Thursday, September 10, 2009

2010 SENIOR MODEL AGENTS




It's time to get a glimpse at the incredible young ladies who are Model Agents for Sue Ables Photography. I appreciate all the work they have put in this summer! It has been an honor to get to know you girls better and I hope you won't be strangers after you leave high school.


Okay, okay... I hear you. It has been a crazy, crazy summer. I do have the 2010 Senior Model Agents out there, so find one of them to get a discount on your Senior Portrait Session!

I have been remiss and have not posted as each Model Agent session was completed, but now you get them all at once! No mistaking it, you can find one of these girls somewhere in Johnson County! School is back in session and with high school sports, you will find one of them roaming around, dancing during half-time, or cheering on the Varsity team.

These five girls were an absolute joy to photograph. I LOVE SENIORS!!! They are so full of life and their individual personalities entertained me all summer! As you all know, I miss my daughter very much and even miss her hectic high school days. These five girls have made it easier for me.

Each girl chose their areas to be photographed. The girls were able to choose which images went on the website. They have been an integral part of my new website just for Senior High.

Make sure you pay a visit to my website and check the girls out. THEN FIND ONE OF THEM! They can hook you up with a discount on your session. Fall is going to be upon us quickly and a great time for your portraits! You can choose where your photos are taken and I can make several suggestions if you wish.

Jordan attends Olathe North High School.




Laura attends St. James Academy




Erin can be found at St. Thomas Aquinas!



Moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, you too can get this terrific discount by locating one of the five girls. If you know one of the girls and want your family portrait for Christmas or just because you need one, contact me.

Brittany is at Shawnee Mission West!



Don't hesitate to make your appointment now. Slots are filling up!

Gabrielle is lucky to attend my alma mater, Bishop Miege!



There is much more news to be shared and sessions to post, so stay tuned!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Joe's Beginning

Graduation Time!

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In the world of Catholic schooling we like to celebrate. This includes graduation at the end of 8th grade to celebrate FINALLY getting out of that elementary school and heading to HIGH SCHOOL!! YES! And so it goes for my nephew. He graduated Saturday from his grade school and cannot wait to get to high school. He went to a very small private school which is growing slowly. Consequently, he was the only the graduate this year. Let's hear it for the smartest, kindest, funniest, cutest, most likely to succeed, most likely to fall on his face, most popular person in his class! Who else can say that. Not many.

Congratulations Joe! Hope to see you more often at your new school down the street.


Saturday, May 23, 2009

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Beautiful Day for Roaming...




Yesterday was a beautiful day. I had been stuck in the house for awhile and had the itch to just get outside and shoot! So, I grabbed my gear and headed out the door to parts unknown. I ended up in the city scouting some new locations for Senior Portraits. A bit tired of the same locations and wanted to find some fresh views. IT FELT SO GOOD!

I began my journey in the Rivery Quay/City Market area. Since it was Monday, it was pretty quiet. That was perfect. No rushing. I could troll the streets without people honking at me to hurry it up. I did come across this walkway that stretches out over the river. When looking through the grates on each side, you can see big city bridges. It is a very cool walkway with little lookout areas. It does have a stairwell that goes down to the railroad tracks, but I don't think I will venture there. I have a feeling there are a few residents down there and not sure I'm feeling that neighborly. But the walkway is awesome and will try a few shots with actual people
soon.



I then roamed through the city towards Crown Center. I decided to get off the 'main drag' a bit and see what kind of buildings and structures I could find. What a good idea. I came across this old bus that is parked in a lot (obviously not going anywhere) and had been painted with graffiti. Another cool find! I will give this one a try also with an actual person soon.





I haven't shot a 'landscape' in quite awhile and really miss it. I proceeded up the hill to Penn Valley Park where the statue of "The Scout" is located. It is a Kansas City landmark and overlooks the skyline... well, what skyline Kansas City we have here. I took this shot and made into an HDR (High Dynamic Range) photograph which gives it some depth. Next time, I will have my tripod on my shoulder to take the appropriate shots needed to make a good quality HDR photograph. For now, this is okay for me. I was out shooting what I love.




Next to 'The Scout" is a skate park. There happened to be two guys practicing rolling around. Action shots are the most exciting for me and the most challenging. Skaters are my favorite subjects. They see me coming with the camera and all of sudden they think they can tricks they have never attempted before and nearly kill themselves trying! These two had brains. They just continued what they were doing and allowed me to practice. I haven't taken any of these shots since last summer due to lack of time. Rusty I am. I will make it a point to get back out there more often! But, fun it was! Thanks boys!



At that point, it was getting to be late in the afternoon. It was my baby sister's day off. I don't see her much now that she decided to work. After stopping for a couple of Mocha Frappacinos I headed to her house. On such a gorgeous day, all the kids (and a few extras) were out in the backyard having a great time on the swing sets, eating popsicles, and just being kids. Her kids are my favorite models. I walk in the door and the first words are "take my picture!" . Yesterday was NO exception. Especially on the monkey bars! These are a few shots of the little hooligans on a warm sunny day doing what kids do best!



Friday, May 1, 2009

For All That You Do!

