Lucky Photographer

Another Wonderful Family! -Overland Park Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 01:25:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 20:04:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:03:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:56:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:27:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 14:14:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 01:06:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:08:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:38:00 +0000

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!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 16:35:00 +0000

What a cutie!! Overland Park Newborn Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:30:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 02:03:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:37:00 +0000

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!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 01:41:00 +0000

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?!?!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 04:53:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 13:36:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 22:26:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:47:00 +0000

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

The D Family- Spring Hill Family Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:23:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:27:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 21:49:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 01:15:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 12:14:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:02:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:13:00 +0000

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!