ccphotodesign

2011-01-18T16:28:00.002-06:00

We've moved! It's a new year, so it is time to change things up. To visit the blog, please go to http://ccphotodesign.com or http://blog.ccphotodesign.com (you end up at the same place).

With the new format it gives Carmen more freedom in her posting and formatting of all the images everyone likes to see. In the end, we have essentially merged her blog and website into one. Enjoy!

-Webmaster

Fall

2010-10-29T23:15:00.002-05:00

no cute little faces this time. just a nod to my favorite season.

Sometimes It's a Roller Coaster

2010-10-27T10:06:00.004-05:00

Just like your life with a baby/toddler/younger child ... a portrait session can be a roller coaster. Oh there's the rare session where the child is perfectly happy and cooperative the entire time. But seriously - rare.

Here's what you need to know about me. I'm probably gonna capture the ups and the downs of the roller coaster. The twists, turns and even the upside-down-loops.

Oh, I realize that at that moment you're not seeing the humor or the beautiful reality of the ride. I realize this because I have kids too. Listen, I am familiar with the roller coaster. (ehhemmm...I may or may not have had security visit me in the parking lot of a particularly large retail store due to others' concerns for a screaming, writhing child in my general area while I sat and quietly waited on it to pass...{cough}). Yes. I know the roller coaster.

But there are funny moments and sweet moments during the ride. And my fingers can't help but hit the shutter release when those moments appear. Because the roller coaster is our life right now. And what a sweet life it is.

And don't you just love the thrill of the ride? You laugh when you get to the end, don't you? Even if you were screaming and clinging on for dear life just seconds ago.

So brace yourself for the ride. Don't kid yourself into thinking it'll be the kiddie ride (you know the one...the little caterpillar that barely moves). Maybe it will be. Probably not.

And when we start down that hill where you can see the free-fall in front of you ... you will probably hear the click of the shutter.

Consider yourself warned.

Check out the roller coaster - (what isn't pictured is the moment we both realized we couldn't find the car keys...for the car that was just driven to the spot where we were standing. Only 2 moms of toddlers would be found crawling through a car, under a car etc ... looking for the keys that were in hand 2 seconds ago)

Lots of Pink

2010-10-26T23:03:00.004-05:00

Just a quick peek at a session I have dubbed "the pink session." You can see why.

The rain let up just long enough to get this session in {shew}. Little Ms "S" is 6 months old already! Her family came along for this session and we broke away from the "norm" studio 6-monther session.

Goodness - just look at all that pink. I am soaking it all in ... 'cause it's something that (for obvious reasons) will never appear in one of my own family photographs!

Dogs

2010-10-24T21:37:00.005-05:00

As promised - more from the boy with the beautiful eyes. The things is ... he has a sister with the same eyes. And a great family. And a dog. Wait ... no ...

There's this dog...and she has this boy with amazing eyes. She also has a girl with stunning eyes and the funniest little personality.

If you have a dog, you realize why I needed to re-word that.

I have dogs. I love dogs. I haven't always. It's not that I ever had a distaste for them. I just didn't grow up with one. But then I married a dog lover. And that dog lover talked about how much he missed his dogs. So when we bought our first home, I knew ... knew that I had to get him a dog. What I didn't know was how much my life would change the day we drove out to the country to meet a breeder...and I watched this tiny puppy follow my husband around, wouldn't let him out of her sight, was on his heels the entire time. She came home with us that day {duh} and changed our lives.

Some of the change involved chewed shoes, carpet, air conditioner, grill (as in the kind you cook burgers on ... uh huh), fences, plants, trees, wild kittens... shall I go on? Oh - wait - let's not forget the couch she turned into fluff all over our living room while we were at work and she broke out of her kennel. That'd be the instance that caused us to drive out to the country again. And come home with yet another puppy.

'Cause you solve one problem by multiplying it, right? yeah.

It worked though. Far less chewing went down after that. Our neighbors thanked us. Our bank account thanked us. My home interior breathed a sigh of relief and I was able to finally have a full set of shoes.

2 years later we gave those dogs their own boys. And if I thought my life had changed before...well...wow. {big change}

My heart swells watching my dogs with their boys (to their total delight we added one more boy a few years ago). There aren't too many things better than watching that crowd play together.

So all that leads me to this family's session. They bring their dog each year. I love it. Love that they are dog people like us. Love watching her interact with her people.

Don't be afraid to bring your dog to your session. Warn me first! But seriously - look at what we get...

The session isn't all about the dog (don't tell her that). What you have to know about the following shots is this... I'm a health food girl. I pay attention to nutrition and find serious importance in it. But I need to be better. Wish I could be more disciplined about it. Well "S" is the most health-minded genius I know. I knew I had to do something around this for their session...so we had apples in the park. I loved how her kids were so excited about getting an apple from me (they informed me that apples are full of phytonutrients - HA! awesome!). Almost as much as I loved watching them interact with their dog.

and just because I think this might be the best family shot evvvver...

His Eyes

2010-10-24T15:55:00.004-05:00

More coming from this little guy's family - but as I'm finishing up their proofs, I'm amazed at his eyes and felt the need to share some of the sparkle with you today!

Ice Cream!

2010-10-14T17:02:00.002-05:00

Cookies & Cream to be exact. Happy 1st Bday Miss S!

Poor Poor Neglected Blog

2010-10-14T11:28:00.004-05:00

I'm so sorry little blog of mine. I have neglected you. I went off to Florida and put you to the side...and then have ignored your calls for attention since I returned. Here's what's gonna happen. I'm gonna post lots o' pictures. Not too many words. I promise we'll chat again soon. But it's holiday season my friend. And there isn't much time for words.

Just pictures.

We'll start with my trip to Florida. It was lovely. First real vacation in a very very long time. I didn't even take my camera. Took a simple point & shoot. What did I learn? 1 - I need more of these vacations. 2 - I have a total inability to operate a point & shoot camera. I need manual mode. thank you very much.

Now, we'll move on to some session peeks... here's Ms "S"! Watch later this afternoon for another post of Ms "S" and her ...are you ready for this... birthday ICE CREAM shots (instead of birthday cake).

Certifiably Insane

2010-09-17T22:50:00.006-05:00

These are the only words I can think to truly describe the two women involved in these photos.

Yes, I am one of the two.

The other is {obviously} nearly as crazy as me.

If you have followed me for some time, you know that I have this one client. She's quite the creative one. We do a session in the fall every year. Every. Single. Year. (much to her husband's dismay). Each year - the day after we shoot her session - I begin thinking of how I'm gonna top it for next year.

Well this year the timing had to be perfect - because it involved the carnival. Darn carnival only runs Thurs-Saturday and guess what days out of the week a family with three school-age kids has sports etc.? That's right ... Thurs-Saturday. Sunday would have been great. Too bad we would have been the only ones there on Sunday. Well no - that's not true - it would have been us and the clean-up crew. Not exactly the photo-opp we were looking for.

So, being the stubborn creative types that we are, we figured out that if we met at a certain hour on Thursday we could make it work. We would have to move quickly and dear husband would have to be excluded from the shoot. Kids only. He was very disappointed I tell you. He's probably still crying right now over missing this shoot.

