Kayla | Senior 2019 | Washburn Rural High School | Lake Shawnee | Topeka Senior Photographer
I have known Kayla and her family for a long time. Like, a really long time.
When her mom contacted me about senior photos months ago, I knew it was going to be a good time and that she would be beautiful. Turns out I was right on both accounts. I mean, just look at her.
She had her hair and makeup done as a part of her package, and you would never know this girly girl is also a tomboy. She is a enthusiastic softball player and has sass for days.
We are scheduling a night to get her in her softball uniform and on the field so be on the lookout for that.
Courtney & Corey | Lake Shawnee | Ted Ensley Gardens | Topeka, KS Family Photographer
Quite a bit of my new business relies on referrals from my current clients who tell their friends about me, who then tell their friends. When my friend Matt texted me that he told his friend Courtney about me when she needed a family photographer in Topeka, I immediately reached out. Any friend of Matt's is (probably) a friend of mine.
I met Courtney and Corey and their kids Lane and Addison at Ted Ensley Gardens on very pretty, warm Saturday afternoon. Right away, I knew Addison, the shy one of the bunch, would be the hardest to crack, but we got there eventually. Her blonde hair and beautiful eyes made her blue dress pop so I couldn't help but snap 5 million photos of her.
And Lane. He tried to be shy and coy at first, but by the end of the session, he was jumping off of big rocks and dabbing mid-air.
As a photographer, sometimes it's hard to send out sneak peeks or full galleries and wonder if the clients will fall in love like we hope they do. When Courtney immediately shared her photos, I breathed a sigh of relief. I always want the photos to be loved. I really think the ones below are.
The Oakman Family | Ted Ensley Gardens | Topeka, Kansas Family Photographer
Taylor contacted me so that her family could get a extended family session in before she, her husband Cody, and their sweet kids made their way to Texas for a new adventure and job.
We met on a Saturday afternoon at Ted Ensley Gardens in Topeka, and even though the kids were only half enthused, we made it happen!
Family sessions, especially the ones that don't quite go as planned, are my favorite. Because when kids are running around, screaming, and doing their thing, it is so real. I know parents think their kids are just being difficult, but it's fine. I promise, it's fine.
It will make for a funny story in 20 years when you want to embarrass them in front of their boyfriend or girlfriend. Stack those stories up, and learn to love the times that don't quite seem perfect.
The Jantzen Family | Rocking V Ranch | Topeka, Kansas Family Photographer
I have known Cory for years. He was first ever manager at my first ever job when I was 16, and we always got along well. He was far more laid back than the others, which always made him my favorite. I remember the day he and Katrina got married. I was working, but they came by just before the reception.
Now 15 years later, I am taking their family photos. Life is funny like that.
I met Cory, Katrina and their daughter, Kyra, at the Rocking V Ranch where Kyra's horse, Penny, is boarded. It's only the second time I have been asked to do photos with a horse, and it was fun again. I am looking forward to more!
Tips for Your Maternity Session | Carrie L. Sunday Photography | Topeka, KS Photographer
Pregnancy is a very personal thing. You are giving up your body for 9 months to grow this little person, and it is the most selfless thing a mother does. Some women hate pregnancy. Some women love it, and it suits them so well that they would be pregnant all the time. I was in the first category. Pregnancy was hard on me, and I pretty much felt like crap the entire time. Maternity photos were the very last thing on my mind during any moment of my time growing that little booger Reagan.
But for some women, maternity photos are one of the first ways that they really own their belly and its fullness. Below are a few tips for having a great maternity session!
Take them between 7 and 8 months.
This is usually the prime time because your belly is full and swollen, but not SO big that it is uncomfortable or hard for you to maneuver around. Some women can wait until into the ninth month, but it might not be worth it to chance having a super uncomfortable and miserable time taking photos.
Wear clothes/dresses/gowns that you are comfortable with and feel beautiful in.
You want to feel beautiful for your photos. And your photographer is going to show you that are with the photos. Wearing a gown that makes you enjoy your body and your belly will show all across your photos, I promise. Try a few. Pick the one that most suits you and go with it.
Make your belly the center of focus. Choose a simple location without distractions.
This baby is about to be your whole world, so why not get a jump start and make the belly the whole attraction. Talk with your photographer about choosing a simple location that won’t take away attention in the photos from you and the reason you are there in the first place. Make the belly the star of the show. If you are shooting with your significant other, it will also help showcase the relationship you two have.
Communicate with your photographer.
Be open to what you are comfortable with and what you are not. I promise that if your photographer is a woman who has ever been pregnant, she will understand. And if you have a male photographer, he maybe watched his girlfriend or wife go through it too. Don’t feel forced to pose a certain way if you are physically not into it.
Relax.
I know it’s hard, and people are probably telling you all the time to enjoy the time you have left being pregnant and relax and “Oh, just wait.” This shoot should be really special to you (obviously you want to document it), and nerves might cause you to feel stiff. Breathe it out, girlfriend. Wiggle, jiggle, whatever you gotta do. Tell yourself that your photographer is going to capture perfect images for you. It is going to be fine. Just fine.