Lucky Photographer

Another Wonderful Family! -Overland Park Photographer

2011-10-17T20:25:00.001-05:00

I've known this beautiful mother for a few years, we even worked together at one time....seems like eons ago. So when she called about family portraits I was so excited! I love the way they turned out! :)

Sisters~ Olathe Family and Baby Photographer

2011-09-07T15:04:00.001-05:00

It's hard to believe that it's nearly been a full year since I've photographed these adorable sisters together for the first time. Time goes by too quickly.

One thing is certain though, this mommy and daddy produce super cute little girls! Add in mom's amazing eye for cute little outfits and it always makes for the sweetest photographs!

Sniff Sniff

2011-08-17T10:03:00.002-05:00

My littlest baby went to Kindergarten today. I'm very excited, but also sad. He was so big though, I was so proud of him!!

I'm also proud of these two, even though we can never get out the door without someone getting water all over their shirt from brushing their teeth!!

Taking Better Pics: Part 3 Rule of Thirds

2011-08-12T10:56:00.000-05:00

If you've ever taken an art class, you will have heard this term. It is a compositional rule that applies to all mediums of art— Photography, painting, drawing. It is more pleasing to the eye and it can make a good image great. It involves breaking the scene into 9 equal parts and positioning your subject where lines intersect. So, there are 4 sections you can use. This isn't rocket science...it doesn't have to be exact!! (See the chart below.) . This rule also is in place to try to avoid the horizon being in the center of an image. It needs to be in the upper part or the lower part. I won't say I ALWAYS do this. Sometimes it makes sense to break the rule. But often, this creates a more pleasing set up.

If you start looking for it, you will find the rules of thirds everywhere. Advertisements, movies, TV, photography.

So, lets get to some examples shall we?

Here is what most people default to. It will work....but it could be better.

If you Fill the Frame and use the rule of thirds.

It works vertically also, you just flip the graph on it's side.

The rule of thirds also helps to add drama and scale to your photos.

And creates movement.

Now, I don't use this rule in every shot. Especially with children, sometimes they move so fast you take what you can get, but this is a set up I go to automatically all the time. Try it!! I know you'll like the results!

So Fun....Overland Park Senior Photographer

2011-07-28T12:27:00.001-05:00

This family was so great to work with. It started out as a senior session (although she graduated in May *wink*) and turned into a fun session with her 3 sisters and brother. Even though it was a SUPER hot day, we had a great time and got some great images! I'm so happy to have met this group, they were the nicest people. I'd almost have two more kids if I could guarantee they'd have a great time together like this.

Okay, maybe not! :)

First off, this lovely lady.

We then met up with the Fam.

It got a little silly!
Then more silly...

Then Mom got pulled in....AWWWW. I actually LOVE this image. When my boys are grown I want one just like it! :)

:)

Last but not least, they pulled out all the stops when they decided to do the "boy band" pose. So what else could I do but make them an original album cover? Sort of love it!

Taking Better Pics: Part 2 Fill the Frame...Get CLOSE!

2011-07-27T09:14:00.002-05:00

This may seem obvious...but often it isn't. Now, there are going to be times that you want some negative space...but don't be afraid to get close. Especially of your children! The close face shots show off their personality and are always favorites! This is also helpful when you've "found the light" but it has an unfavorable background!

Here are some examples of images that wouldn't be the same if I'd been farther away. Don't be afraid to get into their space!! :) ( Or zoom in...if possible)

Something Different!

2011-07-26T20:06:00.000-05:00

Last month I was privileged to do a really fun shoot for Nuance boutique. Nuance is a really fun shop in Northern Olathe, right by Olathe Northwest High School. It has the most awesome clothes and accessories. Even fun gift items, I could have shopped all day in there. Anyway, my adorable neighbor Kayla was a model, along with Tina York. They were amazing, and Rachel Sann Pheffer was an incredible stylist...who also owns Nuance. Hair and makeup on Kayla was done by Jen Thomas from the Last Tangle Salon. she was awesome. It was a good time, and you can find these photos in ads in HerLife and Kansas City Fitness Magazine this month!! :)

Ms. T - Overland Park Senior Photography

2011-07-22T08:08:00.000-05:00

This girl was such a natural!! She fell into each pose perfectly, and had the most beautiful smile. I had a great time with her and her mom, and I absolutely love the images we got from this session!

Taking Better Pics: Part 1 LOOK AT THE LIGHT

2011-07-19T09:38:00.002-05:00

So, I'm going to try this out. "This" meaning share some tips on taking better photos. A lot of what I know, I taught myself, either through reading or trial and error. Mostly trial and error!! I may not be able to teach you the workings of a camera, (we'll see) but there are lots of little things you can do to improve your photos.

First thing is the light. This is THE most important when taking a photo. This is what a photo IS. A camera's function is to take in light. It's your job to either manipulate your surroundings...or your camera's settings, to make the camera take in the light the way you want it to. The easiest thing to do is to manipulate your surroundings.

We're going to talk about working outdoors here. So, obviously your main light source is the sun...and it's SUPER bright. More often than not, your best bet is to GO INTO THE SHADE. How many photos do you have like this?

I love these photos and am so grateful to have them, but they could have been so much better if we had rearranged ourselves. That would have gotten rid of the dark shadows on our faces.(Oh, and yes I'm very pregnant in that photo.)Looking back through my "learning" period I can tell that this was this first thing I set out to master. Finding the Light. I have folder after folder on my computer of files where I was arranging my children in different kinds of light.

This day was an example. I used to go out and really not know what to do. I made the mistake that many people do....looking for a cool background. I tell my clients now not to worry about the background. We can make almost anything look good if we have good light. I took my sweet (!) middle son to our little downtown area to practice. I picked these old gas pumps thinking "they look cool". Well, the light wasn't right. You can see him squinting. His face is bright. Knowing what I know now, I could have made this location work...but not then. I just made him get up and move to the SHADE.

This worked perfectly. He could open his eyes and smile!

After learning to see the light in a situation I practiced a ton. My kids loved every second of it! You can see the joy in their faces! :)

Okay, not always, but it was worth it.

Sometimes, this is going to be irrelevant. If you're the type to get your kids in front of every landmark on vacation, you may not be able to do anything about the lighting conditions. That's okay, some photos are about capturing a moment more than anything else. But, when you want to get good, clean photos of someones face...get into the shade!

Please leave comments...it let's me know whats going on out there!! :)

It's time for Senior Portraits!!

2011-07-10T11:35:00.002-05:00

What a cutie!! Overland Park Newborn Photographer

2011-04-01T10:30:00.000-05:00

This is such an amazing family and I was sooo excited for the birth of their second baby!

He was as adorable as I knew he would be...and they couldn't be happier!

More catching up....Olathe Family Photographer

2011-02-22T20:03:00.004-06:00

It's always fun to photograph friends, even though I feel major stress over creating images they will like!

Not that I don't do that with everyone...but you know what I mean!

I really liked the way these all turned out, the light was gorgeous!

From way back when..... Overland Park- Senior Photographer

2011-02-22T10:37:00.004-06:00

Last fall I got behind in posting. I've never really done that before, but I'm catching up and I'm starting with this handsome guy!

Once again, I love getting to do guy senior portraits because I don't get to do them as often! :) Guys are so laid back about the whole thing!

This particular young man wants to be a lawyer! Wow, between that and his very gentlemanly personality his mom should be very proud!

NEW BLOG!!!

2011-02-19T19:41:00.002-06:00

I'm so excited to reveal my fancy new blog! I've had some stuff to post for awhile but I wanted to wait for this! I love it.

My new logo, my new branding. My new favicon!! YAY!!

I'm excited for 2011 and the changes I have coming for my little business. I can't wait to share them with everyone! In the meantime, leave me a comment and tell me what you think!!

Some great new images coming soon!

Are you Engaged?!?!

2011-02-12T22:53:00.007-06:00

Attend a super fun event where you can save big on you wedding photography. Other amazing vendors as well. Stella and Dot, Kodi's Cakes, That Catering Company, and Spray di Sole (organic spray tanning).

