Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Ooh la la! Boudoir Session!




Here's the tiniest sneak peek from a recent boudoir session I did... I had SO much fun shooting this, as the woman in the pictures was so gorgeous (OMG hair to die for) and sweet! I just love helping women liberate and celebrate their own beauty!

Boudoir photography (sometimes referred to as glamour photography) has a long history, beginning with the classic pin-up photos of Betty Grable in the 1940's and Marilyn Monroe in the 50's. Boudoir photography relies on the power of suggestion and conveys mystery, romance, playfulness and celebration, and anyone can do it! It makes a wonderful, personal wedding gift from a bride to a groom, a Valentine's gift, or simply as a gift to yourself, to celebrate your own amazing allure.

Can't reveal any more from this session, as it is for her boyfriend's eyes only... but if you would like to book your own session, contact me via Striking Photography's website today!

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Overland Park Arboretum Luminary Walk


Had a wonderful time last night at the O.P. Arboretum's annual Luminary Walk. The Arb is gorgeous any time of year, but this event creates a magic that is just enchanting! I highly recommend you check it out next year, if you have never been!

Here are a couple of the photographs I took. I suspect some of them will make it onto Striking's website as a background or two! (Every photo you see on the site is my own work, not stock photo provided by an outside source.)

I hope you and yours are having a magical holiday season this year :-)




Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Corporate Headshots by Striking Photography



First impressions are important. In today's competitive and technically savvy world, more and more clients and employers are using the internet to network. They screen suppliers, research service providers, obtain references, and Google potential employees - all before they even talk to you on the phone.

So let Striking Photography help you convey the professional image that inspires confidence in your work with a PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS PORTRAIT. Affordable, quick and easy, a business portrait instantly polishes your image online.

A potential client's decision to do business with you will often be based in large part on the sense of your competence, professionalism and demeanor created by your photographer. Striking Photography's corporate headshots are subtly created based on the message you wish to convey.

As simple as they may seem at first glance, creating an effective corporate headshot requires a sophisticated photographer capable of understanding the branding of your business, and of translating that into a visual message with lighting, mood and wardrobe. Your images are created digitally, and multiple backgrounds are available, as is retouching.

Visit Striking Photography for more examples of our work, and for pricing information.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Book Your Holiday Portrait Session Now! FREE 5x7 print

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, family are reuniting, recounting their blessings after another year past. Perhaps you have guests visiting from out of town. What better way to preserve the memories than with a holiday portrait?

Portraits also make incredibly personal gifts. Grandparents adore them. In all my years (even before I became a photographer), I have never heard of anyone being disappointed by receiving a gorgeous portrait as a gift! Plus, you won't ever have to worry about the recipient 're-gifting' your photo! ha ha! ;-)

Striking's November 08 Special is a FREE 5x7 print with any paid session booking!

(That's basically $25 FREE! You can fill your gas tank with that these days!)

Click here to visit Striking Photography's website to check our calendar and see if your date is available. Sessions are going quickly now, so beat the rush and give me a call at 913.602.8061 to book.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

A Beautiful and Inspiring Wedding


I was fortunate to photograph the most inspiring wedding ceremony a few weeks ago! While I really enjoy the excited anticipation of a nouveau bride, I also absolutely loved the confidence and wisdom that was reflected in this couple's wedding. The site was gorgeous, the couple glowing with happiness... but it was so cool that both the bride and groom were obviously beyond superficial trappings and sharing something very, very real. I think everyone who attended took home something genuinely inspiring that they could use to improve their own relationships - I know I did! :-)

Here's a sneak peek...










Friday, October 24, 2008

Striking Appearing at the KC Jewish Community Center's Holiday Bazaar

*...It's the most wonderful time of the year...*



Yes, it's time to start thinking about your family's holiday portrait!

Striking Photography is excited to be attending the Jewish Community Center's Holiday Bazaar, which benefits their Child Development Center. This annual event showcases educational toys, jewelry, art, fashion and more from members of the Jewish Community Center. 10% of the sessions booked at this fun shopping event will be donated to the Child Development Center to help fund many of their educational and enjoyable activities.

So cross something off of your holiday 'to-do' list early, and feel great about helping children in our community via your purchase!

Sounds like a win-win to me... :-)

The JCC's Holiday Bazaar will be held
Oct. 27-30, 12noon-2pm and 4-6pm
at 5801 W. 115th Street St (across from Town Center Plaza)
Overland Park, KS 66211

For more information call 913-327-8000

See you there!

Monday, September 29, 2008

Hot Off the Presses

I am very proud to announce Striking Photography's first foray into the world of print advertising!

Mother and Child Reunion is a great little family publication that circulates in the Kansas City area. It's available at numerous convenient locations, such as preschools, Babies R Us, libraries and it is chock full of information for families.

