the hocus focus photo blog

My Kind of Girl

Last week I shot for the fashion section of Her Life Magazine and just adored our model.  She's more than just a model.  She's actually the owner of Bella B's Boutique.  And the reason I say she's my kind of girl is because Brooke is so down to earth.  It's hard to miss the fact that she's a total knockout (she's actually modeled for Maxim Magazine), but it's also hard to miss the fact that she loves what she's doing with her life. 

Like myself, Brooke didn't finish college.  While some might gasp and wonder how on earth one can go on to lead a successful career without a college degree, Brooke and I both disagree.  We've both had a variety of jobs in which we found success, but not necessarily that over the top happiness we get from doing what we do now.  Both Brooke and I started our businesses at a young age and we're very passionate about what we do - and they don't teach that in college.  Are there some things I might have learned in college that would have saved me a few headaches along the way?  Sure, but I wouldn't change a thing and I'll bet Brooke wouldn't either. 

Set one foot in the door at Bella B's and you'll see what I mean.  Thank you, Brooke, for spending an afternoon with us (dead rats and all - you'll forgive me, right?).  I really enjoyed getting to know you and can't wait for you to see the rest of the images in the June issue of Her Life.

Now for the rest of you, get your butts over to Bella B's and shop till you drop.  You might even see me there.  Mama needs a new pair of shoes!  And jeans.  And a few cute summer dresses, too.  :o}

In this shot she totally reminds me of Rebecca Romijn - Stamos - O'Connell (oh, hell...whatever her name is these days).  And I so want that dress!

Happy Thursday! 
H

Back and Catching Up

It's always great to get away, but hard to catch up.  But then again, do we ever REALLY catch up?

We had an awesome trip.  There were around 20 photographers at the workshop who came from all over the world - one from Canada and two from Australia.  I learned a few Aussie terms from Lee and soaked up lots and lots of Brianna goodness. 

I'll post more on the workshop later, but for now here are a couple of images.  The first is from the studio lighting day.  Who knew studio lighting could be so cool???  The second shot is from the urban session day. 

How gorgeous were our models?  Back to editing now.  Have a terrific day!
H

Don't Hate Them Because They're Beautiful

Check out this slideshow featuring some of the models I've shot lately. 

I've got several model sessions on the calendar for May and June so stay tuned for more.   

Somebody Pinch Me

Will someone please pinch me now?  Wake me up and tell me this is all real.  Today I had the privilege of working with an insanely talented group of people and I still can't believe it all happened.  How did I get so lucky?  I can truly say that I'm spending my days doing what I love.  Now don't get me wrong...I get stressed out and overworked just like the next person, but because I truly love what I do (and I drink a little vodka now and then) that feeling never seems to last long.

First of all, for those of you who have never ventured out to The Independence Square, it's a must.  It's full of history, culture, color, texture, incredible food and fabulous shopping.   Cindy and Ken McClain currently have thirteen businesses on The Square.  The McClains are very well known for their efforts to revitalize The Square.  They've done an incredible job and they're not done yet.

Today's shoot was for a look book featuring the McClain's businesses.  And I have to say I seriously don't think I've ever had this much fun behind a camera.   

Thank you, Cindy, for an incredible day (and a fabulous lunch at Cafe Verona).  My dear friend, Whitney Small was the talent behind hair and makeup and it's always a thrill to work with her.  She's got such a creative soul and is just plain good at what she does.  Wendy Franklin of Voices& provided our gorgeous models who were simply amazing! 

For now, I'll leave you with just one shot (or two because I'm indecisive) but I promise to give more after I get some sleep. 

Nighty night, all.
H
 

Another Hard Day at the Office

It was another hard day at the office for me.  NOT!  I'm just loving these fashion shoots and this one for Her Life Magazine was no exception.

Our model, Sheena, who is represented by Exposure was absolutely incredible (not to mention STOP YOU IN YOUR TRACKS AND MAKE YOU SCRAPE YOUR JAW FROM THE FLOOR GORGEOUS)!  I got to work with my dear friend Whitney, who did an amazing job on Sheena's makeup.  The clothes are from Eternity (608 West 48th Street on The Country Club Plaza).  Owner Kaldoun Sassila pulled together a fabulous collection for us and we shot on location at The Villas on Plaza West. Thanks to developer Mike Dobbs for allowing us to use his stunning European villas for this shoot.  The setting was simply perfect!

Because I can't give away all the secrets, you're stuck with these two images for now.  But wait until you see the May issue!  I'm just bursting at the seams!    


Until next time,
H

Talk About MUST SEE TV!

It's a small, small world, friends!  This is a long story and there's no way to make it short, so forgive me for being long winded.  But hey, it is MY blog, isn't it?  *wink*wink*   

April 2006 - I was at a local coffee shop with my girls.  Sitting next to us was a table of young women, a camera man and another woman sitting by herself just one table away.  I noticed the camera man moving around to shoot from different angles and I asked if we were in the way.  The woman sitting by herself spoke up and reassured us that we were fine and that there was no need to move.  She introduced herself as Sharon Liese and told me she was filming a documentary about 12 girls and their journey through high school.  I told her I was a photographer and we exchanged business cards.  Not sure where the documentary was headed, she offered to keep in touch and I told her I'd love to know what came of her work and would also love to be considered if they had a need for any publicity shots. 

April 2007 - Sharon emailed and said the documentary was in the editing phase and that my kids were actually in the background of a scene at the coffee shop.  She asked if I would be willing to sign a release allowing that footage to be used.  I signed it and she said she would keep me posted.

