Category Archives: Home

Home making and keeping

"Momming", Home, Photography

Planning High School Senior Photos

Leave a comment

**This blog contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

If you are a High School Senior or the parent of a Senior, you are probably a little overwhelmed at how fast the time has gone and all of the events, activities and things to do during that last year of high school and in preparation for college. Luckily, with just a little planning, your Senior photos don’t need to be a stressful part of that. Many Seniors (and/or their parents) don’t know where to start with this process though and have no idea how to figure out what they want their senior photos to even look like. Here are some tips to make everything run smoothly and not only create perfect senior portraits, but have a fun experience doing it!

Research

  • Go on Pinterest, check out your friends’ senior photos, get an idea of what you like and don’t like.
  • What Season do you want to do them in? Fall is a popular time because it is cooler and if you live in a a place where the colors change with the season you might have beautiful backdrops to choose from. But having a summer or spring session can offer some great backgrounds too.
  • What “look” or “feeling” do you want? This will help you narrow down your location. Do you want a nature background or the urban feel of brick, steel, and graffiti? Maybe a manicured park with a rose garden for something in between or better yet…somewhere personal to you. A special family or personal location ads meaning to your photos whether it is a favorite ice cream shop, family farm, or a baseball field you played on for years. Obviously your high school is a great place to capture the “Senior You” too!
  • Keep your locations in mind when planning your outfits and vice-versa. If you are going to shoot in a green place like a park or woods, consider a color that will contrast and stand out. If you want to use something busy like graffiti in the background, plan an outfit with solid colors instead of prints. Sometimes it’s fun to use outfits that are complete opposite of your location as far as style, like a prom dress in an urban alley.
  • What props will you bring. Props aren’t absolutely necessary for your Senior Session, but can add a personal touch to your photos and help tell your story. They also often help with posing and figuring out “what to do with your hands”! Even if you are unsure about bringing props or how they would work in your session, bring anything that might represent you and who you are at this time in your life. I’ve had seniors bring sports equipment, uniforms, trophies and medals, class rings and letter jackets, poetry books, musical instruments, paint brushes and sketch books, cupcakes, a Bible, and even a HORSE!

What to Wear

I usually tell my clients to wear whatever feels like “them” and who they want to show off in their photos. Even if that version of them isn’t one they get to be often (dressed up, etc.). If your session allows time for outfit changes (which I recommend), a good rule of thumb is to bring 1 casual outfit, 1 dressy and 1 personal (uniform, prom dress, cap and gown, etc.).

Choosing a Photographer

Now that you have an idea of what you want your photos to look like, it’s time to find the right photographer to accomplish that. With more photographers in the industry than ever before to choose from, how do you decide? Here are some factors that I call “The Three P’s” to consider:

  • Packages Available~ Look at what packages each photographer offers and if they will work with your vision. Are there multiple session lengths available? Can you choose multiple locations and outfit changes? What is included in the packages? Do you get digital images or can you purchase them separately? Can prints and other products be ordered directly through them? Will you get printing rights to print elsewhere?
  • Price~ Obviously price is a consideration for most people. When comparing prices of photographers though, make sure you are also comparing packages and everything mentioned above. A one hour session with one photographer may be more expensive than another photographer, but you may get a lot more for that money and not have to spend as much on the back end when it comes times to order prints, etc.
  • Portfolio ~ Check out the photographer’s work on their website and other social media platforms. Spend some time on this. Just because you see a few photos that you like doesn’t mean you should stop looking. Look at many examples of their work. Any photographer can have a good session or two but you want to make sure their work consistently meets your needs and desired style. How is the lighting? Do you love their “editing” style and is it consistent? You want to make sure you know that you can expect the same level of quality for your session. Have they worked with a lot of High School Seniors?

What will you do with your Images?

I saved what might be the best and most important tip for last, but you probably should start with this question when planning your High School Senior Session. What are you going to do with your images afterwards? Do you want wallets to hand out at your graduation party? Maybe a large print or canvas for the wall? Graduation Announcements and party invites? What about an album or small coffee table book to keep out or save for a keepsake. Maybe you want to order a variety of prints for yourself and other family members. Thinking about this question can help you decide everything above. Picture those portraits on the wall or those wallets you are handing out to friends. What are you wearing in them? What does the background look like? Does it match the decor in your home? Will you look back on them many years from now and remember everything you loved about your senior year and who you were then?

If you are in the Kansas City area I would LOVE to be a part of your High School Senior Photo Experience! www.heathernealphotography.com

Beautiful and affordable canvases to showcase your photos:

200x200 banner for mobile
Getting Crafty, Home, Other good stuff

Shopping During Coronavirus…My favorites!