Well guess what?

Rain.

That's what.

We spent the day on the phone with each other and stalking Gary Lezak {local weatherman - only guy I'll watch, btw}. Do we go for it? Do we not? It will be another year before this comes to town again. Look - it's slowing down to a drizzle! Just how crazy are we?

Turns out - very. Certifiably insane.

'Cause we went for it.

I stopped and loaded up on umbrellas on the way. Good thing. 'Cause we had an umbrella over each kid and an umbrella over my camera the whole time. We were a vision - kids all dressed up, hauling 72 umbrellas around (ok, ok - maybe not quite that many) and me laying on the ground in the drizzle to get the shots. Have you ever looked around at a fair or carnival? Interesting people, no? To say we stuck out like sore thumbs would be a huge understatement.

But we had fun. Ok, the kids had fun. Me & "Miss K" ... well ... when you're certifiably insane can you really judge just how much fun you did or did not have?

And guess what? We decided that we just couldn't stand to have her husband miss all the fun for an entire year - so we're gonna do another one later in the fall. One with their whole family. Not the carnival. And no rain. Or drizzle. I bet her husband is jumping for joy right now. Just giddy with excitement that we found a way to include him once again this year.

*important disclaimer* I will not shoot a session in weather that will make it impossible for me to protect my equipment or be dangerous to your children. The weather in this session involved zero risk to the kids and was a situation that my equipment could be protected. It was, in fact, a rare instance.

Brain Food

2010-09-16T10:35:00.005-05:00

I need some. No, really - I need some brain food pronto. What is it about allergies that causes all intelligent thought to drain right out of your head? Why in the world would a perfectly sane {well, relatively} person sit in front of her computer screen for hours upon hours ... waiting on the big bright screen to inspire her ... to give her the perfect topic to blog about for a sneak peek? I'm on my 3rd cup of coffee and it's not working. So coffee appears to not be the brain food I need today (doesn't mean I won't continue to try it though). I tried nutella. Nope. Dark Chocolate peanut butter. Nope. The pantry & fridge are pretty close to empty...so I'm running low on ideas here. The package of "potty-training M&Ms" {Peyton's} is staring at me. I keep telling it to go away. The package of saltines is staring at me too. I keep telling it that it's not my friend until I return from my trip to the beach.

That's right ... I'm now talking to food and expecting a response. This could all be do to the 6 ... that's right SIX... allergy meds I'm on at the moment.

Consider this a warning ... all clients scheduled for the next 5 days ... this blog post is your warning. I may not make much sense at our up-coming session. I might even do the chicken dance. If I get a glazed over look on my face ... well ... just don't feed me a saltine. There's a beach trip in my very near future...

Wait ... there it is ... brain food! Beach trip + husband - kids = brain food. That's good news for everyone scheduled for the week I get back. This week's clients ... well ... just snap your fingers in front of my face and remind me of my up-coming brain food.

"Y" family - I present your "peek." And I apologize for a lack of thought-provoking chat to go along with the peek. But I figure, if anyone can sympathize with my fatigue and surprising moments of being lost in space ... well ... it would definitely be the parents of a newborn and 2yr old. Yes, I'm sure you can sympathize with me!

the new big brother and I had some play time while baby was eating...what a ham!

now, I realize that some may be slightly taken off-guard by me posting a baby bottom on here. I apologize if you have been taken off-guard. But c'mon ... is there anything much cuter than the little bullet-bottom of a newborn?! When else in life is it so adorable to have dimples and fat rolls?!

Another Birthday!

2010-09-11T12:56:00.004-05:00

For me! That's right - Happy 29th Birthday to me! (and yes - it HAS been 29 years since 1975...it has - I'm bad at math so I get to claim 29. shshhh.)

So I figure I gotta post a birthday session on my birthday, no?! We celebrated his birthday in the park - eating cake, playing with bubbles and swinging. I think that's exactly how I'm gonna spend the rest of MY birthday!

Peek A Boo

2010-09-02T22:11:00.002-05:00

Are You Ready?

2010-08-31T00:57:00.006-05:00

For Holiday Season? Ready for the craziness?

Yeah, me either.

But it's almost here. A few more days and Labor Day will be past us and thus the official start to Holiday Season in the children photography biz.

There are changes coming for Holiday Season. New things to talk about and older things to wish goodbye. (much like my life with a 2yr old at the moment...hello binky(paci)-free life...goodbye naptime).

We'll chat about these things very soon. Meanwhile, take a moment to peek through a sweet little 1yr old. She loves her pearls...good girl!

look at that look she's giving us - knows she shouldn't put the necklace in her mouth but let's be honest...she's 1...she's gonna do it anyway

hmmm...doesn't taste as good as expected

a happy birthday girl

cupcakes and piggies

{peek}

{a-boo!}

I Have a Good Attitude!

2010-08-06T00:16:00.007-05:00

It seems it's true.

It must be ... 'cause a 7yr old said so.

That makes me smile.

But it seems that I also have great tone.

A 6yr old said so. (she was referring to my voice and inflection...not so much my abs...which, ironically have zero tone thanks to two other 7yr olds I know)

That makes me laugh.

These sweet girls should have a talk with my boys...'cause MY 7yr olds don't seem to share these beliefs. HA! I wonder why that would be? *snark*

I met the "H" family last weekend. What fun we had! I was the lucky recipient of a modeling show, a concert and enormous amounts of very important information. And questions...do people live in these buildings? Why is the glass broken? What's that? Do we get to go to another spot? Isn't this FUN? {why yes, cute girl, it IS}

And Santa made a stop.

ok just kidding... but you'd think that's who had just pulled up

it was the train - what excitement over the train!

Thanks for a great evening "H" family!

Now. Speaking of a good attitude... just a reminder that the studio is currently closed. Sure, I'm still working - but it's all catch-up in order to save my sanity when holiday season starts up next month. I'll be in and out of the office at not-normal hours. 'Cause I'm trying to save my good attitude! If you need to get in touch with me - the most effective way is to send me a text message or email. I will get back to you just as soon as I take a breath and put my coffee cup down ; )

The First Fall Image and Curls

2010-08-05T16:06:00.006-05:00

Ok, well it's sorta the first Fall image. They were wearing Fall clothes and we shot in the morning and it gave those first images a warm glow... so it's the first Fall image...even though it was shot in the crazy heat of August. {crazy} HEAT.

But you know what heat & humidity give us? Adorable baby curls. That's what.

Little guy gave us a few images in his Fall gear (as Mom & Dad were melting...hey, I was melting and I was in a tank top!)

But then we had to switch out to summer appropriate gear.

And as the heat began to take it's toll on all of us...

we moved on to less clothing (for the BABY...geez people) and a little sugar.

'cause sugar makes just about everyone a little happier...even in this crazy heat.

Happy Birthday Baby "W!"

Fall Books Open Today at 10am!

2010-08-02T09:32:00.004-05:00

Fall bookings are open at 10:00am {central time}

Email, text or call with the dates you are interested in. First come, first serve!

Let the madness begin!