Call or email for details. nicole@luckyphotographer.net 913-636-6424

Another Awesome Family~ Olathe Family Photographer

2010-11-13T07:36:00.002-06:00

This is my second session with this family, and I really loved seeing how big these boys had gotten!! It's amazing every year to see the kiddos another year larger. These two are total cuties! The whole family is just too good looking!! :)

So EXCITED!!- Olathe Maternity and Family Photographer

2010-10-27T17:26:00.002-05:00

I first met this beautiful family late last summer. Their sweet daughter remains to this day to be one of the most talked about little girls I've had the pleasure of shooting. She just has the most adorable face. Her first shoot was HERE. Remember that cutie? Well she is all grown up, and the best part is that she is going to be a big sister. I won't be able to handle the cuteness, throw in beautiful mom and handsome dad and it will be too much. The beauty of it has that I have a whole year of shoots with them to look forward too, so until next time.....here they are!! :)

S Family Mini~ Spring Hill Kansas Family Photographer

2010-10-22T10:47:00.002-05:00

I always enjoy photographing families that I know. These boys are soooo cute with their big eyes!

The D Family- Spring Hill Family Photographer

2010-10-13T11:23:00.003-05:00

Another awesome family session from my mini day. They were so cute and this little guy had the BEST smile. It was so cute!

Gets Better Every Time!!! Overland Park Family Photographer

2010-10-07T07:27:00.002-05:00

Every time I photograph this cutie I love her photos. She is just the happiest little thing, I think I smiled at the computer screen thru the whole editing process.

How could you not smile back at this face??

LOVE this one. Mom and Dad...this needs to be BIG on the wall!! :)

This was an accident, or rather a "Let me see if the lighting in here will work!" shot. Shot from the hip, and I just really liked it!!

Boy #4

2010-10-03T16:49:00.003-05:00

This morning was our big morning! Our boys have been waiting for this day for a looooong time, in fact the oldest said..."I never thought this day would come!"

They were very excited and it has been an exhausting day. Our babies name is Jasper, and he is the sweetest thing!

This week will be busy, I had all of those amazing family sessions this weekend (everyone has seemed to turn out GREAT!) and I've now set up Jaspers kennel by my computer. So, this week will consist of edit, edit, potty, edit, edit, edit, potty, etc......

The L Family ~ Olathe Family Photographer

2010-09-28T20:15:00.003-05:00

I love this family! Not only are they adorable, but this is one of my bestest friends. The kind that knows things about you that even your husband doesn't know!!!

Now here she is with her own beautiful family. I love so many of these!

Of course, their 1st baby!

Finally....Overland Park, Kansas Senior Photographer

2010-09-28T07:14:00.003-05:00

Finally, a new post. Its been too long, but I'm excited to be heading into my busy season. This time of year is stressful for most photographers I think, especially portrait but its exciting to see everyone and feel the stress of the fall and then be able to take a huge breath of relief right before the holidays. I always seem to work better under stress anyway...and since its fall I can justify filling in the gaps by making things like chocolate chip pumpkin bread to make me feel better!! :)

How beautiful is this girl? I could have photographed her all day! Her mom has known me since i was born, so it was special to be able to do this for them!! We shot in the evening light which is ALWAYS my favorite!!

The Sweetest Family ~Olathe Family Photographer

2010-08-30T08:02:00.004-05:00

This is my 3rd time getting to shoot this wonderful family.....I'm so thankful that they trust me to capture these times in their life! Enjoy the sneak peek!! :)

This was our FIRST time getting to do an outside session....it was so worth it!

Love this, I could do photos of couples ALL DAY!! These 2 are good at it! :)

TASTE- Overland Park Photographer

2010-08-06T09:13:00.003-05:00

In June I had the honor of photographing a really great event. It was called TASTE and was a benefit for The Kansas City Autism Training Center which is a really neat school for Autistic children.

I went and took photos there a couple of months ago and was so impressed with what they do there. The ratio is 1-1 which is incredible and expensive maintain. What they do there is so amazing, I think anyone that has had a special needs child would understand what it takes to have one on one care for their child all day. These parents have to really sacrifice sometimes in order to give this kind of schooling to their children, but it is so worth it.

The fundraiser was a success and a lot of fun. There was a fashion show, amazing food provided by Lon Lanes Inspired Occasions (which was soooo good!), Photo booth and a beautiful Martini Ice Bar created by Cool Carvings. Great music was provided by Kenneth Ham of DJ Kreations. (All links to follow)

The event was orchestrated by Laura Van Zante and Emily McNulty of Moxi Events and they were really amazing and soooo great to work with. I highly recommend them for any event large or small that you want to be extraordinary. They have a contact in KC and St. Louis.

Kansas City Autism Training Center
Catering: Lon Lanes Inspired Occasions
DJ: DJ Kreations
Ice Sculpture: Cool Carvings
Event Space Host: Arsalon Technologies
Photo Booth: Say Cheez Photobooth
Mercedes Giveaway: Aristocrat Motors
Coordinators: Moxi Events

Now, onto the photos!

Arsalon Technologies

I'm pretty sure these girls are from HERLife Magazine!

I was really hoping the Mercedes winner would be there...what a great shot that would have been. But they weren't! :(

Some of the wonderful teachers of KcATC...and their husbands!! :)

Lon Lanes did such an amazing job. The presentation was beautiful, the servers were incredibly friendly...and those chocolate cookies below. OMG, soooo good!!! I could have eaten 20.

The slideshow from my visit to the school. The kids were so wonderful!!

I cant go on about the food enough...

Some of my amazing clients got to spend a night out there!! So glad they could come!!

If you were at this event and would like to see more go to www.luckyphotographer.net and click on clients. There will be a thumbnail to click on to view them all. Remember, for each image ordered $1 will go to KcATC.

Oh and to my sister...THANK YOU for coming with me!

On the Farm..part 1 ~ Topeka Family Photography

2010-07-07T14:09:00.004-05:00

I think almost 7 years had been how long it was since I'd seen Jenny. Thats waaaayyy to long. Jenny and I have been friends since 4th grade. She knows lots of things about me, and we have tons of inside jokes...so it was so fun to see her. She now is married to a wonderful man and they have a beautiful new baby girl in addition to her adorable son. She lives in Texas now, and I think we should visit very soon!!!

Alana, is Jenny's best friend (and we all went to high school together!). Her son is so cute...I mean look down at that face?? He is busy, and reminds me of my middle son....it gets easier Alana....a little!

I'm going to post more soon, but they have been waiting so patiently I had to get some up!!!

These totally crack me up!!

I have no clue what happened to the website on this one!

Sometimes we need a reminder...

2010-06-24T23:02:00.004-05:00

of how wonderful life is.

How grateful we should be.

How important our family is.

How special the everyday moments are.

What makes a personal beautiful.

That everyday is a gift.

This video has made the blogging rounds as of late, but I cant help sharing it again. I personally need reminding of these things DAILY. I read Stephanie Nielson's blog periodically before her accident. I remember liking it then, and even remember seeing her featured on another photographers blog I read. She had the most AMAZING photos of her family taken. I remember hearing about her accident thru the blogging community and was so sad for her. Now reading her blog is such an inspiration, I believe one purpose of her life now is to be an inspiration to others but especially mothers. Mothers who forget about the importance of the little things, and take for granted the importance of what we are to our children.

She has made this video and I just love it. I personally am not part of this religion but whatever religion you practice this video will speak to you. Hope it makes you feel grateful today.

Time has flown by.....

2010-06-22T17:18:00.005-05:00

in many ways. First, time has flown since I've posted on this blog. It's been way too long! I had a little break from sessions of my own but spent some of that time shooting 7 weddings with the wonderful Jessica Roark of epagaFOTO. We always have lots of fun, and even got to go out of town for the weekend which a mother of 3 can really enjoy!!

Time has also flown by since I've started this business. I realized that it has officially been 2 years since I have "taken money" for photography! :) It doesn't really seem possible, but it's exciting to think about how things have changed and improved!! (hopefully!!!!)

The reason for realizing this passing of time was photographing the following cutie. Those that have followed the blog for awhile have seen her growing up and it was just about exactly 2 years ago that I shot her in utero which was one of my first "big girl" shoots. Doesn't seem possible. Now she is almost 2 (August) and cuter than ever!!

Couldn't decide which of these I liked better. I just love them!

Sporting her Matilda Jane clothes....which are so fun to photograph!!

With her beautiful mommy!

Now for the outtakes!!! This girl is sooo funny! She has so much energy, and makes the most hysterical faces. I laughed several times as I was loading her files....I had to share a couple!!

