ericamay photography blog: thought studio.

The photo blog of www.ericamay.com.

Photo Coaching Session… Featuring Lauren and Mark August 7, 2009

This week, I had a “photo coaching” session with Kasie, whose work you’ve seen a little bit of on the blog already! I am super excited to have Kasie in training with the ericamay team. You’re going to hear a LOT more about what she’s going to be doing with us, and you can look forward to seeing much more of her work in the future. More on those details later. :)

For now, I want to share with you a coaching session we did together, where she got to learn how and why I do the things I do and then test them out for herself. It was so much fun to explain (and have to put into words) what I’m thinking when I set up a couple in a specific location or why I choose a certain spot because of the light that’s reflecting there… photography is such a fun art, and the coolest part is that two people can be in the same moment at the same location and still come away with completely different “takes” on the scene. 

Below, you’ll see photos that both Kasie and I took of our fantastic models, Lauren and Mark (thanks for letting us practice on you guys!). I’ll put a photo credit before each photo Kasie took, so you know which are her shots and which ones are mine. Sound good? :) Okay, here we go…

Lauren and Mark were too much fun. They’re dating, after becoming reunited after they finished college at different schools — but they first met as high school students! How adorable are they? :)

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We met in downtown Kansas City, and most of these photos were taken in a 2-block radius from the central library location at 10th and Baltimore. Speaking of the library, how awesome is the library parking garage? I love the big book staircases and the book spines on the side of the building.

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Here’s my take:

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And here’s Kasie’s:

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Another one of Kasie’s (I love this one!):

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Right across the street was a cool alley, and Kasie switched to the wide angle lens to capture the whole scene in this shot:

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In a random event of happenstance, we met the super nice owners of The Sawyer Room (a sweet downtown venue!) on the sidewalk as we were walking around. Eric and Jodie were so kind to point us to an awesome rooftop location that they use during weddings that take place in their venue. How cool is that? Thanks so much for the tip! :) If you’re looking for a great venue in downtown KC, I’m going to bet that Eric and Jodie are just as awesome helping people plan their events as they were helping us find great photo locations — we didn’t even ask! :)

These next few shots are mine, taken on the rooftop area:

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The setting sun was giving us some awesome light to work with — both with flare and with shadows! :)

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A few of Kasie’s shots on the rooftop:

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After we were back safely on the first floor, we stopped at a street corner for a few more close-ups. So much of photography is about the light in the location — not necessarily about the location itself — and this was the perfect example. We were really standing on an very un-cool street corner, but I love how these turned out. :)

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This one is Kasie’s view:

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And my view (goodness, Lauren, you are just gorgeous!):

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A huge thanks to Lauren and Mark for volunteering to participate! :) I hope you both had fun, and maybe learned a few of my “secrets” of photography along the way… I hope you have an awesome rest of the summertime!

Leave a comment here and tell Kasie how awesome you think she is. :) I promise I’ll pass them along… aren’t you excited to see what else she’ll do? I know I am!

Also, if anyone’s interested in participating in any type of photo coaching/group workshops/etc. leave me a comment here, too. I’d love to coordinate some of these in the future for other aspiring photographers — if anyone would show up. :) Let me know if it’s something you’d be interested in doing!

 

We need some models! :) July 28, 2009

Guess what?!

Next week I’m doing  a one-on-one coaching session, and we need awesome models for a really fun shoot. I’m looking specifically for a couple who is:

  • Madly in love
  • Super fun
  • Adventurous
  • A little stylish
  • Comfortable with cameras :)
  • Available next Monday night

For a shoot that will be:

  • Extra super fun
  • Somewhere really awesome/urban in KCMO
  • A time for teaching (this is a coaching session)
  • Fabulous
  • FREE!

We’re planning to start around 7 p.m. on Monday, August 3rd. If you’re available and interested in a free and fun session with yours truly, e-mail me as soon as possible at this address: me[at]ericamay[dot]com (replace with symbols), or a leave a comment here with your e-mail address. Attach a photo of the two of you and tell me a little bit about yourselves. Your session will include an online gallery to view/share images, the ability to purchase professional prints if you’d like, and a disc of low-resolution images to share online with your Facebook friends! We will only be able to take one couple, but stay tuned — we’ll be doing more of these in the future. The chosen couple will be notified via e-mail, and provided with more details! :)

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(The photo is an old Kodak camera and flash unit from my camera collection… it’s pretty cool, but I’m sure glad I don’t have to shoot weddings with it!). :)

 

Kansas City Engagement Session: Michael and Sara at Union Station and Crown Center July 7, 2009

Nine years ago. Okay, almost nine years ago. It was then that Michael and Sara started their love story. And today, nine years later, I have the extreme privilege of capturing their engagement and upcoming wedding this fall.

