The All-American Session

A boy and his dog. Dad's sailor suit. Mom's rocking chair. Coke. All we were missing was apple pie and a baseball.

Fire SALE!

psssssst....

FIRE SALE!

For ONE WEEK ONLY, you may purchase the digital files from your 2009 session for only $400.

This is half off the normal price!

No prints or albums come with the Fire sale. Just the files on disc.

Sorry, no refunds for previously purchased files.

Sale applies to 2009 sessions only.

Email or call (913-669-8210) today to purchase!

Sale ends Monday, Feb 1st at 12:01 am

Redeeming the Mad Cow

Poor little guy. I need to redeem him. It won't be hard to do. He's 6 months old. 6 mo olds = super fun session with lots of fantastic fat rolls, drool drenched smiles and belly giggles that could brighten even the recent stretch of dreary Kansas winter days.

The Reason I'm Here

Before you look at these photos... these are NOT professional photos. At all.

These are the photos taken of my twins when they were born. The miracles who survived a bumpy pregnancy.

Why am I sharing these? Because these photos, these boys, are the reason for CCPhotodesign. These photos are what I have of my 4lb and 5lb miracles. I couldn't {at that time...7 years ago...it's different now, obviously} find a photographer to take the photos I envisioned of these sweet boys. Lifestyle, boutique photography was just starting at the time - at least in KC - and I never got the photos I wanted of them. That's when I decided to jump {not feet first...but HEAD first} into this crazy crazy business.

7 years later there are lots of us lifestyle, boutique, custom photographers out here.

Many cringe, gasp or shiver when you see our prices. {We'll touch on the whys and hows of that topic tomorrow.} But for now...consider this. I would pay THROUGH MY NOSE to go back in time and have a pro capture my newborn twins. It's not about the price tag. It's about something so precious, so important that I wouldn't trust anyone else with the job.

This isn't just a plug for my business - yes, I would love to have you come to me for your custom boutique photography needs - but it is a plug for ALL custom photographers. I realize that snapshots (like the ones of my twins below) bring joy as well. But a professional photographer would have caught all the tiny details, all the facial expressions...in the correct light and the beginning of my twins' life would have been art instead of a snapshot.

Happy 7th Birthday to the sweet miracles who brought me here. Who keep me going in the wee hours of the morning when everybody else is asleep and I am still working. Happy Birthday sweet sweet boys.

Mad Cow in the Studio!

now c'mon...you KNOW I had to post these!

{don't fret W's Mamma...the real sneak peek is still to come}

fastest session evvva

So SO cold. I mean really really cold. But we had planned this session and it had to be done 'cause they don't live here in the tundra. Here visiting only for a few days, we had to take the best day we were given and go FAST.

My fingers were numb, their noses were red but we were doin' ok. 'Til that moment when my brain, apparently, froze like the rest of my body.

"Hey B...why don't you jump off the table?" If you've been to one of my sessions, you know this is standard procedure for me. Bribery most of the time (because, before age and gravity take over jumping is still fun!)

But you see my friends, my brain was frozen and I forgot that this wasn't a standard session. no no. This was a session in frigid temps with 15 inches of snow on the ground...and on said table. So, being the obedient cooperative little client (aka my nephew)... B jumped. And landed square on his noggin. Thankfully there was 15 inches of snow to break his fall and shield his brain. Thankfully there wasn't even a bump. It did, however, end the outdoor portion of our session and land us in Starbucks for some hot chocolate. We headed back to the studio and finished up there. Where nobody's brain was damaged or frozen.

You ARE What You Wear

Clothing choice is the number one question I get. What to wear? It's the first thing everyone stresses about exactly one minute after they book their session.

The following was written by a fantastic photographer, Jeanette Leblanc. She has kindly offered her article up for other photogs to share with our clients. Bless you Jeanette for putting all of my phone conversations into easily understood words!

You are what you wear.

A little cliché? Perhaps. But when it comes to portrait photography, clothing plays a huge role in the success of the finished product.