My Dangerous Job

2010-07-30T14:37:00.005-05:00

Mhmmm. You read that right. Danger. It surrounds me.

No really.

As I sit here, I can hardly type because I have managed to sustain a neck injury (ok, so it's just a stiff neck...but I prefer to refer to it as a neck injury ok? ok.). The neck injury came from a combo of a newborn shoot and working on my computer too long. Oh yes - no it's true - we photographers have constant neck, back and wrist pain from the computer and the cameras.

I also have knee pain - not because of a long run or something healthy like that - but because I'm so short that my feet don't touch the ground when I sit at my desk...and, as I stated, I've spent too many hours in this little spot lately. Can you believe my feet don't touch?! I swear, in my "free" time I'm gonna design a chair for short people. ha ha ha ha.

Anyway, back to danger ... I'm also in danger at this particular moment of being attacked by an army of superheroes who have been ready to go to the pool for "like 18 hours". They're waiting on me to come up with something to write for this sneak peek.

So I've been sitting here...looking at my screen...trying to force my brain to work.

It won't.

I think that it might be dangerous to try to force it to work in this heat. Don't you think? Yes, I thought so.

So I have nothing profound to share with you this time. Just that this little girl was so much fun. She let us play with lots of hats, baskets, dresses...etc. See - here's another danger factor...I photograph these sweet little angels all the time and it almost makes me forget that I don't want another baby. {almost} 'Cause the truth is...if I had another baby...I'd only be adding to the army of superheroes who are threatening an attack at this moment.

I have to mention that this little girl just moved to Kansas. And she had ruby red slippers...oh goodness...you KNOW I had to play with THAT.

baby fat rolls! it doesn't get much sweeter than this.

would you check out those smushed lips?!

The Last Group

2010-07-29T17:54:00.006-05:00

This fantastic family was my last official large group shoot. I now only do individual families with children 12 years old or younger.

Why? Well, I'm glad you asked. Because it's quite hard to focus on pediatric photography if I'm shooting large family groups. Large groups don't normally involve the majority being 12 or younger (although...if you have one that does ... give me a call... if the majority are 12 or younger I'll do it. I might need a vacation when it's done...but I'll do it) The second reason is the same reason I don't do weddings or seniors ...'cause it's just not my thing.

Don't get me wrong, I'll miss some of the large group things - like the photo you see in the post below. But I need to focus. And I have trouble with focus - so I gotta do this to force myself to focus.

Need a large group photo and don't know where to go? Feel free to give me a call or shoot me an email and I'll be glad to send you some local fab photogs who do these types of sessions.

So...here is my official, final, positively no more - large group finale. And what a family to spend this occasion with! It was hot and sticky and there were bugs and dirt...but they had fun with it. WE had fun with it. Thanks for visiting me "S" family!

Oh - and notice the Big Green Ugly has re-appeared from storage! I missed her...the Big Green...I'm looking forward to another season of "dates" with The Green!

right before the hilarious shot from the previous post where the Dad surprised me

{which is my fave group shot evvva}

Now - I just simply could NOT walk away from this session without doing a shot of this little guy. He just lost his first teeth! Lost both of 'em in one shot! There's something so important and huge about losing those first teeth. I mean - we just had to document it! Congrats "J" and welcome to the world of what I call "the toothless wonders"

Surprises

2010-07-24T10:28:00.004-05:00

Good golly molly - I love it when someone surprises me on a shoot! This family was great - it was HOT last night and you would never have known it if you were watching us! (well, other than me wiping sweat off myself non-stop). At the end of the shoot...I told the "kids" to jump...intending for the parents to be standing still...kinda that contrast of nice calm parents and wild crazy kids idea. Well the Dad totally surprised me and oh my goodness...I love the result!

outta here ... for real

2010-07-15T03:24:00.007-05:00

Ok...this time I really am outta here... for a few days. I will be in my un-plugged location.

Seriously - phones usually don't work, no tv, no computer. un.plugged.

everyone say it with me ... ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh

My shoulders just relaxed.

oh - wait - except that I'm not packed. and it's 3:45. and we're leaving at 9:00.

shoulders back up by my ears.

By the way ... for any creepers out there keeping track of when I'm leaving... these guys live in my yard. And they don't like you.

Ok - so on to a much cuter little guy. Happy Birthday baby "Z!"

he wasn't very interested in wearing his hat

he was less interested in wearing THIS hat ... and even less interested in the boots

THIS he was interested in

and now, my friends, I'm outta here!

Outta here ... almost

2010-07-14T12:35:00.007-05:00

This will be quick - hard to believe - but I don't have a lot of words in me today.

I know, weird.

But I'm trying to get everything done that absolutely must be done before we leave {again}.

Yes, I said we're leaving again. But this time is vacation - not work. Ahhhh. Four days of non-computer bliss. My eyes will thank me. My back will thank me. My neck...well, no, my neck will not thank me because I will most likely cause some damage to it while doing something completely un-intelligent behind a boat. But most importantly, my kids will thank me. They haven't seen much of me lately, and for that I feel terrible. So off we're headed to one of my favorite un-plugged spots.

But not 'til I share these and one more little peek coming later tonight.

Welcome to the world sweet, smiley baby "C"

And, can I just say - oh my goodness the flower hat...the FLOWER HAT. luv. If I had a girl...she most certainly would have worn hats like this every single day.

the faces this girl made were hilarious - watch my facebook fan page for a series of her funny faces next week

this was her preferred position - a bit problematic for me

can YOU sleep with your toes up by your eye?

this is a handmade sweater (a kimono??) ... sewn for baby "C" by a friend in Japan.

Look for another shot of her in this at her 6 month session!

Sibling Love {Kansas City Children's Photographer}

2010-07-13T12:48:00.009-05:00

As I sit here, processing these images, I am struck by irony.

These kiddos were so very kind to each other. There were lots of hugs and fun games going on at this session. Big kids helped little kids. Encouragement was plentiful. (so was the energy...these three were tough to catch).

So, you ask, where is the irony?

In the room next to my studio is a playroom. In this playroom my three children are currently pounding on each other. For those who haven't caught on...I have three boys. Lots of testosterone in this house. It's not that they don't love each other - it's just that they choose to do so in a much more aggressive manner. For instance, at the moment I hear the youngest screeching "hiiyahhhhhh" and then a bigger kid grunting. This, most likely, means that the baby just jumped with all his effort onto the big kid's back or stomach. He was, obviously, provoked to this point.

So maybe the lack of the one girl has an affect on the chosen method of shown affection? Wait ... no... that's not possible. I was the lone girl amongst my siblings and our chosen method of affection involved a lot of plotting, voting, vetoes, and old-fashioned western-like attacks.

Once, I discovered that if I hid just inside the bathroom door, my brother wouldn't see me as he went running full-force down the hall. I could then stick my arm out the door at precisely the right moment and clothesline him. Feeling bad for him? Don't. He payed me back by repeating this move on me...when his arm was in a cast. I swear I'm not the reason he had a cast (or was I?). Then there's the time that we may (or may not) have convinced our baby brother that he could fly if he jumped off the back of the couch. That ended well. Feeling bad for the my baby brother? No No...he was known to lock himself in closets with our food while a sitter was there. He was also known to hide on the roof or in the bushes by our front porch...just waiting for me to come home from a date. Then there's the fact that he was insanely strong for being the youngest - he chose to use his strength to win battles.