What an April!! ~ Overland Park Family Photographer

2010-05-04T19:39:00.003-05:00

This month has been sooooo crazy!! If your waiting on something...it's coming! I promise! My last shoot was of a special friend of mine and her teenage son! I cant believe he is a teenager!!! It was way too long since her and I had seen one another so it was really fun to get together! :)

I love the images we got of them! The first one is my fave!

How pretty is she...the hair is perfect!!!!

A Special Day!

2010-04-29T10:31:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday today to my wonderful, smart, funny, hard working, lovable husband!

Many of you have asked how the new job is going. It's going great, and we LOVE having a normal family life. We actually get to say "What are we going to do this weekend?". I love it. Going from walking around in a restaurant all day and dealing with lots of people and stress to sitting at a desk is a huge transition, but its been totally worth it and he is doing well!

Love you Mikey!

The Last of 2010 :( ~Spring Hill, Kansas Senior Photographer

2010-04-28T10:19:00.003-05:00

The seniors I have done this year have been so awesome! I have enjoyed every single one of them...no exception here. We BARELY squeezed this session in, and I love the way it turned out!!
Cant wait to start shooting 2011!

How cute is he! He has the best hair!

Jaci & Terry~Overland Park Wedding Photographer

2010-04-22T15:54:00.003-05:00

I was so excited to hear my friend Jaci was getting married. She has obviously found her soul mate in Terry...they seem soooo happy together. I was so happy she asked me to come and photograph their reception at the Hereford House (yum). It was such a happy occasion, and I wish them all the happiness in the world!! :)

He is trying to convince they crowd that it was a good idea to shove this in her face.....the crowd disagreed!!!

Check out this bling!!!

Sisters and Tutu's ~ Leawood Childrens Photographer

2010-04-17T12:12:00.004-05:00

I say it a lot on this blog....I love sessions with little girls. Pink, tutu's, hair bows...all the things that I don't get to experience at home. This one had everything!! On top of that it was during that first week of spring where everything starts blooming...(and our noses start running) so the colors were beautiful.

The girls were super cute!

There is something kind of dreamy about this one!

I love her little toes here! :)

The Meades...Yes You Counted Right! ~ Spring Hill Family Photographer

2010-04-15T09:06:00.004-05:00

This is a special family to me...because I'm friends with the Mommy of this clan. And yes, she has 7 children. I've posted photos of them before when she was pregnant...some of you may recall. If anyone should have 7 children it is this Mom. She is amazing.

She gave birth to those 2 sweet twin boys about 9 months ago I believe...and she sadly had to receive the news that one of them had a Congenital Heart Defect. His specific defect is called Tetralogy of Fallot. (Click on the link to learn more.) Of course she was devastated, but this mom has been so amazing. I've watched her blog go from a place where she just share photos of her kids for friends and family (which is great) to a journal of her sharing her thoughts and fears of having a baby with CHD. She has visitors from all over the world, my blog gets hits off her blog all the time from all over!! It's amazing. Heart Moms have a very special bond that other moms that have not experienced this can not understand. I guess like any moms who have a child with any sort of health disorder, they connect and give each other wonderful support. I encourage anyone that knows someone that may be or has gone thru this to check her blog out. I know it has helped her immensely to know that she is not alone and others have and are going thru it also.

Yesterday he underwent his corrective surgery. It's been very scary to wait for this day. Necessary and exciting to have it done, but scary to have your sweet little baby go under and have his heart repaired. So far it appears the surgery was a success and he is in the PICU trying to recover his little body from this trauma it's just been thru. She has kept updates throughout on her blog.

She asked me to take some photos of their family last week and of course I was so excited. I LOVE what we got! Oh, and for a family with 7 kids....I was amazed at really how easy it was. I've shot families with 2 kids that were more difficult than this! They are such a great family!

I affectionately name this....."2 Cue Balls in a Field" :)

Awwww...Daddy! He carries 2 babies so easy. I couldn't believe when he scooped them both up like that!! :)

Yes, i took photos of the other children...but this post is about the twins! :)

3rd X's a Charm~ Spring Hill Senior Photographer

2010-04-06T08:11:00.003-05:00

This is the 3rd time I've had this girl in front of my camera. She's always been adorable but I think this time we really nailed it. I didn't realize how much of a system I had when shooting until I realized she did what I wanted before I even told her too!! :) She's learned well! How amazing does she look?!!

These were soooo fun! I loved how they turned out!

Katie and Dustin ~ Topeka Wedding Photographer

2010-04-03T22:39:00.004-05:00

I liked Katie and her Mom right away! We first met back in September I think...and I knew I would enjoy working with them on this special day.

The big day finally came and it.....RAINED!! But, we made the most of it and still got beautiful images. Hope you like these guys!

Katie looked so beautiful!!!

Her bridesmaids were also ALL gorgeous!!

This guy wasn't bad looking either!! :) Oh, and his guys were also very handsome!

There were a few minor glitches during the ceremony....but those are those stories they will be able to tell forever!!

Part 2&3...finally!

2010-03-17T09:15:00.002-05:00

There were a lot of faves from this wedding!

John has a band in New Orleans where they live, and he is AMAZING!! If your ever down in New Orleans check them out!! Papa Grows Funk

this probably isn't the best video out there of John as far as quality goes, but I thought it gave a good idea of how awesome he is!! :)

D & L = C & E Olathe Family Photographer

2010-02-23T11:44:00.003-06:00

What a shoot!! I loved this one, I love this family. There is nothing better than shooting a family for the second (or third or fourth....) time. For one, I know them already and they know me. For second, I already know that they trust me (hopefully!) and that makes the whole thing more awesome. I could shoot them all day..(that sounds weird doesn't it?) :)

Hope you enjoy the peek guys!!

LOVE this one!

When Mom and Dad want photos together it totally makes my day!! :)

To me, this photo completely represents what it means to be a couple with young children. My favorite part is the angel on the nightstand...praying for them!!! :)

The emotional "love my husband" post.

2010-02-21T17:44:00.004-06:00

Something amazing is happening tomorrow.

My husband is going to drive to work....at a new job.

This may not seem amazing. But, for those that know us very well know how amazing it is. My husband has worked for the same company for 16 years. (he started there when I was a freshman in high school...sorry had to throw that in there!!! Only to put things into perspective of course.) We first laid eyes on each other at this job, we fell in love at this job, he was my boss...at this job!! He obviously continued to work there after I quit to become a mommy. He worked at many different locations during the span of this 16 years, but he has been a manager for the last10. The General Manager of a particular location for the last 8 I think. This job has physically been exhausting. He may go in at 5 in the morning and stay until 8 in the evening. Then the next day be there at 10 am and work until 9 pm...or go in at 4 pm and work until 2 am. These are all very TYPICAL days in a week. We missed him, a LOT. I was used to doing things alone with my boys. Going to scouts, gymnastics, sports, school events, parties, family events, ALONE with my boys.

To say Mike is a devoted employee would be an understatement. He is the most amazing employee I have ever known of. EVER. Not just because he's my husband. He makes me look bad. I could NEVER be like him. He is the hardest worker I've ever known. I thought he was amazing...always. But I had no idea how much others loved him. This past week has been so amazing.

When you are the General manager at a place that employees lots of people its a challange. Anywhere. Dealing with stressful shifts, customers, drama, food, adds more of a challange. He did this, wonderfully. He was ready to go, he was just ready for something dififerent. I dont think either of us saw the fall out coming this past week when his employees knew it would be the last. He received lots of cards, gifts, tears, phone calls, texts. They pretty much said the same thing....

"I can never thank you enough for all that you've done for me. You've always been there to talk to and help me see things in a different way. You've been my mentor and made me a better person."

That is a summerization of pretty much what every note said. Lots of notes...even several from ex employees!! I couldn't believe it. I could believe he was capable of this kind of affection, but I didn't know it was happening. Lots of cards and gifts referenced incidents, and inside jokes. I had never been prouder of Mike...EVER. It was a weird feeling, knowing that others love the person you love so much and you had no idea!

It made leaving difficult. Not the job, but the people. They were all upset he was leaving. But tomorrow is a new life for us. We are scared, really scared. That job has supported us thru the beginning... 3 pregnancies, 3 kids, building a house, all of my endless endeavors, my business, new cars, and obviously countless monthly bills. It's all we know, and its so scary. But it's very exciting. He will have a consistent schedule for the most part, he will be here on weekends!!! I almost cant even imagine that I will be able to cook a meal and know that he will be home!!!!!!!!! It's almost unthinkable.

