Appreciation & Gratitude

This Christmas Eve, as I review my checklist for our European vacation, I am overwhelmed with a great sense of appreciation and gratitude to all our clients who have helped make this trip possible.

You see, I've been planning this trip since 1999 when I graduated from college, but for some reason or another, I just never made Europe a priority.

So this year, I placed the trip on my vision board and worked toward making it a reality. There were a lot of 16-hour workdays, along with many seven-day workweeks. Despite the fatigue on some days, I reminded myself that if I pushed a little harder, I could take the long-awaited trip this year.

For me, this trip is a realization that vision followed by hard work can and will make dreams come true.

From London, Paris, and Rome, we thank you for your love and support.
XOXO
Hector & John


Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

News Flash

Nora | 2012 Senior Centerville IA

Originally from the country of Macedonia, Nora moved to Iowa with her father a few years ago. Getting her senior pictures isn't such a cultural tradition in her country...but she is sure glad it is in America!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Derek | 2012 Senior Centerville IA

Derek is naturally reserved but get him talking about history and he lights up like a Christmas tree.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Closed for Thaksgiving

The studio will be closed until Nov 29th.

Holiday Special Slideshow

Here are a few of our favorite shots from our Holiday sessions!

Holiday Special | SOLD OUT

Unfortunately we have no appointments left for our holiday special.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Briggs Boys | 2 years

Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Delaney | 4 months

Our Babysteps™ program captures your child as a newborn, 4, 8, and 12 months. For more information about this package...give us a call. 660.665.2363



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Hailey | Holiday Special

Hailey is full of spunk and beauty inside and out!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Coty M. | 2012 Senior Kirksville HS

He's got looks that kill and personality that radiates. Coty is one of the coolest guys I've met this year.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Korbin | 8 months

Our Babysteps™ program captures your child as a newborn, 4, 8, and 12 months. For more information about this package...give us a call. 660.665.2363



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Kara H. | Baby Bump

Maternity portraits are such a unique way of showing off your baby bump. This session is always complementary when you sign up for our Babysteps program.
Our Babysteps™ program captures your child as a newborn, 4, 8, and 12 months. For more information about this package...give us a call. 660.665.2363



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Sophia | 1 year

Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Jesse G. | 2012 Senior Kirkville HS

Jesse is a star wrestler for KHS...but cleans up like Royalty!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Will M. | 2012 Senior Knox Co. HS

I've never seen anyone like Will who can turn on and off his genuine smile like a light switch.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Alexandria | 8 months

Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Aaron F. | 2012 Senior Moberly HS

He's got a passion for monster trucks and the soul of wise man.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Whitney B. | 2012 Senior Kirksville HS

Whitney is full of spunk and sweetness.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Ethan A. | 2012 Senior Kirkville HS

He's got the charm and mystique of a legendary actor.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Taylor Swift | Houston Texas

This past weekend we flew down to Texas to see Taylor Swift in concert with our nieces, Chanti, Ali and my sister Norma. The crowd of 42,000 people at Minute Maid Park was electrifying. To see their faces light up when Taylor hit the stage was simply priceless. I couldn't help but tear up thinking about the impact this one night is going to have on the trajectory of their lives.

Holiday Special

It's time once again for our 3rd Annual Holiday Love Special. Times are limited and will run out...so call the studio to reserve your appointment. 660.66.2363



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Elizabeth H. | Drown the Gown

Elizabeth got married this summer and realized she wanted to do something radical with her dress instead of just putting it in a box. So, she decided to go swimming in it.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Mitchell M. | 2012 Senior Kirkville HS

He's may have the brute strength of a lion...but Mitchell is too kind to hurt a fly.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Cole W. | 8 months

From the moment I met Cole, he's been such an easy going baby and now he's smiling even more that before!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Maren H. | 2012 Senior Green City HS

Maren seemed a little shy when we first met...but after I showed her my silly side she let me see that million dollar smile!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Taren T. | 2012 Senior Brashear HS

Our nephew Taren is a pretty serious guy...but nothing makes him laugh like remembering the night we hit the McDonald's drive through and I ordered a happy meal with a girls toy.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW SLIDESHOW!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Jaclyn & Loren | e-session

Jaclyn and Loren were made for each other. When Loren looks at Jaclyn it's as if he's seeing her for the first time. Congrats!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Hannah S. | 2012 Senior Milan HS

When Hannah walked in with that red dress...I knew it was going to be an amazing day!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Valle W. | 2012 Senior Bevier HS

Valle is the kind of girl you can't help but fall in love with. From her easy going attitude and her beautiful smile...I was smitten with her from hello! :)



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Fanney F. | 2012 Senior Kirksville HS

The more and more I look at Fanney's pictures the more I realize she was born to work the camera!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Dalton M. | 2012 Senior Kirksville HS

Dalton was just knee high to a grasshopper when I first met him. I guess he's been eating all his vegetables because he's grown up so fast!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Courtney D. | 2012 Senior Marceline HS

Courtney reminds me of the girl next door you can't help but love! She's got an amazing heart and smile.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Jordan H. | 2012 Senior Green City HS

Jordan has such an amazing smile...and she's got some amazing arms!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Reuschel Family | Fall 2011

Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Megan E. | Baby Bump

The Babysteps™ package is designed to capture your baby’s first precious year. Four separate photo sessions are held at 2 weeks, 4 months, 8 months and one year. And as a token of our appreciation for your trust...we offer a Baby Bump session for free.