Oh there's so many more stories. Do you have one? Share your fave sibling "love" story in the comments! We could all use a good laugh!

By the way - my brothers are fine today. Whether I turned out fine is still in question. If the answer is that I am not normal...then clearly, I blame my brothers.

I bet these angels' Mom could produce a good story too ... in spite of their amazing behavior at our shoot!

we shot this session in a super cool 111 yr old town {that's a big deal in the midwest}

"Dear Lord, please save me from all these boys"

he wasn't as amused by being put into an old tub on the street as we were by doing it!

He's 1!

And the brick road he's standing on is 97 yrs old!

Typical Oklahoma {Travel}

2010-07-12T22:19:00.008-05:00

In every state I have lived or visited (other than California) I have heard this expression -

"if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes...it'll change"

But none of these places can hold this expression as true as Oklahoma.

I made a trip to Oklahoma recently - my "Oklahoma Tour." The first session I shot held true to what I know about the Sooner State. We started out with amazingly warm, humid air (can't believe I just called it humid in Oklahoma...forgive me Texas)...within minutes it got super dark and then windy. Having not lived in Oklahoma for nearly 12 years now, I panicked a little about the darkness ... and the wind... and the nasty looking clouds. It's hard to re-schedule a session during an out-of-state tour, you know. But clearly I had forgotten about the weather in Oklahoma. Ten minutes later the wind died down and the temp had dropped to a very amazingly comfortable point. The sun came out. Then the sun disappeared...then out ... and then it started to rain. Not too hard - so we kept shooting for a few more minutes (if you look close at the shot of the kids on the brick wall...you can see rain drops falling).

Now, I had promised the kids they could play with bubbles at the end - (yes, I bribe) and as we were walking back toward the cars...

Are you from Oklahoma?

Yes? Then you probably know what happened next.

No? Oh - well then let me tell you - a huge bolt of lightning jumps out of the sky.

yeah, so no bubble shots. sorry.

I sent the bubbles home with the kiddos and, as the door to their car was closing, I heard this - "Mom! Can we play with the bubbles in the house?!"

Sorry again - this time to their Mom.

Thank you for rolling with the weather we were handed "K" family! I had a fantastic time!

he was a very busy guy during our session - I put him in charge of taking photos of me

Murphy

2010-07-08T17:49:00.007-05:00

Have you met him? I'm betting you have at some point in your life.

Well, he made an appearance at this session. He was not welcome but he didn't seem to care.

A simple shoot for all the grandkids. Outdoors. Evening light. Not a big deal.

Wrong.

Let's start with the heat. The amazing heat. Because of the heat and possible problems with rush hour traffic, at the last minute, we moved the session from the park to the country road & nature trail by the studio. We figured this would make it easier on the kids - plus we could easily switch kids in and out of the air-conditioned cars to cool them off between shots. Logical, no?

First off, we find out that some of the girls are terrified that there might be bears in the forest. Now, we're not really in the forest you see, we're about 15 ft in front of the edge of the forest. In Kansas. Not too many bears here. All the same, we bribed and cheered and did all the ridiculous things one does to convince a child to not be scared of something that seems very real in their head.

And then Grandma got bit by a huge tick. Now, let me mention...I've never had a tick problem in all the million times I've shot in this location.

Anyway - forest fun over...moving on to manicured lawns and flowers. On the walk to this spot one kiddo's flip flop busts. Have you ever tried walking on a busted flip flop? Doesn't work too well. Also causes a little drama with little girls.

Moving on to the country road (we needed the air conditioning break at this point anyway - we were drenched).

While Mom & Grandma are smoothing hair on little girls, I decided to move big boy over by the old barbed wire fence. They make super cool backgrounds for little boys. There happens to be a fairly deep ditch by this one - so for safety I keep any kiddos a good 3-5ft in front of it. That way they don't accidentally lean against the fence, fall in the ditch etc. I never considered a friendly shove from a sibling. Down the poor guy goes...into the ditch...wrapped in the fence. He's ok... but the shirt is shredded and Mom is frazzled (I don't blame her at all!).

alright ... ok ... we're only about 30 minutes into the session...need more images so we'll keep going and I'll photoshop the torn shirt. All is ok.

Moving on to the MIDDLE of the road (pretty well abandoned ... don't worry... I don't have kids playing in traffic). Middle...no ditches, no fences, no ticks, flat & level & no bears.

Me & Mom & Grandma laugh at the events of the day and we joke that the only one left to be injured or scared is the baby. No worries though...There are 3 adults within arms' reach of him and I have him in the no-fail chair for babies. It sits super low to the ground and the seat tilts in so they sit with their bottom so far down it's nearly impossible to fall out.

Nearly.

Impossible?

Guess what.

He fell out. Of course he did.

Why not.

And the adults (me included) have NO idea how it happened. We were standing RIGHT.THERE.

As he fell, big sister starts crying - I think it's because of the fall. No...it's 'cause she needs to potty. NOW. So I try to teach her to squat behind a tree while Mom & Grandma tend to baby (you realize I only have boys right?! teaching squatting is very new to me!). It didn't go well.

We called the shoot.

My shoots typically last between 1 hour and 2 hours ... this was 45 minutes. We didn't care.

We went to the studio for ice packs, drinks and potties. And I will be photoshopping a lot of this session. And that's ok.

Remember we moved from the manicured grass lawns of the park to this spot to make it easier?

Of course, I checked on everyone the next day. Baby is fine. Big boy is fine. Flip flop is a gonner. Girls still scared of bears. Mom's heart may have suffered some damage. My heart definitely did.

here they are - looking un-scared in front of the forest. see? no bears.

the fence shot...right before the shove...right before the shot I really wanted to get where I shoot from the ground

fantastic moment

right before the final disaster. look close at big boy's shirt...I left it torn in this shot...just 'cause

Are You a Fan? Do You Tweet?

2010-07-04T12:19:00.003-05:00

Become a fan on Facebook or follow me on Twitter and you get to see peeks like this before they make it up on the blog!

Facebook Fan Page

Twitter

Back in The Land of Oz

2010-07-02T11:10:00.003-05:00

It's been two weeks of travel for me and I am finally home. If you are waiting on proofs, sneak peeks, emails, orders - thank you for your patience while I catch up. (and if you emailed me or placed an order and don't hear from me soon - please check in - it appears my email is flipping out from the overload and had decided on its own what is junk and what is not).

In two weeks' time we have been to Washington DC, Falls Church VA, Tulsa OK, Jenks OK, Collinsville OK, Claremore OK, Vian OK and Lake Tenkiller! I have photos to share with you from all of these - plus photos to share from the two days I was in Olathe between the DC flight and the drive to OK.

I will have a full sneak peek and story up about this session later today or early tomorrow. But I just have to share one - one to show Mom & Grandma that we did, in fact, get something. There is an unbelievable story attached with this session. Ever heard of Murphy's Law? Well Murphy visited us on this shoot. Oh yes...yes he most certainly did. So while I climb out of the hole I have buried myself in while on my little "tour" ... enjoy the brief tranquility from this session...

