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

The Fabulous Leslie

So I finally got around to narrowing down the Molly Jayne's images for the Trendsetter section of Her Life Magazine and boy was it tough?  Leslie rocked every single one of those Molly Jayne's outfits.  With every click of the shutter I kept saying, "How can it get any better than this?"  Bit it just did.  Leslie was amazing to work with and hopefully we're get to shoot again soon. 

Until then, enjoy!





 

Nighty Night

This eye not closing thing is a real pain in the ass, but I found something to help.  I'm having to tape my eye shut at night (and don't even ask for a picture of that - I'm all for sharing with my readers but that, my friends, is NEVER GONNA HAPPEN!)  Even though I'm taping the silly thing shut it still doesn't close all the way so to block any light from coming in (and to stop Chris from making fun of me) I bought this adorable little sleep mask from Bath and Body Works.  It blocks the light and keeps him and kids from seeing me look all creepy with tape over my eye.

I have an appointment tomorrow with my nurse practitioner and I'm  eager to find out more.  I finished the last of my anti-viral drugs tonight and have three more days of the steroids, but there are no signs of improvement, which could be totally normal for all I know.  I'm not sure how long it takes from those to kick in and I've heard that some people go through multiple rounds of the drugs, but I'm mostly concerned about my vision right now.  That's what's giving me the most trouble.  And obviously as a photographer I kinda need to be able to see. 

I'm going to hold off on scheduling any sessions for now, but will keep you all posted as to when I'll open up the calendar.   Thank you again, for your patience and well wishes.  I'm seriously overwhelmed by the amount of support I'm receiving from everyone.  It's just amazing to me!

Nighty Night!
H

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

Damn It Feels Good

Today could quite possibly be one of the most blooper filled days of our lives.  The day started with Chris having some car trouble so he comes in the bedroom to wake me up at 6:15 this morning.  Yes, I said IN THE MORNING, people!  And I don't have to tell you that this in and of itself is nothing short of RIDICULOUS BEHAVIOR on his part.  I won't bore you with the details, but I will tell you that I proceeded to lock myself out of the house today. 

TWICE! 

But I didn't let it get to me because I was wearing my brand new shirt and...well, I'll just let the shirt speak for itself. 

Yes, I recently ordered this shirt for myself and I even got one for Chris, too.  (We will NOT be wearing them at the same time, though.  That is SO NOT gangster.)

Check out the insane tees from SMASH.  My other favorite - Don't Meth With Iowa.  How funny is that???

Oh!  I forgot to post the other day, but I'm so excited to tell you that we recently passed 20,000 hits on the blog.  WOO!  HOO!  Compared to some blogs, that's a drop in the bucket, but I am truly humbled by the amount of people who take the time to stop by and see what's going on here.  I can't thank you enough for sharing with me the joy I find in my work.  And an extra big thank you to those who leave their comments as well.  It just makes my day!

Until next time, have a great Saturday! 
H  

Move Over Betty Jayne!

A couple of months ago Beth came over for my regular manicure.  She pulls in the driveway, comes running, no make that sprinting, into the house and says, "Grab your wallet.  Get in the car.  We gotta go.  NOW!"  Chris just looks at me and says, "Oh, no.  This CAN'T be good."  Beth repeats herself and this time I know SHE AIN'T PLAYIN'.  The situation was urgent...whatever it was.  So I did as she demanded.  I grab my wallet.  I get in the car.  And we go. 

We head down my street and around the corner like we're in turn four of the last lap of the Indy 500.  While I'm holding on for dear life, wondering if I should have told my husband and kids I loved them one last time we make another turn and as Beth begins to pull over I catch a little glimpse of what the hell was just so damn important to her.  I looked at it.  I looked at Beth.  She looked at me and at that moment words were just not necessary.  It was love at first sight.  And when I heard those three little words I thought I'd died and gone to Heaven.  I know what you're thinking, but this was way better than "I love you".  It was even sweeter.  And way more powerful.  Life changing, in fact.  We're talking three little words to stop you in your tracks, take your breath away and melt. your. heart.