I met Michael through HOBY, which by now I’m sure you’ve all heard of if you’ve been reading this blog for very long. Michael joined our volunteer team and brought along his infectious smile and willing attitude. Everybody loves Michael. They have to. He’s just that kind of guy.

But nobody loves Michael the way Sara does. It was awesome to see the two of them interact together during their photo shoot. They have history. The kind of history that makes two people completely comfortable around one another, and the kind that allows them to be silly and have fun and share little moments together, even in front of my camera lens. 

I am so excited to share these photos with you, from our engagement session tonight in the Union Station/Crown Center area of downtown Kansas City.

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Seriously… these two are cute! :)

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I love the patterns that Union Station’s architecture creates:

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I love summertime engagement sessions! The light is always so warm and beautiful.

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Okay, I couldn’t resist posting this one — they’re so cute it’s killing me… :)

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I asked Sara to take off her shoes for this one, so she’s be shorter. I wasn’t planning on doing a full-length shot… but I like it too much! :)

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I love the steps that lead up to Liberty Memorial across the street.

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As we were walking to the fountains at Union Station, I noticed these awesome patterns reflected onto the wall by one of the taller buildings downtown — they look like huge flowers to me. Of course, we stopped for a few photos. I love this!

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The fountains are super fun. It’s a great place for kids to play in the summer, and a neat stop for engagement photos. :)

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And the picnic tables are really cute with their bright colors. I also love the expression on Sara’s face in this one:

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Michael and Sara, Jeff and I are so excited to photograph your wedding in October. You have no idea! :)

 

Teeny Tiny, Itty Bitty, Little Baby Sneak Peek :) May 18, 2009

I know it’s torturous to give you just ONE photo from a shoot and say, “hey everyone… more to come…” but that’s what I’m doing right now.

Here’s an extremely cute couple-in-love on a gorgeous late spring evening. I can’t wait to share a biiiiiiig blog post about these two. Seriously. You don’t even know how cute they’re going to be…

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You can make a difference… and I can give you great portraits! :) May 12, 2009

I am so excited to share with you an amazing opportunity to not only get some great portraits, but to make a real difference. If you’ve been following this blog for very long at all, you’ll remember that I volunteer every year with an organization called Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) — a non-profit organization that hosts youth leadership camps at local sites, which are all planned and executed by volunteers.

I went through the HOBY program as a high school sophomore, and I can honestly say that it changed my life. I know that sounds completely cliche and  a little bit silly, but it did. I explored new topics like entrepreneurship (and look what I’m doing today!), met amazing people (you know, like my husband!), discovered my passion for volunteerism, and really discovered who I was as a leader. I have since returned every year to volunteer on the staff… and now I’m the Program Director, which basically means I plan the schedule of the four-day seminar and recruit speakers who will undoubtedly change other lives.

HOBY‘s mission is to empower young leaders and teach them how to think, not what to think. The entire local seminar (serving 125 sophomores from across the state of Kansas) is about exploring different and important topics, asking questions and interacting with leaders in fields like education, the media, volunteerism, business, medicine, etc. It’s an experience that puts a big emphasis on leadership through service.Since HOBY is a non-profit organization and is run by volunteers on the local level, there’s quite a bit of fundraising and behind-the-scenes tasks that our staff at HOBY Kansas works hard on all year long. I am so blessed to be a part of the team of people who dedicate so much time, effort, energy, resources and heart to HOBY year after year. So, in order to help give back to an organization that has given so much to me (besides letting me meet my super sweet husband!), I’ve decided to offer you all an awesome opportunity to be a part of something great.

Today through June 7th, every single portrait session that takes place will be discounted to $150.00 — as long as your check is made out to Kansas HOBY! That’s right… you will not only save money, but send some directly to support a great cause. How does that sound? :) Each portrait session will include a one-hour shoot at an outdoor location, an online gallery of images and a disc of your edited, high-resolution digital files! Seriously, it doesn’t get any better than this.

Time slots will fill up fast and your session has to take place before June 7th (the HOBY seminar is the next week). I will mainly be doing these sessions in the Kansas City area, although I should have a few Wichita area appointments available as well! To reserve your session, just send me an email: me[at]ericamay[dot]com.

And, because this is a photography blog… here are a few photos from different types of portrait sessions that qualify for this opportunity!

Children and families (perfect for a Father’s Day gift):

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Engagements, anniversaries, or “just because” photos of couples:

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Seniors, headshots or individual portraits (because everyone deserves great photos of themselves!):

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Babies and newborns:

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Pets! With a family or without… I love pets. :)

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Don’t delay — you can make a difference today (and get some sweet portraits out of the deal!). Contact me via e-mail: me[at]ericamay[dot]com to schedule your appointment early. Remember, all sessions have to take place before June 5th (just in time for Father’s Day!).

