kelly jackson photography, 8010 Foster Street, Overland Park, KS (2026)

02/12/2019

A bittersweet farewell

01/18/2019

I had learned a lot about Andrew Wood's journey before I met him the morning of his shoot. Dude. I cannot even begin to comprehend. But I hesitate to start there, because I would imagine that's not where he wants his story to begin or end or even what he wants to be defined by, really. Because holy smokes, this guy is incredible. I find Andrew to be deeply warm, genuine, and engaging. He has a depth about him that is definitely hard won, but is also something he is using for such good. He exudes joy at such a level it's hard to not feel it just standing next to him, and that huge bigger-than-life smile of his seems perfectly fitting for a person who gives so much joy just by being around him. I think I will forever remember this shoot if for no other reason because his mom playfully called me a coward (or was it a chicken?) at one point for not testing the limits to get a particular shot at one of the locations. I tend to follow the rules at all times, but I also fear missing that one amazing shot, so we went for it. While Andrew and I crawled in to find our spots and she stayed where she had handed out said "double dog dare" to reflect light back into where we were standing, unbeknownst to me Little Miss Hilarious was busy pulling up a police siren on her phone to start playing just as I started taking photos. I about wet my pants, freaking out as I looked around for the police car, while Ellen burst into hysterical laughter. I will forever be endeared to her for this moment because it was, in fact, hilarious. And I will forever be endeared to Andrew Wood for the remarkable human being he has become, in PART because of his battle with melanoma. I looked up a speech he had given, reflecting on his journey through these last few years, and thought about our time on that shoot, and realized that it is impossible to ignore that battling cancer (three times!) from the age of 14 hasn't been part of making him into this incredible human being. But I also found myself so hopeful for a future one day when that isn't necessarily the lead part of the story, you know? Because Andrew, you're made of so much good. I'm so so glad I had the chance to meet you.

01/18/2019

I had learned a lot about Andrew Wood's journey before I met him the morning of his shoot after a couple phone calls with his mom. Dude. I cannot even begin to comprehend. But I hesitate to start there, because I would imagine that's not where he wants his story to begin or end or even what he wants to be defined by, really. Because holy smokes, this guy is incredible. I find Andrew to be deeply warm, genuine, and engaging. He has a depth about him that is definitely one that comes hard won, but is also something he is using for such good. He exudes joy at such a level it's hard to not feel it just standing next to him, and that huge bigger-than-life smile of his seems perfectly fitting for a person who gives so much joy just by being around him. I think I will forever remember this shoot if for no other reason because his mom playfully called me a coward (or was it a chicken?) at one point for not testing the limits to get a particular shot at one of the locations. I tend to follow the rules at all times, but I also fear missing that one amazing shot, so we went for it. While Andrew and I crawled in to find our spots and she stayed where she had handed out said "double dog dare" to reflect light back into where we were standing, unbeknownst to me Little Miss Hilarious was busy pulling up a police siren on her phone to start playing just as I started taking photos. I about wet my pants, freaking out as I looked around for the police car, while Ellen burst into hysterical laughter. I will forever be endeared to her for this moment because it was, in fact, hilarious. And I will forever be endeared to Andrew Wood for the remarkable human being he has become, in part because of his battle with melanoma. I looked up a speech he had given, reflecting on his journey through these last few years, and thought about our time on that shoot, and realized that it is impossible to ignore that battling cancer (three times!) from the age of 14 hasn't been part of making him into this incredible human being. But I also found myself so hopeful for a future one day when that isn't necessarily the lead part of the story, you know? Because Andrew, you're made of so much good. I'm so glad I had the chance to meet you.

01/18/2019

Georgia Raaf. I don't even know where to start. I find this girl to be captivating. She has this fantastic sense of who she is with just enough groundedness to make her this great blend of both confident and humble. I love her wide eyes full of light and joy and maybe even a bit of orneriness. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with both her and her mom from start to finish, including but not limited to our discussion about nutrition and fitness. This girl takes dang good care of herself in a lot of ways, and having just recently started on the Paleo diet just before her session, I had many questions for her once I learned of her journey both with a peanut allergy and with personal choices to eat clean. I am amazed time and time again when I met high school seniors who have their act together so much more than I ever did, even into my twenties. Seriously...who are you people??! I want to stay connected with all of you somehow and sit back and watch what you will become down the road. With the levels of personal conviction and commitment many of you have in things, I just stand in awe of who you all have already become. Georgia, you are high on my list of examples here. I left our time together just feeling like I'd met someone special. I mean, yes...you have great taste in pants. Duh. (I want those navy pants. Still to this day, they might be my favorite item of clothing worn on a session that I wanted to find and own for myself.) But your all together sense of togetherness at such a young age was just plain impressive. Months later, that's what I remember about you. (Let the record show, readers, that I literally am typing this in January at midnight recalling a specific conversation I had with her about nutrition. I actually do remember each of my sessions with you. This is not all fluff here. For realsies. I actually really really do love my time with each of you and count it such a gift to get to capture you for the individuals you are.) Thanks for picking me to be the one to take your senior pics. It makes me feel cool. Like those pants. (Still drooling over those pants.)