Before we get going – let’s be clear what you’re clothing does NOT need to be:

1. Brand New
I’m down with your favorite ripped jeans, retro band T’s, and worn converse shoes – as long as you know how to rock them in your own fabulous style.
2. Fancy-Schmancy and Uber-Expensive
Unless it’s your thing (If it’s really your thing, then by all means baby, bring on the bling). If you’re not normally a dress-up kind of person, don’t feel like you have to be one for your session.
3. Matching
No need to focus on matching everything from the color of your fuchsia headbands to the stripes in your socks. In fact, I beg of you, please, please don’t. If you’re heart is set on everyone in white button downs and khaki pants, I’m probably not your girl.
4. Stressful
No need to worry about each and every item, or fret about the suitability of each accessory. This is supposed to be fun. If you’re unsure – call me, and together, we’ll make sure you look fabulous. I promise.

I want you to be happy, thrilled, over the moon about your images, and I know that this is much more likely if we take the time and work together to help you choose clothing that fits these few simple rules:

Feels Good.
During your shoot you could be sitting in a pile on the grass having a tickle battle, rolling down a hill with your fiancé, throwing your kiddos in the air or climbing a tree. Wear clothing that lets you do all that (and more) comfortably.

As for the kids? Well…uncomfortable kids have a tendency to look…uncomfortable, and are often cranky to boot. Happy kids make for happy pictures.

Bottom Line: Don’t choose outfits that make any of you feel constrained, stiff, itchy, scratchy, like you’re dressed up for Halloween, or that leave you with a nagging worry that a button might pop if you bend the wrong way. Trust me.

Looks Good.
This can be tricky, looking good is totally subjective – right? If you’re not a Carrie Bradshaw fashionista in real life, you might want to pull in some extra help from a straight-talking friend or your trusty photographer (that would be me) who knows about such things and has plans in place to help.

Sometimes last year’s of-the-moment dress has already become hopelessly untrendy. Sometimes the current fashions just don’t look or feel like you. Sometimes outfits that look good in the mirror might not be ideally suited for photography. If you’re really looking for extra help, I can put you in touch with some incredible folks who make people look good for a living.

Bottom Line: If you don’t feel fabulous-fierce-take-on-the-world gorgeous in your outfit, you’re not going to love, love, love the end result – and I’m all about you love, love, loving the end result.

Makes Sense.
Here’s where we pull it all together. It’s not just enough that everyone look good and feel good – you’ve gotta look and feel good together AND the outfits should fit with your location and the desired mood for your portraits.

Glup. That seems like a lot, doesn’t it? (quick – revisit #4 in the top list, and remember, don’t stress).

Before you even begin figuring out your wardrobe, we’ll have an in depth consultation to narrow down what you really want for your pictures, choose the perfect location and make sure you have an understanding about how that all comes together in the finished photograph. I’m with you every step of the way.

Bottom Line: It’s easier than it seems.Think twice about having Emma in a lace prom dress if you can’t get Tommy out of his spider man cape and favorite Star Wars pajama top. If we’re going to be running around in a park, you’ll likely not decide to wear your starched Sunday best. Hate the way stripes and plaids look together but Dad has his favorite stripped polo ready to go? Best steer mom away from her beloved family tartan. Easy-Peasy. [unless Mom is really attached to that tartan, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it).

~~~

If you’re still not certain, and you can’t decide between the yellow wrap dress with your red heels or your dark skinny jeans and purple belted shirt – I’ve got good news. You don’t have to decide. Bring lots of options. Heck – throw your whole wardrobe into the back of the car. When we get to the session we’ll wing it all with fabulous results. Trust me.

Now take a deep breath. Close your eyes. Imagine how blow-everyone-away-fabulous-ready-for-America’s-Next-Top-Model you’re all going to look in those pictures….

Can you see it yet? I totally can. OMG, you look INCREDIBLE!

I can’t wait for your session.

2010 Session/Reservation Fee Announcement

Session fees have changed for 2010... the following will be the reservation fees (previously called session fees) for any sessions booked from today forward. If you have already booked a session for this year, the previous session fees will apply.

2010 Reservation Fees

Weekday sessions (Tues-Fri) - $175

Weekend sessions (Sat & Sun) - $225

Mini Sessions - $100

Reservation fees are due at booking.

Reservation fees cover artists' time and vision only. Session fees are valid for up to 6 people. $25 per person after that.

Weekday and Weekend sessions may be booked for either studio or location. Studio sessions are available for up to 3 subjects only.

Full sessions will include a design session prior to the shoot, the photo session lasting up to 2 hours (up to 4 hours for newborn) and an ordering session after the shoot.

Mini Sessions will last 25 minutes and do not include an ordering session. Design sessions for the minis will be over the phone or email only.

More details on pricing and packages for 2010 to follow shortly!