Jessica the Doll

A few weeks ago, I ran into Jessica Barlow at the Miss Kirksville Pageant. She was sitting in front of me after her performance. I lovvveeeed her costume and make-up, and I thought her "get-up" would make for some awesome shots to add to my portfolio.

Here are some of my favorites. You'll notice that the images look very drmatic. I wanted to make these shots more like fine art pieces...so you'll see lots of contrast, saturation and exposure.

Shelby Willis | Fighter

She has so many reasons to be bitter at the world, but instead Shelby Willis of Kirksville puts on her sunny glasses and smiles for any and every reason.

Sixteen-year-old Shelby was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer (peritoneal mesothelioma) a few months ago. She lost her mother almost two years ago, and three weeks before that, she lost her best friend in a car wreck.

Despite the tragedy, Shelby has been resilient. She has such a jovial disposition for life that is truly contagious.

To help pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses, Shelby's church family at Faith United Methodist Church in Kirksville is planning a special benefit in April. These photos are for a flyer I'm designing to post all over town to promote the event.

Here is a link to her slideshow

If there is any way you can contribute or know of someone who can, please drop Pastor Sheila Swafford an email: preacherlady55@gmail.com

Here are the specifics about the event:
Friday, April 3rd
Food serving begins at 4:30 p.m.
Entertainment 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Auction to begin at 7 p.m.
Held at Moose Lodge located at 2405 E. Illinois
Organized by Faith United Methodist Church
Raffle for handsewn quilt and gun

One Live...two to go!

We are so freakin' excited about our new,fresh,funky and cool new high school senior portrait website! I've gotten countless headaches trying to turn my vision into a reality...but it was so worth.

The website is tailored directly to seniors and has NEW! information about the types of sessions and packages we offer. We even created some fashion tips to help you look your best!

So here's how things will work. When you go to www.studio1004.net, you will see 4 boxes titled children, seniors, weddings, blog. When you click on senior...you will ONLY see images and information pertaining to high school senior portraits. The same will hold true for weddings and children...once I have finished creating those site. (Right now, if you click on wedding and children you will be taken to our original website.)

So click here and take a look! Also, leave a comment and let me know what other information you think would be helpful to post!

Pet Portraits

Meet Chipper! He's our little bundle of love and studio mascot. He's been a part of my life for nearly seven years. During our first six months, I thought he was going to have to go to the pound because he was eating my walls and pooping all over the place. I just couldn't stand it!

But somehow we got our schedules in rhythm and we've been inseparable ever since. And even after seven years he still lives up to his name. The moment I walk in the door he greets me with waist high jumps,licks, and barks. He truly is a member of our family and a pretty obedient model! We're a pet friendly studio...so if your pet has a birthday coming up soon...a pet portrait would be a great treat!







Here are a couple of our other pet portraits.

Tayla G. | Birthday Session

Our little niece, Tayla Dawn, turned two years old Monday. I wanted to give her something unique as a present. So, I dressed her up, loaded her in the car with Grandma Janet and Uncle John.

Her mother probably wouldn't let her out of the house dressed like this...but I know Tayla loved it because she kept grabbing her skirt and pearls and saying, "Pretty, pretty!"

Miss Kirksville Pageant

The Miss Kirksville Pageant was quite the show! Lots of pretty dresses and cool dance routines. Our neighbor Olivia looked so adorable in her dress and crown.



One of my favorite parts of the show was the tap dance number and the ballerinas. Great costumes!







The winner of the Miss Kirksville Pageant was Kaylen Sanborn. The first runner-up was Jillian Richardson. The new Miss Kirksville will go on to compete for the title of Miss Missouri the first week of June.

My baby, Lu Parker | Miss USA 1994

One of the most loving, positive, and inspirational people I've ever met is my dear friend Lu Parker, Miss USA 1994. She and I worked together at the Fox TV station (KABB) in San Antonio.

I remember my first day on the job like it was yesterday. I walked into the newsroom and found a little note on my keyboard that read, "Welcome to the family!" It was signed, "Lu," with a smiley face and a Hershey's Kiss. I didn't know who Lu was, but the small gesture made me feel a lot less nervous.



When Lu walked into the newsroom, I was stunned by her physical beauty. With her million-dollar smile, she walked right up to me, shook my hand firmly and said, "Hi! I'm Lu. Congratulations!" It was such a genuine moment. And I realized her beauty wasn't only skin deep...it coursed through her veins. We shared many, many laughs and moments of personal growth. She taught me how to see the positive and beauty in everyone.

At any rate, Saturday's Miss Kirksville Pageant reminded me of Lu and her amazing book, Catching the Crown. She wrote the book to help young women understand the complex world of pageants. Catching the Crown: The Source for Pageant Competition covers everything from preparation to the big night of competition. Lu even includes personal stories and pictures from her exciting year as Miss USA. She had the dream, conquered it, and now shows you how to Catch the Crown.



So if you are a pageant hopeful, I totally recommend her book.
Here is a link to buy the book...and to her website.

And remember if you or someone you know is a pageant hopeful, I'm waiving the sitting fee ($55 value) during the month of February as part of our "Pageant Pix" special.

P.S. Lu: My baby, my baby, my baby! I'm SO proud of you! I love you lots and can't wait to see you soon! :)

Olivia | Little Sis - Miss Kirksville Pageant

Here are some shots of our beautiful neighbor, Olivia. She's participating in the Miss Kirksville Pageant on Saturday as one of the little sisters to a pageant contestant.

I was totally inspired by Olivia's pageant dress...so we are going to offer a "Pageant Pix" special in her honor!

If you are a pageant contestant (or a little sis), we'll waive the session fee! I know...it's CRAZY...but we love pageants! I can only run this special through the end of February...so email us to set up your session!

Studio 1004 | behind the scenes

John and I produced this video to give our future high school senior clients a glimpse at what it's like during our sessions. We make it fun, funky, and fabulous!