The funny thing about spring in Washington MO, is that it is crazy unpredictable. That makes my job a little tricky sometimes, as a photographer. When Taylor & I first talked about her Senior Portraits, we planned a beautiful session, among blooming flowers, in a pretty field. However, Mother Nature had other plans. You know that old saying, when life gives you lemons? Well, we did some quick thinking & the outcome was adorable, sassy & unique! I messaged the owners of this adorable new ice cream joint in Washington. Maybe you've heard of it, it's all the rage right now. Main Street Creamery was so accommodating. We headed there first, but due to their HUGE popularity, the lines were super long. Taylor's aunt held our place while we ran outside for some adorable downtown shots. (I mean RAN, brrrr it was cold) When we couldn't handle the cold/wind anymore, we headed back to the creamery. Taylor wanted the cotton candy shake & let me tell you, that thing looked DELICIOUS. (I'm on a diet & can't have any, boooo) She turned up the sass 100 degrees. It was so much fun! Isn't she the cutest! We figured we could try to handle a bit more of the cold, so we headed back out. Would you believe me if I told you it started flurrying? On April 15th! Are you kidding me? Anyway, Taylor was a complete trooper. We wandered all along the river front, to find the cutest hidden gems. Thanks Taylor for powering through, and thank you Main Street Creamery for being awesome!
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Happy New Year! It's been a while since I've posted and I'm so excited to share my first blog of 2018 with you all! It's been a cold winter & as a photographer here in Washington MO, I was looking for some inspiration to break up these long winter months. I approached Miranda & Pat with a really fun & fresh idea. I was thrilled when they agreed. What started as a photographer/client relationship, has turned in to a friendship over the past 2 years. I look forward to working with them for many years to come. That's what I love about being a photographer, getting to know my clients & watch their stories unfold over the years! These two truly are special. Their love is so real. They are playful & happy & genuine. It's always a pleasure working with them. Thank you so much Pat & Miranda, for hanging out with me & letting me capture you guys in your natural environment! I wanted something sweet, romantic & playful. I wanted to capture the very essence of a relationship. What better way to do this, than with a casual & comfy in home session between these two newlyweds. I hope you all love this session as much as I do! If you & your significant other are interested in a beautiful, laid back, fun in home session like this, message me! I'd love to do more like this.
We are in full swing here at Elegant Illusions Photography. As a Franklin County Photographer, October is our busiest month. It wouldn't be complete without some stellar senior sessions, and Amanda's did NOT disappoint. We had a crasher to our session too, but more on that later ;) This chick is absolutely remarkable. She has beauty, brains, athleticism, kindness.... so many things going for her. Amanda plans to go to medical school. She is a phenomenal soccer player. She was even crowned Homecoming Queen! Can we just talk about that gorgeous light though! Goodness I love October! It's always so important to me, that my seniors bring a little of "them" to their session. So of course we had to incorporate soccer! Amanda's boyfriend, Logan, decided to crash the session. Guess what, he's a soccer player too & was crowned Homecoming King! I don't even know what happened here, but hey, let's roll with it. hehehe.
Picking my Senior Class Representative is always a tough choice. As a Franklin County MO Photographer, I have the daunting task of sifting through the applications & selecting the candidate that I feel has all the attributes of an upstanding Senior.
Bre stood out to me from the very beginning. She is poised, intelligent, involved in her school, helpful and kind, among many other things. I've known Bre for about 5 years now, through dance, and have always admired her beauty & grace. However, she is far more than just her outward beauty. Her inner beauty is truly a gift. The way she handles herself in every situation, is admirable. I know she will go on to do great things in her life. Bre, thank you for agreeing to be my 2018 Senior Class Rep, from the bottom of my heart. Senior Sessions are in full swing right now. I kicked off the season last night with Sam. I've known Sam since he was in 2nd grade. (Good God that makes me feel so old!) Sam is definitely unique & totally his father's son. <3
I always encourage my seniors to bring THEM to their sessions. What makes them different. As a photographer in Franklin County MO, I love to showcase their true personality & spirit. I'm pretty sure we nailed it with Sam's session. He is so sweet & easy going, but has such an awesome style. I was super excited to work with him. Without further ado, here's Sam! Summer is on it's way out & with that, we are welcoming fall! My favorite time of year! Dreamy golden light, gorgeous colors, layered looks, boots, pumpkin everything!!! As a photographer in Franklin County MO, I live for this season! It is the perfect season to capture your family & make lasting images. If you happen to see me around town covered in mud, leaves in my hair, smeared mascara & a messy bun, just know that it was because I am doing everything in my power to make beautiful memories to cherish for your family. I love what I do. I love all my clients & thank you for giving me the opportunity to create art for you! I can't wait to see you all this fall!
