Dani: Adventure - Kansas City Lifestyle Photographer

As promised, here is the post where I share the adventures with Dani. I miss the homie, we had too much fun just going around Kansas City. I know that I can roam around, but I never really go inside or trespass (not saying that I condone that, however...) so it was good to have someone else show me other places. This all started because Dani wanted to know how to properly use her camera. She could've fooled me from her photos on her old blog, but I felt honored to be asked to mentor. It got me to thinking: could I potentially offer mentor-ship as an EMP service? I don't mind sharing information, especially of my own techniques and routines. All about networking... Oh, and these have the watermark because I was indecisive when I saved them, and yes this mostly consist of her because I am not a model, but she is the bee's knees. Blah Blah Blah, images!

And it all started with some Starbucks, Chik-fil-a, then Quay coffee, and finally the iPhotower...

Nikon D7000 50 1.4 & 28mm 2.8

Dani • Portrait - Kansas City Portrait Photographer

I, Essence, enjoy making (fast) friendships, especially when it comes to photography. I met Dani through a mutual friend/former client, one day while out working on other projects, and we all ate some good, good ramen. I'm used to people saying "oh you took those pics, dope!", but Dani wanted to know more about what I do with my work. It's rare when I'm asked about my style of doing photography, and I have no problem at all sharing if willing to learn and have fun. That's we did, and it will be in a later post!!!

Back to this, couple days later after meeting, we met again at the City River Market. We were supposed to meet other (dancer) friends, but we ended up having a "Shot Gun Session" (impromptu) after talking and asking questions about my business. She didn't know that I took notice to her photography work as well with her fashion blog. She's been to other location that I've never heard of, or had the opportunity to visit, and we learned from each other. She looked great that I had to steal a chance to have a session before she departed to California weeks later. For someone who didn't know what to do as for modeling, look at these...

Nikon D7000 50 1.4

Maria • Portrait - Kansas City Portrait Photographer

Maria Mariaaaaaa! Sorry I had to do it... So at my "Clark Kent" job, she was a customer and I was just mesmerized with her looks and personality. Normally I don't bring up my personal business while there, but I just had to ask her if she had modeled before. To my surprise, she said no. Whaaat?!? I mean seriously, she has her own sense of laid-back, tomboy style, yet be cute with it all. I was glad that she trusted me to have a mini session, and hope to photograph her again! Images, ¡ahora!

Nikon D7000 50 1.4

Ben G • Entertainer - Kansas City Entertainment Photographer

Let's see, where to start with this one here... If you don't know of this talent right here, Ben G "Da Prince of Soul" is one of many great soul singers from Kansas City! I've known him as a drummer boy for his church, part of a top drill team, and being in an young R&B group Fidelity ("Candy Apple Jeans"), but to witness him singing is a whole 'nother thing. Now he's back in town, getting back into the groove of things with his music, and one thing to help kick start it all is... NEW IMAGES!!! PERSONAL INSERT: I told him straight up "you need new images (branding purposes)" and that's how it all started, El-Oh-El. He shared that he wanted a 90's inspiration for his session, and he came prepared!

Now as for the car, that was a great accident due to another session going on in the same area. I'm not that awesome to pull some major props like that yet, but thanks to the owners allowing us to use a car! So I'm sure by now one is skipping over this to see the images, go ahead...

Nikon D7000 50 1.4

Wags • Portrait - Kansas City Lifestyle Photographer

Nicole (Wags), one of my oldest friends since middle school, and another creative! One night, I was scrolling through Tumblr (after months of leaving it alone) and I remembered being semi-inspired by certain images I'd see. I would come across photos of young wanderers, or those with unique styles, that it always made me wonder if there were any in my end of town. I'm sure there are, just nothing like those from California or New York. The next day, I kept thinking of Wags and how we've had awesome sessions before, knowing she'd have something awesome to wear, and she's normally down for whatever too. Plus, she's wanting to get back into doing more photography, so no better excuse than to have a photo day together.

Might I add that I'm glad that her hair was a wild color such as Pink!!!

Nikon D7000 50 1.4

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