Leave a comment

**This blog contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

These are unusual times friends. It’s been a bit of a roller coaster in every way. There have been many blessings, like more family time and appreciating the simple things but a lot of disappointments and challenges as well. Things like sport events, celebrations, church gatherings have all been cancelled but the seasons are still changing, people are still having birthdays and all of this time we are spending at home is bound to give you the urge to change up your home decor.

I started blogging because I have always had a passion for sharing things I love that make life a little better, easier or just more fun! I also love home decorating, crafts, clothes, art, photography and more recently getting in shape and staying fit! My love for these things has led me to discover several online companies that absolutely love and use frequently for business or for fun. I find myself recommending them to friends all the time which inspired me to become an affiliate for several of them! Because “traditional shopping” is not really possible right now and because I truly love these brands, I thought I would share them and maybe fill a need for someone or just take your mind off things for a while with a little online “window shopping”. Many of these companies are also small businesses so if you happen to make a purchase you will be helping them as well.

Decor Steals

Check out their amazing home decor here:

Oh what I wouldn’t give to go down to the West Bottoms here in Kansas City and walk around some of my favorite home decorating shops. Since that isn’t an option right now, this family owned business is the next best thing. With new “steals” coming out every day it’s become a favorite place to check out and buy some fun things to update our home. One of my favorite pieces in our entryway came from here years ago…our giant angel wings!

Cricut

This year I decided to spend my Christmas money on a Cricut Machine and I am so thankful that I did! I have used it so much and absolutely love coming up with new designs and creative ideas. My favorite thing so far has been designing shirts but I have so many projects and ideas I want to try! If you don’t have a Cricut yet, or if you need some supplies for yours you can check out all of their machines, tools and products on their site where there are almost always sales and bargains!

CLICK BELOW TO SHOP CRICUT MACHINES AND PRODUCTS!

Also, here is my Etsy shop if you would like to check out some of my designs. 🙂

Bilygifts

Minted

Well this is company just speaks to my soul and I think it’s one of the coolest things and best places to get personal gifts, beautiful art, invitations or many other unique items. Independent artists submit their work and then it gets voted on and the winning submissions are sold on the site. I recommend them to many clients because of both their photography related items and their beautiful invitations and save the dates but it’s also a great place to find meaningful gifts for loved ones!

Canvas On Demand

https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=497139&u=2302976&m=18580&urllink=&afftrack=

Get those beloved photos on the walls! Canvases are my favorite way to display our family photos and Canvas On Demand is my “go-to” for all of our canvases. The quality is fantastic and they won’t break the bank! If you feel like you are sitting around staring at the same ‘ole walls lately, this is a great way to mix things up a little.

Stitch Fix

Click here to schedule your first Fix and try it out!

In the middle of all of this “staying at home” the world is still turning which means the seasons are changing and although you might be spending a little more time in your pjs or leggings than usual, you are going to want to wear real clothes at some point. I actually have been making it a point to put on some cute clothes and do my hair and make-up most days of the week. It just feels good to look good. I also recently lost a lot of weight (which I will be sharing next) and none of my clothes from last spring or summer fit. I LOVE Stitch Fix for so many reasons.

  • A box full of clothes picked out especially for you arrives on your doorstep as often as you like…how fun is that?!
  • The quality and fit of everything I have received is amazing!
  • I hate returning things. It’s usually such a hassle. But Stitch Fix makes it so easy to return anything you don’t want. Just throw them in the postage paid package enclosed with your Fix and drop them in the mail!
  • You can try pieces on with clothes you already own! It’s a lot easier to decide if you would actually wear or use something when you can see how it looks with things you already own!
  • Skip Fixes anytime. If you don’t want to receive your regularly scheduled Fix, simply go online and skip it. No obligation at any time!

Noom

So this isn’t really shopping, but it is something amazing that I have to share because it literally changed my life in so many ways and also because now is the PERFECT time for it to change yours too! Years of putting everything and everyone before myself resulted in putting on some extra pounds that I did not love. I had no interest in any weight loss program I had ever seen though because most of them involved depriving yourself of things and made no sense to me long term. I didn’t just want to lose weight, I wanted to get fit and healthy in a realistic way that I could keep up for life. I saw something about Noom on social media, read only a little bit about the program and new it was for me so I tried the free 2 week trial which I loved (and lost 5 pounds doing) and was hooked. I started in September of 2019 and hit my goal weight (35 pounds lost) on Christmas Eve and let me tell you it was the BEST Christmas gift I could have ever given myself. I decided to lose another 5 pounds…because why not and now over 4 months later I am easily maintaining my perfect weight, started working out and run 5k weekly ( I was training for a race that has sadly been postponed but I will keep running and be ready!). This program is real. It deals with the mental aspect of why YOU eat what you eat and helps you relearn how to eat in a healthy way while enjoying anything your heart desires in moderation. I got so excited about this program and the thought of sharing it with others that it is the very thing that inspired me to become an affiliate and use my platforms to share all the things that I love. CLICK ON THE NOOM PHOTO ABOVE TO GET YOUR PLAN, START YOUR TRIAL AND START LOSING! You won’t regret it and when you can finally leave your homes and see friends again, won’t they be surprised!!

