One of my favorite assignments these days is photographing newborns.  Sure it can be a messy job, but I am rewarded with the perfectly still, serenely beautiful portraits at the end of each session.  Little Ellie surely wins the award for cooperation.  She slept like a log 90% of the time we were shooting.  It allowed me to be a little more creative & gave the chance to put Ellie in various set-ups.  But this first shot is one of my favorites- I even like her belly button scab.  It tells the viewer just how new she is to the world!

I noticed this gorgeous wooden table the couple has in their living room.  I liked that it was raw wood, unfinished but beautiful in it’s basic state.  I thought the contrast would be nice again the soft pink skin of a newborn.

Kalyn has taken to motherhood extremely well, she  is already a wonderful mother.  I’ve gotten to know Kalyn quite well over tha last few months as we’ve worked together on a project for Style Me Pretty (we will unveil mid-April!)  She owns the wonderfully creative paper & stationary company, Lilah Paper.  If you need paper goods for your event or simply beautiful new letterhead, she is the person to talk to! 

Brand new papa bear :)  I love seeing a new father gently embrace his first child.

Again on the wooden table with a different texture- I think I prefer this one.  And this time I caught a brief smile!

I pulled back & threw on my telephoto lens for this family shot.  I wanted to capture something intimate without being too close.  This was achieved by ‘leading into the shot’ & encouraging my family to snuggle.

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Remember, even as we revamp our proofing system,  you will always find your images through our blog!  Click on *Resources for Clients* from the list at the top, scroll to find the proofing you wish to access.

These images will be found under portrait proofing:

I an anxious for Spring…I can tell it’s just around the corner as the ground finally begins to thaw.  The pace begins to quicken and once again I am shooting with more frequency.  I don’t ever slow down… my winter season is full of new bookings, magazine submissions, entering contests, designing new promo material.. the list continues.  Of course this year was complicated with treating my husband for Lyme disease but I’ll give an update on that in another post.

I know I’m not the only one eager for Spring to arrive.  Now that the daytime temperature has risen into the 40’s those of us living in the Midwest are already in t-shirts! But when I met up with Adrian & Megan it was still in the 30’s!   They brought along their two gorgeous Australian shepherds to join in the fun.  This particular breed are known as cattle dogs- they are born herders.  I’ve seen them in action, it’s incredible!

I learned that the dogs were in Adrian’s life before Megan came along.  In fact, they’re his ‘barometer’ when meeting people as pets often are.  However these girls are hard to impress!  They are very particular when it comes to Adrian & Megan was the first girl that got them wagging their tails!  You may laugh, but this is so true about pets!!  Who loves unconditionally like a great pet? 

This two day workshop will be split into two parts, with hands-on shooting at the end of each day! Over the years, I’ve been flooded with inquires from those eager to learn all aspects of photography.  So I have designed an intensive TWO Day workshop that will address a wide variety of skills sets needed to take great photos of people.  Go here to sign up & save your spot NOW!

If you simply wish to learn how to use your camera more effectively, then day one will be more than enough.  However if you are interested in learning more about the business side of things, stick around for day two.  Both days will be jam packed with my personal trials & errors… be ready to laugh while you learn.

Come for breakfast & socializing starting at 9:00.  Classroom time will officially run from 10-6, but I will offering a ‘post’ editing session after our shoot to review workflow & the current programs I use.

Day 1 will focus primary on shooting techniques, client interaction, finding the perfect light, composition & framing.  In the afternoon, we will head outdoors & practice the new skills we’ve just learned.

Day 2 will begin with a class critique. Each student will be asked to select their favorite shot from the previous day for a classroom critique. I believe this is an important part of the creative process.  After our critique, we will begin discussing business practices & marketing.

WHEN:  June 21 & 22nd {We’ll have a fun meet & greet Sunday night!}

WHERE:  Studio in Downtown Overland Park

COST:  $500 -ONE Day or TWO day- $750

WHAT TO BRING: Bring your shooting gear & a laptop for editing. Also select ONLY five images from your current portfolio for critique.

REGISTER: Fill out this form to register & save  your spot!

Adrienne Maples is an internationally award winning photographer.  She obtained her BFA from the Savannah College of Art & Design and she plans to bring her creative lessons from art school into her workshops.   After launching her studio in the Southeast in 2002, she quickly became of the most sought after photographers in the area.  And in 2005, she re-located the studio to Kansas City & instantly became a huge success.  Her work has appeared in Modern Bride, Elegant Bride, Rangefinder, The Knot, KC Weddings & Southern Bride Magazines.  She is an active member of the WPJA (Wedding Photojournalist Association) where she continues to win contests quarterly.  She was also recognized by Style Me Pretty & The Bliss List as one of the top photographers in the Kansas City area.

Ever since my days in art school, I’ve loved to use my photos in multiple ways- some less traditional purposes than simply framed wall art.  I toyed with book & jewelry making in college but focused my energy into dynamic portraits which has thankfully paid off!  My ‘jewelry hobby’ fell by the wayside until recently when I found a company offering photo jewelry.  I was very excited & I quickly ordered my first samples only to be disappointed with the lack of care of quality in the finished piece.

I knew I was going to have to figure it myself!!  After months of researching, reviewing & collecting the pieces I preferred, I made my first jewelry samples to give to a few friends.  The response was overwhelming!  A few tweaks here & there and now I am excited to share them with all of you.

Each piece will is handmade to order! Please keep in mind finished designs take approximately 3 weeks to ship.  If we are backlogged, we will let you know the estimated wait time once we receive your order.

How to place an order? GO HERE

You can order ANY image from ANY event we’ve done since 2005:

We can use the flowers from your wedding, a portrait of your first child, your walk down the isle as man & wife… think about a moment that would be treasured in a locket!

Tell us the name & date of the event to which you are referring & the image you wish to have.  We can create designs from any image & ribbon will be hand selected to match your piece.  Each custom necklace is only $125.

ORDER YOURS NOW

Your image is enclosed before the pendant is strung on ribbon.  Every necklace has a set of extension links on the back to provide a custom fit.

We also offer a handy gift wrap option!  For only $8 bucks we’ll send your new jewels in a beautifully wrapped display.  This is the perfect gift for Mother’s Day or a special anniversary!

My clients on the other hand, often have to stay super close to stay warm.  I do find that it’s easier to get people closer in the winter time! Especially when they’ve come into town from California like Mr. Ben.  The poor guy was completely frozen by the end of our shoot.  I’m pretty sure that he didn’t have much in the way of winter clothing & I am almost certain he doesn’t yet know my ‘layer‘ trick.

I remember what my closet looked like before we moved away from Savannah, Ga…   My husband laughed when I showed him the handful of pitiful sweaters I’d brought from home.

I instantly adored this couple when we met.  Cindy’s adorable smile never fades while Ben is around.  She laughs from the bottom of her heart & it’s infectious.  When I’m around her, I find myself smiling- just because.  I imagine this is one of the many things that Ben loves about her.

They just click & it’s so fun to be around that kind of thing.  It reminds me of when I first met my husband

Can’t wait to see you guys again!