The first haircut...

One of the things that fascinates me about kids is the range of emotions they are capable of achieving in a very short time frame. I think these pictures document this phenomenon.

My youngest daughter Malia got her first haircut this past weekend. We took her to a place called Shear Madness (quite an appropriate name by the way). Shear Madness caters specifically to kids which means complete sensory overload. We are talking toys (strategically placed at kid level), televisions at each stylist station, barber chairs in the shapes of cars, candy, and as an added bonus for us a cranky "stylist." Seriously stylist lady I know we all have bad days but you think you could at least muster up a little enthusiasm when you are giving a child their first haircut.

Random sidenote: I always have to laugh when parents talk about how crazy wild their kids when they take them out to "kid friendly" places like this. You think it might have something to do with the available sugar on top of lots of noise and lights? These places shouldn't be called kid friendly because they really aren't, they should be called "places of completely sensory overload that will break kids and parents down until you buy lots of stuff."

Anyhow, I digress....

Malia's inner thoughts, "Okay the car is cool....this might not be too bad"

"I don't like the direction this is headed..."

"Seriously this can't be good, my arms just disappeared"

"Maybe if I cry enough I will get some of that candy I see sitting around everywhere"

"This is way too easy"


"All this for $17...priceless"

Cash Durbin Male Model...

My camera has been busy lately (I even have the arthritic trigger finger to prove it). I had another family session with three of my favorite people this weekend. You met Cash in the recent Halloween pictures and now you get to meet his awesome parents Ken and Rachel.

I have known Rachel's family since elementary school. Rachel and Ken married a few years back and they are amazing parents and among our dearest friends. Always love shooting with them...

They like their "Cash Man" just a little bit.

I told them not to worry about Cash for a minute and just look at the camera. Cash saw an opening and went for it!



I love this image.



He wasn't crazy about being buried in leaves initially but we coaxed a smile or two out of him.



Thank you Durbin's!! Ryno loves you guys...

Halloween 2008

For those of you that aren't in Kansas City this Halloween was one to remember. The weather was amazing (in the 70's) and we hosted our second annual Halloween party with some of our family and friends.

I just happened to have a camera handy.

My daughter Malia was my first victim still repping for our lowly Chiefs.


Our oldest Manoa decided to upgrade from the Chiefs cheerleader look to a Princess.

And yes I will be starting a shotgun collection very soon.

Elena (my buddy John's daughter) represented the fairy population nicely...

I just couldn't get her to cast a spell for me.

The youngest member of our party was Eli. The cutest lobster I have ever had the honor to photograph.

His big brother Noah gets my award for the most creative costume award of the evening.

Noah is already more handy with his tools than I will ever be.

A couple of the entire crew.



Our last arrival was Cash. Cash has been subjected to my camera on a number of occasions.

I think he might be over me :)


After knocking out the photos we headed over to Brookside for their annual Halloween party. Noah was just a little excited about it.

Happy Halloween

For all you suffering Chiefs fans out there (and I know there are many of you) my "assistants" Manoa and Malia are here to brighten your Halloween day at least for a moment.



You can say what you want about the Chiefs as a football team, but their cheerleaders are without question the cutest in the NFL. Of course I might be a little biased...




Happy Halloween!

A walk down memory lane...

As a former high school teacher senior photo sessions always feel a little familiar. I have to say I really prefer working with the seniors one on one and without having to worry about lessons plans and educational objectives (not to mention the fact I don't have to wear a tie).

My most recent senior session felt familiar for completely different reasons. My subject was the ring bearer at my wedding. David is my wife's cousin and I have literally known him his entire life.


He has gone from a little kid to a full grown man.


Since we are family he is required to laugh at my jokes.

He is an offensive lineman for Harrisonville High School.

The "Wildcats" are three time defending state champions and David has the rings to prove it.

After knocking out the "standard" senior photos it was time to have some fun. One of David's favorite toys is his four wheeler. He wanted a quick shot with it...

And since it was out we had to get some shots with him riding the four wheeler...and there just happened to be a jump...



Never one to leave good enough alone. I wanted to try and push the photo to the next level. If you look closely and the next shot David is jumping over my Profoto 7b pack probably not the smartest thing I have ever done (and trust me that is saying something).

Thankfully David is pretty skilled on the four wheeler and all of us (equipment included) finished the shoot unscathed.

Wind, wind, and a little more wind....

I had a photo shoot in Arizona once on a really windy day. When I arrived at the shoot the client ran up to me and asked what I could do about the wind. I told her we could hold hands and say a little prayer. I don't think she enjoyed my sense of humor.

We had one of those exceptionally windy days yesterday in Kansas City and I had two sessions scheduled. Thankfully I was working with families I am familiar with and I didn't have to make any bad jokes. I am sure I still made some bad jokes but just not about the wind.

Anyhow, I have known Gary since middle school (he had a little more hair back then) but not sure he has changed otherwise. He is one of those friends you can always count on. His wife Kim and my wife have actually known each other even longer growing up together in church. So to say they are friends is a bit of an understatement, they really are like family to us.


They welcomed the amazing Bridget into the world back in April. I love seeing my friends with their babies and it is truly rewarding to know that the images that we create together will become part of their family history.



Kim's sister Kristy and her husband Bruce joined in on the windy fun as well. They also have a beautiful daughter named Bailey who is just a few weeks older than Bridget. They were great sports despite the conditions (did I mention it was windy?).


I think they like Bailey just a little bit :)

The wait for the bridge was worth it.

Thanks you guys!