"Momming", Home, Jesus Whispers, Photography

Covid-19 Life, 3-27-2020

Leave a comment

Week 1 of “School At Home”. My time available on both my computer and just time in general have decreased a little this week as we figure out this new routine however it is going smoothly for the most part. This week has been filled with wonderful weather and a slower pace that reminds me of my own childhood. Lots of fresh air, grilling and playing outside, crafts, games, baking, cleaning and everything we don’t usually have time for. It has been a wonderful break from our usual life which is filled with multiple sport practices, homework, rushed dinners and then off to bed. As great as it has been, I wonder how long until this new routine becomes boring and the kids start really missing their friends and regular routines and getting a little depressed. I also wonder how much of this simpler way of life we can carry back into our old way of life whenever that finally returns and hopefully find a happy medium.

Homeschool is going great!
She always loved PJ Day. Now it’s EVERY day (Bedhead is optional). Also notice her “classmate” on the phone. 🙂
The dog probably won’t eat your homework but he will definitely sleep on it.
Home, Jesus Whispers, Photography

COVID-19 Life, 3-21-2020

Leave a comment

I don’t know how many days we are into this craziness because there’s no real specific “start” date. Things are changing so much and so quickly from day to day and it feels like this has been going on forever in some ways. A lot of the time it all feels like a dream and I have no doubt someday, hopefully soon, when we look back on all of this it will be hard to believe it wasn’t. I want to remember all of the craziness though. I know it will make us all so much more grateful for the little things. Meeting a friend for lunch at a sit-down restaurant or taking the whole family out to a favorite pizza joint. Hugging people again. Watching your children practice or compete in their sports and activities. Waving goodbye to them as they get on the school bus. Going to the grocery store with a list and a plan instead of buying what’s available and making it work. A good workout at the gym. Toilet Paper.

I want to remember the good too. There have been so many “Happy Accidents” that have come out of all of this which has been almost as big of a shock as the craziness. Time. Everyone is so busy all the time that we have even started to foolishly think busy=successful. These last several days have reminded me of my own childhood when things were simpler. Slower. The days were long. My kids have played games, rode bikes, gone fishing, and still had time to fit in their beloved electronics. My house is getting clean…like really clean, not just quickly picked up and spot cleaned in a hurry. Cooking meals is no longer a burden, but instead a blessing. We eat together and not just dinner. Although church services are online, we don’t have sport events keeping us from them and watching in jammies with my favorite coffee cup isn’t terrible. People are reaching out to help each other and doing random acts of kindness like never before. We are learning not to waste or take for granted.

So here’s to remembering today. Even though it was cool, the sun was shining. I stopped in the grocery store to grab some chocolate milk. That’s something new. I used to buy chocolate milk often when the kids were littler but rarely do anymore. I have found myself looking at everyday things like “milk” though and wondering how I can make them more fun. When your stuck in the house that’s important I think. Also, the more options we have the longer the regular milk lasts for things like cooking and cereal. I was surprised that the shelves were stocked better than I had seen in a long time. There was some meat, a little bread and most of the aisles, although not exactly full, weren’t completely empty. Except the toilet paper aisle of course. I brought my camera. Not my just my phone, my BIG camera. This was something I worked up the courage to do the year that I kept a 365 day photo blog but that courage has faded and it felt weird. A man caught me photographing the toilet paper aisle and stared at me as if that’s the strangest thing going on in the grocery store these days. Not. Even. Close. I wanted to capture more but… baby steps.

I came home and started cleaning. I learned that our gray stools that the kids sit in at the kitchen counter are actually white. I put my favorite Contemporary Christian playlist on shuffle and the first song that played was “Stand In Your Love” which felt like a comforting message. (My fear doesn’t stand a chance when I stand in Your love!).

