the hocus focus photo blog

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.   

Soup, Salad and an...AUTOPSY?

Most of my readers know that my husband Chris is a firefighter and a paramedic.  He recently got a promotion for which he earned the title of CSI.  And you have to know how hard it is for me to say "CSI" and not get lost in a daydream about Erik Delko from CSI:Miami but I've got a blog to write, people.  No time for daydreams here.   

So anyway, back to my other man, Chris. 

He's now a Coroner Scene Investigator.  He's not a police officer.  He works with the coroner's office from a medical standpoint to determine the cause of any death that occurs in Lawrence that doesn't happen in a hospital or other medical facility.  And my crazy,  twisted husband is just loving it.  He's been bringing home the most disgusting (yet utterly fascinating) books about death.  You know, things you don't want to see but can't stop looking at?  Yep, I'm one of those people.  Last week he spent the day at the morgue in Topeka to sit in on a few autopsies and this week he's attending what they call "Death School" at St. Louis University.   He called me during lunch yesterday to say they were eating and watching an autopsy video.  At the same time, people.   

OH!

MY!

GAWD!

I've got a strong stomach, but he's told me all about the autopsy process and it's definitely not something I want to watch while I'm enjoying my soup and salad.  All I can say is that he's one helluva man.  Thank God for people like him who do what they do because I'm certainly not the man (or woman) for that job.  I'll just stick to photography.  Of people who are alive, thank you very much.

I miss you, honey!  See you next week!

Love,
H

Haven't You Heard?

Four is the new three.  Birthdays are a pretty big deal in our family.  We start celebrating weeks in advance.  And the party doesn't stop ON the birthday.  Oh, no.  It goes on and on and on.  And in Lucee's case on and on and on and on and on and on some more...until we finally tell her, "enough already".  And then she looks at me with those chocolate-y brown eyes and her devilishly sweet grin and says, "Mom, am I still the buthday guhl?"  I dare you to tell her no.  Double dog dare you. 

So, in honor of The Lu's fourth birthday we headed out to snap a some pics, because like I said, four IS the new three and it must be documented.  (I mean, really.  Have you people been living under a rock?)



And here she is with her partner in crime.

And speaking of partner in crime...

All in all, they were pretty good to me today, but believe me I paid for it.  It cost me two blue raspberry sorbet cones from Baskin-Robbins.  And five hundred wet wipes.

Until next time,
H

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
 

Little Lola

You can't seriously expect me to resist the cuteness of Lola, can you? 

More to come soon.  I've got to get some sleep.  I've got a big day ahead of me, but thought everyone could use a little dose of Lola to brighten their day.

Until next time,
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

A New Trend?

Maybe it's just me, but I'd say you've got to be RIDICULOUSLY good looking and super cool (or just ridiculously INTO YOURSELF) to hire someone to photograph you without you knowing when and where it's going to happen. 

Or maybe I'm just a giant dork and do too many embarrassing things that I wouldn't want captured.   Screw that whole "capturing only the natural beauty of the person" crap they talk about on their website.   

That's just creepy.

Is this going to be a new trend?  What are your thoughts?  Leave a note in the comments section.  I'd love to hear what you think. 

Me and My Snotty Nose

I'm still fighting this nasty cold, but me and my snotty nose had a busy weekend.  I made my second trip to the Kansas City Power and Light District, which is amazing.   My first trip was with Chris and the girls to see the Disney Princesses on Ice, which was great and all, but this time it was just the grown ups so I really got to take it all in. 

I joined Lindsay and Brandy for dinner Friday at Tango Sed Cantina, which was awesome!  We chatted with the crew from Mix 93 while we were there.  Jenny Matthews was broadcasting live while Rocket and Ponch were celebrating Ponch's birthday weekend.   {Happy Birthday, Ponch!}

After dinner we headed to the not yet open Mosaic Lounge for an incredible party hosted by Will Gregory Public Relations.  Mosaic was amazing...very South Beach - fantastic decor, great music and an unbelievable outdoor balcony.  (And of course I couldn't go to a party without something new and fabulous to wear so I made a little pit stop beforehand at The Uptown Boutique on The Independence Square.  Thanks to Courtney, who helped me find the perfect Lewis Cho dress...and it was practically a steal!)

Stay tuned for some exciting news about The Independence Square.  I'm bursting at the seams, but not quite ready to let it all out yet.

Wishing you a wonderful day!
H

 

Chalk & Awe

To quote ESPN.com it was pure CHALK and AWE, baby!

It's the eve of Lucee's fourth birthday so we spent most of the night watching Curious George (at the request of the birthday girl), but we were able to tune in for the last four minutes of regulation play and the killer OT in which the Kansas Jayhawks stomped on the Memphis Tigers. 

Chris is working tonight and was actually at Allen Field House during the game, which he said was absolutely insane.  He got the chance to call me shortly after the game and said Lawrence is going crazy right now!  KU canceled classes tomorrow to celebrate the victory.  I have a feeling the night is just getting started!  I hope you get some sleep, honey!  See you in the morning!

GO JAYHAWKS!

*Photo by Eric Gay/AP

Sniff Sniff

I'm fighting off the makings of a nasty cold today.  My head is pounding, my throat is killing me and my eyes feel like they're going to pop out of my head.  I'm gettin' crazy with the Vitamin C and trying to get lots of rest in hopes of feeling better soon. 

I'll be replying to emails and phone calls tomorrow.  Thanks for your patience! 
H