This video is for all those who attended the Rescue supporting the Invisible Children, especially those who then travelled to Chicago and remain there still after five days waiting to be 'rescued'. You kids are AWESOME!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

The RESCUE of the ABDUCTED


A few weeks ago, I was told about an event that was to take place on the Plaza at the JC Nichols Fountain and would continue to Penn Valley Park to the statue of 'The Scout', as well as cities all over the nation and all over the world. I was told hundreds of people were going to 'abduct themselves' in unity with the children in Africa who are abducted from their homes and families by a tyrant named Joseph Kony and forced to become child soldiers. This story sounds familiar doesn't it? Sounds like something similar we have heard about that part of the world? Atrocities ignored, voices unheard? I was told to go to a website to learn about "THE ABDUCTION" and "RESCUE". I was told to go to the Invisible Children website. I went, I read, I listened, I searched, I was appalled. Who will stand up for these children? For these families? Uganda and the Congo have nothing of value that powerful countries in the world want or need. They are ignored or forgotten

Saturday, April 25th, I had a couple of hours free at the time the 'abduction' was to begin on the Plaza. I went with my camera in hand. I had no idea what I would come across. It's been a long time since the protests, marches, and rallies of my youth. There haven't been many since. Most 30-something or 40-something year olds have never even thought of doing this. So, I thought I would look in on this event.

Everyone who signed up or even showed up last minute signs in, signs a banner, writes a letter to Congress on behalf of the 3000 children still being held by Kony. They 'abduct' themselves. They unify themselves with all those children for just one night. They march two by two holding a rope from JC Nichols Fountain to Penn Valley Park (about 2 miles). They remain there until they are 'rescued' by someone of power or notoriety. So they are noticed.

I got to the fountain a little early and started firing off a few shots. Then the kids started rolling in. KIDS! College kids. High School kids. Junior high kids. Even a few kids with their parents. I.was.amazed. The power of texting, Facebook, and My Space is amazing! I know there has been a growing movement in community service. My nieces are involved and travel during their holidays to places like New Orleans, Galveston, Guadalajara, wherever help is needed. They are high school age. But to see all these kids strolling into the park area with their backpacks and sleeping bags, standing up and giving a voice to children on the other side of the world was something to witness. The kids were excited. Some came in pairs, some in groups. But they came... to unite as one... one voice.




I have included a collage of some of the pictures I took at the beginning of this 'event'. I was keeping an eye on these kids through the invisible children website. The website allowed each 'Abduction Site' to check in when they were able. If you recall, Saturday night was when we had all the tornadic activity. That did not phase these kids. I know they stayed put! I was watching the 'Breaking Weather' and a reporter was talking about the bad weather on its way. Then she pointed to the 'Abduction Site' and said basically that the crowd at Penn Valley Park must not have any idea about the weather, because they looked like they were out having a good time! hmmm...... Well, I did fire off an email immediately. To the reporter's credit, she responded IMMEDIATELY! And she had NO idea this event was happening. She was actually reporting another story when the weather story took over.

So, I'm wondering, who the heck is going to 'Rescue' Kansas City if even the news crews don't know it's happening?? I had no reason to be concerned. There was a rock band in town playing Saturday night by the name of Switchfoot. As soon as they finished their concert, the boys hopped into their transportation and raced to site where all the kids were waiting to be rescued. They pulled out their gear and played for them! Kansas City was rescued! That doesn't mean they go home. If I understand this correctly, everyone stays put until all cities are 'rescued'. It took until well into Sunday before they could go home.

This generation is different. This generation is pro-active. This generation gives me hope.

Update: It is Tuesday night at 9:30 pm. The Rescue began last Saturday evening. There is one city left that has NOT been rescued. Can you believe it is CHICAGO? Chicago? Home of Oprah? That is disheartening... I don't know the number of people, but I hear at least a thousand people in Chicago wait... wait... after four days continue to wait... to be rescued.

As I said before. This generation gives me hope.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

"FLUX" (the band)


Flux is a local classic rock band packed with incredibly talented musicians from Kansas City. Charlie keeps the boys in line with his incredible drummin' skills. He also is a 'sound dude' around town, so you may see him helping out other bands. Drew is the 'cool' bass guitarist and 'front' guy who keeps the crowd going in between songs. Mark... well, Mark is a kick tail lead guitarist! If I can, I will put up a player with a sample of one of their Pink Floyd covers. Mark is pretty amazing on guitar. (don't get mad guys... you are ALL GREAT!) Then there is Pat. What can I say? I LOVE THIS GUY! He plays EVERYTHING! He is the keyboardist. He also fills in with guitar, flute, sax, violin, harmonica, or whatever else the song calls for, except cowbell.. I want that one!

These four guys have been in bands forever and have recently gotten together to form FLUX. They needed a picture for their demo CD to get out around town and for promotional material. During band practice last weekend, we went for it. After a couple of beers, they thought the canoe would be a GREAT IDEA! Then Charlie decided to stand up. It came very close to tipping over and threw a band member into a panic, but it all ended well. I had a blast with these guys. They are not only the most talented musicians I know, but four of the greatest guys I know!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

My Time with Jackson

I had an absolute blast with Jackson and his mom Lindsay at the park feeding the geese!

Monday, April 13, 2009

Easter at Grandma's

Easter was spent with family. As we waited for everyone to arrive, I took a quick shot of my sister's family. She was fortunate to have her entire family present! Both girls were home from college. It had to be quick as little Lucia only wanted to RUN!





We had a big easter egg hunt for the kids at Grandma's house. There were fourteen cousins present to enjoy the festivities. This is the big spring event the kids look forward to each year, especially the kids who are little older. The hunt is on for the one egg out of 185 that contains that on $5 bill! The boys usually find it and this year was no exception. This year Luke was the lucky one! Congratulations Luke on finding THE egg of the year!








It was a gloomy, dreary, soggy day, but all had fun anyway!

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Welcome!

Welcome to the first post of the sue ables photography blog. I am excited about this new adventure and hope to keep everyone up to date to the happenings and fun portrait shoots here!

Bookmark this site and make sure you return soon for the latest news and pictures! Thank you for stopping by!

sue