Reasons I Can't Write {Kansas City Baby Photographer}

2010-06-26T03:27:00.005-05:00

I need to write something profound.

But I can't.

It's not in me.

Why?

Let's start with #1 - it's 3:35 in the morning

Then there's the been-working-since-6am-straight excuse

And I need to finish up my work so I can pack for the "Oklahoma Tour" - gotta leave in a few hours

I need coffee to write and, well, it's 3:35am. Should I find the time to sleep... I'd like to fall asleep instead of staring at my ceiling angry 'cause I need to sleep and can't.

I'm hungry. Can't eat 'cause I saw a photo of myself this weekend. No late night food for me.

And there's the possibility that what everyone has always suspected may actually be true...

I am, in fact, truly blonde.

So I'm just gonna post the photos - that's what you're after anyway, isn't it? Not really my profound writing.

All the same - I'll get some sleep this week since I can't process photos on my laptop in Oklahoma. I'll eat something too. And I'll be ready for coffee and profoundness when I get back to Kansas.

Expression {Kansas City Newborn Photographer}

2010-06-26T01:50:00.010-05:00

ex•pres•sion [ik-spresh-uh n] noun

facial aspect or vocal intonation as indicative of feeling

and just because it makes my ovaries hurt...

Summertime at CCPhotodesign {vacation coming}

2010-06-25T14:34:00.006-05:00

Summertime!

What do you think of when I say that?

Water?

Fireflies?

Crickets & Frogs at Night?

Parks?

Grilling?

Relaxing?

Summer for photographers isn't really full of these things. We're almost as crazy in the summer as we are in the fall. I've noticed that the days and hours get sucked into my computer and camera and suddenly summer is gone and I'm in the whirlwind tunnel of holiday season. I'll elaborate more on the time and computer factor of this job a little later (as well as chat a little about the up-coming crazy season {holiday season}). For now, I wanted to let everyone know that the studio will close for a few weeks in late July. I'm calling it my inspiration and recovery effort. The studio will remain closed to all but newborns July 25th through August 23rd.

I'm traveling a lot this month, but not for summer vacation purposes. The travel this month is all work. I wish I had a new laptop that could handle my programs so that I could process images while I'm out of town. I don't. I have an old laptop that flips out if I try to process an image. I can keep up with online things but no processing. Maybe next year. For now, please know that I am doing absolutely everything in my power to get everyone's proofs & orders done. At this point, I'm gonna have to spend that entire inspiration & recovery month sleeping!

Now, let's talk a little more about those summer things... this family met me at the park on what was a very steamy summer evening. We had everything but relaxing & grilling going on! (although there were plenty of on-lookers who were doing those two things). We even had water...as in one little guy falling in the water and nearly dragging his mom with him! No worries...he's fine, it was at the end of the session - so no ruined photos - and I think {truth be told} he may have enjoyed the water and some of the adults would have liked to have fallen in as well! People, I'm telling you - it.was.hot.

Thanks for your patience as I'm in and out of town everyone!

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T10:19:00.003-05:00

Happy Father's Day to my dear husband and the Father of my favorite kiddos. Thanks to my friend Kami Brady for helping me with this shot. You would not believe what we went through for this shot. There was {obviously} lots of mud involved but what you can't see is the amount of sweat pouring off of me and Kami. Oh goodness gracious wow-ness. It wouldn't have been a big deal except that my children - who are normally thrilled to get messy - weren't too thrilled when it was mandated by me. I've had this vision in my head for well over a year. What wasn't in that vision was screaming, crying, melting suckers, what had to be 99% humidity, fogging camera lenses...you get it. All the same, it was all worth it.

And while this shot was meant for my husband - it is also appropriate for my Dad who would have laughed at me during this and probably thinks I deserved such a scene - what with me being an angel child when I was younger ; )

Happy Father's Day to my Dad and my children's Daddy.

More Birthdays

2010-06-18T04:16:00.003-05:00

Lots of Birthday babies this week. Gotta include these two! More of them to come on the blog when I return from DC as well! Happy Birthday "L" & "C"!

And that's it from me...it's 4:20am and I gotta fly with 3 kids in a few hours...gotta get some sleep! We'll chat after I have had 4 grande lattes...after waking up the morning after this trip.

Happy Birthday M!

2010-06-18T02:20:00.003-05:00

The studio will be closed today, June 18th through Wednesday June 23rd. I am traveling to Washington DC to speak to Congress about Pancreatic Cancer Research.

But - as I sit here thinking about how I need some sleep before I board a plane with three children and head to Washington to speak and *hopefully* sound intelligent and not groggy and sleep-deprived (helllooo I hope they have Starbucks on the way to Congress!)...

I can't help but post a very fast sneak peek (more to come when I get back). Today is his 1st birthday! Happy Birthday baby "M!" What a thrill it is to photograph this little ham!

The Girl with Many Hats

2010-06-15T12:12:00.005-05:00

I'm not a hat girl - if you see me with a hat on, it's because it's a really *really* bad hair day. Hats and me, we don't get along. I wish we did. I admire them - constantly convince myself that I can wear them when I see someone else wearing one - and have a tendency to purchase them only to remember that I don't look good in them. sighhh.

But hats and babies? Well - now that's where I stray from the not-a-hat-girl stance. I love babies in hats. Don't know why ... maybe because all three of my children refuse to wear them? Probably. Yes - that must be it. Or maybe I'm pushing my desire to look good in hats off onto these little peanuts who have no choice and always always make them look good.

Ok, enough psychology for today kids. Let's get to the good stuff. A peanut who, bless her heart, put up with me and my hat obsession. Imagine my total glee when her mamma showed up with more hats to play with. And in non-traditional girl colors. Oh what fun. Seriously. My heart is filled with hat joy. : )

an interruption for another love of mine...baby toes...love me some baby toes

ok, now back to hats

hey! She has a big brother - he has eyes that melt me. I didn't put my hats on him - much to his relief.

in spite of my hat love, I also love baby noggins...especially when they are covered with sweet red hair

one last hat to wrap it all up

Promises Broken

2010-06-08T17:31:00.003-05:00

I am an artist. You know what that means?

It means I stink at accounting, book keeping - anything that requires my left brain to wake up from its eternal slumber and actually function.

That means I'm behind in that little aspect of my business. And that's not good.

So I promised myself {triple pinkie swore with myself} that I would not *could not* look at today's session until I got my accounting in order.

I broke my promise.

But they were red heads. We all know my soft spot for red heads. There was no way I could NOT look at it. No way.

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Barns & Fields & Stereotypes

2010-06-07T23:28:00.006-05:00

Stereotypes.

You know them. Living in the midwest certainly opens you up for being the target of a stereotype. There are people (oh yes - there really are - I've met them) who think we {midwesterners} ride our horses to work each day. When we moved to Florida from Oklahoma - I can't tell you how many times we were asked if we lived in a teepee while in Oklahoma. For the locals here in Kansas - how many times have you talked to someone living elsewhere in the country to find they think we all get hit by tornadoes weekly, live in farm houses and that we don't have neighborhoods, running water or *gasp* Starbucks & Anthropologie?!

