How about taking a professional picture in the comfort of your own home?

www.manonhalliburtonphotography.com

Its always fun to shoot someone at their HOME or Favorite place, because they are relaxed and... well... at "home"  I always find people are more relaxed in a familiar environment and are just more comfortable.  I took pictures of a Kansas City Director in her home recently; she was so relaxed and had a smile on her face the whole time... so next time you need pictures consider having the photographer come to you, instead of heading to an unfamiliar studio or place where you have no idea how it will make you feel.  the more relaxed you are the better your pictures will be, and with today's camera technology, you don't really need all the fancy lights and setup....  Good photographers can capture a great shot anywhere!

www.manonhalliburtonphotography.com

How do you find a good photographer????....  <a href="http://www.thumbtack.com/mo/kansas-city/photographers/natural-light-photography">Natural Light Photography</a> is one way (what is all that gobbily gook?)  or better yet, thumtack.com is a great way to find local photographers such as myself... but how do you do you find all these resources?  Most people look at the internet to find someone and usually go with a photographer they see on the first page a few ads down.  BUT, always recheck the same search twice, You will see different names pop up and different choices... One should never be quick about choosing a photographer because you may have missed that one you would have really loved  for simply not doing a second search or even checking the dreaded second page.  Another idea... Be specific in your search of exactly what your looking for... for example don't just type "kid portraits"  but type kid portraits Kansas City...Some photographers pay lots of money for certain words such as "kids portraits" that arnt even from kansas city...so being specific is a great way to narrow down what you want . Another thing to think about...  When finding a few you like  CALL THEM and actually speak with the photographer... If you relayed to a secretary or assistant you wont get the feel of the actual photographer who will be shooting you so you will have no sense of how well you will work with them.  you have a voice and should be inquisitive about such a personal thing as a professional shoot, and you will want someone you can be open and comfortable with to get the best shots.  ASK QUESTIONS.  you shouldn't have to pay for a consultation about a session.  No question is a wrong question, that's why your going to the professional in the first place, for their expertise so ask them what you don't know or want to know... a good passionate photographer loves to share his/her tricks of the trade.  Last but not least don't go too cheap... their are a lot of very talented and at the same time reasonable photographers out there, But remember, ya get what ya pay for, and if the price seems too good to be true it usually is...  most shoots in the Kansas City area run anywhere from 200-400 for single rates and an upwards of 400-1000 for couples and weddings etc....  always price the competition and know what exactly your getting in a package shoot.  It can be a daunting process but a relatively easy one if you go about it in a smart way!

A Day In The Life of A FEARLESS Kid... *click* *click*

So today started out as usual, make the client feel comfortable by being....myself.  Which can sometimes be scary for the client, but not in this case!  I had a kid today who needed shots for a major round of callbacks in Florida for some big wigs in the kid casting world.  So I meet the family, Mom, Dad, Sister and shy (so I thought) round faced, blond haired cutie kid named Tyler.  We talk, get our set up for the first location and the day begins.  We got some great stuff as usual, and had alot of variety and looks...BUT, well, look - Ill just skip ahead to the good part... At the end of our shoot it was getting steamy and we were all a bit brain fried.  We are standing in the middle of Loose Park's Rose Garden right next to a large fountain...  I look the him, he looks at me and we both smile and silently agree.  I then immediately look at mom and sis and say "Be on the look out for park workers"  He gets in the fountain backs up to the major water fall spilling over the edge of the top pool and we got some of the greatest shots of the day.  This kid was fearless and we had a blast.  I wish all my clients were like this... Now I'm not saying everyone has to do crazy things on the spot to get a great shot... but just the pure conviction to do something wild in the moment can truly bring out the best in people and deliver some of the best moments ...  that's when art is created and a unique shot is captured.  Now I'm just hoping this kid gets a movie and they use one of these shots to promote it!  :)

My very first blog..... Lordy, here we go kids.  I'm a Kansas city natural light photographer, actress and all around vagabond traipsing the city with camera in tow shooting all kinds of people and places.  This week it was a few actors next week it will be promotional shots for The Unicorn Theater.  I love it, and am just trying to get my name and face out there more so people can actually see my proof in my pudding.  Each week ill be posting new tid bits and photography morsels as well as random session banter if it strikes me.  I hope you enjoy reading and following as I have no set recipe for this as of yet, and hope I never will!  Here's to happy faces and beautiful memories captured in a moment. www.manonhalliburton.com