Once every few years, we take family photos with my husband’s side of the family. This time around, my mother-in-law entrusted them to me. I shot these with a tripod, remote, and big memory card. It’s not easy getting 9 adults and 4 kids to look at the camera, keep their eyes open, and smile. Aside from glare on some of the glasses (which we worked pretty hard to try and avoid), I’m pretty happy with the results!
If you wonder why I only book portrait sessions at the beginning or end of the day – this is why. We squeezed in a visit to Grinter Farms last week between church and lunch, which was unfortunately right around noon – the worst possible time of day to take outdoor photos. Notice the sun beating down on us, the awful shadows on our faces, and the squinty eyes? The “golden hour” right before sunset or right after sunrise is the best time for natural light. I will say I’m still happy we got to visit this huge, beautiful sunflower field. Next year we’ll be sure to visit much earlier or later in the day so I can get even better photos.
Most every year I volunteer to take photos for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Kansas City. This is the second year I’ve had the honor of taking photos of the Kansas City Portraits of Hope – breast cancer survivors who share their stories and inspire others. Here are just a few of my favorite shots of these incredible individuals.
I had the pleasure taking photos of this adorable family this weekend. Aren’t they about as photogenic as you can get? Three-year-old Tynlie is about as cute and fun as they come (but don’t tell her that). And you can’t help but want to squeeze 7-month-old Wyatt with those adorable cheeks and big eyes. I loved the farmland – the hay bales, the silo, the barn … so serene.
We made the best of the 97 degree heat yesterday during this family photo shoot. Two-year-old Addison has a mind of her own, but she’s so darn cute, I couldn’t help but smile as she continuously wandered off, especially when she stopped to smell the roses. Literally! What a cutie! I love this family to death and I’m so happy they allowed me to shoot their family portraits. The last photo is my favorite, hands down.
I had the honor and privilege of photographing my coworker’s wedding this past weekend. I think everyone was a bit bummed out that the rainy weather and cool temps moved the ceremony inside instead of on the lake, but everything was beautiful nonetheless. The bride was stunning in her dress, and the families were so much fun! There’s always a hiccup at a wedding – in this case, the bride couldn’t find her purse, which made her late to her own big day. The guests were laid back and took it in stride. Aside from that, it went off without a hitch. It’s obvious how in love these two are – I was lucky to be a part of their big day.
This handsome guy is starting kindergarten in the fall! He started out a little shy, but it turn’s out he has a great smile. He looks like he could be modeling for Children’s Place in a couple of these shots. What a fun, cute, kid! These were taken at Crown Center in Kansas City.
I love shooting one-year-old photos – they’re just starting to take their first steps (or in Gage’s case he’s already been walking three months!), they laugh and smile all the time, and they’re just FUN. I love all the props Gage’s mamma had for this photo shoot – it turned out beautifully.
We had a beautiful day celebrating Easter with family! Little Miss K was only about 6-7 weeks old last Easter, so it was fun to see her enjoying her Easter basket and eggs. 
It’s official – my husband and I are taking a mission trip through Project H.O.P.E. to build homes in Nicaragua! To raise money for the trip, I am running a portrait special. You can get a one-hour Kansas City-area photo shoot, plus 20 of the best high-res photos on disc for just $79. My portrait session typically runs $79, so basically you get 20 digital photos free! I’ll be running this special through the end of June. Contact me to schedule your portrait session – dates are filling up quickly!
Photographic Rhodes 