TWENTY.  FIVE.  DOLLARS.

SHUT!  UP!  You heard me.  TWENTY!  FIVE!  DOLLARS!  Do you people KNOW how excited I am? 

And how much I love Beth (Her Royal Highness, Queen of the Garage Sale Find) for finding it for me?

And how excited I was to finally use it on a photo shoot?  We're going to chop off the legs and get something a little more funky, but in the mean time I had to give it a whirl. 

You've all seen Betty Jayne (the black leather trunk I love so much).  I got her for $60 at a local thrift shop and don't know how I ever lived without her.  I'm always on the lookout for cool furniture (that will fit in the back of my Jeep) so if you're ever out and about and see something you think I might not be able to live without call me or send me a picture and if I love it I'll hook you up with a sweet deal on your next photo shoot. 

Oh, and in case you're wondering how Betty Jayne got her name I found an old shipping label on the side trunk that was addressed to Miss Betty Jayne Frass.  Doesn't she just sound too sweet for words?   

I guess maybe we should name the zebra chair.  Any suggestions?

Favorite Things

With the holidays right around the corner I've been thinking about what I'll give all the special peeps on my list.  Here are some of my favorite things.

Superstar Candles by The Tyler Candle Co. from Sue Patrick
Holy Crap Eraser from Paper Source
Flocked Wallpaper Journals from See Jane Work 
Home/Work/Play Notepad from Knock Knock
Tiered Long Sleeve Coat from Free People
French Manicure Pen from Sephora
Keurig Platinum B70 Coffee Maker from Amazon.com
All Wrapped Up Cardigan from Anthropologie
Gift Certificates from Piperlime
Beach Glass Inspired Rings from Waterfall
White Sapphire Ring from Pineapple Seed
Circle Earrings from Pineapple Seed
Magazine Subscriptions from Domino, Blueprint, Real Simple, Spaces, Wondertime and KC Magazine

And for my photographer friends:
Custom Camera Straps from My Funky Camera

 

What Are You Waiting For?

This shopping is to die for!  Come see us at Holiday Mart now through Sunday.  We're in Booth 703 - just to the right when you enter the exhibition hall.  We're booking sessions for spring and summer of 2008.  Book your next session at Holiday Mart and mention this blog post to receive $25 off your session fee.

Happy Shopping!
H

Back To My Denim Obsession...

I've made no secret of my obsession with designer jeans.  Some of my favorites are Kasil, J & Company, Grass, AG and 575.  I've had my eye on a pair of Rock & Republic for a while now and am sure it won't be long before Mama brings them home to the loving, caring family they so dearly deserve. 

What are some of your favorites?  Anything I absolutely HAVE to go try on?  Anywhere you particularly love to shop for jeans?

Enable me, people.  Enable me. 

Denim, Envy and This Really Small World

If you haven't been to Envy yet, you need to run.  Don't walk. 

Run. 

Fast.

I stumbled upon this darling women's boutique the other day and snatched up an amazing pair of jeans they had on sale.  For those of you who don't know, I have a serious addiction to designer jeans.  It's a slightly unhealthy addiction/obsession, but it IS legal so I keep telling myself that things could be worse.

Envy is currently located in Historic Downtown Overland Park but will be relocating to Park Place in Leawood sometime in the future.  Established in February of 2006 Envy is owned by Susan Wilson and her daughters Lindsey Wilson and Courtney Kopmeyer. 

While I've only met Lindsey (and she's as sweet as can be) I did find out that her sister Courtney is married to the nephew of Brenda Kopmeyer-Kasper of ie Handmade, who I did some work for a few years ago.  I shot Brenda's daughter Whitney for the ie Handmade website and I've also been shooting Whitney's boys for a couple of years now.  Both of them are on the website and the youngest is also here on the blog.  What a small world! 

Envy is now one of my favorite boutiques.  For you moms and seniors searching for the perfect wardrobe for your photo shoot, you've got to stop by Envy.  There you just can't go wrong!  You can shop in the store, online and you'll also find them at the Junior League Holiday Mart October 18-21 along with myself and tons of fabulous other vendors.