Focus Photography and Videography

Little Jack is turning one!

2011-06-19T09:15:00.001-07:00

Our friends John and Katie invited us to come out and take some shots of their son, Jack, as he is about to turn the big one (he is born on the forth of July in fact).

We'd planned a "kid tearing up a giant cupcake" shot but he wasn't very happy when we suggested he eat the cake with his hands. We kept trying to think of a way to get him to eat the cupcake when all of a sudden he picked up the fork and began to eat it properly. He even pulled a "Look Ma, no hands" moment I was lucky enough to capture.

Royal's Fans!!!

2011-06-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

This lovely couple happens to be GIANT Royals fans and what better place for our engagement session that the stadium their favorite team plays?

Senior Session:Cynthia

2011-04-28T18:07:00.000-07:00

Another awesome senior session!

2011-04-24T16:58:00.000-07:00

Caitlin is friends with our last senior, Jessica. We met up this afternoon to shoot some fantastic photos.

The wonderful Ms. Landes.

2011-04-24T16:53:00.001-07:00

I got a chance to meet up with an old classmate for a little "photo magic" this past week and got a chance to play with some new gear.

If you've ever scene the intro to the Showtime series Californication then you'll see know the inspiration for this first shot.

Senior Session:Jessica

2011-04-03T19:57:00.000-07:00

It may have been windy and a little warm but Jessica was a trooper and we got some terrific shots. Here are just a few teasers from our session today.

Be sure to become our fan on Facebook where you can see these images and others!

Bad photo day? Yeah right!!!

2011-03-30T19:44:00.000-07:00

I'd been meaning to get with my friend Candice for some more photos for awhile so we scheduled a photo playdate for the next week (today) but sadly she had something come up so we had to cancel.

Normally I'd just enjoy the day off but I was determined to do some photography so I got on my trusty Facebook and tried to find a volunteer for my photography antics. First to reply was my friend Jen who told me she was getting off work early.

So after figuring out a time we met for a quick photo session. Oh and did I mention it was cold/cloudy/crappy out? You'd never guess it from Jen's pics.

Mandi gets engaged.

2011-03-13T20:42:00.001-07:00

I just posted a few blog updates at once. I ended up posting them slightly out of order because I thought this one deserved to be at the top.

My friend Mandi and Shawn have been dating for sometime and one of Focus's first sessions was with both of them. So when Shawn contacted me Thursday about sneaking down to just outside the Nelson (hiding in bushes might I add) where he would be proposing to Mandi I jumped at the chance.

It was a hectic drive down there that involved an extended lunch break, no less than four near miss accidents and a few other obstacles but it was all worth it.

Are we related?

2011-03-13T20:40:00.000-07:00

We may have the same last name but we are not related.

Meet my friend Melissa.

The Focus Network

2011-03-13T20:36:00.001-07:00

Made my own "Social Network" poster.

Legends Place staff.

2011-03-13T20:35:00.001-07:00

Just a few teasers from my session with the staff of Legends Place apartments.

The Derby Girls

2011-03-13T20:33:00.000-07:00

Recently I got a chance to get some excellent shots of some wonderful ladies. I introduce you to the Lovely Lethal's!!!

Getting ready for the spring.

2011-03-13T20:29:00.000-07:00

Decided to get out with a couple of friends today and get some shots of their automobiles in action.

Starting 2011 off with a bang.

2011-01-07T18:34:00.000-08:00

As many of you know winter can be a bit of a slow time photographers (at least photographers like me that like to go out into the world) and so I've spent the holidays jamming as much info into my brain as possible.

Learning new tricks, thinking of new ways to use old ones, and just generally gaining information that can lead me towards being better able to get my vision into the final image had been a lot of fun to do.

But I've been dying to get a chance to use that and got together with my good friend Candice to shoot some photos in her new space at the salon she works at.

I personally LOVE these images and I hope you do the same.

Expect more of the same in the year to follow. Happy New Years everyone!!!

Photo session with the neighbors.

2010-11-27T11:25:00.000-08:00

Awhile back our neighbors upstairs had stopped and asked Ashley about photos (if memory serves correct they had seen us lugging our gear in and out of the apartment before) and this weekend everyone was in town for the holiday so we got a chance to get out and do some shooting.

I was worried it was going to be cold and we all know how hard it is to smile when you are freezing but the sun was shining, the wind wasn't blowing hard, and it turned out pretty darn beautiful.

Here's some teasers!

Corey and Amanda

2010-11-10T16:13:00.000-08:00

I'm not just a photographer. I'm a match maker.

2010-11-10T16:10:00.000-08:00

Long story short when my wife and I first got together she had a single friend who was looking for a nice guy. My good friend Trevor is among the nicest and was also single.

We set them up and this past weekend I got to photograph their wedding.

Mr. and Mrs. Greenshoes

2010-10-10T18:00:00.000-07:00

Courtney and family.

