Every year around Christmas time I post my upcoming years senior model applications on all of my social media. Within one week the response was amazing! I read each application thoroughly and then called them in to sit down and chat. After meeting with many upcoming seniors and their parents, I made my decision on an amazing group of 12!
Check them out!
I can't wait to show them off all year long!
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​I don't know how many of you are like me but I DID NOT love my wedding pictures and a lot of it is my fault. 

Could be because I felt rushed the entire day, maybe I didn't like how my makeup turned out or maybe I felt chubby from staying up too late after the rehearsal dinner the night before. Regardless, images bring back feelings and when I look at me in my wedding dress, the feeling that comes back is yuck...plain ol' YUCK...

I spent a lot of money on the most beautiful dress I had ever seen, the venue was perfect, everyone there was happy and having fun and I even had an amazing time but the pictures of me in my dress were not my favorite...not one bit.

HERE'S MY POINT TO THIS POST 😉

WELL...I thought, wouldn't it be amazing if you could get your wedding dress back out, have your hair and makeup done by professionals and then have your pictures taken in a very laid back and relaxing setting? I have talked to many women that have said "YESSSS!" to having a redo! 

Granted we are not redoing the wedding day but this is a way of memorializing you and your beautiful gown in a more relaxed way. You can pair it up with a hat, jacket, anything! Be creative, let's have fun with this!

If you would like more information, please send me an email!

Pictured is the beautiful Hannah in my 10 year old wedding gown because I needed a model for advertising, isn't she the cutest ever, OMG(!!!) 
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hair and makeup done by the one and only Alex Simcosky

When I asked Makiah where she would like her senior session, she responded with Steak n' Shake and I couldn't have been more excited!! We then set out to gather the perfect outfit that would match the decor and then we headed out! I absolutely love how the pictures turned out, probably one of my all time favorites.
Enjoy!
Senior: Makiah . Archie Highschool . c/o 2020

my girl Riley

Hi there!  I'm so excited you are applying for the 2021 senior model team! My model team is a mix of different heights, shapes, colors and personalities! I want you to not only bond with me but to meet new friends and have fun!

During your time as a WEP Model, you'll have the opportunity to participate in styled group shoots, modeling shoots for local boutiques, your own styled creative shoot as well as your own senior portrait session!! It's going to be a fun year!!

By the way, I welcome guys to apply too!!!

**Read all the details first before you fill out the application**

side note: Sadly, I can only accept so many models each year, please know that if you are not selected to be on the team, I still want to take your senior pictures! Of course!!

Model Team PERKS

1. Personalized styled creative shoot just for you + professional makeup!!
2. Meet & greet party to meet the 2021 team + group pictures
3. "Naturally You" studio headshot session 
4. ​Two themed photoshoots with team + individual images too!
5. Your own mobile app for showing off your images! Parent's get one too! 
6. Additional savings on cap & gown + prom mini sessions and exclusive savings on family sessions too!
7. Plus you'll receive discounts to amazing boutiques too!

VERY IMPORTANT: To be considered for the 2021 model team your parents or financial guardian must read and agree in writing to the perks and fee involved plus understand that senior portraits and expenses involved will be completely separate from the modeling team fees. Since you are under the age of 18, I need their consent before I can even consider you. I will email them separately after review of your application so please tell them to be checking their email!

SUPER DUPER IMPORTANT: To receive all the exclusive model perks listed above, you and your parents must agree in writing to hire West Elm Photography as your senior portrait photographer, exclusively. 
easy peasy!

Application deadline is December 27th
Applicants with parents written approval will be asked to come to the studio for a sit down visit, I'd like to meet you first. This way I can answer any questions you and your parents might have as well as get to know ya. 

2021 Model team to be announced mid-January

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting several ladies and photographing them for their social media needs and this I call, personal branding. We have a realtor, a lobbyist and a therapist, all amazing women and all with a new set of images to help them with their marketing needs. Enjoy a handful of my favorites.