The kids hung out on electronics for a little while and then went outside. I ran. I am signed up for a 5k the beginning of May and have been working up the bravery to see what I could really do outside where there are hills and wind and I can’t just stop when I want (cause I have to get back home). The gym is closed now so ready or not. I ran 2.72 miles. Just half a mile short of a 5k and it was easy. I got home just in time to learn that starting Tuesday, my county will be under a “Stay At Home Order” for at least 30 days. I thought I at least knew what those days would look like, now I’m not sure.

I came in and did my sit ups on one of those giant balls with a handle that kids bounce around on because I don’t own a yoga ball. I used a dumb bell instead of a med ball for Russian Twists. I’m learning to be flexible and improvise. Tacos for dinner made out of beef patties that were on sale because there was no packaged beef or turkey the day I got groceries. I wanted a Diet Pepsi. I earned it. We have a CVS right down the road so I headed out for my reward. Yeah, I know…artificial sweeteners are bad, blah, blah, blah but it’s more important to be kind to ourselves right now I think (in moderation). CVS turned out to be one of those moments where everything is feeling kinda normal and then it hits you like a brick wall and you feel like you are in a freaky movie. Somehow I missed it all until I got to the check out. The first thing I noticed was there was a man who seemed to be randomly standing in the middle of the store about halfway between myself and the checkout. I then realized he was actually practicing social distancing, like the whole 6 feet away from the line so I stood 6 feet behind him and the two of us managed to create a line across half of the store. Then there were the crates. They were heavy duty plastic crates stacked two rows deep between the cashier/counter and where the customers stand to pay. There were signs on top asking customers to comply with social distancing (as if we had a choice). Handing them my cash was tricky because I could barely reach them and considered tossing it at them. They had gloves and masks on. That was today.

This past week was Spring Break for our schools so we have one more “day off” and then Monday we start homeschooling. The next day we start “Stay At Home Order”. More change. More unknowns.

Things around the house are taking on a whole new meaning.
She makes me smile!
🙂
Marissa cheats a little.
Home

Great Photography Locations In and Around Kansas City

Leave a comment

Kansas City Photographers and photography clients alike may not realize just how blessed they are to have such an awesome variety of locations and settings to choose from for their sessions. Whether you are looking for an urban backdrop with alleys, graffiti, and cool doorways or rolling pastures, and old barns you can find it all within a short drive. Manicured parks with fountains and gardens and rustic woods are both a hop, skip and jump away. Here is a list of some of my personal favorites. Some are no secret (as in you might be standing in a line of other photographers and clients waiting for the “hot spots”) but are dependable and often worth using again and again. You can find my business website with more of my work at: www.heathernealphotography.com

Burr Oak Woods

Located in Blue Springs just off 7 Highway, Burr Oak Woods is a beautiful location year round. Always changing with the seasons and with an enormous variety of backgrounds, it is easy to use over and over still create unique and personal sessions. The Evergreen forest is extremely popular and beautiful in every season.

Things to note:

  • No pets are allowed at Burr Oak so this is not a location for pet sessions or family sessions that include Rover.
  • Burr Oak Woods occasionally holds “managed hunts”. During these hunts the park is closed to non-hunters. You can check their website or call their conservation center to check on scheduled hunt times
  • During peak photography times be prepared to work around other photographers and clients in the evergreen forest.

Lake Jacomo

Also located near Blue Springs, Lake Jacomo offers a wide variety of natural backgrounds and is a great location for those who are looking for a setting with water. The Marina offers docks, stairs, a blue “garage” door and some woods near the parking lot that have brilliant colored leaves in the fall. There is a second fishing dock in a cove that is a bit of a challenge to find if you aren’t familiar with the area but quieter and has a beautiful sidewalk that is tree lined on one side and the lake lines the other. There is also a great wooden staircase off of one of the shelter areas that leads to a tiny dock however it’s not always open to the public. I love scheduling to use sessions here but since it’s close to Burr Oak Woods, I also use it as a back-up location in case we arrive at Burr Oak and find it closed due to a managed hunt.

Things to note:

  • Finding locations in Fleming Park/Lake Jacomo can be tricky so it’s sometimes best for photographers and clients to meet somewhere nearby and follow each other to the locations you want to use.
  • Pet friendly!
  • Bring some carrots and feed the buffalo and elk while you are here.
  • Stop at the entrance off of Liggett Road for some good woodsy photos and occasionally hay bails

West Bottoms

The West Bottoms is easily one of the most popular “Urban” photography settings in Kansas City and with good reason. With colorful doorways, metal staircases, graffiti, rustic buildings and alleys full of brick and ivy around every corner, it is a fantastic place to find an overwhelming variety of backgrounds without even trying. Especially good for high school seniors, tweens and family sessions!