How can we make a difference together? This is one way. :)

 

Kansas City Engagement Photos: Amanda and Chris, Nelson-Atkins April 28, 2009

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Amanda and Chris are just one of those couples. One of those couples that you can’t help but like instantly. One of those couples who know — like, really know — each other so well. One of those couples who is dedicated to encouraging each other’s pursuits and growing together. One of those couples who spots a big red kickball in a field during their engagement shoot… and who want to take a break to go give it a big kick. :)

Amanda and Chris are just one of those couples who have the kind of love that I love. The kind of love that makes for great photos. And the kind of love that lasts.

I’m so excited to share these images of their engagement session at the Nelson-Atkins museum with you. I hope the photos do Amanda and Chris’ beauty — and their love — justice. :)

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I love this little set…
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Amanda and Chris have this great mix of being super playful and fun… and then being so sweet and cuddly. I love it!

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After we visited the Nelson, Amanda mentioned that they love to drink coffee and go all the time. So we headed to the Plaza to Latte Land for some coffee and more photos.

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Amanda and Chris, you both are awesome. I can’t wait for your wedding in October.

To see all of their engagement photos (and get an e-mail when they’re all ready), click here to sign the online guestbook.

 

Kansas City Engagement Photos: Lisa and Ben April 27, 2009

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I met up with Lisa and Ben at Kauffman Garden for their engagement session. I am so excited for their wedding this summer — they are such a fun, laid-back couple who are just so cute together.

See what I mean? :)

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I love photos that are really cuddly and cute… Lisa and Ben are just adorable.

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Ben did an amazing job picking out Lisa’s ring… look at how beautiful it is:

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And I’ll leave you with this adorable series from our shoot:

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Friends and family, to receive an e-mail when all of Lisa and Ben’s photos are available online, click here to sign the guestbook!

Lisa and Ben, I can’t wait to see you again on your wedding day! Thanks for a great session!!

 

Senior Portraits: Aaron, Kearney High School April 26, 2009

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I met Aaron for his senior photos, just two weeks before his graduation day! Aaron is headed off to K-State next year (smart guy!), and we met up at his home in Kearney, Missouri, and then off to Hodge Park in Liberty for the session. Taking senior portraits of guys is always fun, and luckily the strong winds didn’t mess up Aaron’s hair one little bit. :)

Check out a few of my favorites:

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I love how we captured all of the sides of Aaron’s personality and interests — with his letter jacket (he’s a swimmer!), casual shots, his hunting gear and dog, and a professional look. Senior photos are perfect for bringing a variety of outfits and things that tell the story of a high school career and look forward to what’s in store in the future.

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Aaron, congratulations on your graduation, and have an awesome time at K-State next year.

 

Maternity Photos: Megan and Doug at KC’s City Market April 10, 2009

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Megan and Doug are expecting their first baby — a boy! — in the middle of June this year, and I was so excited when they contacted me to document this exciting time in their lives as they prepare for the first new little addition to their family. They wanted a maternity session that was more urban and creative, so we headed to the City Market area in downtown Kansas City.

Aren’t these two going to have beautiful children? :) 

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Megan is so beautiful, and I think pregnant women really do have that “glow” that everyone talks about. I know Megan does anyway… :)

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Wow. That’s all I’m going to say about this next one…

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Oh, cute little baby bump!

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Doug had us cracking up the whole time with his funny quips and commentary. :) I hope their boy has the same sense of humor!

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So sweet. I love this one.

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I just know they’re going to be such great parents!

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Megan and Doug, congratulations on your growing family! I can’t wait to meet your new son after he arrives in June! :)

 

Troy’s 4-month portraits: Kansas City baby photography March 29, 2009

Hey there, blog readers! :) Thanks for not giving up on me last week with my one post all week long. I’m back to blogging and so excited to kick off another great week with photos of this little cutie! Troy just turned 4 months old, and he’s the newest little one to join our First Year package for babies, so you’ll be seeing him again at 8 months and 1 year! :)

I met Troy and his parents in their home this afternoon — the day after a huge springtime snowstorm. So, we stayed inside and still captured some great photos of Troy being his cute little self! 

Check out his big blue eyes!

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I knew we were in for an easy portrait session when I was greeted right away with big smiles. Troy is such a happy boy!

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And I love serious faces — babies often get so curious about the clicking noise my camera’s shutter makes, which gives us some intense staring-into-the-camera faces that I love.

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Troy really wanted to get to his toes. He succeeded. :)

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Here are those cute little toes, caught in the reflection on the coffee table:

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I love watching moms and dads with their babies. These photos of them interacting are so sweet.

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One of my favorites… the cool green wall is in their kitchen (proof that we can do a fun photo session absolutely anywhere!).

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And one more… because he’s too cute to not share another! :)

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I can’t wait for our next two sessions to see how handsome Troy gets over the next several months. :)

If you’re interested in a First Year package for your newborn, send an e-mail to me[at]ericamay[dot]com for more details, or visit the contact page on http://www.ericamay.com — it’s a great way to document your baby’s changes over the first year of their life!

 

 
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