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Category Archives: family

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A Little Bit of Country

September 2, 2010 – 11:00 pm

It seems I am running short on times these days as the busy season starts to kick in. I did want to take a moment to share just a few from this family session. I’ve known this family for a few years now and just love working with them. I had the opportunity to take the oldest daughter’s senior pictures almost a couple of years ago and now I get to photograph the entire family. Some of you may remember the “Giving is Awesome” contest I did last year…well, this is the family that nominated the winner of that contest. We decided to photograph at a location not too far from where I live and on some property where they board their horses. I love doing shoots out in the natural elements of the rural country! The weather was beautiful as well as the lighting. If any of you reading this have done a session with me before then I’m sure you’ll recognize the girl in the middle of this first shot. She assists me on several of my photo shoots.

I LOVE the skies in Kansas. So of coarse I had to get a few incorporating this beautiful sky before the sun set. And if there is any blur in these next couple of shots, it is because I was laughing rather hard too. I’m not sure why the moment was so darn funny….it just was!

By J.Fields | Also posted in field sessions, rustic | Comments (4)

Friends

August 23, 2010 – 10:11 pm

My college experience was truly amazing in every way! My education and spiritual growth was more than I could hope or ask for. I also was blessed with fabulous roommates. They were like sisters to me…my second family away from home. I was able to visit a couple of them out in California last April. I had so much fun on my visit. One of these roommates is Angie. She is just as beautiful, if not more beautiful, than she was in college. Angie was my running buddy. I loved to run in high school, but I loved it even more in college and I attribute that to my runs with Angie. Because of her, I was motivated to push myself to go further. We pushed each other, I guess you could say. We ran our first 1/2 marathon together. I hadn’t seen Angie in almost 15 years. Spending time with her again was like going back in time. It was so good to reconnect with you Angie!! Let’s not wait another 15 years. She now has this amazing family that consists of a wonderful husband (who makes amazing bread!!) and 5 beautiful children (4 living children and 1 darling little boy who is waiting for them on the other side.) I had the chance to spend a little time with her family and take some pictures before Angie and I headed off on our girls’ retreat in Southern California.

I loved his expression in this next shot. I ran up and scared him.

These two make such a great couple. They are a perfect match…a perfect balance. I knew Brian in college too, so it was fun to see them together after being married for so many years. They seem even closer and happier than on their wedding day. It was so great seeing you guys….you both are amazing! And thanks for being such a great roommate and friend Angie! I look forward to our next reunion.

By J.Fields | Comments (2)

Beautiful Baby!

August 11, 2010 – 5:28 pm

I just wanted to share a few from a recent session of this darling little 9 month old baby. I’ve been photographing her since birth and I just adore this family! My first impression of the mom was how calm and peaceful she was. I couldn’t possibly imagine her ever raising her voice at one of her kids. The kids are just at sweet and loving towards one another. They are truly a beautiful family on the inside and out.

We did this session at the Kauffman Gardens and it was so darn hot outside. Regardless of the heat, I think we still got some beautiful images.

By J.Fields | Also posted in baby | Comments (4)

Families are Cool!

June 8, 2010 – 11:51 am

Meet the McNeil Family! They are anything but boring. They are also kind, caring, generous, down to earth, incredible cooks, funny and a wee bit crazy…but in a very good way! ;) It’s always fun to spend time with them and always fun to photograph them. Their beautiful faces and fun personalities make my job easy and enjoyeable.

I met Ann over 2 years ago, and she’s been coloring my hair ever since (and she’s awesome at it). She currently owns 2 salons in Overland Park: Envogue Salon, and Tribeaolgy Salon…both of which are great and staffed with experienced stylists. Be sure to check to them out. If you go into Tribeology Salon be sure to take a look at my work on display there.

This first shot was posed completely by them. I don’t think the composition of their poses could have turned out more perfectly.

Of coarse we got some “normal” portraits too.

Nick was the official sunglass holder.

I should also add that Nick can cook up some amazing and delicious food!!

I look at this picture and can’t help but think it should be titled: “She says jump and they say how high!”

If you haven’t noticed yet…this one is definitly full of spunk and personality.

She’s completely gorgeous, isn’t she?!

Had to capture the teens in their element…texting!

Never a serious moment with these two.

I also want to take some time in this post to share with Ann and her family how very sorry I am to hear of the passing of her father John Rauber. My heart aches for you and your family. Your father was a wonderful man and I am grateful I had the chance to get to know him.

I had the oppurtunity to photograph John and Judy for their 50th Wedding Anniversary so I got spend a little more time with them and am so glad I did. They’re such a great couple!

Here is a little more info about John:

John Wayne Rauber passed on to Eternity on Thursday, June 3 due to an accidental death.

John was born on January 12, 1940 in Jackson County, Kansas City, Missouri to the parents of Violet and Edgar Rauber. John had an active and happy childhood and participated in many sports and other activities. John graduated from East High School in Kansas City, Missouri in 1958. While at East High School, John lettered in Basketball. John enjoyed playing basketball until he was almost 40 years old after which he refereed a number of years.