And best of all, IT'S FREE!

So pick one up and check out our ad in there...

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Session Sneak-Peek!

And who is this amazing woman? She is an incredible opera singer! She was fantastic in the world premier of the opera 'John Brown' at the Lyric in downtown KC. She just got back from an intensive summer stint and wanted some new headshots.

Bravo!!!



Tuesday, September 16, 2008

And Here I Am!

A few people have wondered, "What the heck do you look like?"

To satisfy their curiosity, here ya go!



(I was pretty stoked because I took this one with my cell phone camera!)

Monday, September 15, 2008

How to Get the Most Out of Your Portrait Sessions

A Quick Style Guide

Clients frequently ask me about how they can prepare for their session. Here are some quick and easy guidelines to help you get gorgeous photos.

First and foremost - be comfortable! If you are not wearing something that makes you feel good, your pictures will show it. Have you ever seen the face of a woman in painful high heels? For location shoots, clothing that isn't too precious to get dirty (by sitting on an old tree trunk for example) is best, since a great photo sometimes requires a unique perspective. Weddings, of course, are the obvious exception.

Make-up can be applied somewhat heavier than for usual wear. The bright lights of a studio strobe minimize the effects of makeup and so it ends up looking more natural in the photo. For men, having a recent haircut and shave creates a sharp and handsome look.

You are welcome to bring a few meaningful props to your session! A child's special toy or equipment from a favorite hobby can add an incredibly personal touch to your photos.

If you are having a group session done, we recommend everyone wear a similar color. For example, everyone can wear different shirts, but all are blue. Perfectly matching clothing is not necessary unless you would like a more formal look to the portrait. Busy patterns should generally be avoided or used only in small doses.

Sessions are generally relaxed and informal. Children's sessions are kept short, an hour or less. Kids are so naturally beautiful and genuine that I will often have the children walk around in a picturesque area while I photograph them simply being themselves. For larger or mixed-age groups, I do some gentle directing and placement to ensure that everyone looks their best in the shot.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

8x10s on sale until 9/20

Every so often, my lab offers deals on prints. Sometimes it's a certain finish, sometimes it's a certain size... I never know and they come and go at random. When they do pop up, I try to pass along those savings to my clients.

This time it is a fantastic deal on one of the most popular sizes, 8x10s. (This size makes a great gift portrait for grandparents or other family members - hint, hint!)

8x10s in any finish are 20% off on orders placed between now and Sept. 20th!!!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Pretty.Funny. Comedy is Hilarious!


I've had the privilege of taking the promotional and program photos for the Kansas City comedy group Pretty.Funny. And they are more than Pretty.Funny., they are hilarious!

The all-female cast puts on a show that's like the Carol Burnett show meets the New Millennium. I seriously had to be careful not to shake my camera and blur the pictures, they had me cracking up so badly!

One of the hazards of being a professional photographer :-)

Because I enjoyed their show so much, I wanted to share their latest performance with you. They've got completely fresh material and are ready to serve up the laughter and fun! Definitely check them out, tickets are going fast!

Pretty.Funny. comedy show
Sept. 25, 2008
7:30 pm
KU Edwards Campus (127th & Quivira, Overland Park KS)
Email pearl@clevercaboose.com for tix!

Monday, September 8, 2008

Business Portraits - What Does Your Photo Say About You?



There's an old saying in business: "It's not who you are, it's who you know..."

But do you know what your photograph on LinkedIn, Facebook or MySpace says about you? What image are you projecting to prospective clients, coworkers, employers?

In today's competitive and technically savvy world, more and more clients and employers are using the internet to network. They screen suppliers, research service providers, obtain references, and Google potential employees - all before they even talk to you on the phone.

So let Striking Photography help you convey the professional image that inspires confidence in your work with a PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS PORTRAIT. Affordable, quick and easy, a business portrait instantly polishes your image online.

And after all, you're going to need that business portrait when they announce your promotion in the company newsletter... :-)

Monday, September 1, 2008

Our Fresh New Look!

Here it is!!!

We've got new slideshows, new galleries, fresh colors... while still keeping the best of the old site. Our new web presence includes better synthesis between the blog and the website, as well as a Facebook and MySpace presence!

Check Striking's Facebook page HERE!

Friday, August 29, 2008

New Site Launch - September 1st!

I can't believe the summer is already ending, and fall is here! Although I'm always sad to see summer go, I love the feeling of school starting... new classes, new friends, new notebooks and supplies, new schedules...

In honor of the new season, I'm excited to unveil Striking Photography's new look for the website and blog on September 1st (Happy Labor Day)! Our new site will have the best of the old and incorporate new content as well. Expanded galleries, new slideshows featuring recent sessions, plus a *gorgeous* new color scheme that really pops!