February 2008 - Sharon emailed again.  This time she had incredible news.  Her documentary, which had been named High School Confidential, was picked up by We TV!  (HOLY CRAP!  THAT'S FREAKING FANTASTIC!)  She wanted me to know the series premier would be on March 10, but that I might find particular interest in the episode on March 17 as my kids will be in a quick background scene.  It was filmed almost two years ago so the chances of them being recognized by now are slim to none, but still....how awesome is that! 

As soon as I read Sharon's email I immediately called Lindsay, the publisher of Her Life Magazine.  Lindsay is always in search of inspirational, Kansas City women to feature in the magazine and I just knew Sharon's story had to be told.  Her very first attempt at a documentary, which took more than four years, had been picked up by a national network!  That doesn't happen every day. 

A few phone calls and emails and we were all set.  Sharon and six out of the 12 girls would join us in Lawrence for the cover shoot.  We had scouted the most amazing locations to shoot and I was so excited to see this project come together.  For Sharon, for the magazine and for myself. 

The night before the shoot my vision rapidly declined to the point that I could hardly see ANYTHING out of my right eye, a condition due to that pesky case of Bell's Palsy I had come down with.  It was devastating to hear from my ophthalmologist that I couldn't shoot and that there was nothing he could do to fix it.  I had orchestrated this whole shoot.  I met Sharon.  I told Lindsay of the story and it's need to to published.  I scouted the locations.  I was ready.  I was more than ready.  I was flipping out.  Over the moon excited is more like it.  But I couldn't do the shoot.  I just couldn't see.  And obviously a photographer needs to see.  And no matter how sophisticated an auto focus system was, is wasn't good enough for my practically blind eye.  Even today I cannot find the words to explain how devastated I was to not be part of this project.  We found another photographer to do the shoot, but it was absolutely crushing for me. 

After I wallowed in self pity for a while several of my dear friends reminded me that when one door closes another one opens.  And you know what?  They were right. 

I recently had the chance to shoot Crystle, a High School Confidential cast member who also happens to be a model.  Crystle modeled clothes from Uptown Boutique for the Her Life Magazine fashion spread.  And she TOTALLY ROCKED IT OUT!  I had a great time getting to know Crystle, who will soon be heading to Singapore for three months on a modeling contract.  She was excited to finally get to shoot with me and I felt the same way about her.  We had a great time and are planning to shoot again before she leaves.  Check out a few images from our quick (cloudy and rainy) afternoon together.  (A big thanks to my girl Melissa at the MAC store on the Country Club Plaza for the killer makeup job!)

And be sure to tune in to HIGH SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL on Monday, March 10 at 9pm Central on WeTV!  Congratulations, Sharon!  I can't wait to see the show!

Trendsetter

trendsetter - noun - ˈtren(d)-ˌse-tər - a person or thing that establishes a new trend or fashion.  See also Molly Jayne's.

You've all heard me talk about Molly Jayne's before.  It's one of my favorite boutique's in Kansas City.  In fact, it's the ONLY place I can go and find a killer pair of jeans in less than 20 minutes...and if you've ever read this blog before I don't need to tell you how I feel about jeans.  Or Molly Jayne.  Miss Molly herself is one of my portrait clients and has become a great friend (not to mention a major fashion inspiration). 

Her Life is featuring Molly's Jayne's in their Trendsetter section and I was lucky enough to do the shoot.  Let me just say this was a MAJOR change of pace for me, but one that I absolutely LOVED. 

We shot on location at the amazing Freighthouse Flats.  Thank you to Korb Maxwell for opening up this incredible space for the day.  If my family could fit in a two bedroom, I WOULD SO LIVE THERE!   

The gorgeous Miss Leslie of Exposure was our model.  She was beautiful, delightful and totally ROCKED IT OUT!   Thank you, Leslie, for all of your hard work.  It was such a pleasure to shoot together.  You made my job so easy.  So easy in fact, I can hardly call it work. 

Check out the awesome stuff Molly has for spring!

If Leslie and I were the same size I would have just called Molly and said, "I'm keeping the stuff.  Charge my card, sister."  So, in case you're wondering what I'll be doing this week it's likely you'll find me raiding the racks at Molly Jayne's.

 

Molly doesn't have a website, but you'll find her at 6 SW 3rd Street in Lee's Summit and trust me, it's well worth the trip.  And who knows, maybe I'll see you there. 

Until next time, happy shopping!
H

Hey, Jovan!

I spent the afternoon shooting a model, but he was a little taller than my usual subjects.  While this is a super serious look, this guy has the most contagious smile and he's not afraid to use it.  I knew we'd get along well when I spotted him pulling a pint of Ben and Jerry's out of his backpack at a coffee shop once.

Lucky me, in the next few weeks I'll be shooting him and his fiance together.  Until then, here's a sneak peek from today with more to come.  I promise to find a shot of that smile.  It's fantastic!

As promised....that contagious smile.  I dare you to not smile back!

And a few more to tide him over while he waits...

Gabs

Meet Gabs.  I can't say enough about how much I adore this child.  And once you lay eyes on her I'm sure you will too.

I don't think I've ever posted this many shots of one kiddo, but I'm sure you all won't mind. 

She's so sweet and super smart, too.  She says HEATHER MORROW and HOCUS FOCUS and it's as clear as can be.  Maybe I should make her my official spokeskid! 

Itty Bitty Models

Look for these little darlings to appear in an upcoming issue of The Independent, Kansas City's Weekly Journal of Society.  Thanks to Emma and Otto (two of my most favorite little people) and their mommies for allowing them to modeling these adorable Spoil Me Rotten outfits for us.