hocus outta focus : the hocus focus blog

If I Had a Fairy Godmother...

This is exactly how I would imagine her to be. 

Whimsical.
Eclectic.
Dreamy.
And draped in LUSCIOUS jewels from Tivol.

I recently had the honor of shooting Pam DiCapo, of Lauren Alexandra.  Pam's amazing home was the perfect backdrop for our shoot and I swear if she'd let me I'd move in tomorrow.  Talk about a photographer's dream.  Color, texture and style galore!  And the same goes for her stores.  There's one in Brookside and one in Briarcliff Village - both of which I could spend hours shopping in. 

And Pam...well, she's simply delightful.  And such a creative soul.  I thought I'd died and gone to heaven when I saw the dress she'd found for our shoot.  It had been sitting in a local vintage shop just waiting for the fairy godmother to come and take it home.  It was just perfect for our shoot, which was such a fantastic collaboration between the two of us.   

While I'd love to share more of our photos, I can't give away all the secrets so you'll have to check out the June issue of Her Life Magazine.       

Determined - Part II

Now that Lauren has seen her images I can share some (okay...a lot) of my faves with the rest of you.  I just loved this session.  One of my all time favorites for sure!

2009 Seniors - it's not too early to book your session.  Fall is actually a great time to shoot and come August the calendar will be filling up FAST!

SPEED?

My husband is a HUGE -  and I mean SERIOUSLY HUGE racing fan.  And I married him anyway.  (TOTALLY KIDDING!)  So Wednesday night he went to some race while I stayed home to edit.  YEE!  HAW!  This morning he emails me this picture of him and Clint Bowyer and below is the email conversation that transpired.

CHRIS:  Look, honey.  I'm even holding his beer so he could sign my shirt and take a picture with me.  Very cool guy.  It was fun.  Love you, baby.  Have a great day. 

ME:  Sweet!  The only thing that would have made this picture better would be if it were Jamie McMurray instead of Clint Bowyer.  WOO!  HOO!  Just kidding, baby!  You know I love you.  [And no offense if Clint Bowyer happens to read my blog. *wink*wink*]

CHRIS:   Very funny!  Jamie McMurray??  Oh, yeah.  He is cute (not to me), I forgot.  You are too funny.  Honey, there is one cardinal rule in racing, especially dirt track racing.  Pretty boys don't go fast!!!

ME:  Uhm, hello!  Do you really think I watch racing with you for the SPEED?  Here's a clue for you...uh, NO!

CHRIS:  Wow!  We have a lot of work to do with your racing etiquette.  Speed, compression ratios, tire pressures, etc.  "America is all about SPEED, hot, nasty, BASS ASS SPEED!" - Eleanor Roosevelt. 

ME:   Dude!   You've seen  Talladega Nights one too many times.  And no, if we have more kids we're not naming them Walker and Texas Ranger.  This conversation is soooo going on my blog.

CHRIS:  Good.  Post it, baby.  You dirty pirate blogger.

Now, THAT is why I married him!

Have a wonderful day, everyone!
H

 

 

My Kind of Girl

Last week I shot for the fashion section of Her Life Magazine and just adored our model.  She's more than just a model.  She's actually the owner of Bella B's Boutique.  And the reason I say she's my kind of girl is because Brooke is so down to earth.  It's hard to miss the fact that she's a total knockout (she's actually modeled for Maxim Magazine), but it's also hard to miss the fact that she loves what she's doing with her life. 

Like myself, Brooke didn't finish college.  While some might gasp and wonder how on earth one can go on to lead a successful career without a college degree, Brooke and I both disagree.  We've both had a variety of jobs in which we found success, but not necessarily that over the top happiness we get from doing what we do now.  Both Brooke and I started our businesses at a young age and we're very passionate about what we do - and they don't teach that in college.  Are there some things I might have learned in college that would have saved me a few headaches along the way?  Sure, but I wouldn't change a thing and I'll bet Brooke wouldn't either. 

Set one foot in the door at Bella B's and you'll see what I mean.  Thank you, Brooke, for spending an afternoon with us (dead rats and all - you'll forgive me, right?).  I really enjoyed getting to know you and can't wait for you to see the rest of the images in the June issue of Her Life.

Now for the rest of you, get your butts over to Bella B's and shop till you drop.  You might even see me there.  Mama needs a new pair of shoes!  And jeans.  And a few cute summer dresses, too.  :o}

In this shot she totally reminds me of Rebecca Romijn - Stamos - O'Connell (oh, hell...whatever her name is these days).  And I so want that dress!

Happy Thursday! 
H

Determined.

There's one question I always ask my clients before we shoot.  This one question is the quickest way for me to get to know my subject.  I want to know how a parent sees their child.  I want to be able to capture what it is they love most about their child.  For most parents it's a difficult question.  One they have to think about for quite a while, but when I asked Lauren's mom, "What one word completely sums up your daughter?" her answer came quickly.  "Determined," she said. 

After spending the day with Lauren I see why her "one word" is determined.  Lauren will graduate high school in a matter of days but she's already running her own business.  Successfully.  Lauren is horse trainer and has known that's what she wanted to do since she was three years old.  THREE YEARS OLD!  At the age of three I couldn't decide between Legos, Barbies or picking my nose, let alone nail down what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. 

Here's a little sneak peek for Lauren and her mom, whom I had a wonderful time working with. 

Lauren actually borrowed my Converse for this shot, which meant I got to wear her killer cowboy boots.  She and her mom are SOOOOOO taking me boot shopping.  Mama needs a new pair of boots, baby!   

We also shot with two of Lauren's horses, but you know me.  I can't give away all the secrets.  I just love the element of surprise. 

Lauren, I can't wait for you to see the rest.  Congratulations on your graduation.  I'd wish you luck on the next chapter of your life, but I know you won't need it.  You're determined. 

Much love,
H

Back and Catching Up

It's always great to get away, but hard to catch up.  But then again, do we ever REALLY catch up?

We had an awesome trip.  There were around 20 photographers at the workshop who came from all over the world - one from Canada and two from Australia.  I learned a few Aussie terms from Lee and soaked up lots and lots of Brianna goodness. 

I'll post more on the workshop later, but for now here are a couple of images.  The first is from the studio lighting day.  Who knew studio lighting could be so cool???  The second shot is from the urban session day. 

How gorgeous were our models?  Back to editing now.  Have a terrific day!
H

Stops Along The Way

Misty and I made a few stops along the way to Michigan.  You all know I rarely post pictures of myself, but I couldn't NOT share this one.  Misty shot this somewhere in Missouri.  I don't remember what town we were in, but never in all my travels have I seen a town that so clearly marks where you'll find a restroom.  If you're ever headed North on I-35 from Kansas City and you're in need of a restroom just look for this sign.

And if you would have heard the British guy who lives inside my GPS telling us to take a right on Missouri PP, you'd have PP'd your pants like we almost did.  (Really, it doesn't take much to entertain the two of us.)

We're having an amazing time in Michigan.  The workshop is unbelievable!  A lot has changed since the last one we attended.  We've learned so, so much from Patrick and Brianna and we've met some super cool photographers who traveled from all over the US, Canada and even Australia.  I can't wait to get back to Kansas City and start using what I've learned.  Hopefully tomorrow I'll find some time to post a few workshop images. 

Stay tuned.  Who knows what we might find on our way home! 
H