2010-10-03T17:48:00.000-07:00

When I'm not out shooting I also have a day job working for the apartment complex where we live and my boss had been asking about getting a family session done.

It's kind of nice to get to boss your boss around for a change.

Ryan is getting hitched.

2010-09-20T18:48:00.000-07:00

I've known Ryan for many years as he is one of my dearest friends older brother. He is getting married and came to me for some engagement photos which makes me so happy.

Here are a few teasers!

Trevor and Ashley 2.0

2010-09-18T12:13:00.000-07:00

Just some more shots with our friends Trevor and Ashley.

Coming to a stereo near you...

2010-08-29T16:16:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a plan falling apart isn't so bad. My friend David and his band had a photoshoot planned with another photographer but the plans they made didn't work out and David asked me if I'd be interested in taking the gig.

Of course I accepted and today we finally got together and made magic happen.

This first shot was actually me just testing out my flash and seeing how it looked while we waited for the last member of the band to show up. I really dug the photo so I'm sharing with you guys

Illegal Activities???

2010-08-29T16:12:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has shot with me knows I'm not one for breaking the rules(laws...not artistic rules). I'm cautious of no trespassing signs, climbing on things I shouldn't, and other things of that nature.

Let's just say I stepped out of my comfort zone this morning. Instead of explaining further with words I'll just let the first photo do the talking.

Yeah. Enough said.

Engagement session warm up!

2010-08-28T20:13:00.000-07:00

Shortly after my wife and I got together we decided to introduce our two friends, Trevor and Ashley, to each other as they were both single good looking people who were in search of another good looking person.

They recently got engaged and we've been discussing different ideas for engagement photos so tonight after a double date at Westport Flea Market we decided to hit up a few local spots for some photos.

Here's a sample from today!

Son of a preacher man.

2010-07-10T19:40:00.001-07:00

Today I had the privilege of shooting the wedding of Alex and Missy. Alex's father, the pastor of his church, did an AMAZING job with the ceremony (This photographer may have had to fight off some tears) and it was an all around excellent and beautiful day to get married. Congrats guys!

You've gotta love it when the bride is in the middle of taking a serious picture and says "Let's make funny faces".

LOVE this image

Sneaking in a kiss.

Stanton turns six months.

2010-07-08T16:48:00.001-07:00

My nephew Stanton just turned six months so we figured he was about due for some new photos.

Bad to the bone.

A nice little Sunday. WITH DINOSAURS!

2010-07-08T16:43:00.000-07:00

Yay! We finally got to check out the dinosaur exhibit at Union Station this past Sunday.

But first we had to hit up the Science City gift shop. Doesn't Ashley make a stunning train conductor?

Digging up footprints.

ROAR!!!!!!

Having some fun in downtown Parkville.

2010-07-08T16:34:00.000-07:00

Last Friday the misses suggested hitting up our new favorite Italian restaurant, Frank's of Parkville , and there was a carnival set up just a few steps away so we hit that up.

We happened to catch this view as we were walking into Frank's. The light was just perfect for what I was after.

After finishing our meal we tried to find an ATM to pull out some cash for rides/funnel cake/etc and we found one of the oldest ATM's I've seen in awhile.

A view of Park University's campus from up top on the ferris wheel.

So much fun!

Riding the tea cups. NO PICTURES PLEASE!!!!

Jolisha. Future model.

2010-06-23T19:55:00.000-07:00

My friend's "little sister" from the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program wants nothing more than to be a model when she grows up so when Jennifer hit me up asking if I would be interested in shooting her you all know I was game.

So here are just a few teasers from Jolisha's first session. She's a natural.

Family session at Union Station

2010-06-06T16:47:00.000-07:00

Mr. and Mrs. Ziolo

2010-06-05T18:25:00.000-07:00

Haha. He thought I wouldn't take the photo

The Abel's get hitched.....sort of.

2010-05-29T18:34:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine sent Cole and Lori my way as they were looking for someone to photograph their special day.

They were actually married in 2006 (if memory serves correct) but it was on base in ALASKA where he was stationed at the time and so they decided to have a larger ceremony and reception with their friends and family.

It was a little sticky outside but other than that the day was perfect.

Here's a few teasers to show you the good times they had (and are probably still having as I post this)

Hugging? Fighting? Wrestling? Who cares?

"Ok guys. Let's get one with a serious pose" were the words that came out of my mouth right before this photo.

My sister (in law). The senior.

2010-05-23T21:31:00.000-07:00

Just out today doing some shooting for my awesome sister in law Laurel.

First wedding of the season.

2010-05-08T20:45:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Jackson!

Seeing double.

2010-04-17T18:36:00.000-07:00

Stacy the Senior.

2010-04-11T15:53:00.000-07:00

Just a few teasers from today's senior session with Stacy.

