hocus outta focus : the hocus focus blog

Get Your Shop On...

I just got an email from the insanely cool folks at Lillibelle reminding me of the upcoming TAX FREE WEEKEND!   Here's what they had to say. 

"August 1 - 3 : All clothing purchases at Lillibelle will be free of sales tax.  That's an 8.25% savings on back to school clothes.  With savings like that, you could almost afford to put gas in your car!"

Told you they were insanely cool.  And so are their kid's clothes.  Check out their website, visit their store and be sure to sign up for their mailing list.  Not only do you get great coupons for killer children's clothes via email, but you're guaranteed to laugh your butt off, too.  If they're not talking about their hot UPS driver they're poking fun at the ridiculously high gas prices and they're always making me laugh!

Lillibelle

4639 Wornall Road
Kansas City, MO 64112
on the County Club Plaza

www.lillibellekids.com

From Mantle Baby to Ladies Man to...

One hundred percent Little Boy!  At just two years old he's practically famous.  I think I've photographed this little guy almost as much as my own kids but you'll never hear me complaining.  He's one of the cutest, most stylish little dudes I know.  Mom and Dad are super hip and they're ridiculously cool parents.

Over the last two years we've shot in some amazing places.  From that famous mantle to Kauffman Stadium and a whole bunch of other fabulous spots around Kansas City.  But for this shoot I have to say that I'm pretty sure Otto would have been happy shooting anywhere there were rocks.  The boy was lovin' the rocks this day.

WOW!  He's a lot faster than he used to be.  This kid can RUN!

And check out his sweet kicks.  I've always hated how ugly most kid's shoes are, but not these.  See Kai Run makes the cutest little kicks for both boys and girls.  And Lillibelle on The Plaza carries lots of them. 

And I couldn't resist a few serious shots, too.  Just look at that face!

Here comes Mister Cool.

A quick wardrobe change and then it was back to the rocks again.  Oh, how I love that happy little smile!

 

Mel, I have to apologize for any rocks you may have found in the dryer after our shoot.  Putting them in his pocket was actually MY idea.  You'll forgive me, right?  :o)

His shirt says "Representin' 816".  Me, I'm a 913, but hey - you are who you are, right Otto!  I gotcha back, buddy.  We tried to get him to stomp in the puddles.  Mel even took her shoes off and got in, but he was having no part of it.  Just the hands for him.

I'm so behind on blogging so now I'm officially wishing Otto a belated HAPPY SECOND BIRTHDAY! 

OH, HOW I LOVE SHOOTING LOVE!

I'm loving these engagement sessions.  Obviously, photographing adults is very different than photographing children.  I didn't have to make funny faces, cluck like a chicken or bribe anyone.  Well, I did have to cluck for Kerry.  Once.  (Just kidding, Kerry!)

I actually met Miriam at a Her Life Magazine party this spring and literally one week later she was engaged. I was so excited when she emailed me to book their engagement session.  Shooting them was such a blast!

Now, check out the gorgeousness that is Miriam and her soon to be husband Kerry.

 

GUSH!  Seriously a fave!





Then somebody they knew drove by...and they were busted making out on the sidewalk!

Time for a couple of headshots.

I love how his eyes totally match her shirt!   I'm SURE he planned that...right?

And that dress...OMG!  Doesn't Miriam have great style?

And this last shot is for a certain brother (who shall remain nameless).  He was poking fun at engagement photos, but I actually LOVE the way it turned out.  And I think I finally met a couple who love ice cream as much as Chris and I.  Funny thing is...we didn't end up eating any that day.  They just ran in for a quick shot and ran back out for some more photos elsewhere.  (I'm such a slavedriver, huh?)

Obviously Miriam and Kerry are beyond gorgeous, but they're also absolutely perfect for one another.  You should see they way they make each other laugh.  They're destined for a long, happy life together and I'm so honored that they chose me to capture their love. 

Did I mention that I love shooting love?

Oh, Crop!

My latest visit to cafepress.com has refueled my obsession with funny t-shirts.  

You all remember the DAMN, IT FEELS GOOD TO BE A GANGSTER shirt, right?  It's totally my favorite and I wear it all the time.  Just ask Jennifer Mullinax.  I showed up to shoot her family having forgotten that I had it on.  Thank goodness we're friends and her kids aren't old enough to read yet!  A couple of my other faves are NO, REALLY. I JUST LOOK LIKE HER and I HAVE ISSUES.