Most of all, I'm just so happy for him. He deserves this, and he will be wonderful. I know it. I'm so proud I could bust!!

I love you Mikey! I'll be thinking of you tomorrow!!

A Treat For Your Sweetie

2010-02-14T21:52:00.004-06:00

Made from the perfect combination....Peanut Butter and Chocolate!!!

I guess I could say I'm pretty good at making desserts. It's sort of my thing. I like to eat dessert too, but that's nothing to brag about.

Part of the problem is that I'm married to a man that has a SEVERE sweet tooth. That enables me to bake to often, therefore eat sweets too often. But, sometimes this is expected. Like on Valentines Day. This recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars is definitely a contender for his all time favorite treat. It comes from the famous Cake Mix Doctor cookbook. The original I think, because there is like a million now.

It's kind of extensive (for some, not for the experienced cook!!) but it's worth it!! Also, I'm sort of a cake pan/cookie sheet snob. This recipe (ANY recipe baked in a 9x13 pan) will come out so. much. better if baked in one of these! A Magic Line Cake pan. They are amazing. They cook perfectly and the corners are perfectly straight which just makes things look so much better. No more baking in a round corner pyrex dish...please!!! You wont regret it. There is a baking shop in Old Town Lenexa that sells them at a decent price.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup smooth peanut butter
1 stick butter, melted
2 eggs

1 package (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup grated coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325.

Place the cake mix, peanut butter, melted butter, and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Blend with a mixer on low speed for 1 minute. Stop the machine and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula. Mixture will be thick. Reserve 1½ cups for the topping. Transfer the remaining crust mixture to the pan. Using your fingertips, press the crust evenly over the bottom of the pan so that it reaches all sides. Set aside.

For the filling, place the chocolate chips, condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons butter in a medium size heavy saucepan over low heat. Stir and cook until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is well combined. 3-4 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the coconut, pecans, and vanilla until well distributed. Pour the chocolate mixture over the crust, and spread it evenly with the rubber spatula so that it reaches the sides of the pan. Using your fingers, crumble the reserved crust and scatter it evenly over the chocolate. Place the pan in the oven.

Bake the cake until it is light brown with a few gold spots, 20- 30 minutes. Dont over cook!! They get dry fast. Cut and serve! :)

And yes, if you haven't noticed....I'm kind of on a roll with this blogging thing!! Trying to keep it interesting!!

I LOVE books!!

2010-02-13T11:25:00.005-06:00

If you know me very well...you know I love to read. A. LOT. I have always loved to read. My favorite store has always been a book store, for as long as I can remember and i could easily spend thousands of dollars in one trip if I had the money. These books below are a recent read. I first noticed them one day at Target, because the covers are just so pretty. These are YA (young adult) books. However, any of you that read the Twilight series know that a YA book can be just as enjoyable as a grown up book!! I didn't read these for awhile but was finally persuaded by one of my wonderful senior girls. She loved them, so I finally read them. AND, they are sooooo good! For my generation, think BH 90210 set in 1900 New York City. Wealth, servants, balls, carriages, manners, and lots of betrayal! Good stuff. For the younger generation I guess think....Laguna Beach in 1900..I guess...I dont know!! :) But, either way, these books are really good. You can even read the first one for free online at the website. HERE

Feel free to share some good books you've read...IN THE COMMENTS.....I get a lot of hits on this blog and I'd love some of you to comment!!! Please...it would make my day!! :)

All Made Up ~Spring Hill Wedding Photographer~

2010-02-11T09:40:00.009-06:00

I love makeup. I always have. I still remember my first real set of makeup was some cast offs of my aunt Dellene's (Thanks Dellene!) :) I remember perfectly that there was a big chubby stick of BLUE eyeliner and I used it up.

These days i still love to play with makeup, although I've found that being mainly a stay at home mom for the last 10 years I sort of lost touch with my makeup loving side. I guess because I wasn't going and doing a lot that caused me to try to look really pretty, and even if I did I just used what I had and put it on the way I was used too. Sad isn't it?

A few months back I stumbled upon this gal on You Tube. Kandee Johnson the Makeup Artist. And as I do when i find a blog online that I really like.....I spent the next 2 hours reading and watching her videos. She is amazing!! She is a real legitimate makeup artist who has the sweetest personality, and who charmingly lets us into her life and shares deep emotional feelings sometimes in her video's. I have her bookmarked, and love to keep up with her. She is also a mother working hard to make a name for herself in a big industry...that makes me like her even more! :)

Her videos are VERY easy to follow, and she gives product names and often even gives the "cheaper" equivalent if you need to do the drugstore version of her look. Some of these looks are obviously not for repeating...but they are amzing none the less...

The one I wanted to highlight her was her Bridal Makeup video. Some brides may be wanting to try their hand at their own makeup. While I definitely see the value in hiring a makeup artist....some just are trying to skim some costs out of their budget. And I think Kandee's video's are wonderful. Most of her other tutorial videos on her blog are way back in the archives so to see some more it would be better to double click this video and browse her on You Tube. They are all GREAT! But beware, you'll want to run to Sephora and buy the place out!!

Who Dat?! 1 of 3 ~ Kansas City Wedding Photographer

2010-02-04T17:26:00.006-06:00

Where to start with this wedding. To make a long story very short...Becky and I at one time were inseparable. We lived, worked, and played together. We were immediate friends and for nearly the whole year of 1999 we were always together. As life often does, it got in the way and our paths were lead in different directions. We lost touch and fast forward 10 YEARS after not seeing or talking we reunited on facebook. Not long after she contacted me to see if I would be interested in shooting her wedding because she was engaged!! Uhhhh....YES!!!! I was so excited.

So, last weekend Mike and I headed out of town to shoot my first wedding of 2010. The wedding of one of my favorite people I have known in my lifetime so far. :) It was a beautiful day and she was glowing and happy. But it was bittersweet because while I spent the whole day with her, I was in wedding shooting mode and as we drove home I realized that I already missed her and hadn't spent nearly the time I would have liked with her. So, Becky I think that means that sometime I need to come down south and see you!!

Oh, and to top off a great day.....John and Becky live in New Orleans (I believe John is from there) and it was a full on celebration of the Saints going to the Super Bowl. Geaux Saints!!

John has 2 incredibly, beautiful and very sweet daughters.

I had forgotten how much I loved this family. I really didn't even know most of them well or at all. But when you are friends with Becky you feel close to her family because she is. Her family is a HUGE part of her and her family is HUGE itself!! :) Being around them is so fun.

A GUY!!!! Spring Hill Senior Photogrpaher

2010-01-25T21:16:00.004-06:00

It was so nice to do a guy for a change! I mean, I really love shooting girls. Posing a girl comes more natural...talking with a girl comes more natural...but it's fun to occasionally shoot a guy! (hint hint everyone) This guy was so easy, laid back, and overall just really nice! I love what we got!

Here is his official tiger-beat centerfold!! :) (Does that magazine still exist?)

A break in the fog... Spring Hill Senior Photographer

2010-01-19T14:21:00.004-06:00

I was starting to fear this session was not going to happen!! :) We had wanted to try to find a decent day during Christmas break....which was full of freezing temps and snow. Then, more cold, and then tons of FOG!! We took a chance Sunday and were blessed with about 3 hours of sunlight and then it quickly returned to fog! It was a miracle!!

It was super fun, we went downtown and hit crown center, the links, and a few other places. She was great, and tough for putting up with the cold temperatures!! :)

FAV!!

I realized as I edited that I seemed to be favoring the vertical angle that day!!!

Trudging thru the Snow... Spring Hill Senior Photographer

2010-01-04T13:01:00.003-06:00

I am so glad we did this! This awesome senior, who you've seen her before...wanted to do a few more photos and we both thought in the snow would be very cool! It was very "cool" but we handled it- even trekked thru deep snow to get some of these shots!! She of course looks beautiful, and this is something i would definitely do again!

My favorites of 2009!!!

2009-12-28T09:01:00.003-06:00

What an amazing year this has been! Starting a new business is scary and HARD. Starting a new business with 3 little kids at home is even scarier and harder, but this year turned out to be great! I had some of the best clients, made some great friends and got some AWESOME images! The first thing I loved about this job obviously is the photography. What i realized is that the best part is the people! I've loved meeting everyone I've shot. I've loved getting to know about their family and their children. In some cases I've even gotten to know Grandma's and extended family. It's these relationships and being able to create special memories for these wonderful people that have made this so rewarding.