I am always so honored when couples choose me to be their photographer for their big day. There is so much responsibility that comes with it, as a photographer. When my good friend Jessie asked me to not only be a guest at her quaint shindig, but to be their photographer as well, I jumped at the opportunity. Being a transplant to this small area in Franklin County MO, Jessie became one of my closest friends. I'm so lucky to have her in my life. The love that she has shown my children and I, is that of a sister, not just a friend. I wanted her wedding to be everything. The best ever. I always want every wedding I photograph, to be spectacular, but this one in particular needed to be the best. Jess deserves the best. <3 Jessica & Shane, I won't wish you "all the luck" because I know you two are 100% perfect for one another. You don't need luck. You have God & all of your family & friends around you & you two will have a very blessed marriage. I love all four of you. Thank you so much for allowing me to take part in your truly beautiful day. Our girls are so lucky to have such a close bond. Their friendship warms my heart. To have a sister to grow up with and share so many memories with is truly special. I love that we were able to capture so many real & goofy/fun moments on this special day. Truly shows their love for life.
How appropriate, for my first post of the new year, to be a Birth Story! As a Family Photographer in Franklin County Missouri, one thing I had never attempted before, was birth photography. This year, I have challenged myself to spread my artistic wings & try new things. So when fellow photographer, Megan, asked me to do the honor of documenting their birth story, I couldn't say no. I was definitely hesitant, and Megan & Julia had to do some convincing, haha.
When the big day came, I was more nervous than I've ever been for a session. However, I talked myself in to pushing past my fears & nerves & I'm pretty sure it turned out great. (at least that's what Megan & Julia tell me, haha) Baby Kenni needed a little time in the nursery immediately following her birth, so we weren't able to get any images of Meg & Julia with their precious bundle right after. Kendall was fine a few hours later and they got to go home as a happy family a few days later, To make up for not getting those early family images, we planned an in home "Lifestyle" type newborn session. Without further ado, here is a glimpse in to the wonderful & loving relationship these 2 (now 3) share. Styled shoot outs are so good for the soul. Meeting other creatives, planning all the details, shooting with passion & comparing everyone's different angles/styles, really helps to reignite the flame in my heart. A little more than a year ago, I joined a (small at the time) group of amazing & talented creatives, that had a huge love for the House of Flynn camera bags. Over the past year, the tribe has expanded in to something completely unfathomable & each state now has their own branch, for support & community togetherness. A few months ago, I began planning a styled shoot out for our local Missouri HOF Tribe. I knew EXACTLY which clients I wanted to use & I have to tell you, they were perfection! We had a few hiccups along the way. I found out shortly after beginning the planning, that Kelsey was expecting her 2nd child. YAY!! So the original dress was no longer an option. Our props we had planned ended up falling through, but honestly it all worked out for the best. We came together & laughed, shared, learned about each other & then spent the evening photographing a truly magical session. I want to give a HUGE thank you to Kelsey & Alex Pagan for volunteering your time & beauty & love for us! Also, big thanks to Vanessa Zingrich for being Kelsey's HMU! Much love to all involved!!!
When Miranda first contacted me about photographing her wedding & engagement session with Pat, I was beyond excited. I soon realized that her best friend & Maid of Honor is also one of my good friends. Naturally, I had to ask Macy, the MOH, to spill the dirt on Miranda & Pat. I basically learned what I already knew from meeting them, that these two are as perfect for each other as they appear. Everything about their relaxed, goofy, naturally easy relationship, is as real as it gets. These two met, fell in love & are now engaged, all because of a few "likes" exchanged via instagram. How adorable is that?!
As a Franklin County Missouri photographer, there is nothing I enjoy more, than photographing real love & emotion. These two had PLENTY of that to show me. Our engagement session at Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit MO was full of laughs & in those quiet moments, when they thought I wasn't looking, that is when the real magic happened. So without further ado, I am honored to introduce the Future Mr. & Mrs. Boland! |