But these are also up there on my list of favorites. 



and last but not least...this one is sooooooo inappropriate, but Good Lord I love it anyway!

The writing is really small, but it says, PHOTOSHOP WHORE.  [insert evil, inappropriate laugh here...]

Coming Up For Air

WHEW!  Last week will go down in the record books as one of the craziest weeks of my life.  I won't bore you with all the details, but let me just say that my poor five year old had to have a tooth pulled.  UGH!  And she was such a trooper.  She did pretty well, but there were a few days I wasn't able to work so I'm running a bit behind.  I'm coming up for air long enough to blog and let everyone know I'm still alive. 

Here's a quick peek at a few things I've been working on.

A fashion shoot...
 

 

A super hot engagement session...

And a ridiculously fun kid session...

Now, back to work I go.  Have a terrific Monday!
H

Starting Early

The pyros in my family (aka Chris and the kids) just couldn't wait to get started. 

So, Happy 3rd of July everyone!  I hope you're all able to enjoy some time with friends and family this weekend. 

I also hope you'll take some time to remember those who are away from their families fighting to protect our freedom and independence as well as those who have given their lives in that fight.

GOD BLESS THE TROOPS!

Got Canvas?

Christen will in a few weeks.  We just ordered Lola's storyboard...on fine art canvas.  It will be a 12x36 gallery wrap.  The solid colored edges you see on the image below will be wrapped around the sides and the back to create a 12x36 gallery wrap.  We did a similar canvas of Norah last summer and it turned out beautifully!  I can't wait to get this one and see them hanging next to each other.    

Just click the image to see it larger.  I'll be sure to photograph the canvas when it arrives.  My dear friend Misty will be shooting my family in July and I plan to order a 24x36 canvas to go in an amazing vintage frame I picked up last month.  (No pressure or anything, Misty!)

Fine art canvas is a gorgeous alternative to the traditional photographic print.  They can be gallery wrapped, which arrive ready to hang - no framing necessary, or you can pop them into your favorite frame for a completely different look.  Either way, it's a gorgeous addition to your family heirloom collection.

Ask about fine art canvas at your next session!

Style and Grace

There are two things I love.  Photography and Fashion.  Well, technically I love more than two things, but I really love these two things combined.  I've had so much fun doing the fashion shoots for Her Life Magazine.  The most recent was Style and Grace. 

I first found out about Style and Grace at the Junior League Holiday Mart when I bought one of my favorite outfits ever.  A Twisted Heart hoodie and sweats.  The fabric is so soft you never want to take it off.  The detail is so fabulous you could get lost in it.  And the comfort level...don't even get me started.  My point is that if you've never been to Style and Grace you MUST go!  And it's not just hoodies and sweats.  Check out some of the amazing pieces we shot for Her Life. 
 
Oh, how I loved that orange bag!  I could so take her home and love her forever!  This bag is the sole reason I'm now obsessed with orange.

Thanks to Carmen from Exposure who totally rocked it out for us.  She was amazing!  This next shot is by far my favorite.

Check out these images in the July issue of Her Life.  And be sure to check out Style and Grace in
Hawthorne Plaza.  They're located at 4837 West 119th Street in Overland Park. 

It's July!

And the newest issue of Her Life Magazine is out.

 
(UGH!  What's with TypePad?  Some of these images look a little crunchy!  Click on them to see how they're supposed to look and I'll try to get it figured out.)

I've been fortunate enough to work with our cover girl more than once.  Cindy McClain, along with her husband Ken, are the force behind the revival of the Independence Square.  In addition to owning over a dozen businesses Cindy and Ken are the parents of six children, which is why we call her our jack of all trades.


Not only did I photograph Cindy for the magazine, but I shot a look book for her this spring featuring several of her businesses.  I posted a few images here.   And below are a few more favorites from the look book shoot.

So, who wants to go bowling?  :o}

 
I had a blast working with Cindy.  She's a beautiful woman with a creative mind and she's so unbelievably driven.  Her story, written by my dear friend Kristen Doyle, is one you don't want to miss.  If you don't see the magazine when you're out and about you can download it directly from the Her Life website.

And be sure to check out the Independence Square.  It's literally a hop, skip and a jump from the Plaza.  It's a wonderful place for an afternoon of shopping with your girlfriends, a fun night out with friends or a romantic date with you man.  (Hint...Hint...Mr. Morrow!  Ophelia's is calling my name.)