01/17/2019

cannot believe it has been three months since I posted a tribute of any kind. These last 12-16 weeks have been an utter blur to me. But as I enjoy some downtime, I am reflecting on this amazing group of seniors I've had to work with this past year and have determined to catch up on highlighting each of them, even though these are months too late in their posting. Let's pick up where I left off with the delighful Maggie Gormley. I swear to you, this girl was talked about more than anyone before I met her than I think any other client I've ever had. By the time her session rolled around, I felt certain I was about to meet a celebrity or something. People spoke of her with such fondness and such joy that I was nothing short of intrigued about just how wonderful this wonderful human could be. My verdict? 100% wonderful. If I could describe Maggie Gormley, I think I would liken her to a glass bottle of cold Orange Crush, perfectly accompanied with a whimsical paper straw. She is the classic girl next door (glass bottle for the vintage/classic/timeless quality), orange (bright, sunshiny, bursting with joy), cold (go with me on this one, as I'm thinking it just feels refreshing to be around her), crush (because dude...who doesn't just fall in love with this girl after being around her even for a short bit?), and of course a whimsical paper straw because this girl has that little extra something that sets her out from the ordinary. Maggie, I ADORED my time with you and your mom, trying out new spots and trying to squeeze in as many things as humanly possible in our short time together. Thank you a thousand times over for asking me to be the one to capture your vivacious spirit. You are fantastic.

01/17/2019

I cannot believe it has been three months since I posted a tribute of any kind. These last 12-16 weeks have been an utter blur to me. But as I enjoy some downtime, I am reflecting on this amazing group of seniors I've had to work with this past year and have determined to catch up on highlighting each of them, even though these are months too late in their posting. Let's pick up where I left off with the delighful Maggie Gormley. I swear to you, this girl was talked about more than anyone before I met her than I think any other client I've ever had. By the time her session rolled around, I felt certain I was about to meet a celebrity or something. People spoke of her with such fondness and such joy that I was nothing short of intrigued about just how wonderful this wonderful human could be. My verdict? 100% wonderful. If I could describe Maggie Gormley, I think I would liken her to a glass bottle of cold Orange Crush, perfectly accompanied with a whimsical paper straw. She is the classic girl next door (glass bottle for the vintage/classic/timeless quality), orange (bright, sunshiny, bursting with joy), cold (go with me on this one, as I'm thinking it just feels refreshing to be around her), crush (because dude...who doesn't just fall in love with this girl after being around her even for a short bit?), and of course a whimsical paper straw because this girl has that little extra something that sets her out from the ordinary. Maggie, I ADORED my time with you and your mom, trying out new spots and trying to squeeze in as many things as humanly possible in our short time together. Thank you a thousand times over for asking me to be the one to capture your vivacious spirit. You are fantastic.

11/23/2018

I must have been in a turkey coma last night and totally spaced on drawing the winner for this year’s free session giveaway for ThanksGIVING. Sorry, guys. Special congrats go to who was nominated by . I’ll be in touch after Christmas to get something set up for January or February, !

11/22/2018

ThanksGIVING Give Away: Last Call! I posted last week that it was time once again to nominate someone deserving for a FREE photo session. It’s not too late! Look on my feed for more info. All nominations due by 8 pm tomorrow night. Share the news!! Spread the word!!

11/09/2018

My heart could not be more grateful for the incredible year here with Kelly Jackson Photography. As a way of giving back, I am looking for just the right person to gift with a free "essential session" (a $350 value!) to be redeemed in January or February at 'the [un]studio' or outdoors should weather permit (not available Sundays). Tag a friend you are thankful for and write a diddy about why you're grateful for them. The goal here is to really bless someone publically with your words, so let's gush, people. Entries can be for senior, baby, kid, family, or couples portraits. A name will be randomly drawn the evening of Thanksgiving from all the nominees on Instagram and Facebook combined. Follow on Instagram and Facebook for this and other upcoming holiday specials. Share and tag your friends! Spreading gratitude this time of year makes my heart feel all warm and fuzzy. Doesn't it you? (And yes, as a matter of fact I DID just post a photo of me making a heart with my hands. No one asked you. Be nice.)

kelly jackson photography

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