Parker, I will miss you my sweet girl. Thank you for blessing me with your soulful  and pure love. I truly believe you did exactly what God intended for you to do in your short 21 years. You crossed my path just at the right time and showed me a love that I never knew existed for me, I've been broken for many many years Parker, before you were even born. In the past year, I have had trouble with believing in God and trouble keeping my faith because everything that had been happening in my life was leaving me feeling helpless and overcome with sadness. I would cried to God over and over, why did you forget about me! Why! Damn you for forgetting about me! My mom always said, talk to God honey, he is listening, well, I felt as if he was tired of hearing from me. Just last week I begged for him to help me, I pleaded for him to please help me and to guide me.
I've learned a lot in your passing and discovered a lot too.  I have most importantly learned from your passing that you are proof that God does exist. I have felt you and God in my heart since you've passed and I believe deep down and with all of me that you were one of God's prophet sent to love everyone and especially us broken souls and Parker, I'm witness to your purpose, I will never doubt Gods love again as I look into his most beautiful angels eyes. I'm so glad God sent you Parker Lawrence and I'm so fortunate to have captured you through pictures, I have so many! We had fun didn't we, going back through the pictures has sparked a new love of photography again. Oh Parker, you have given me so much and I know that God is so proud of you, he's probably crying in joy of all the lives you touched and even this old girl, you have made me a believer. I told your dad at your visitation that I will seek God more, I was shaking and he may not have understood my words but I could tell that he knew what I was saying. 
Speaking of angels, I look at this picture and I see your heart smiling at me, I see your pureness and I especially see how much you cared about me. I see an angel that walked among us. You are and forever will be my most favorite subject. I love you so much Parker and I will see you again someday...oh and I hope they have cameras in heaven because we've got a lot more photoshoots to do. Love you.
xoxo
Robin

I've recently been bouncing back and forth the idea of my boys modeling and so far, they are both on board. I'm not just saying this but they both have this stare down with the camera that is story telling and mature. It's crazy that they have the "smolder" at age 8...oh boy. lol
Here are my babies from their most recent portfolio shots taken by their momager, me! love them 

One thing I love about my new studio is the way the lobby area photographs! This is the third set of headshots I have done in the lobby and I love the light and clean look they give, plus the huge windows help too!
Enjoy some of my latest work for KC's best makeup artist, Alex Simcosky and she's also my personal makeup artist too, she does amazing work for my clients. Adore her! You can see most of her work on most of my images, seriously, she's amazing!

"Oh I don't want printed products...I only want the digitals."
I have heard this so many times and each time I silently cringe because I know that many of you will never ever have your images printed...I know this because that was me prior to learning about photography and now I'm sad to say but I can't find some of the discs anywhere.
Let me assure you that the 2-4 hours I spend in the photoshoot, another 20-30 hours of culling and processing your images to perfection is not worth sitting on a flashdrive for years to come.
Please please please show off your images, choose a photography lab that specializes in imagery to print your images. Please don't pay good money for such an amazing photographic experience along with high-quality images to only show them off on social media. You deserve to showcase those babies all day every day!
What I'm saying is that while I do know digitals are important and that is why I offer them in my packages, I also know how important it is to print your images as well.
...and might I tell you, I have some amazing high-quality print products to choose from...wink wink.

Enjoy my most recent styled session with Alex! She brought her dads Trans Am and well, we made some awesome images!

I have now incorporated concept styled sessions into my options! Check it out!
I love helping teens branch out and try new things :)

This year I picked a small group of girls to represent my brand their senior year and in the perks is a completely styled session. All items you see below come from the style closet I have in the studio and oh my word, here is my first styled session of the year and I am in LOVE!
If you would like your own styled session in addition to your senior portraits, let me know or if you only want a styled session, I am here for you! 
Featuring Ali . 2020
hair and makeup by Alex Simkosky

Hi all! I am now offering THE perfect image holders! These handmade wooden holders are made with maple wood and the perfect way to show off your favorite matted images by West Elm Photography! It's not only practical but it makes a beautiful, modern showcase wherever you place it. Email me for more information and how to get one of your own!
Colors: White, Grey, Black, Sage, Terra Cotta

Perfect for the matted images I offer! 

Hi! It's that time again upcoming seniors and for this next year I've got some exciting new changes I'm bringing into my senior rep program and I think you might like it A LOT! I am now offering 2 fantastic photoshoots to add to your senior year and as a Senior Model Rep you receive it an extremely low low price...which by the way, you are now called "WEP Senior Model" and not just "rep" anymore. ;)
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SO! I am looking for only 8-10 Senior Models from schools all around the metro who love fashion, love the camera, love sharing on social media and LOVE the unique photography style of West Elm Photography! If this sounds like you, check out the amazing perks to being chosen to represent a style of photography that is fresh, distinctive and not like the rest. 