Coming out of a busy Fall season, it is nice to be going into a slow period. I will be revamping some things with Lucky Photo and making some changes. I'm really excited about these changes and cant wait to share new things with previous and new clients. I will even have some great specials coming out soon! I also dont want to neglect this blog, (as I'm very good at doing when I'm slow) so I'm trying to think of some things to do to keep it fun. First off I'd like to share my favorite images from 2009!! :) My favorites aren't always the clients favorite, my favorite may be for some odd reason that just makes me love it. I love it when their favorite is one that I would have never guessed would be their favorite!! :) It makes me realize that each person see's something different in an image. So, here are mine.

this one. I love it!! Some images I know I will love the minute I click the shutter. This was one. Sometimes you just KNOW you got it! :) It's received many comments, of course she is adorable and you will see more of her in this post!

This was really fun, I participated in a Shoot Day with Kelly Walker Chance and Josh Solar downtown. Met many other photographers and had 2 great models. This was my fav image of the day!

This wedding was great because these 2 were so easy to photograph. Especially her, I mean shes gorgeous! Her dad was amazing and found this gem of a location! yay for dad's!

This shoot was special because this is a dear friend of mine with her second baby! (And first animal baby! ;) I loved the light, the dog, the baby, the way she was looking at him. Just love it!

Super fun engagement in Parkville, loved it there! I just love this pink wall and door...and loved them kissing. I always love a kissing shot!!! :) It's fun demanding people kiss when I want them too!! lol

What a sweet girl this was. I loved her clothes, loved her smile. If i recall she was kind of a tough cookie, but we got some great stuff! :) This was one of those sessions that I ALMOST didn't edit a certain photo. It was a little off center, she wasn't looking. But something made me stop. I liked it. I edited it. They bought it large for over their mantel. I think it was her favorite! :) you just never know. When I saw that order come thru it made me smile. I was so glad I kept it! I love that a parent can see something in an image of their child that you might not see. An expression that you might miss because you dont know them like they do. :)

Here she is again, in a tutu!! Like in many sessions, it was hard to pick a fav but I always loved this one. Mom and I drove around aimlessly that day looking for a good "country" scene. I dont know what i was looking for. I had my heart set on a barn....but, whats with all of the property in Kansas belonging to someone?? :) Everything is fenced in, like they dont want trespasses or something!!! lol But, i ended up liking this little spot...(minus the little grass snake!!!) I just loved this image. The textures, the light, her eyes, the pink tutu!! Love it!

This girl couldn't really take a bad photo. I had many favs again, but I liked these immediately. Straight out of the camera. The purple, the green, the background so soft. And of course she looks lovely!! :)

Lots of grea images from this wedding, but I have just loved somethign about this image since I pulled it up on my computer. I really cant explain it. I was initially just trying to shoot the guys and not get their faces, but in my peripheral I caught the little cutey on the right and just ended up with this. I love it. Sometimes I just love it! :)

Another wonderful friend of mine. She now has 7 beautiful, sweet children. She is the best mom, and I love that I was able to catch this image for her. My fav part is little Maxton's face down front center. And yes, even after the twins were born, she still only has one little girl. 6 boys, (and sometimes i feel sorry for myself!!!!???) :)

I love sweet baby girls. Any girls. This job has allowed me to experience little headbands, pink tutu's and little pink capri's. At least i have that! I loved this image, and I got a lot of comments about it. The soft light, the pink headband, her expression. Perfect!

These kiddo's were super fun, and being friends with mom made this a fun session! I shot these kiddo's last year (one of my firsts!!!) and they were not feeling me. This year was great and we got great stuff. Something about this one I just like. I love they are positioned, like she is skipping!! :)

This was a fun evening. A sweet intimate wedding with close friends and family, and the most wonderful little crafty touches I've photographed. I love creative weddings, it's totally my thing and it's so enjoyable to photograph. I loved these 2 because I've known the groom for a long time. (Little brother of a friend from up above!) I immediately loved this image. Just love it, love the pennants, love them, love the colors. Just love it!

Another of one of my favorite families, we've been together a lot this year and I love this one of all of them. Natural, sweet, and of course her adorable face is the best part! :)

This family was great. 2 beautiful little girls, that I got sweet photos of. But, somethign about this one of mom and dad I just loved! I love couples, this is a definite fav.

Sweet Sofia. I dont usually include names of clients...especially kids. But i completely forgot that when I posted her name huge on her wall!!! lol Almost everyone that i speak too that reads my blog has mentioned Sofia. She is a beautiful baby, and she was a joy to photograph. There were many favs, including beautiful mom and handsome dad...but something about this one i just love. Her face is so sweet...love the pillow, the rocking chair, the tutu of course!!!

Another beautiful senior! Also many favs of her. We got GREAT stuff, and her and her mom were fun to hang out with. I just like this one a lot. Love the purple on her, the jewelry, the relaxed pose and smile. She is so pretty!

It was such a windy day, we went in search of something to block the horrible wind and found this....silo?? I dont know, it seemed small to be called a silo but I really dont know a thing about farm structures! I do know that i immediately loved it. The nastier, the better and with their blue outfits I was in love. Love the building, the boys, the door, the weird can on the ground. I just love it! :)

The boys were so cute! Big brother had a great personality and was so cute, I loved it when he squeezed little brother. Moments like this can be caught in an instant....because as a mother of 3 boys I know from experience that an instant is usually how long they last!!! lol

Grandma and Grandpa to sweet boys above. Their daughter (mom to boys above) wrote me the most wonderful email about this photo which made me love it even more. Shooting session, after session you sometimes forget what an image can mean to someone. I'm so glad I got this one!

My sweet friend again, and look how big that baby boy has gotten. (on dad's shoulders) I loved this image immediately. It's so natural and real, I love the colors and love mom and dad's faces. See, no one knows the insanity we went thru up until this point with 2 little boys...except i just told you. They could have been peacefully frolicking around on a fall day for all we know!!! lol Thats the power of photography!! (dont kill me hea!)

Again, my sweet little model. Despite that windy day, she delivered beautiful faces of course. How can i not love this face???

This handsome young man was so fun. We ran all over the yard and he was just soooo cute!! I loved this little chair, loved the stripes, loved the red shirt, loved his teeth, and absolutely LOVED his curls. He's also the sweet boy of a friend form high school and it was so fun to see what a cutie she had!

Once again, a couple. Love couples, I know I already said it but it's so true. I think thats why I love weddings so much! We got great stuff of the family, great stuff of the kids. but I just loved this one of them, the wall, the weeds! :) sweet.

Loved this image because it seems so real to me!! :) Independent young teen girl off to the right, 2 younger kids "posing for the camera" to the left, mom and dad in the middle! :) And i love the background. Oh, and love moms boots!! :)

This session was again hard to choose a fav from. The kids were so precious, and the sweet little boy gave me some of my favorite little tiny gq images. But, i love this one. Love that they aren't looking, love the light, love the tree's, love it all. Loved this family!

How cute is this girl?? The whole family looked great, but I just loved this image. Loved it right away. Her little head angle, her hat, the light, her smile. It all just works for me, and I loved it right away!

Wow, that was fun! I have enjoyed everyone this year, and I was also lucky enough to shoot lots of weddings with my friend Jessica of epagaFOTO which was such a wonderful experience and I THANK HER for that! :) It's been a big year of learning and growing, and I cant wait for 2010!! I hope i get to work with some of you again!! :)

The "C" Family ~ Spring Hill, Kansas Family Photographer

2009-11-14T10:50:00.004-06:00

I cant believe how lucky I have been the last few weeks to work with such great families. Everyone has been so easy, laid back, fun!! This family was no exception! They had a friend with an amazing backyard, and it was really nice to just stay in one spot. In fact, the time saved from driving equaled a LOT of photos!!!!! Wow, more than I usually end up with! :) Here are s some fav's!!

The Cutest Family! ~ Kansas City Family Photographer

2009-11-08T22:27:00.003-06:00

This was such a fun session! I liked mom right away, considering we sat on the phone for almost an hour and chatted about photos, kids, and simultaneously perused the babyGAP website! When I got there, the kids were absolutely adorable and so were mom and dad. Therefore, we got great stuff!!