John met Judith Ann Stotts in 1959 and was immediately smitten. Judy and John were married soon after on November 6,1959. They lived for the first few years in the Liberty, Missouri area and then moved to Johnson County, Kansas for a number of years. They then moved to a rural area of Spring Hill, Kansas. Before John’s retirement in 1999 Judy and John lived for 15 years in the Overland Park area.

In 1999, Judy and John retired and moved to Holiday Island, Arkansas (near Eureka Springs, AR). They loved the area and John played many rounds of golf on the Holiday Island Course. John enjoyed tremendously his retirement and all of the benefits of not holding a regular job. He did however work on many contracting jobs at Holiday Island and in the local vicinity. John was an extremely hard worker and literally “died with this boots on”.

John loved being a friend to all he met and very much enjoyed meeting people and helping them in anyway that he could. John knew no strangers and was a friend to all and known by most as Big John the tease. John loved to have fun with people but was always loving and kind.

Judy and John were very active in their church from the time that they were married. Their marriage was sealed in the Salt Lake City, Utah Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1964. They have held many callings and positions in the church over the last 50 years. John served as a Basketball Coach to the Youth for many years and was a great example to the boys that he worked with in the Youth program. Over the past 4 years Judy and John worked as volunteers in the St. Louis, MO Temple. They made many great friends there and enjoyed the work tremendously. They have had a tremendous commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and have been dedicated followers of His example.

John was preceded in death by his mother and father; brother Douglas Rauber and his sister Shirley Ann Rauber. John is survived by oldest brother Alan Rauber and his dedicated and loving wife of 50 years, Judy, his son Stephen Rauber of Parker, KS and his daughters Leslie Jennings of Paola, KS and Ann McNeil of Prairie Village, KS. Grandchildren, Jake, Blake and Allie Jennings; Rachael, Keli, Meagan, Stephanie, Emily and Isaac Rauber; Ryan, Karly and Tessa McNeil and great-grand children Aubrey and Jonathan.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 8 from 6-8 p.m. at Mount Moriah South, 10507 Holmes Road, KCMO. There will be another viewing prior to Funeral Services on Wednesday, June 9 from 9-10:30 a.m. with the Funeral Service to follow at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 28750 North Hospital Drive, Paola, KS 66071.

You will be dearly missed John! Thank you for the Legacy you left to those you loved and associated with. My prayers and condolences go out to your dear family.

By J.Fields | Also posted in urban | Comments (1)

I Can Fly!!

May 17, 2010 – 12:50 pm

Well, I am excited to bring you this post because this session was just so much fun! This little 3 year old boy was a dream to photograph…fun, active, full of personality, completely cooperative and he engaged so well with the camera. Family shoots with just one child are great because it is easy to just let everything center around this one child and there are some fun poses that do just that. For this shoot I came up with an idea I had never tried before but thought it would work well with this 3 year old boy. This pose worked GREAT! All the shots came out just as I had imagined!!

Of coarse, I couldn’t just post one or two from this series. There were too many great ones!!

And not only can the kid fly, but he can play ball too!

And I just want to say kudos to the fabulous parents (and grandparents ;)) for doing such a great job raising such a wonderful boy!

By J.Fields | Also posted in children, field sessions, rustic | Comments (4)

Family Is What Matters Most

February 19, 2010 – 7:57 pm

My husband is a bit of a Brad Paisley fan. Brad Paisley is a country singer, for those of you who haven’t heard of him. In fact, my husband’s favorite song of his is “She’s Everything.” Wes thinks it “fits” me perfectly…especially the part about wanting chocolate and being moody. :) I don’t really listen to much country music but I’ve recently become a fan of his because I really like his lyrics. His lyrics tell stories and illustrate what it is that makes life rich and full–like the little moments, the imperfections, the blessing of family and traditions. In fact, his song “Two People Fell In Love” was part of the inspiration for this particular post on families. The chorus goes like this:

There ain’t nothin’ not affected
When two hearts get connected
All that is, will be, or ever was
Every single choice we make
Every breath we get to take
Is all because two people fell in love

It’s a great song, so follow the link over and check it out when you get the chance. Family is at the center and heart of everything we do and accomplish in life…at least it should be. Families bring such tremendous joy and fulfillment in our lives, and at the same time can yield some of the greatest heartache and disappointment we will ever experience in this life. It is for that reason alone that we should put our greatest amount of energy into building, strengthening, and preserving the family relationships we are all a part of. For those of you who aren’t parents yet, I firmly believe that we have the greatest impact on our siblings than anyone outside of the family. I think I took that for granted when I was young. It wasn’t until my later years of high school and going into college that I realized the tremendous influence I had on the growth and development of my siblings. I only wish I had learned that earlier on because it would have affected my choices and the way I treated them. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t a horrible sister, I just realize I could have been better and that the impact of my choices and actions was greatly underestimated.

