Rock Stars │Ottawa Kansas Photographer

I was excited to finally get to do Jennifer's photos with her and Rod and their awesome twin girls. I've known them for several years and just love them to death.

We started the session at their place, but quickly realized the cold, strong Kansas wind was not being very nice to us, so Jennifer suggested the nearby rock quarry.

And then some rock stars were born.

Sorry. I had to say it.

Anyway, here is their preview. We got some really fun shots because they are really fun people.

I had a great time and I'm pretty sure they did too...once we got down into the quarry and out of the stupid wind. Thanks, Jennifer and Rod, for allowing me the honor of photographing your awesome family. Can't wait to show you the rest...even Rod feeding the cow with his mouth.

Catching Air │Ottawa Kansas Photographer

Just my littlest man....

being little.

Fun with the L Family │Ottawa Kansas Photographer

Believe it or not, I get super nervous before each photo shoot. Those nerves double if I've never met the peeps. It's true. But after jumping right into the shoot with this wonderful family, my nerves were quickly replaced with the joy that I get from capturing the personalities and love between people.

It's an awesome thing when it's this genuine.

Thanks guys, for a GREAT time! I so appreciate your creative input and willingness to play and have fun.

Kayla │Ottawa Kansas Senior Photographer

I had another fantabulous time with senior, Kayla today. Not only is she yet another beautiful girl that made my job way too easy, but she was a real trooper. Here in Kansas, we woke to 35 degree temps and she didn't complain once. I might've once or twice...

Anyway, here is a sneak peek from her session.

As you can see, she pretty much rocked this session, despite the cold temps. Her only concern was that you wouldn't be able to see the goose bumps! No worries, Kayla, I smoothed those right out.

The cemetery is becoming a very popular shooting location for my clients. And to think I thought people would find that creepy at first.

I LOVED this sassy look she had. Who says you have to smile in every shot?

Thanks, Kayla! I'm glad you had fun and hope you love your photos!

The K Family │Ottawa Kansas Photographer

From the get go, I knew the 'K' Family would be awesome. Awesome people just tend to shine for the camera. I'd barely gotten started shooting and we were all joking and having a great time. I even pretended to almost fall off a step stool to prove I was game for shenanigans. *Ahem*

Anyway, here's just another example of some super great people who made my job incredibly easy.

This little lady has a mega-watt smile, no? She is just a little bundle of joy.

(p.s. fellow photogs: feel free to drool over that bokeh. )

And this guy was ready for anything. I just love his hazel eyes.

Sometimes you can just tell when you're in the presence of a strong, healthy family. This dad keeps everyone laughing, I can tell you that much. You gotta keep laughing.

Thanks Renee, for contacting me and allowing me the honor of photographing your beautiful family.

I'm looking forward to working on the rest of your pics!

Country Girl │Ottawa Kansas Senior Photographer

Have I mentioned how much I love photographing seniors? Well, I do-for so many reasons. One being getting to meet awesome young ladies like Emily. Not only is she drop dead gorgeous, but she's beautiful on the inside too. I could tell from the first moment we met.

She not only plays some killer volleyball, but is a total country girl at heart; spending what little free time she has these days outside. I love that.

Here's a little sneak peek from our session tonight.

Thanks for a great time Emily. I wish you the best for your senior year and hope you love your photos. Hang tight...I'll have your gallery up soon!

Trolley Chasers │Ottawa Kansas Senior Photographer

I had the pleasure of photographing Olivia this morning for her senior portraits. I've known Olivia for a few years and couldn't believe it was already senior time for her! She had several super cool locations picked out, which was exciting for me because I like to shake things up a bit creatively. I knew it would be fun to do her pictures since we're fellow musicians, artists and all around right brain thinkers.

As we walked along to the different locations, I found we were both thinking the same thing about a certain place quite often.

Her mom had told me she was nervous, but it turns out Olivia was a natural in front of the camera.

Here is a little sneak peek from her session.

As we drove around town, we kept seeing this really cool trolley, probably due to the car show going on. Olivia commented that it would be cool to get a pic on there and I aim to please.

At the end of our shoot we just happened to see him drive by again, so we followed him like a couple of maniacs on a mission.

He probably didn't know what hit him when I came flying out of my van to stop him, but he did say his trolley gets a lot of use for wedding photography.

Thanks, Trolley Man, and thanks Olivia for a great shoot this morning. I hope you love these so far!

My Friend Rachel │Ottawa Kansas Portrait Photographer

I like to wrangle my friends into letting me practice portrait genres that I haven't yet experienced. That way there's less pressure and I can see if I like it or not. Today I coerced my friend Rachel into some impromptu maternity shots. And by impromptu, I mean I called her this morning and said, "Hey, remember that time you said I could practice on you? Can I come over at noon?"

I gave myself two challenges today. Number one: to get some creative maternity shots. Number two: to shoot at midday.

I have to say, I usually stick with my favored morning and evening light because it inspires me. But now that I see I can produce something I like at noon, I know it's an option too.

My brain wasn't working properly (I'd like to blame the harsh light) so we went inside halfway through the session to get online inspiration...another advantage to photographing a friend.

Can I just say that I'm extremely jealous of Rachel's hair? This isn't a byproduct of pregnancy for her; it's always that great.

I wonder if Nathan knows what's just around the corner....

Two more months...

More Newborn Goodness │Kansas Children's Photographer

I'm sure I am continually breaking some kind of photographer preview rule by over doing it, but I really can't help it. I usually end up doing things my way, so phooey on the rules.

You cannot contain this kind of cuteness. It must be shared.

Here's me trying to get a fancy head propped shot.

Uh, not quite. Then Mom gets in to help.

Then we figured out they need to be asleep. The same for many, many fun newborn shots. Really, really asleep. Or this happens...

But even that face is cute.

Levi was somewhat cooperative. He hid his big green pacifier from the camera. Go Levi!

And what newborn session would be complete without a gratuitous tootsie shot? Yummy.

Here's Levi with big sister, Glenna. He's not sure about her, but I can tell she's got everything under control.