and it’s something that isn’t dangerous it will be so cool to have the unique moments captured!