My beautiful wife and the little green car that could.

2010-03-10T07:33:00.001-08:00

Gearing up for the spring season I've been out shooting some stuff just for fun. Here's a couple of shots from this last weekend.

Katie get's married.

2010-02-18T14:51:00.001-08:00

Just a few shot's from our friend Katie's wedding reception in Alton, Illinois.

An overdue update.

2010-01-20T13:08:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since an update but between working, holidays, and becoming an uncle Ive found myself a little busy.

My sister and her new son.

An update a little over a week later in the studio

Some random shooting.

And with hopes of warming weather coming our way I'm even getting excited for car photography...even if it is of my daily driver Civic.

Baby Kohrs Strikes Back.

2009-12-11T14:41:00.000-08:00

My second time shooting my friend Jessica's little baby girl and she is just as cute the second time around.

Everybody is having a baby.

2009-11-26T06:59:00.000-08:00

It seems like everyone I know is either about to have a baby or just had a baby. Which means you guys get the extra dose of baby photos.

Two become one. The Hopkin's wedding.

2009-11-15T18:55:00.000-08:00

A couple months ago Ashley tells me she booked a wedding with an old friend of hers. It turns out they had booked a photographer but for one reason or another that fell through and her friend, Heather, remembered that Ashley's husband was an amazing photographer (Yup. That's me.).

I have to say that I am so happy things fell through with the other photographer because this was one of the funnest bunch of people I have had the pleasure of working with in a long time. I almost feel guilty calling it work.

So without any more rambling on my part I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Adam Hopkins.

Isn't this just about the best looking family you have ever seen?

While waiting for the ladies and I Ashley had some time with the boys. They got really excited about posing.

Their first kiss as husband and wife.

I'm used to the ladies asking the bride to scope out the ring. This is all together new to me however.

And they exit...

And then the reception begins...

And the party gets going...

Thanks for including me in your special day guys. It was a blast!

Another newborn.

2009-11-13T07:37:00.000-08:00

My wife, and faithful assistant, Ashley is really gun ho about shooting babies and every chance she gets for me to shoot a baby she takes advantage of. So when she found out an old friend of hers was pregnant she had the shoot arranged before the baby was even born.

So here is two week old Zack in all his infant glory. Sorry little man. I know your mom is going to bust these out on all your future girlfriends.

Mini Sessions at Loose Park

2009-11-09T15:09:00.000-08:00

Saturday I had a series of "mini sessions" at Loose Park where I offered up 30 minute sessions at a reduced price to friends and family.

Here are just a few teasers from the event.

Family time at the park.

2009-11-08T15:07:00.000-08:00

Just sharing some from one of my latest sessions.

There are some more teasers coming from this weekend but here is a taste of Friday's session.

I can't believe we got so lucky in November.

and this next one might be one of my favorite child photos I've ever taken.

The Riley family

2009-11-03T07:43:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday a had a bunch a fun with the Riley family at Loose Park.

Mandi and the fam.

2009-11-03T07:39:00.000-08:00

Audi R8

2009-11-01T09:53:00.000-08:00

A very cool car I got a chance to shoot the other day.

Baby Jameson

2009-10-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

This is the youngest baby I have shot to date. Little baby Jameson is only a few weeks old and too adorable for words.

The Denton's

2009-10-26T10:06:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a great day for me because it was a wedding I was involved in and one that I wasn't working.

But wouldn't you know it I brought my camera anyways.

Here are just a few shots from Ben and Jessica's special day.

Both are looking different directions but still a couple of good looking people.

Fall colors make for amazing photos.

My good friend Christine May with Click Photography shot the wedding and her husband, and my friend, Matt was her second shooter. Here is a classic Matt pose if you have ever wanted to see one.

Bennett Family Session

2009-10-17T11:51:00.000-07:00

Earlier today I had the privilege of photographing a former coworker's family at Loose Park and had a blast doing it. It's been awhile since I've encountered such a photographic family.

This one was actually Ashley's idea. We thought it summed up parenting quite nicely.

And how about these adorable children?

I love my job.

Mr. and Mrs. Schept

2009-10-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

Here are a few shots from last weekends wedding. It was a shame that the cold weather prevented the ceremony from being held outdoors as was originally planned but Trista and Phil worked it out and made magic happen.

Dancing started before the wedding even began.

The newlyweds first dance.

Then the real dancing began.

The first blog.

2009-10-14T08:47:00.000-07:00

It seems we have some catching up to do. You need to know all about who we are and what we do correct?

First of Focus Photography and Videography is a Kansas City based company that provides both, you guessed it, photo and video services.

Started as an official business in the winter of 2008 by Kyle Lackey (That's me!) after many, many years of doing it as a hobby.

Senior portraits, weddings, and family portraits are just a sliver of the services that we provide.

Keep us in mind for your next big event and don't hesitate to contact us about any questions you have.