Now, I have to be fair. Midwesterners can build up their own stereotypes. Just because I lived in Florida doesn't mean I have seen a shark up close and personal. Texas is not one big desert. I promise. My friends and family who have lived in California do not know how to surf. The English guy I used to work with hated tea. etc etc. You get what I'm saying.

But in spite of most stereotypes being somewhat inaccurate, they do surface from somewhere. Sharks do swim the waters around Florida, Texas does have a desert climate in some areas, California does have significantly more surfers than Kansas ... and Kansas - well - we have a good share of farm houses, barns and prairies.

I happen to think it makes us diverse. Not too many areas have 8 lane highways, spanish premium shopping districts & Starbucks - all neighbored by historic barns, prairies of tall grass and old farm houses - some falling apart, weathered by the snow, wind and tornadoes and some still beautifully maintained and used.

What better session backdrop for someone living in KC than a barn and prairie - kindly welcomed in by the owners with the typical attitude of the area - "absolutely neighbor - come on over and use what you need"

That's a stereotype too - but that's ok. We like having that stereotype.

Say hello to baby "M"

his big brother "J"
and the princess, "B"
by the way - he's 1! You saw him here on the blog last year.

The Formal and the Not-So Formal

2010-05-20T18:09:00.007-05:00

Guess what? It's tomorrow.

And it's time to blog for sweet, patient "B."

"B"s family just moved here from The South - yes, I just capitalized that as if it were it's own state. The South. ahhhhh. I can almost feel the warmth and humidity as I say it out loud.

And then I open my eyes and realize I'm freezing. Can barely feel my fingers. In May. This, my friends, is not The South.

Not that KC isn't a fab place - it absolutely IS - it just would be a lot more fab if it were warmer right now. And if I could find a legit tex-mex place...but that's a topic for a different day.

Where I'm going with this is that The South is fascinating to me. Mostly because there are so many formal traditions - which are followed up closely with very non-formal things. Like wearing an amazing Easter dress - complete with hat and all - and then meeting at Grandma's after Church to eat fried chicken. muuwahhhh to the people who invented that tradition.

So "B"s session started out with an attempt to match a few formal shots she has of her older two children for the 1 yr old.

awww - isn't that sweet and linen-y and southern and kinda formal?

mmmhmmmm - this is reality...

kinda like the full on mini-suit that little boys wear to church - only to walk out the chapel doors and roll in the grass and mud.

There are more "formal" shots...but I wanted to show what happened after the formal shots. 'Cause that, my friends, is magic.

I was being attacked by lightsabers : )

the look of trouble

Tomorrow [life of a photographer]

2010-05-20T01:09:00.004-05:00

There are so many things to chat about. And I will. Starting tomorrow.

Gee - there's the story of my life. {tomorrow}

See, I promised "B" that I would have her sneak peek up by today. Oh I had the best intentions. But today was one of those days. You know the ones - everything takes 5x longer than it should, everything you touch falls apart and requires immediate attention...including the baby...

So I don't have a sneak peek ready.

nope nope.

And it's 1:14am. And I'm tired. Really. Tired. And I just realized that baby's last day of preschool is tomorrow and I don't have a teacher's gift...so I get to get up earlier than usual to take care of that. Yay. (aren't you glad you're not my child's teacher?!)

So - dear dear lovely "B"...TOMORROW. Tomorrow is the day.

but wait.

I can't resist.

Night all. See you...

tomorrow

What Happens at a First Birthday Session? [Kansas City Baby Photographer]

2010-05-19T10:51:00.009-05:00

First we start with warming up. Let's face it - most kids at this age are scared of me. 'Cause I'm not Mom.

By the way..."warm up" time is part of why my sessions last so long. Rare is the child who steps out of the car ready for me to shoot a picture.

They rank up there with the children who actually eat their broccoli in its original form, un-bribed.

So we play a little with Mom close by.

Eventually most kiddos warm up and we are singing, clapping and laughing at my weird faces. Keep in mind that this magic typically happens after the first 45 minutes. Or more. Uh huh...don't be in a hurry if you're gonna shoot a 1 year old with me.

But after we get enough shots to give Grandma a hard time choosing one (or four) for her Grandbaby wall and give Mom a few sleepless nights while she debates if she wants the big two-tooth smile or the contemplative eyes in 30x40 format on the family living room wall ...

we move on to the most important aspect of a First Birthday Session...

Sugar.

and Flour.

and Dye.

All things that are ohhhh so bad for you.

But ohhhhh so good

But Bad.

But it's ok ... 'cause they're only 1 once!

And 'cause I have a studio bathtub.

So all that sugar and flour and dye are long-gone by the time you strap your very sleepy baby into their carseat and head off into the sunset.

HELLO Old Friend!

2010-05-18T09:52:00.003-05:00

oh how you've been missed. please stay. please.

You Absolutely WILL Smile - Promise

2010-05-17T22:05:00.005-05:00

No, really. There's no way {none} to look through these shots and not smile. I mean, there's happy...aannnnd then there's baby "A"

ohhhp...gotta sneak a baby toes shot in there (you know me and my positively weird obsession with baby toes). Did you know I almost named the studio "Tiny Toes?" It's true.

Hmmm...maybe I should revisit that thought.... wait...what? huh? oh yes....moving on...

more happiness-

and if the previous shots didn't make you smile this one will for sure.

More Eyelashes!

2010-05-01T07:41:00.008-05:00

You know him - yes you do - how many times have I mentioned his amazing eyelashes? Many of you refer to him as "the eyelash boy." His poor parents must be tired of me taking pictures of his eyelashes ... but I just can't get over them!

Well, guess what? He has a new baby brother!

And, you guessed it, baby "T" has the eyelashes too!

"B" is a little smitten with baby "T" and who could blame him?

"B" and I played a little while baby was eating ...

and then it was baby's turn

welcome to the world baby "T!"

Need a Little More Coffee

2010-04-26T23:42:00.007-05:00

There are several things going on in the studio right now that I can't really blog about...for lots of reasons. But please know that if you are waiting on a sneak peek, proofs or an email I will get back to you just as soon as absolutely possible. Right now I'm running on only a few hours of sleep each night - so I'm doing all that can be done. Of course, if I can convince a doctor to give me an IV for coffee I might get caught up!

Speaking of coffee...it's midnight and I still have a solid two + hours of work in front of me so I'm gonna have another cup of the good stuff and make this short. I'd love to write something meaningful, but right now my brain just isn't working. Hmmm...kinda like that zombie state you tend to be in when you have a newborn...

Speaking of newborns... welcome to the world sweet baby "S" Sweet sweet girl with all of her girly outfits. You KNOW I was lovin' it ; )

Coming Soon...

2010-04-20T09:16:00.003-05:00

Another baby boy! Congrats "R" family! I can't wait to meet baby boy #2!

The Story

2010-04-19T14:35:00.007-05:00

Petites are a great way to do a quick session, focusing on one particular thing. They're quick, easy and cost effective. They're really great as "filler" sessions for those of you who only do a big session once every other year.