Another Family!! ~ Spring Hill, Kansas Family Photographer

2009-11-06T19:32:00.004-06:00

Another family, another amazing woman I know. (Who also needs to highlight my hair very soon..hint...hint...:) We happened to get a beautiful evening last week to shoot some portraits with the vibrant fall colors. Since it has been incredibly windy, the leaves were almost gone and it was just so pretty in the evening light!

Lots Going On!!!! Spring Hill, Kansas Family Photographer

2009-11-06T00:18:00.003-06:00

This is by far the busiest month my little business has had yet. I'm so grateful! But, I'm soooooo busy! I have been fortunate to have very wonderful clients this month that haven't given me to hard of a time for being a little frazzled! :) By the time Thanksgiving comes I will be ready to not sit in front of my computer for a few weeks! :) So, with that being said...if your waiting on a peek...or your gallery, it's coming!! :)

This family, I loved shooting. Funny enough Mom and I "re"met a few years ago at the school carnival and realized that we used to work together like 10 years ago!! Now, here we are married with children and her's are super cute!

Also, completely unrelated but very important. Sweet Sofia, the adorable little girl which so many of you have mentioned to me being so darn cute is in a babyGap contest!! She needs your vote!!! So click HERE and vote for her. You can vote everyday, so if you think about it tomorrow...or the next day...do it AGAIN! You do have to register, but it really doesn't take long so go vote for our darling Sofia!

Those Curls!! - Overland Park Childrens Photographer

2009-10-29T02:04:00.004-05:00

This was my first time to meet this cutie, and I instantly loved his hair! My boys always had the stand up spikey afro, finger in a socket kind of hair. (which i loved also) But it would have been fun to have at least ONE with some of these beautiful curls. And what about those eyes. :)

The Sweetest Girl - Overland Park Family Photographer

2009-10-29T02:00:00.004-05:00

Once again, this sweet face! I just cant get enough of it, and now she has her sweet doggy again too! :)

H+T=C&W- Olathe Family Photographer

2009-10-28T23:06:00.003-05:00

These are special because this beautiful woman has been my friend since 8th grade.
She now has a wonderful husband and 2 adorable boys. It's hard to imagine that this is where we are now! :)

2 Awesome Families!! ~ Spring Hill Family Photographer

2009-10-25T12:30:00.004-05:00

I had not met either of these great women before this, which is always sort of surprising in this little town. (Thank you Facebook, sometimes your very useful and not just a time warp in my day!) One call lead to another and I ended up shooting both of these great families. These 2 moms are friends, so i knew they wouldn't mind a combined post. I almost felt like they came as a package, and I liked them both right away!! The best part is they nailed it on dressing their families. They all looked amazing!!!!!!

These 2 boys were so cute, and of course I could relate to having 2 boys.....at least for a couple of years. But I can relate to boys for sure! They also brought Grandma and Grandpa which was fun!

I love this one....it was quickly followed by him knocking little brother down! I cant tell you how often that happens with 2 little people like this! :)

I had to hear his hysterical "knock knock" jokes to get this smile...it was worth it!

Although the kids aren't in focus...I still love this one. Love mom and dad, and love the expressions on the boys faces!

Next family had.....2 boys also!! 2 handsome young men who's hats I fell in love with!!!

I might have to redecorate my living room in this blue/brown color scheme and hang this LARGE on my wall. I love it that much!

I have no words for this one...i just love it.

AH-mazing! ~ Spring Hill Senior Photograher

2009-10-20T22:47:00.004-05:00

This session was sooooo fun!! Her, mom and I had met a few weeks back to discuss the shoot and immediately I knew it would be fun photographing her. The clothes were great, the locations were great, her makeup was great (thanks Melissa). Everything was great! Hope you guys love these, I had a hard time narrowing down what to edit for the sneak!

K+A=S ~ Overland Park Family Photographer

2009-10-15T22:04:00.004-05:00

I loved photographing this family. I knew after talking to mom on the phone that I would love it. She mentioned tutus and flowers, and I was immediately excited. Having 3 boys makes photographing baby girls a guilty pleasure. Having a beautiful mom and handsome dad was an added bonus! Hope you like these "C" Family!

Sweet Things ~ Overland Park Family Photographer

2009-10-11T20:56:00.005-05:00

This family was the greatest! I liked them all right away, and the girls were the cutest things! This first one of mom and dad I am in love with...there is nothing I love photographing more than love itself! :) Thanks "B" Family! Hope you love these as much as I do!

Holiday Mini Sessions Olathe Photographer

2009-09-09T19:18:00.003-05:00

Session is Immediate Family Only, Additional Persons are $10 a person and may require more time.

One Year Old!!! Overland Park Family Photography

2009-08-27T23:29:00.003-05:00

I just cannot believe it's been a year!!! Lets observe shall we.....

And now, as a beautiful one year old big girl. She is the happiest little thing I've ever seen. Thank you guys...for letting me be a part of your first year as a "family"! :)

So fun....

2009-08-19T23:17:00.004-05:00

I loved this wedding. First off, the handsome groom is the little brother of my high school BFF and it was so great to see him marrying a beautiful girl. A super creative girl to boot. The wedding was an intimate little affair at the lake and it was so fun. She had the most creative ideas, and I absolutely loved photographing them! I know you all have waited VERY patiently for this sneak....and thanks for not ringing my phone off the hook....(i know you were tempted H, and yours are coming!!) I've been editing like a mad woman lately and between that and back to school i've literally worked myself sick. Ugh, no fun. Enjoy these though!!

First off, this one! I couldn't love it more if I tried. I dont know what it is, but the minute I snapped it I knew i'd be in love. I could have shot with these pennants FOREVER!! Dont they both look hot though!!!!!

Full Circle- Overland Park Family Portraits

2009-08-11T19:03:00.004-05:00

Last Summer, these sweet kiddos were my first "official" kid clients. Mom and I had been friends and I was thrilled when she asked me. A week or so ago, we did it again!!! This time we got mom and dad in on the photos which I was so happy about. I think they make for an awesome looking family!

I cant get enough!! Olathe Newborn Photography

2009-08-06T00:16:00.003-05:00

Baby girls, I just love photographing them!! I guess if I cant raise baby girls...I can enjoy lots of other peoples babies girls for a little while. :) This one was a special treat, she was only 5 days old if I remember right. The whole family was great, especially big brother! I'm so happy to have been able to capture them.

A peek at whats to come tomorrow....

2009-08-03T09:15:00.002-05:00

And a few of a very good friend of mine.....she probably thinks that I've forgotten her....but it isn't true!!! Here is a couple...

A beautiful Wedding.....Kansas City Wedding Photographer

2009-07-29T11:52:00.002-05:00

What a great day this was!! For mid-July the weather was PERFECT! The wedding party was fun, the church was beautiful, the couple looked great, the kids were totally adorable...what could be better??? Thanks so much Sarah and Chris for letting me be part of your day!

LOTS more coming in the next couple of days....some super sweet babies, a family and then more next week!! busy, busy!!

You TubesDay

2009-07-14T21:55:00.003-05:00

I find I dont often post here because I dont have anything interesting to talk about. Well, thats not really true. I'm sure there is plenty I could come up with, but I dont WANT to talk about it! So, i'm trying to find something fun.

My boys LOVE watching funny videos on YouTube. And yes, I do browse with them because there are some seriously disturbing things on YouTube and its very easy to stumble upon them. But, we can look for an hour and just laugh and laugh. I thought it would be fun to share some every week here. Some of our favs!! :) This happens to be the funny baby edition.

This first one won these people a LOT of money on AFV. I love it every time i see it!!

We found this one on accident, Everytime I watch it I wiggle in my chair along with her!! I bet you do to!!

Taylor-

2009-07-10T22:18:00.002-05:00

I cant believe i haven't posted these yet!! I just completely forgot and I have really been neglecting my poor blog! This is lovely Taylor, and she is just soooo great to photograph! We spent the day shooting, even brought her BFF along later on! Hope you enjoy them! AND, if you know of any 2010 seniors that need photos send them my way!!!!!!!!

2009-05-30T00:44:00.002-05:00

I just love this little girl!! I have had the pleasure of shooting her 3 times, and every time she gets better at it!! She was hilarious this time....flapping her little arms around. This is my favorite baby stage...happy and fun to play with...but your not quite chasing them everywhere!! :) Of course we got adorable stuff with her!