Things to Note:

  • Check for events such as “First Fridays” that may be taking place at the time of your session. It brings in big crowds and parking and keeping people out of the background can be difficult.
  • There are a ton of great backdrops in a small area but to get the most variety you will want to do some walking. Clients should bring some easy to slip on and off walking shoes if they might be wearing heels or uncomfortable shoes.
  • Set aside some time before or after the session for some shopping while you are there! There are so many great shops in the West Bottoms!

Crossroads Art District

If you are looking for graffiti, the Crossroads Art District takes it to a whole other level. The graffiti in the Art District is…well, art! Huge murals, “graffiti alley” and other random alleys with amazing artwork are a photographer (and some clients’) dream come true! There are even hanging twinkle lights and a cool old camper.

Things to Note:

  • This is another “walking” location so throw some comfy shoes or flip flops in a bag
  • There are great locations spread out here all the way from the bridge that goes to Union Station to the 18th and Oak St. area so you might plan to park and drive between them

Loose Park

If you are looking for someplace new and original for your photo session…well, Loose Park isn’t your place. This park is more full of photographers and clients than anything else on most days, but with good reason. Think… rose garden, fountains, ponds, bridges, weeping willows, flowering trees, stone walls, majestic trees…need I go on? It’s central location in Kansas City also puts it near many other great locations so if you are thinking of using multiple locations you might consider making this one of them!

Things to Note:

  • This is a BIG park. You can easily do an entire session around the rose garden if you are short on time or have clients who can’t walk far. But if you are wanting to hit all of the “hot spots”, be prepared to walk some.
  • Parking is limited. There is a parking lot off of Wornall and another small one off of 52nd. On really nice weekend days they fill up quickly.
  • Be prepared to wait your turn for the popular spots.

Belvoir Winery

Just South of Liberty, off of 291 Hwy you will find this hidden gem. Belvoir winery has a unique combination of nature and architectural elements that can be used for your photo session. It is a great spot for all types of sessions and the trees are beautiful in the fall. There is an open pasture and lots of green space surrounding the buildings and staircases, steps, ledges and all kinds of places on and around the main building for a great variety of posing!

Things to Note:

  • Belvoir Winery hosts several events including weddings. They don’t mind photographers as long as there is not a wedding scheduled. You can check the calendar on their website for scheduled weddings and events…including ghost tours!

Old Red Bridge

I have only been to this location once for a family session and it was a rainy day so we didn’t do too much exploring but I loved Old Red Bridge. It’s a fairly unique location and doesn’t seem to be overused. You can leave a “love lock” on the bridge while you are there. Perfect engagement session! There is a park nearby which provides some green space as well.

Things to Note:

  • Bring a lock!

Unity Village

Located just outside of Lee’s Summit, Unity Village offers beautiful fountains, a rose garden and amazing architecture. There are also trails around the buildings and lots of trees which provide green space or beautiful colors in the fall. They have recently implemented a policy requiring “commercial” photographers to purchase an “approved photographer badge” which is $100 for one day or $500 for the year. Their policy is a bit confusing since a commercial photographer is actually photography used to sell or market a product however on their site they have the following definition: *Unity considers a commercial photographer to be anyone providing photography services for a fee.

Things to Note:

  • You may be charged $100 to shoot here. If you do not have a badge, they will give you a warning. Second violation states they may press charges for trespassing.

Union Station

Unless you are a studio photographer, there aren’t a whole lot of indoor options around Kansas City for photography use. Most photographers and their clients end up at Union Station. During the holidays it is beautifully decorated and there are a lot of great spots for photos (as long as you are wanting a Christmas theme). They do charge for a permit but waive that fee between Thanksgiving and New Year. Their fee is a bit confusing. Here is their policy:

FORMAL PHOTOGRAPHY

$75 facility fee. Our definition of “Formal” includes the occasions of weddings, engagements, graduations, and any event that includes more than 10 people. If the group is part of an event at Union Station, this fee is waived.

INFORMAL PHOTOGRAPHY

$25 facility fee. In the cases of Informal Photos being taken for private use, the fee is reduced. Our definition of “Informal” includes groups of less than 10 people (and waive it entirely between Thanksgiving and New Year).

Things to Note:

  • You may be charged a fee to shoot indoors here
  • Parking at Union Station is not free, however you can park at the Liberty Memorial for free and walk
  • During the holidays you will have a hard time finding areas that aren’t decorated for Christmas.

After your session is over, get those images off your computer and onto your walls with Canvas on Demand!

**This blog contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.