But sometimes, one shot doesn't do it. Sometimes...sometimes you need the whole story.

If I showed you this image all by itself...you'd say ok - sweet kid - sweet expression...

but if I show you THIS you get the whole picture

(which would be "ha ha MOM...I'm not wearing that hat!!")

By the way, I get lots of calls asking what, exactly, is a storyboard? Voila. A storyboard consists of multiple images printed onto one large print which tell a story.

Now that doesn't mean that every image should fit into a storyboard or that you couldn't pull one of the images off the storyboards above and use them as a print all by themselves. Of course you could. It doesn't mean that petites aren't a great option either. It just means that sometimes, you need a full boutique session to tell a story. 'Cause sometimes it's all about the story. And sometimes it's all about the expression.

Finding Myself part II

2010-04-16T15:22:00.005-05:00

So yesterday was a serious post...focusing on my career path and the why of it all. But part of discovering who I am has been the realization that I'm not a very serious person. I can be serious - don't get me wrong - but it doesn't last for very long.

So today's post and sneak peek is about the lighter side of finding myself.

Here's some of what I know about myself now that I'm older...

I love my sleep

but I'm so tired from running a business and keeping up with three little boys that I often fall asleep in strange places

I'm becoming quite the fan of clean and simple...modern. Definitely did not see that one coming.

I really like to bake and love natural and organic recipes

I have a serious time management problem

Once upon a time I wasn't a very "girly girl" The older I get, the more "girly" I become. Pink has moved from totally unacceptable to acceptable at times

going along with the "girly" thing, I've found that having my hair done right can make a bad day good.

and most importantly ... to you, my clients ...

I am a total sucker for baby eyes

and I melt with a toothless grin (which I may have one myself if my cavity problem doesn't go away soon!)

Welcome to the world baby "K"! Enjoy the ride sweet girl.

Finding Myself

2010-04-15T12:24:00.006-05:00

There's a myth out there (at least here in the midwest & in the south where I grew up). It goes like this...

-One graduates from high school and goes to college

Said person then spends the next four years finding themselves and discovering who they really are. what they stand for. what makes them laugh, cry, angry, calm. what they're really good at and what they're not so good at

One then graduates from college and immediately goes into their career and life fully enlightened, educated and ready to take on the world.

This, my friends, is a myth. At least I think so.

Reality goes something more like this -

-One graduates from high school thinking they know everything...

Then goes on to college where they spend 5 years playing a role of half kid/half adult - and discovering more about their tolerance for a lack of sleep (among other things we won't talk about) than their inner selves. inner self? huh?

One then graduates from college only to feel like they've been dumped into a tornado with no basement in sight...

then, over the course of the next 10 to 15 years, slowly, this person is being built into who they are. they don't realize it. 'til one day - a few short months before their 35th birthday - they realize that they are becoming very aware of who they really are.

"Said person" would be me. I'm betting it's you too.

So what {WHAT} does this have to do with photography?

15 years ago, I would never have dreamed that I'd be here right now. There's so many things that makes each of us who we are. But I'm gonna focus on career for now.

After stumbling into photography as a career, I've spent years photographing just about anything portrait related. What I've discovered is that my creativity, patience, love is with the little guys. 10{ish} and younger ... that's my thing.

And my real real deal "thing" is the newborns. I went through a stint where I really thought I wanted to be a L&D nurse. But the reality is, I don't have the brain for the science and I don't have the stomach for the delivery part of the L&D. But I have the patience to sit and hold them 'til they relax and squish into that perfect shot. I love spending hours with a fresh baby. Love capturing the things that make them newborns ... the baby rolls, poofy lips as they practice their sucking reflex in their sleep, curled tiny perfect toes, little fingers with deep crinkles ...

now, if I could just figure out how to bottle that newborn smell...

Meet baby "S" ... with her toes and rolls and lips and yawns and wrinkles and newborn smell

(you'll just have to imagine the last part)

Circle of Life

2010-04-03T16:07:00.009-05:00

Cliché, yes.

But this session deserves this title. Shortly before my session with the "L" family began, I received a phone call that my Grandfather had passed away. And while most would think I would immediately call my client and reschedule, that wasn't my inclination. What better session to have on a morning like this, than a brand new baby. How healing to hold a new life on a day when you've lost a loved one. My Grandfather would have told me to shoot the session. He loved holding babies.

Congratulations to the "L" family on the arrival of sweet baby "J." And "Grandpa H," this one's for you. You will be missed but I promise to hold lots of babies for you. ; )

The Beginning of a New Identity

2010-04-01T10:57:00.005-05:00

CCphotodesign is getting a makeover!

Tangerine has been added to the already well-known apple green. Why? Just 'cause I liked it! (and because of our alumni status, my husband would never ever let me decorate anything in my house with any shade of orange...so I gotta use this great color at work)

A bean sprout is the new logo. The logo represents all the little beans and sprouts growing all too fast. No full grown plants around here ... just lots of beans and sprouts!

a big thanks to Kim McCombs for the identity design!

Happiest Babies on the Blog {part II}

2010-03-13T09:22:00.004-06:00

So I promised the girl version of the happiest baby on the blog and here she is - doesn't she just make you smile?!

we have the "normal" version of this shot, but I love how the photo fits an aged photo look -

looks like something you just pulled out of your Grandmother's album, doesn't it?!

one of the few non-smiling pix - but I love the serious expression

Happiest Babies on the Blog {part I}

2010-03-11T14:19:00.004-06:00

Yes, I meant to write blog instead of block...but all I can think of as I edit these photos is the title of that book (which saved me during the twins' infancy btw)

I had two 6 monthers visit me last weekend. These two need to meet each other. Seriously, had to be some of the happiest babies I've ever met.

Here's "Happiest Baby #1" ... or baby "L" ... Who, btw, looks so much like his older sister in these photos (minus the tutus and pink, of course). I told L's momma that he looked just like older brother when they were here, but as I edit these I totally see big sis.

you're a liar if you say you don't find baby rolls absolutely adorable!

this makes me giggle

shooting babies in trees {a joint adventure}

2010-03-07T15:25:00.024-06:00

There is an important issue I feel I need to address. One of much importance. Sadly, one that too often gets ignored.

Safety

Listen, I {shoot} babies. I am a baby photographer because I see the beauty in the details and I love spending hours upon hours holding them. I have patience with them. Lots of it. I did NOT start off as a newborn photographer. Why? 'Cause I didn't know what I was doing. I needed to practice my photography and babies are not the subjects to practice on. When I did start photographing babies, I did simple shots. Focused on the details and simplicity of the baby. Only after much experience have I started to do more artistic shots. Only after lots and lots of research and advice from those who have done it much longer than I. Only after many long, hot sessions with newborns in simple poses.

Please ... PLEASE... I beg you... do not actually hang a baby from a tree. Do not put a baby on a ledge in the living room. Do not lay one down on a chair above a wood floor and walk away. DO NOT.