A Sweet Little Girl

2009-05-26T16:56:00.002-05:00

This little girl was not so sure about me! She had the most adorable little faces. I'll have to post some of the silly ones later! My boys have gotten a kick out of some of the ones i caught!! She had also had the most adorable little outfits!! Lucky moms of girls!! The 3 of them make a beautiful family!

2 Beauties Olathe Family Photography

2009-05-23T23:02:00.003-05:00

I had the privilege of capturing these two beautiful baby girls and their parents this week. The "official" sneak peeks are coming soon....but i just had to share these two!! We've all heard the science that babies are made to be cute with small features and big bright eyes so that their mother falls in love with them and wants to care for them. I think it is very effective!!

An Engagement!!!!!!!!!!!! Overland Park Photographer

2009-05-14T23:26:00.002-05:00

These 2 kids will be getting married in July...and i cant wait to be at their wedding. We had fun, despite the wind and me needing more memory!! (That problem has since been solved!!!)

The fun thing was he had the brilliant idea to head to Parkville. I'd never been! It's so cute up there at the old downtown. I'm definitely going to have to take my boys up!

Easter Eggs!!

2009-04-22T11:17:00.002-05:00

This year the boys and I did something new in regards to our egg coloring. Aunt Leenie had mailed a big box of goodies a few weeks earlier and in it were 3 of theses Egg Spinners. The boys couldn't wait to use them! The eggs turned out really cool.

And yes, that's my messy house in the background.......jealous??

Baby "L" ---- Olathe Baby Photographer

2009-04-17T10:48:00.002-05:00

This was such a great experience. This Mommy, is a very special person to me! We have been friends for a long time, and she knows me so well. Driving home I realized what all we have witnessed each other go thru, and it amazes me that we are now grown....happily married (there was an end in sight to all of our past heartbreak!!!! :), and have little boys of our own!! It just seems like yesterday that we were 16!! I also questioned why she isn't hanging onto ANY postbabyfat....and I hated her for a second...just a second, but i got over it!! :) Love you Hea!!

This is her 2nd baby boy....and he is adorable!!

Happy Birthday Grandma Mac --- Olathe Photographer

2009-04-13T23:37:00.003-05:00

It's become a tradition...to take this photo! This year it seemed much easier didnt it Tracy? :) These are my boys of course with their cousins. We've been doing this for like 4 0r 5 years now!! I cant believe its been that long! We do this for Grandma Mac's birthday, and i'm really glad we have done it because I always love them! With this many young kids in a photo, someone is inevidably doing something silly...really showing their true colors. But, this time i think these are just perfect even with a broken collar bone!

Going Offline...

2009-03-26T12:56:00.002-05:00

I'm getting ready to unhook my computer for awhile. How long? I'm not sure...but it needs a tune up. If you email, I'll respond as soon as I can!

If you need to get a hold of me call....(913) 636-6424

Hope to be back soon!!

LUCKYwedding- Niki & Sean Kansas City Wedding Photography

2009-03-16T16:43:00.003-05:00

Gorgeous Bride.....check!

Handsome Groom.....in a uniform...check, check!

Beautiful Weather.....check!

My wonderful husband as my assistant.....check!

Saturday was a great day! Niki and Sean actually tied the knot in St. Thomas a week or so ago...but celebrated with their friends and family with an awesome reception. Everything turned out beautifully and of course they looked AMAZING....

Her dress was sooo beautiful!

And of course...so was she!

One of my many favs of the day!

So cute!

This one is for you Niki....;)

Definitely love this one!

I dont know which one I like more!

I absolutely loved their colors...so fresh and colorful....oh and her dad had on these killer boots. I made them black and white for this collage...but they were a beautiful bright orangeish color!!

Niki and Sean, your day was great and Mike and I enjoyed spending it with you!! Thanks again!!

It's Spring....and you need new photos...right?? :)

2009-03-10T11:58:00.001-05:00

I need your vote!!

2009-03-09T19:13:00.002-05:00

One thing I LOVE to do....that I do TO often, is stalk other photographers blogs. Just ask my family...it is a problem. But I cant help it, when you love something it is enjoyable to read about what other people that love it are doing too.

One of those blogs I stalk is Davina Fears. While i loved it immediately because her photographs are AMAZING, I realized that i like it for so many other reasons. I relate to her because she is first a mother and wife. She has a beautiful family and is so inspiring to other women who want to find a balance between being a good wife and mother yet running a successful business. I just love reading her posts. Many times I've cried because she is so inspiring.

ANYWAY, for awhile she has been doing Move It Monday posts. Long Story Shot, she is running a contest....and I need your vote!! So skip on over there, and vote for me!!! I will be so grateful! While your there, check out her amazing photographs, and you could use her services if your in the Carolina area!!!

Here is some of her beautiful work...

A couple more....

2009-02-27T21:31:00.000-06:00

Totally Rad.

2009-02-26T21:48:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I got to have a super fun experience. 2 local photographers whose work I have admired for years now (ok maybe 1 1/2 years) hosted a Shoot Day down at the City Market. It was awesome. Kelley and Josh were so cool, made everyone feel comfortable and I met a lot of very cool people..some that live a hop, skip and a jump right from my house!

The great thing about doing something like this is that it is so different! It made me realize how important it is to shoot for myself on occassion. While I always love shooting, this time there was no worries of getting the right shot, pleasing someone else..or getting the safe shots. I just did whatever i wanted! I will have to do this more often!!

So, the 2 very great models were decked out in complete 80's getup which was really fun...here are the first few I've done. More soon!!

I've looked at some of the others photos (there were 16 of us, plus Kelley and Josh) and what amazes me is NO ONE has the same looking shot. It's really fun to see what everyone else's vision and even their post processing looks like!

More......

2009-02-17T13:08:00.003-06:00

I've got SOOOO many of this cutie I thought I'd share a few more. It's amazing how many actually turned out because babies are so jerky with their movements something is usually out of focus. (Ummmm, this wont be so much of an issue when i get better equipment...do you hear me universe??)

With that being said, there are a million things I'd change about this image compositionally....but I'm so glad we got it! Mom and I decided kind of on a whim at the last minute to get one of both the babies!! I was pleasantly surprised to find this one of them both looking!!

It's things like these headband bows that just make my heart ache for a baby girl!! But then i consider that the headband bows will turn into expensive makeup, clothes, shoes, jewelry, boyfriends...then I get over it!!! :) Sorry Jess!!! ;)

On the flip side....my children are currently running around the house screaming and torturing each other. The vulgar boy things that my boys say will surely never come out of that sweet baby girls mouth! They are all wound up because tonight we go to the Great Wolfe Lodge!!! I'm so thrilled about putting on a swimsuit I can hardly stand it!!!!! Hopefully on a Tuesday night in February the place will be dead!!

The Sweetest Girl....... Baby Portraits Overland Park, Kansas

2009-02-13T15:06:00.002-06:00

This isn't the first time you've seen this cutie! We saw her in utero,

and at a few weeks old!

Her cuteness just doesn't quit! She has this wonderful wise little lady face. She took me very seriously...she didn't crack...until right at the end!

But it doesn't matter...when you get shots like these!!

Thanks again Jess, I'll put up some more peeks as i get more done!!

My Youngest Babies need haircuts... Spring Hill Kansas Portraits

2009-02-06T12:32:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was a great day for the boys.. (another blog post about it later!) Peanut had gymnastics and it was so nice out that I decided to let the little boys play in the backyard of the gym. They had so much fun, and I decided to get some photos of them since it had been so long since I'd tried to get anything but a snapshot. The only problem...they are super shaggy!! They are all getting haircuts this weekend!

Krispy Poo -

2009-02-02T07:32:00.009-06:00

EDITED TO ADD ON FEB 2011- If you came upon this page by searching "Spring Hill Photographer" Please click on our banner up above for our most recent work! Google web crawler has unfortunately held onto this link as their "cached" link! :) We would love to hear from you if you need a photographer!!

Mike's car has broken down, we're pretty sure it's the transmission. So, unfortunately we've been having to drive him to work. (this morning we were up and gone at 5:30 AM!!!!) But, right down the street from his work is a Krispy Kreme. Obviously we rarely go up that way, so we had to go get some of their new mini donuts. They are really good. They taste exactly the same of course but they are tiny. It's tricky though because you think, "They are small, so I'll just one or 2." But, really you eat like.....7. I'm not sure if you can just buy one or 2, the menu only offers 20! Anyway, the boys loved them of course! They even got the cute little Krispy Kreme hats.

