WPPI Convention | Las Vegas

Every year, thousands of photographers from all over the world come to the largest photography convention and expo in Las Vegas. For the past 30 years, WPPI has been the place to be inspired and grow your photography skills. But for us, our first visit wasn't so great.

There were more than 14,000 people attending, and it seemed that everyone was trying to get into the same workshops. We learned that the hard way, when we stood in line for two hours only to find out that the session was already full. Then when the doors opened for a workshop, people would charge in like the running of the bulls in Pamplona!

But in the end, we caught up with friends and met some new friends along the way!

Here are some of my favorite shots.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Colin Gibbson | newborn session

OMG! Only 16 days-old and Colin is already sticking his tongue out at us. I can only imagine what he'll be doing when he turns one! LOL! Simply Adorable. Colin came into the world weighing 9 lbs 8 oz.

Isaac & Adrian Briggs | newborn session

I simply couldn't wait to share these images with the world! Last year, I came across the baby art of photographer Carrie Sandoval in San Diego, CA. To say that she is an amazing photographer would be an understatement. She is pure genius! Her newborn photographs are filled with such emotion. If you have time, take a look at her website. It will make you want to have a baby of your own!
Hmm.Hmm.Hmm. John. Let's talk.

I began to study Carrie's techniques. I was determined to learn how to safely and creatively use fabric to suspend a baby in the air. I practiced and practiced with dolls with little success. But nearly a year later, I have conquered the technique.

First up...the Briggs twins. Isaac and Adrian came into the world November 12, a little premature and had to spend 12 days in the hospital. As soon as they were well, Tisha and Dave brought them to the studio.

On Monday, Adrian weighed 4 lbs. 9 oz. and Isaac weighed 6 lbs. 3 oz. I think this first photograph illustrates their size difference perfectly:)
Thank you Tisha and Dave for trusting me with your new children. I am blessed and honored to have met them.

Megan Elyse Kinney | Watch me grow #3

The bigger she gets the more she starts to look like her big brother! Megan is 6 months already and you can tell she's ready to start crawling.

Here are some of my favorite shots from her third installment of her Watch Me Grow program and the link to her slideshow.

Here is a link to additional information about our Watch Me Grow program.

Bryant Western | birthday session

Most one-year-olds stay happy and content for about 15-20 minutes during a photo shoot. But Bryant lasted a whole hour and went through 7 wardrobe changes happy as a clam!

Here are some of my favorite shots.

Megan Elyse Kinney | Watch me grow #2

Megan is growing up fast! For her second photo shoot, her dad, Adam, made her a wide collection of over sized floral headbands. I told Adam he should start a side business and sell them at Farmer's Market on the weekend!

Here are some of my favorite shots and the link to her slideshow #2.

Bailey Noelle M. | First Birthday

Our good friend Crazy Rachel (Rachel Malen Hettinger) came up from Springfield for a visit to celebrate her daughter Bailey's first birthday.

Here are some of my favorite shots and the link to her slideshow.











I've also added this youtube video of our trip to La Grange, Missouri with Rachel for a night of gambling at Terrible's Casino. Sometimes there is no rhyme or reason for the laughter...it just happens when we're all together. By the way, Chipper is our dog and the "Roller Skate" is John's car.

Megan Elyse Kinney | Watch me grow

Our friends Adam and Kristin Kinney welcomed their newest addition to their family, Megan Elyse Kinney. Weighing in at 7lbs 12oz, this little bundle of joy is the first girl in the Kinney family.

We were truly honored when Kristin, just a few days after giving birth stopped by the studio to book a "Watch me Grow" session for Megan.

Here are some of my favorite shots and the link to her slideshow.