You may be laughing right now - at the thought. I'm not. Because there are people out there who may be beginning in this career or perhaps not even beginners to photography, but new to newborn photography. They take their friend's newborn and put them up on that ledge and walk away to take the shot. Not knowing the details of how these shots are actually made. Not thinking about the safety issue.

Now, I'm not bashing new photographers. I too was once a new photographer and I continue to learn every single day. However, I didn't hang a baby from a tree. I'm asking you to please not until you have been doing this for several years and have talked to someone who has done it before or even better, have an extra set of experienced hands to assist with your session.

I'll let you in on a little secret: Most shots you see where a baby seems to be in an odd situation are actually composite shots that have been photoshopped. Safety is of the utmost concern {top priority}.

So to get a baby "hanging from a tree", my dear friend Kami Brady and I did a joint session. We had never done this before because we both always felt like it called for two photographers along with a parent or two. Called for the right client. Called for lots and lots of prep time. The right person was found in a previous, trusting client. A mother who was so generous as to give us the freedom to "play" -having no expectations on her part- with some shots we hadn't tried before.

A tree branch, inspected for durability, cleaned (scrubbed & sanded) and brought inside. A supportive wrap, tested for strength. Two pro photographers and the mother of baby at our feet the whole time. Huge construction-grade supports and a very large bean bag. Baby was kept warm, cuddled and fed a LOT. And this is important...listen...

*baby was at ALL times directly above a very large bean bag and only raised off that bean bag by teensy inches with mom or Kami's or my hands supporting baby's head/wrap the entire time.*

the bean bag is then photoshopped out of the image.

Keeping safety in mind - Kami and I tested with Baby Ruth

meet Baby Ruth

Then, after nearly two hours of work & sweat...

Moving on from the "tree" we tested another idea with Baby Ruth (yes that's my arm holding the scale)

knowing we had it under control, we replaced Baby Ruth with our very patient baby "Y," who slept through this

again, bean bag was photoshopped out of the image.

and because he was doing so well, we went on to the propped head shot. Another composite. Never was "Y"s head left to dangle in the open air. he needed a little "shushing" by Ms Kami and then - after Kami worked her magic -

Satisfied with our very long session of artsy (or Geddy-esque ...they could also be called "Carrie & Brittany-esque...you photogs know what I'm saying) shots, we moved on to the simple shots. At this point, "Y" was waking up and not quite as sleepy as before. So, a little cuddling and patting was necessary again.

and, at the end of it all, you can see he was quite happy with his warm cuddle time in the studio.

and, because I can't keep my posts 100% serious... can I tell you how much I LUV this shot?!

did you stick with me allll the way through my post? yes? thanks! and as my thank you ... tell me about this post and get a free "small" print ($40 value) from your next session. valid on new sessions April through August.

the thoughts behind the camera

2010-02-19T12:25:00.005-06:00

Ever wonder what we {photogs} are thinking when we're hidden behind our camera? Why do we shoot the shots we do? It's no secret we see things others don't. We notice things you may not realize are even there. It's just the way our brains work. Our own personalities and life experiences certainly influence our work. We are, quite obviously, a visual group. Numbers don't really make sense to us but the way the sunlight falls on an object - now THAT makes sense. The curve in a branch reminding us of the curve of a newborn curled into a ball - absolutely.

So, I was thinking - for this particular sneak peek - maybe I'll just walk you through what I was thinking. Some are a little out-there, some profound and some don't involve much brain activity at all.

this one was an accident - well, sorta. I was moving him around, trying to get him situated & calmed down (we had just started). as I was fixing something behind him I looked up and saw this. a different angle, the light falling across his face - I loved it. makes me think of the moment my twins were born - with the bright lights of the OR shining on them. Also makes me think of God's light shining down on a newborn (I TOLD you some of this might be kinda out there)

the belly button is often looked at as such a silly body part. and it is. but I can't help but see my own kids' belly buttons and think- that was our connection - just something between me and that particular baby. so I shot this, as a tribute for baby "T"'s mama and all her hard work over the last 9 months. as a reminder of their connection.

the little guy heard my shutter go off as I was shooting the first shot and turned and flashed this smile.

no thought here, people. a baby's smile is all that needs to be said. is there anything sweeter in this world?

this wagon gets a lot of attention. yes, it IS an original Radio Flyer - handed down through my husband's family. this shot was set up thinking of a boy and his Radio Flyer. in near years he will go from this shot -

to riding in it as his parents pull him to the pool and park -

to standing in it, holding onto the handle and flying down a hill as if it were a snowboard or racecar

{you mommies of boys know exactly what I'm talking about}

ha ha - this... well THIS was one of my fourteen billion failed attempts at a particular shot. however I laughed so hard at his expression - I just HAD to use it. like "ohhh geeez ladies how long do we have to keep shooting?"

it must be hard to be such an adored little hunk.

if you know me at all, you know I love humor. outtakes are some of my fave shots evvvvver.

he gave me this look as I was trying to get him to go to sleep.

moms know this will not be the last time he shoots this look when someone wants him to go to sleep.

so often people want me to center everything in the shot. for future reference - photogs hate it when people want everything centered always. blehhh. I mean - there are certainly times for centered shots. plenty. but look at how much more interesting this is with the empty space next to him. instead of seeing a face smack center in the page...

your eye starts on the left and goes straight to those eyes. I mean just look at those eyes!

one of my absolute favorite things about babies is the shape their lips make right after you take a pacifier or bottle out of their mouth. it's distinct to babies. they won't make that face for very long. soak it in.

I wrapped his hat to provide a line for your eye to follow - to slowly take in all the little baby parts.

it starts at his head - bringing attention to his little nose, then moves on to his tiny shoulder blades,

up and around to the toes and then back down to those chubby baby thighs.

a peace sign and a sleeping baby - need I really say more?

a cute little face - no brain power behind this shot!

So there you have it. The thoughts behind the camera - well for this session anyway. Are you surprised at how we think? A little afraid of us right-brained people? Or do you see things you didn't see before?

A Love Story for Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T23:56:00.004-06:00

I really wanted to get this out on the blog for Valentine's Day - looks like I'll make it by about one minute! {if I type fast}

A tiny disclaimer here...I am still a children's photographer. Only children. But sometimes, you just can't pass up the opportunity to do something like this. Besides...everyone needs to stretch their brain a little every now and then. And why not use a love story to exercise the right side of my brain?!

Now, as you look through these...you should know that this is the real deal people. No re-staging. No pretend. No dress-rehearsal. The real deal. What a smart man to make sure I was there to catch it all on camera!

Now - please allow me to be the first to ask the single most annoying question that immediately follows the engagement...so uhhh...when are you having a baby?! {now c'mon, you know I had to ask that...it's my job} *wink wink* Don't answer me! Just call me when you do!

ohhhh...I didn't type fast enough now did I?! Well, Happy Valentine's Day anyway!

The All-American Session

2010-01-27T12:31:00.005-06:00

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!

2010-01-25T10:41:00.004-06:00

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

2010-01-22T14:20:00.004-06:00

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

2010-01-21T10:48:00.003-06:00

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!

2010-01-19T17:19:00.005-06:00

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

2010-01-19T10:20:00.004-06:00

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

2010-01-14T14:33:00.003-06:00

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.