Check back September 1st to check it out...

11x14s Sale Ends Sunday 8/31

Just a reminder that our 11x14 promotion is ending Sunday, 8/31!

Please let me know by noon on Sunday if you'd like to order yours and get 20% off your 11x14 portrait! (excludes portrait packages)

Monday, August 25, 2008

Little Known Facts

As email has grown, I've often received the following 'chain letter' several times over the years. (Yes, I can actually remember a time, just barely, before email. Ok now I'm dating myself.) I thought it would be fun to share some 'Little Known Facts' about myself with my clients.

Here goes!

WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Nope

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Yesterday, watching the highlights of the 2008 Olympic Games

DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yes

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Rare Roast Beef - Grr! I'm a carnivore!

DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Yup, three. They keep me busy!

IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Absolutely!

DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Not much. But I appreciate those who do cuz they crack me up :-)

DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS
Yes

WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Only if I could take photos along the way

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Golden Grahams with milk, any time day or night

DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
No, takes too long!

DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
You gotta be to lug around all this equipment LOL

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Chocolate Chocolate Chip

WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their smile. Smiles are universal.

RED OR PINK?
Both!

WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
I can't tell jokes to save my life. It's embarrassing!

WHO/WHAT DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
Hawaii

WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
None, I'm barefoot

WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Does a mocha frappacino count?

WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The fan in my studio

IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Green

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SMELLS?
Rain, the ocean, cinnamon baking

FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Football (Go 49ers!), basketball (Go Bulls!), and live soccer

HAIR COLOR?
Dark brown

EYE COLOR?
Green

DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
No

FAVORITE FOOD?
King Crab legs

SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings

SUMMER OR WINTER?
Being from Hawaii, I have to admit I'm a summer girl. But I appreciate the beauty of all the seasons.

HUGS OR KISSES?
Hugs AND Kisses!

FAVORITE DESSERT?
Anything Chocolate

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
I just finished Eat, Pray, Love.

WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Nothing, it's completely black. How lame is that?!?

WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
The Olympics

FAVORITE SOUND?
Ocean waves, my kids laughing

ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles

WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME???
Brazil

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Photography, of course! :-)

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Fantastic Indoor Studio Remodel!

The folks here in Overland Park probably remember the gigantic rain we had a couple weeks ago. We got over 6 inches of rain in one night!

Striking Photography also got a flooded studio. Doh!

For those new to Striking, I do my indoor studio work out of my home. Our finished basement is the perfect location - it's always cool (important when working with lots of lights), it has a great little powder room (for make-up and outfit changes), and I have excellent control over all the lighting (no extraneous sunlight or reflections bouncing around).

However, a sopping wet carpet does not a good working atmosphere make! So we decided to completely remodel the studio - it has a fantastic new acid-stained concrete floor (so gorgeous I now want concrete in our bedroom LOL), repainted, new storage... the works!

I am completely thrilled, and love my new digs so much I may well have to throw a launch party for it. Keep your eyes peeled for more news about that as it develops...

In the meantime, enjoy a portrait of a lovely young lady I photographed in the new studio, the new Image of the Week!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Ten Minutes From Home

As a professional photographer, I am continually challenging my eye through both formal and informal means. I am a member of several photography groups, one of which holds an Assignment of the Month.

This month's assignment was called Ten Minutes From Home:

This assignment is called Ten Minutes from Home. Not 9 minutes, not 11 minutes, 10 minutes. Get on your favorite mode of transportation, whether it’s feet, a bicycle, a car, a bus, a plane, a Segway, whatever, and head 10 minutes from home. When you get there, stop and take some pictures.

Here are some of my favorites I took for this assignment...





Who knew ordinary things could look so cool?

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Turning Life Into Art

Turning Life Into Art is my philosophy as a photographer. What does it mean?

It means: I passionately believe in finding beauty in the everyday moments and things that surround us. Beauty is there, often quietly waiting, and it is my job as a photographer to reveal it and share it.

For me, photography is like being on a treasure hunt, and is just as rewarding! :-)

Monday, July 28, 2008

Welcome!

Welcome to Striking Photography's new blog!

Striking Photography is one of the freshest portrait photography studios in the Kansas City area. We not only serve KC but also Overland Park, Leawood, Olathe, Merriam, Mission, Mission Hills, Stanley, Lake Quivira, Shawnee and all of Johnson County.

We believe in Turning Life Into Art. (More on that in a later post!)

We also bring our unique approach to wedding photography, blending both photojournalistic and traditional approaches to documenting one of your most memorable days.

Don't forget to check out our website at http://www.strikingphotography.org/.
And feel free to contact us by emailing Debra@StrikingPhotography.org.

I am excited about adding this new method of communicating with my clients, and keeping them up to date on all that's happening at the Striking Photography studio!