Speaking of good snacks, we've discovered a few we are loving. We'll they aren't necessarily new discoveries. I'll just share them...

Of course everybody makes/or has had the typical ro*tel/Velveeta dip. It's gotten pretty standard and boring. HOWEVER, using this new Mexican variety is so good. It's not real different, just different enough to be better. You can really taste the lime and cilantro. It's not spicier or anything, just more flavorful!

Sabra Hummus....Oh my gosh. It's SOOOOOO good. Butter, Poo, and I LOVE it. It's good with pita bread, pita chips, tortilla chips. It's just GOOD! The 2 below are our favorites, Roasted Red Pepper and Pine Nut. They have some new spicy one that's really good too. If you think you don't like Hummus, try this. It's amazing. Oh, and I suggest trying to find this at a "super" store like Walmart or Super Target because at grocery stores it can get pretty pricey!!

I've already fallin of the wagon....{ spring hill, kansas, photographer}

2009-01-30T14:06:00.002-06:00

The minute I pushed "publish" I already had. I made the resolution to blog 2 or 3 times a week......about 2 weeks ago?????

I apologize, but I'm starting new and my new blog design is already motivating me!!!! In fact I've re-done EVERYTHING!!! Complete re branding for the business. So, what do you think?? Be honest. And, make a comment!!!!!!! I want to know who is out there...if anyone is after my super posting let down!!

I solemnly swear that my blog posting will be more consistent.....I think! :) I guess you'll just have to check back to find out!

Popcorn Ball People

2009-01-06T12:59:00.002-06:00

Grandma Mac got the kids the cutest thing for Christmas. It's from the Popcorn Factory and it's a kit to make figures out of Popcorn Balls.
Well, it was fun and a HUGE mess. Butter enjoyed eating the candy that came with it, Peanut did get a hang of it and Poo let me help him while he ate candy! :)
Here is what we came up with!
Peanut's dog! I was so proud of this one!
My, (and Poo's) snowman! This was WAY harder than it looked!! :)

Christmas, New Year, and Exciting Changes...

2008-12-28T12:07:00.004-06:00

I haven't been neglecting the blog (well a little) but it's a slow time and I haven't had any sessions to share!!

We have spent this down time of course celebrating all of the holidays, but also planning some big changes for LUCKY{photographer}.

The major change will be our pricing/prodcuts. We have realized that a price increase is inevitiable but we are improving the products at the same time!! Oh, and offering more! So it's very exciting.

I have big plans for 2009 for our little business. Some of my goals are to shoot more weddings this year!! (Know anyone??) Of course shoot lots of great families and seniors...and my blog resolution is to post at least 3 times a week!

So, if anyone out there has been wanting to reorder from their 2008 session, you have 2 more weeks to order at the 2008 prices which are still activated for you...From here on out the new prices are on the site!!

Also, you can now pay ONLINE (to the right) to book your session! With a credit card!!

In other news...we had a great Christmas!

We decided to cut back a little this year, but the boys didn't seem to notice and it was actually better to not have a lot of unncessary stuff. They've seemed to be playing more with what they did get! This is Poo on Christmas Eve at Grandma Mac's. Of course with Laffy Taff!!

The boys got the best gifts there..a little trip to Great Wolf Lodge from Grandma Mac and Bill...and it will be topped off with a visit to T-Rex from Uncle Richard and Aunt Tracy..Trey, and Croline. They were SOOOO excited!! Now, i'm dealing with the fact that i'll be putting on a swimsuit in a few weeks...ick.

Butter, trying out the chair massager!! (Look at that dirty face!!)

Christmas morning! They were sooo excited.

All He wanted was this....a DS. He was super excited that he got the Limited Edition Mario one!

Butter got TONS of Star Wars stuff. Ships, figures, Lego sets. He loves it all!

Poo got a good combination of Batman and dinosaurs. It is still all over my living room. The Bat cave has been a great gift. All 3 of them play with it together really well! It goes with the Batman stuff that Poo got from Aunt Leenie and Wanna so it has been perfect!

Thanks to everyone for making the boys Christmas so special!!

Chilly Wedding

2008-12-21T22:33:00.005-06:00

I was so happy I could take some photos of this wedding! This bride is the friend i've known the longest in my life!! I still remember the first day I ever saw her....with her horse umbrella. :) (We were 4 or 5 i think!) Now she has met her soulmate and they are a family with her 2 beautiful kiddo's. I'm so happy for you guys!

Oh, and it was FREEZING out, she stood out there like such a pro!!!

Another "S" Family- Portrait Photographer Spring Hill Kansas

2008-12-01T11:46:00.003-06:00

This family is so great, and Sue has known me before I was born i think!! They have a beautiful daughter and they are so fun together! I think we got some great stuff!!! I think that may be my last session for awhile! :( I need to find some more newborns that i can shoot indoors!! Anyone know of any super pregnant women that will need some newborn photos? :)

I LOVE this one!! :)

The "S" Family...finally! Family Photographer Olathe Kansas

2008-11-24T18:45:00.004-06:00

These are friends of ours so it was fun to get to work with them!! They have a gorgeous big yellow house with these huge steps. We were able to take them all right there at their house! Thanks for being patient guys, I'll send your gallery password soon!!

I really like this one!

This looks "old timey" to me with your house. :)

The color version...

Oh my...i love this one!!

Super Fun!!!

2008-11-13T18:08:00.003-06:00

This family was so fun, we went again to my favorite abandoned/for sale barn. I'll be bummed when it sales. It will probably turn into another subdivision, or a strip mall!

Anyway, it was a good time and everyone is so photogenic!

Zach and Kaycee

2008-10-25T14:32:00.002-05:00

It was such a beautiful day for Zach and Kaycee's wedding. Lauren went with me, thank goodness because I coudn't have made it with out her!! They had such a fun bridal party and such nice family....we had a great time! Congratulations guys.....thanks so much for having us!!

Finally!!!!

2008-10-22T16:39:00.002-05:00

I know you've all been waiting for this peek for way too long!!!! Up next, a peek of Zach and Kaycee's wedding!!!

Handsome Young Men

2008-10-09T12:39:00.002-05:00

Some of you may recognize one of these boys from a senior session from this summer...well he has a handsome younger brother too! Oh, and good looking parents and grandma!! :) This mom and I are friends and it's always fun to be around her and her boys because it is like looking into the future, I just hope my boys are as nice and well behaved as these boys!!

Another awesome family...

2008-10-04T15:46:00.002-05:00

This morning was another great family! We found some new great spots, and had perfect golden morning sun. They all looked so great and the kids were soooo cute! Thanks so much guys...hope you like these!!

same photo, just a "warmer" version.

I just knew we were getting that flare!!

My Beautiful Sister

2008-09-22T10:40:00.005-05:00

The "M" Family

2008-09-18T22:42:00.008-05:00

This family was a photographers dream! I was excited the minute I got to their house and saw the little ones outfit!! How cute! It's outfits like that, that make me sad i dont have any girls!! :( All the girls in the family are beautiful...lucky dad! Here is a little peek!!! I'll do more guys after the wedding! And, if anyone needs anything I will be unable to answer email until Sunday!!

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a tad bit different, but same photo

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Thought you guys would like to see this!! :) There is still a few more, i'll get them done tonight!!

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Baby H

2008-09-07T23:32:00.005-05:00

So many!!! I got a little carried away with editing, i did a million versions of each!:)

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Christmas Card time!!

2008-08-27T09:03:00.006-05:00

It's not too early to be thinking about Christmas Cards!! We're running a brand new special Starting September 22 running thru October.

$150

Includes 1 hour session 4-6 faves edited

Online proofing

1 8x10

3 5x7's

16 wallets

30 custom Christmas Cards

additional Cards are $1.50 each

October is filing fast, so call soon!!

Nicole 636-6424 or email snicker629@embarqmail.com

2008-07-30T12:31:00.001-05:00

We’re getting a brand spankin new website this September and we need some beautiful faces to fill it!! All thru August we are running this AMAZING special…

$89
1 hour session
Editing and retouching
2 8x10’s
3 5x7’s
16 wallets

August 1st – 31st 2008

Call Nicole now to book your session!! (913) 636-6424