Call or log on to book your baby’s first session with us today!

Investment: $350
Call STUDIO | 1004 at 660.665.2363 for more details.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Chandi M. | 2012 Senior Brashear HS

It's hard to believe that when I first met Chandi, she was only in 6th grade and as cute as a button. Now she's a senior and simply beautiful!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Kaylan & Rylee B. | North Carolina

These little bundles of joy were heading to a wedding in Nebraska when they decided to make a pit stop in Kirksville for pictures.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Clint F. | 2012 Senior Bloomfield HS

Clint has the biceps to hit home-runs day and night and he's got the charm of a true gentleman.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Kalaeb W. | 2012 Senior Kirksville HS

Kalaeb reminded me of a cross between Adam Levin...the lead singer in Maroon 5 and Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day. Mysterious yet charming and handsome.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Holli J. | 2012 Senior Knox Co HS

When I first met Holli, she told me she had been planning for this moment since she was in elementary school. So the pressure was on to create some unforgettable images.

Thanks again Holli for trusting me with such a huge milestone in your life. You are truly a beauty inside and out!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Birthday Break

The studio will be closed October 6&7 in observation of my birthday! I will not be available via phone or email until October 11th.

By the way, I will close the studio down for the winter season starting December 22 through February 2012. If you have an outstanding account with us and would like it delivered before Christmas, we will need your order submitted no later than November 15.

Thanks for all your love, cheers, and support!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Ashley M. | Spokesmodel

For the past month I have felt overwhelmed and stressed running the studio. I was cranky and it seemed like I had lost that little pep in my step.

But then, Ashley Mayer and her family, Carla, Gary, and sister Megan, walked in and without them knowing, helped me realize the joy and blessings I have all around me.

Ashley was born with Down Syndrome. In February 2010, she was diagnosed with leukemia. After a lengthy stay for chemotherapy treatments at University Hospital in Columbia, the good news is Ashley’s leukemia is in remission. Even so, she is still undergoing maintenance chemo to try to keep the cancer at bay. Because she has Down Syndrome, Ashley’s body can’t withstand full-power chemo, so her doctors do monthly checks to make sure the leukemia cells aren’t coming back.

Through it all, Carla says Ashley has had the best attitude and has never lost her happiness and joy. Ashley’s classmates at Knox County High have played a key role. Carla admits they have her oldest daughter a little spoiled with all of the love and attention they give her.

You see, I believe people come into our lives to deliver messages…weather we are open to receive the message or guidance is up to us. Ashley and her family made me realize that life IS full of joy and fulfillment…if we chose for it to be. So thank you Ashley for helping me shed the stress and find my way back to happiness!

If you would like to help the Mayer Family with out of pocket expenses, call Bank Midwest, 660.665.8385 to make a donation to the Ashley Mayer Fund.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

50% Off Senior Sessions

Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Ali & Lucinda

This niece and aunt duo know how to make style and fashion look effortless!




Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Martin Family

The Martin family, Dan, Becky, and Abby have such an amazing dynamic. They work hard and play hard and know how to make each other laugh!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Avery & Corbin J.

These two little rascals had me running around like a chicken with it's head cut off! But that's what they are supposed to do right! Corbin, the littlest one wasn't a fan but at then end of the session he wanted me to carry him around! Love when that happens!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Savannah C. | 2012 Senior Macon HS

She has the energy and spunk of a toddler and I love it! Savannah is an aspiring photographer and has the personality and talent to take the photography world by storm. Savannah, I thank you for placing your trust in me with this important milestone. You're only a senior once...and you rocked it out! xoxo



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Ariana D. | 2012 Senior Milan HS

With her big brown eyes and big smile, Ariana was such a natural in front of the camera.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Madalyn, Corbin & Kolton S.

One of the greatest joys in my life is to see my youngest clients grow up into little men and women.

I can't believe it's been 5 years since I first met Corbin and Kolton. They were not impressed with me at all the first time we met. In fact, I had to hide behind trees and toys so they wouldn't know I was taking their pictures. But now they are all about giving me high fives and big smiles.

Madalyn, on the other had, is still a little leery of me.





Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Mary M. | 2012 Senior Kirksville HS

Mary, Mary, quite contrary...NOT. She's as sweet and accommodating as the day is long.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Jan F. | Senior 2012 Kirksville HS

Jan (pronounced Y-onn) is a star soccer player for KHS and despite having a head cold he mustered the strength to smile.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net