I am looking for upcoming 2020 seniors that are comfortable in front of the camera, dedicated to marketing my brand by posting their images to all social media and who have a love for fashion forward images. Many of my seniors sign with modeling agencies after highschool, might as well have a portfolio to show them! Keep in mind, you don't have to be an aspiring model to apply :)

All senior models + parents will sign a contract that they acknowledge the terms of my senior portrait process along with acknowledging the perks and details of being a 2020 senior model. 
Terms: 
*All senior models cannot be a photographer themselves or represent any other photographer (professional or amateur) until their contract is up, contract ends upon 2020 graduation.
*Senior Model applicant's require parent's approval and parents will need to attend the sit-down consultation & sign contract.
*When chosen as a senior model you will need to pay the $375 up front (for the heavily discounted perks) plus $300 to reserve your actual senior portrait date. Only my senior models get the option of reserving their senior portraits with less than the full amount, the remaining session fee balance will be due on the senior portrait date.
*If chosen you agree to post every senior Sunday and tag west elm photography and to never apply filters or crop out my logo.
*Chosen models will need an active facebook and instagram (public), this is a MUST!

So now that you have read the simple terms ... just think, by this time next year you will have already had your concept session to socially share, the naturally-you session PLUS your own actual senior session! That's three sessions showing off you in this last year of highschool! So wink wink, to apply, you gotta love the camera because I'll be in your face a ton. ;)

For senior portrait information and how the process works, click here 

One thing I highly enjoy about working with youth is that they want to have bomb a** photos to show off and they love being the first to try something different when it comes to their senior portraits.
I always want my seniors to push past their boundaries, especially with fashion. I love fashion myself and love seeing images that are different than the rest. 
Last weekend I went to a conference in Chicago and along with other photographers who are also fashion forward types, we worked with young models on just what we love...fashion! and also unique poses, again breaking out the norm is what sets my passionate heart on fire.  Love seeing my poses come to life, it's one thing to imagine them but to be able to document them is even better. 
Enjoy some of the images from my time in Chicago and I hope to help my seniors branch out more and try this for themselves!
P.S. I bought the black leather jacket for myself, lol, had to have it!

I without a coubt live for the summer! This is my crazy 4 month span that I take soooo many senior portraits and meet so many amazing kiddos. They come from all over and I'm always thrilled that they choose me from the sea of photographers all around them.
Enjoy some of my recents :)

I may work non-stop every night in the summer heat but when you get to work with amazing people, you love doing it and plus, I get a really good tan every summer. win win
Enjoy my first senior rep picture event! 

So long my wonderful 2018 Senior Reps! I love you all and wish you nothing but the best.
Always,
Robin

