I figured it would be good to post these before I post their wedding! It was so awesome getting to know Jess & Joel. They were so kind and funny and we really had a lot in common! I consider my job one of the best in the world, because I have the rare opportunity to truly build friendships with my clients and working with couples like these solidify my desire and strengthen my passion for documenting the momentous occasions in people’s lives!

We hung out at a local nature center, then went and grabbed some ice cream. I hope you all like these photos and stay tuned for their wedding preview photos!

Ellen and her friend, Kelly, met me for a shoot at the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum a long while back. I have been so busy, I am just now getting caught up to blog these shoots. Ellen and Kelly are friends with Lauren and they are all wonderful ladies!

Stay tuned for Kelly’s post and many, many more!

Lauren and her mom, Liz, met with me this past week down at the City Market for a fantastic day of shooting! These two ladies, well, I just gotta say this…they rock! Lauren’s energy was bursting and she was smiling and laughing from the word go. She is an energetic and spunky cheerleader. She has a great sense of laid back style and a fun laugh…I had a lot of fun and I hope they did, too. We got some fun shots here and there that may need some explaining, but please tell me what you think of the photos.

For all you photographer’s out there, I added a 24mm f/2.8 to my arsenal. Snagged it off ebay. I also shot this whole session in manual mode (for all my years shooting, I have used Aperture priority unless I am shooting in the studio). It was a total learning experience for me. As long as I remember to check my settings in each new spot, I do okay…I also noticed I was able consistently process the photos that much faster using my Lightroom presets. Yeah!

Without further ado….here’s the pics. Lauren, I hope you dig them as much as I do.

A little bit of 5′2″ fun with a Minsky’s menu inside the restaurant …Ha! 

Look who’s behind door number one!

Cheerleader getting a bit of air! I love this little 24mm lens. Way cool for shots like these. 

Man, you can’t hide from all the tourists around these days!

The tears in her eyes are from the bright, bright sky…not from seeing my ugly mug. Be nice to me, people!

Wow. The slightly overcast day made for amazing lighting…It looks like it is studio light, but it is all real. Photographers! Go find the light and make it work for you!

Gotta love the reflections.

Stop laughing at your mom, Lauren! Goodness, where’s the respect?!  Ha!

Kiss and make up. 

Aaaaaaagggh! Too much fun!

Tell me what you think, folks! I really want to hear from you.

Seriously. Tell me already.