hocus outta focus

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.) 

The Return of the Fairy Godmother

I had the TV on in the other room this afternoon when I heard someone say, "Kansas City's Fairy Godmother".  I raced to the remote to turn it up and saw none other than Miss Pam DiCapo of Lauren Alexandra.  The Her Life Magazine June cover girl was on Fox 4 News at Noon. 

Seeing Pam on the news reminded me that I forgot to blog the rest of our session.  It seems like we shoot so far in advance that by the time the magazine is actually out I've forgotten to blog the rest of the images.   And we have some great ones! 

Here's the image from the cover. 

How ridiculously cute is this little sofa?  It sits at Pam's dining room table and I want it sooooooo bad.  Pam, if it ever turns up missing, don't come looking at my blog, okay, honey?  I love that she let me drag it out in the middle of the street.  (Thanks to Kevin from Tivol for his help lugging it around.  He also brought the amazing jewels Pam wore.  Can you say TO DIE FOR?)

At one point during the shoot we were setting something up and Pam turns to me and says, "Do you think that's too much?  Is it too over the top?"  Okay...seriously.  You're Pam DiCapo and you're asking Heather Morrow if something is too over the top?  UH...HELLO!  Is that even a question?  We just looked at each other, grinned and busted out laughing.  Too over the top, puh-lease...

And can you believe the overload of adorableness that is this baby?  When Pam told me she was "borrowing a baby" from one of her favorite customers I knew we'd have a great time.  Thanks to Anna for bringing Mary Jane out for some afternoon fun.  She's a little doll!

Pam is one of the only adults I know who can get away with wearing a tutu.  TO WORK!  She's got a cool job, doesn't she? 


So, if you've got a baby, know someone who's having a baby or just plain love babies you MUST visit Lauren Alexandra in either Brookside or Briarcliff Village.  And Moms, it's a great place to shop for photo shoot clothing!  Be sure to tell Pam you're shooting with me and she'll put together THE PERFECT outfit for your wee one.

And don't forget you can download the entire magazine by visiting the Her Life website.

Until next time, have a terrific day!
H

If I Had a Fairy Godmother...

This is exactly how I would imagine her to be. 

Whimsical.
Eclectic.
Dreamy.
And draped in LUSCIOUS jewels from Tivol.

I recently had the honor of shooting Pam DiCapo, of Lauren Alexandra.  Pam's amazing home was the perfect backdrop for our shoot and I swear if she'd let me I'd move in tomorrow.  Talk about a photographer's dream.  Color, texture and style galore!  And the same goes for her stores.  There's one in Brookside and one in Briarcliff Village - both of which I could spend hours shopping in. 

And Pam...well, she's simply delightful.  And such a creative soul.  I thought I'd died and gone to heaven when I saw the dress she'd found for our shoot.  It had been sitting in a local vintage shop just waiting for the fairy godmother to come and take it home.  It was just perfect for our shoot, which was such a fantastic collaboration between the two of us.   

While I'd love to share more of our photos, I can't give away all the secrets so you'll have to check out the June issue of Her Life Magazine.       

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

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

It's a Hit on Mix 93!

This morning Lindsay and I delivered the April issue of Her Life Magazine to Mix 93 so Jenny Matthews could get her first look at the cover.  We followed Jenny through the office as she showed it off to everyone.  I think it was a hit!  They even hung Jenny's pages on the wall in the studio! 

Her Life was a topic of conversation on the Rocket and Teresa show this morning.  Here's what they had to say about us.  How cool is that!!!

We're all so excited about this issue.  Jenny was a fabulous cover model and was such a delight to work with.  All of us that worked with her feel like we've made a new friend, which is what Her Life is all about.  Keeping Women Connected.

Be sure to check out the April issue of Her Life.  You'll find it in thousands of locations around the Kansas City area or you can download the entire magazine on the Her Life website.  And in case you missed the post with Jenny's pics, you'll find them here.   

By the way, do you notice anything different about Jenny?  Check out those long locks she's rockin'.  I'm so jealous!

Suh-Suh-Suh-SEXY!

I've had so much fun shooting for the covers of Her Life Magazine, but this one takes the cake!  One of my first shoots after returning to work was for the April cover of the magazine.  I got to shoot THE Jenny Matthews from Mix 93.   

Jenny is just as sweet as she is gorgeous.  She's incredibly fun to be with and up for anything.  She braved the chilly weather in amazing clothes from the infamous Molly's Jayne's.  (And y'all know how much I love shooting the clothes from Molly Jayne's.)

We started at the studio, crashing in on Michelle while she was on the air.  (She was so sweet to let all  SEVEN of us barge in on her!  Thanks, Michelle!)

After the studio we headed out for some fun, urban shots.  Let me just tell you guys, Jenny is fearless!  And sooooooooo easy to photograph.  Can I seriously call what I do a job?  I loved this old school desk.  The second I saw it sitting by the dumpster I knew we just had to use it.  (You should have seen my hands after wiping it off.  And would you believe that Jenny, the only non-mom there, was the only one with wet wipes in her purse?  Thank God.  My hands were COMPLETELY BLACK!)

This is one of my favorites...told ya she was fearless!

And you know I couldn't resist busting out the zebra!

We gave Jenny my iPod so she could rock out for a few shots.  She listened to everything from Hey Mickey to Hip Hop Hooray.  Although it was a little tough to give her direction while she was jammin'.  I just had to TALK. REALLY. LOUD. And use hand signals.  *wink*wink*

After the zebra chair we headed out to our last location for one more wardrobe change.  The sun was starting to set and the air was getting a bit chilly, but Jenny never complained.  She did everything we asked of her and looked amazing!  At one point I was giving her some direction (not that she even needed it) and I said something about being sexy when Jenny said, "Sure, Heather, I'll be suh-suh-suh-sexy!"  Poor thing was shivering, but you'd never know by looking at these. 

Listen to Jenny Matthews on Mix 93 weekdays from 10am-3pm and watch for her on the cover of Her Life Magazine in April. 

Thanks, Jenny, for an incredible afternoon!  It's definitely one I won't soon forget! 

Much love,
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!