2012 August | Shelley Paulson Photography Blog

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August23rd

Arthur and Maggie’s Simply Sweet Loft Wedding in Kansas City

Posted in: 02 - Weddings

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I’d been anticipating this wedding for over a year, and it was certainly worth the wait! I know I use the word “sweet” a lot, but I could not find a better descriptive for this wedding because it was simply sweet!

Maggie and I became friends when I spent a few months in Kansas City a few years ago. She shares my love for photography, and we did a little shooting together and have stayed in touch. I just love watching my friends go from “single” to “in a relationship” to “engaged” on Facebook. My heart jumps at the possibility that they might ask me to photograph their wedding. I don’t expect it, or put pressure on them, but my heart can only hope. :)

The wedding took place in the midst of a massive heat wave that baked much of the country’s midsection. This day was no different, with temperatures over 100 degrees. Thankfully the ceremony was inside at the New Life Event Space, and we saved our bride and groom portrait session for the end, when the sun was lower and a nice breeze was blowing. Oh, and we made a little stop in the middle of the portraits to get milkshakes at one of Kansas City’s oldest diners, Town Topic.

Here is what Maggie wrote on my Facebook wall after having her photos for a few days, “I saved one of your photos of us as the background on my phone. Every time I look at it, it takes my breath away and makes my heart skip a beat. I can’t wait to pick some to print! I am filled with admiration and joy at the beauty and love you captured between us on our wedding day. Our family members are in awe and so are we. Thank you, thank you for everything.”

This is why I love my job. It can be stressful at times, and I push myself very, very hard always to do the best work I am capable of. When I can give couples this kind of experience, it’s all worth it!

My second photographer/assistant for the day was my friend Joanna, who is like a sister to me. The most fun ending to this day was that she took a test and found out she is expecting! So much happy!

They’re looking at her, she’s looking at him. :)

Maggie’s grandfather was the officiant. Such a meaningful connection they share!

Arthur held on to Maggie through most of the ceremony, stroking her hand with his thumb.

He kissed her the normal way, shook his head, then went for the dip!

During the reception, guests had fun playing board games!

We started our portrait session just a few blocks away at the Kaufmann Performing Arts Center, a beautiful new building in downtown Kansas City.

Getting in a hammock is tricky stuff!

Time to cool off with some milkshakes!

After Town Topic, we headed to south Kansas City to a beautiful little park for some sunset portraits.
August15th

Shantel, Portraits of a Historic Woman

Posted in: 03 - Portraits

Pretty much from our first communication, Shantel and I *knew* we would get along very well. I was pretty floored when she hopped out of her car the evening of the session, looking like she could be my cousin (or Lauren Graham)! As we walked, talked, walked, talked, talked and talked (oh yeah, there was some photography in there too), we came to realize just how much we have in common. It’s like she’s a sistah from anothah mothah!

But what is really extraordinary about Shantel is that she is an authority on Mormon Women’s History. She is a frequent conference speaker and needed some updated photos for her speaking promotional materials. Her knowledge of history is extensive and she is currently volunteering at Historic Fort Snelling. In light of that, we thought it would be a great location for the session.
August13th

Danielle and Daisy, Then and Now

Posted in: 01 - Horses

Of all of the images I have created in the past eight years of doing photography, this one of Danielle and Daisy is the most defining for me. It holds a special place in my heart and in my journey that lead me to where I am today as a photographer.

I created it in the summer of 2005. I was just one year into my photography career (if you could call it that back then!). My services had been given as a gift to my now-friend Cheryl, by her friend Kelly. Kelly saw something in my work that I hadn’t even seen yet and believed in me. Even today, Kelly is still cheering me on! Without the support of people like Kelly and Cheryl, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

About 6 months after I created this image, I attended a workshop and was asked to bring a portfolio for critique. At this point in my journey, I was burned out, frustrated, and basically lost and ready to throw in the towel. The instructor looked through my portfolio and stopped on this image. She said “This is you.” Something clicked inside of me and I knew from that day on I didn’t just want to make pretty photos of horses and people. I wanted to dig deeper and explore the emotional bonds we make with them. I had a renewed sense of passion and direction, which fuels my passion even today.

This photo. This one changed my life and my career. It hangs in my office and always will.

Fast forward to a few months ago. A lovely photographer came in from out of town for an afternoon of hands-on mentoring. I needed a “model” and Danielle popped into my mind. I hadn’t photographed her since I created the above image, but she was the only person I could envision for this session. Thankfully, she was available. And not only was she available, but she was super fun to photograph! And she is still in love with her sweet Daisy horse.

It’s funny, there must just be something about Danielle and Daisy, because at this session, I created a new favorite image that I’m planning to hang in my office. But I’m going to make you wait until the end to see it.

All grown up. Isn’t she beautiful?

I love her eyes! We had a free wind machine too. :)