I enjoy getting to know all of the families I have the opportunity to photograph. No two sessions are alike! Being primarily an outdoor photographer, the lighting and location vary a great deal and with each family comes a unique set of dynamics. It never gets boring as each session inspires new ideas and opportunities. Here are just a few of the family sessions from 2009 that I wanted to go back and highlight. As you will see, each one is uniquely different. I feel my job as a photographer is to capture the essence of you and your family and while I may use similar tactics to help bring that out in the families…or while I may use the same camera and lenses and some of the same locations…every family will produce their own unique results. That is what I love about it. In fact, the images with emotion are my absolute favorite. Some mom’s may look at the image and think they look funny because of how they are laughing, but I love it because it shows the realness of the moment and the real joy they are feeling. I love how this 1st session turned out…so many beautiful moments captured.

This little girl not only looks like an angel but acted like one too. She was so sweet and such a joy to photograph. I couldn’t believe how good she was at such a young age. The colors in the park were beautiful that day too.

This next family session was a blast too. I love these young families that only have their first child because all the attention focuses around them. I love the rustic setting too. I think I hit a record high on the number of pictures taken at this session. She was being so good so we just kept snapping away. It was tough sorting through them all.

Now I have to admit that I got way more great pictures from this next session than I expected. I was a pleasantly surprised! These 2 kids were darling as can be, but the boy was also as busy as can be. And the girl kept falling in the tall grass…which was understandably upsetting. Kudos to the parents, though, because they handled all the tantroms and drama perfectly. I was pleased and impressed with how relaxed they were…they could roll with just about anything. I wish all parents could act that way during a photo session. I have yet to see a session with young kids that doesn’t result in some kind of a tantrom or drama. It only makes things worse when the parents get upset. You just have to roll with it and remain calm…they snap out of it. The other challenge for the day is that is was dreary and misty out…so we didn’t have the greatest of weather to work with. I loved meeting this family though and had so much fun shooting this session. I hope to work with them again.

By J.Fields | Also posted in children, field sessions, rustic | Comments (5)

Growing Up

January 8, 2010 – 8:21 pm

Well, after a much needed Holiday break I’m back in the saddle again. I’m so grateful that this last year was such a busy year for me–thank you to everyone I’ve had the opportunity to photograph. I wish I had the time last year to blog more about my work so this year I’ve made it a high priority to commit some more time to this blog, to share more about me and my work and all the wonderful and inspiring people I meet! I’d like to take some time this month to share some of last years work and to start off with I’d thought I’d post some pictures of Harper. Almost one year ago I shared some of Harper’s newborn pictures here. Now look how much she has grown up.

Here she is at 3 months:

And 6 months:

I love just love this next shot!

And these are from her most recent session at 9 months:

This last shot is one of my favorites. The mom emailed me and said it looks like Harper is putting a star on a Christmas tree in this shot (this was taken in December too). Of coarse it wasn’t planned and that is what I love the most about it. It was a happy suprise! It couldn’t have turned out more perfect if it were planned.

By J.Fields | Also posted in baby | Comments (0)

Christmas Cards

November 24, 2009 – 6:51 pm

‘Tis the Season for Christmas cards. I just wanted to do a quick post to share a few I’ve done here in the last week or so. Many of these are printed as a 5×7 flat card, a 5×7 bi-fold card or a 5×5 tri-fold and are printed on a linen texture card stock. All card come with envelopes. I have LOTS & LOTS of designs so be sure to ask about them. Oh, and names were changed on these cards…so if you see someone you know but the names aren’t correct, you now know why.

Here is probably one of my favorite Christmas cards that I’ve ever put together. We did this shoot in the summer and after reviewing the pictures my client suggested I put some mistletoe in her son’s hand and turn it into a Christmas card (I think he was doing some super-hero pose). I thought the idea was fabulous and the picture of his sister chasing after him to grab a kiss was perfect for the inside!! I love how perfectly it worked out! This is a 5×7 horizontal card. This first image is the front of the card.

And this is the inside spread.

By J.Fields | Also posted in children | Comments (1)

Sneak Peak-Giving is Awesome Winner

September 23, 2009 – 10:35 pm

For those of you who didn’t hear about the “Giving Is Awesome” contest I had earlier this year and who the winner was you can read about it HERE. Bobbie Harsch’s story is heart wrenching and as I read her blog and got to know her a little better I couldn’t help but think about how strong, brave, optimistic and admirable she is. Her little boy is darling too! Here is just a sneak peak from their session. More to come…

By J.Fields | Also posted in baby, contests | Comments (1)

Laughter is Contagious

August 15, 2009 – 12:25 am

The first time I talked to Patti over the phone about doing a large family session for them I knew I was going to really enjoy the session. She is extrememly kind and laid back and laughs about everything….and I mean EVERYTHING!! In fact I don’t think I have ever met anyone who laughs as much as she does and I just loved it! It was rather contagious. There were a couple of moments where I was laughing so much it was difficult to take the pictures. Thank you Patti for your laughter and for asking me to take pictures of your beautiful family. Everyone was so much fun to work with. Here are a small handful of favorites from the session.

…And stay tuned for more to come soon! I’ve been so darn busy lately, but am finally getting caught up enough to make some more time for blogging. I’ve had some fun sessions this month that I am excited to share.

By J.Fields | Also posted in urban | Comments (5)