Princess Sophia │Ottawa Kansas Photographer

*disclaimer* I do not consider myself a pet photographer...this was just for fun!*

Sometimes in the weeks between paid shoots, I like to give myself fun assignments. I like to keep my skills sharp and I really like Princess Sophia the Pug. No, I adore her. I'd been wanting to have my friend Amy take me out to see her because I could just picture her all dressed up in a tiara and boa. Just like a real princess.

But I couldn't find all the items I needed, so we settled for some fairy wings and a pink frilly lei that kinda looked like a feather boa.

These shots were all hard-won. She was like shooting a toddler hyped up on Skittles.

She didn't even mind being all dressed up.

We tried giving her some donut holes to get her to hold still. I think it backfired on us.

A rare shot of Amy, unaware of my camera pointed in her direction. That's almost as hard as getting Sophia to hold still...

Consider the pug...and while you do that, she will steal your donut holes.

This was my first shot idea. I could just picture her in her wings atop the cut log; all prim and proper. But she wasn't having any of it.

This is Sophia's sidekick Droopy. He was all over the pink lei. So much so that he didn't want to give it back. I'm not even kidding.

And no, the tongue never goes back in. I couldn't believe it when Amy said most people she knows thinks Sophia isn't cute at all. I adore her and might have to steal her.

Reviews From Some Really Awesome People! │ Ottawa Kansas Photographer

Picking a photographer is not just about how amazing their photos are, it's about the connection they make with you in order to produce amazing photography that you want and will cherish. There's an experience to be had and I'll be honest, it was what scared me the most starting out in this business!

I knew what to do with the camera, but I wondered if I had what it takes to connect with people or make their portrait session something memorable and fun. I still get nervous before every shoot wondering the same thing, and was actually shocked when, session after session, people would say, "Wow, that was fun. I didn't expect that!"

And I have had the most awesome clients so far. A lot of them have become friends. I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with each and every one of them.

I recently updated my facebook review page with some comments from a few of the spectacular people I've worked with and thought I would share them here too for the people out there who are trying to decide on a photographer.

"Carrie not only takes amazingly stunning portraits, but is a complete joy to work with! I couldn't have asked for a more fun experience. She's great at direction and knows exactly how to capture everything you're looking for in the moment. My senior shoot was an unforgettably amazing experience!" ~Connor

"Carrie was the best photographer EVER!!! She really knows how to use natural lighting and nature. She has reasonable pricing and my senior photo shoot went awesome...she can really bring out a person's personality in the photos!!!" ~Jessica

"Not only could I not quit looking at those of my daughter, I can't quit looking at any of her photos! She was able to capture my daughter in our photos for who she truly is! I ♥ her work!" ~Amy

"We have all done it...made the appointment, gone to the city, spent way too much money and got pictures that were just ok. This IS NOT the case with Carrie.

First, she is so incredibly laid back. If you kids want to run around during the shot, she will run with them. Second, she has patience of a saint. She allows every shot to just happen, no pushing the participants to smile. Each expression is true and NEVER forced. Third, Carrie has the magic to create unforgettable story boards. We have a large story board hanging in the entrance of our home. There is not one person that comes by our home that does not marvel in the beauty of the story board.
We love Carrie, our kids love Carrie. She creates magic with her camera." ~Sara

"Carrie is a very gifted photographer. She has a real eye for creative portraits and beautiful settings."~Dianne

"Carrie has such an artistic eye that really comes out in her photography. Her great sense of humor, confidence, and relaxed demeanor helped make our family portrait session a truly fun experience! And now we have wonderful family photos that we will treasure for years to come."~Renee

"I have had multiple photography sessions with Carrie- some planned, some impromptu- all with fantastic results. She is wonderful at photographing young children, primarily because she is incredibly patient and flexible. She allows them to be natural, and just goes along for the ride, capturing the most magical expressions at the most unexpected moments. I am always amazed by her artistic talent. Her passion comes through in her work. If you want unique portraits that really capture the personality of the subject, Carrie's the way to go."~Brooke

"All the pictures were classic - We have them in our computer. Your shot of Denny and Sarah walking away holding hands is very special.....You are an artist."~Norma and Jack