​I have always been surrounded by artists, creative spirits, people with such brilliant minds that had the power to think outside of the box, never in the world did I think I had any inkling of a creative soul.  My mom was a photographer in the 70's & 80's, all by hobby but she was serious about her photographs.  We had transformed one of our bathrooms into her black room and I used to love being in there with her and watching her in her moment and I kinda liked the smell of the developer, it reminded me of happiness. My mom would take these awesome pictures, some of just random stuff but it was always developed with such emotion and realness. She used to amaze me with her photography and I used to sneak and look at her cool photography coffee table booklets, mainly because there were so many naked people in them and I was young and fascinated and I guess also a weirdo that sniffed developer...geez was I clueless.
Growing up I didn't have many hobbies, I know I loved to dance and did so for I believe 12 years, I was involved in jazz, tap, toe and ballet and I LOVED It! As I got older not so much, so from about 12 on I didn't have any hobbies, I never pushed myself to do anything really so I had no clue if I was good at something or not.  I did know that I loved to work and work hard, I put in so much mental and physical effort into all my jobs, I guess my hobby was working.  All I knew is that I loved working and having a job. I loved people and perfection and working was perfect for me.  In my mid twenties I met Lisa, a very creative soul that just oozed artistry, uniqueness, and brilliance.  She was a photographer, an artist, loved music I hated, created things out of Barbie doll heads and puff balls, this girl was in every since, an artist.  I admired how her brain worked and wondered how I got to be so dull in all my 20-something years while others had awesome things to do and they did them without much effort.  Never in my life did I ever think about lifting up a camera, I had tried painting, glueing things together but nothing really got my heart purring.  Now fast forward to a 30-something girl and married to an avid outdoorsman who loves the outdoors, loves hunting, loves archery and traveling and then there's me, and all I love to do is work, be busy and the occasional happy hour...how boring.  Needless to say, I was captivated by his drive, his love (obsession) for the outdoors and the true passion he had for traveling abroad. Still now here's little ol' me, approaching 40 and what is wrong with me? how come I have not found ME! Was I not pushed enough as a kid, was I lazy and ignored everything around me? who knows but now I'm married with newborn twin boys, so I guess I'll be a mom, yes, that will be my job, maybe this is my calling.  Wrongo! While I love my children without a doubt and all that they possess and dream of them when they are not around and kiss them all the time, I was still lacking something that fulfilled me, Robin.
Then this happened, my friend Shannon just randomly called me one day and asked if I would take pictures of her family for their fall pictures.  I said sure! not knowing anything about cameras, I grabbed my husbands old Canon and just put the baby in auto and took their pictures.  When I was done, I thought cool, here ya go, enjoy your pictures.  THEN about a month later, I had a new friend, a photographer look at those pictures and was blown away at my composition, what's that? my posing of the family and random shots of them having fun, she said Robin, you have a true eye for photography, you are really good! It was at that moment that I realized, maybe I am good at something creative, maybe I have a natural born talent? (ok, that might be pushing it but really, did I?)
So immediately after that, I planted my happy ars down and started reading and studying like a mad women, I was obsessed.  I went out and bought a Nikon, why Nikon? that is what my photographer friend used and she said it was user friendly.  I then called friends and asked them if I could practice my new found obsession on them and after they received their pics, they would have these huge grins on their faces, I was then hooked, I wanted more and more! Then it dawned on me, that's it! I have found my passion and at the mere age of late 30's (wink wink), I have found something that truly makes my heart purrr! I LOVE photographing people, I LOVE learning more and more about the trade, LOVE editing the pictures AND LOVE seeing how much people love my work.  I get such joy when someone picks me to capture their moments. I truly get so giddy, even to this day!
It's funny how things happen the way they do, I truly thank you Shannon May for opening my eyes and asking me to do something that put me outside of my little mind bubble.  I also thank you Nikki Griffith for looking at those photographs and giving me such positivity and encouragement, so glad the universe put you both in my path, I couldn't be more grateful!
Now here I am 9 years in the business and reaching new creative levels in myself every time I pick the camera up and still just as obsessed as I was 9 years ago.
Who knew that at my "advanced age" (lol) I would have finally found ME and what truly makes me feel complete.
​Moral of this huge snooze-fest blog post is that it is never too late to find yourself, to try new things and to open your heart to change, find what makes your heart purr outside of kiddos, family and work, find what completes YOU! :)

Thank you for your time.

​Robin

One of the things I love about my job is seeing my amazing clients in print form! Whether it's a beautiful canvas print, a 20x30 matted wall print or my favorite, the storybook albums, there is nothing like the feeling I get when I see them displayed.  I also love the pure joy I see on my clients faces when they see themselves or their loved ones in print form. I have pictures of my kiddos all over my house and finding new ways to display their super cute faces is a total thrill!

On that note, let me show off my amazing new products! I love how they look!

These wonderful 6x6 storyboard canvases are how should I say it, PERFECT!!
You can select anywhere from 3 to 7 images from your session, canvases can be hung up or propped and you get all three for one price! Great to separate and give as gifts or keep all three for yourself! 

Also new in my print product line up is this amazing 8x10 metal print! It is such a sturdy piece and the metal really brings out the color of the image. You can either hang the print or prop it up. Metal prints can be provided in landscape or portrait!

Recently on one of my random instagram hunts, I ran across some super cute clothes and they look incredibly inexpensive too! I do know from previous experience that some of these sites with super cute and inexpensive clothes have items that are poorly made but as I'm reading in the reviews, this site might actually just have some semi-quality stuff!
You know how some inexpensive clothes are perfect for maybe 1 or 2 wears? well this might be this type of thing and if taken care of, maybe get even more wears!
The point I'm getting to is that this is perfect for senior photos!! Super cute clothes, inexpensive, you may only wear it once so it might as well be for your portraits, because then you are really getting your money's worth for years to come. Get it? ;) #winwin

Some pointers -
*please double check the sizes and measurements, I've ran across items running too small with these kind of clothing sites and if you need to get a size up, do! For portraits I can always clip items in a way that makes it appear more fitting. I would rather do that than have the cute outfit not fit at all.
*some items may be thinner in material so you will need undergarments that match

and I would never forget the guys! they have stuff for you too!

side note, I am not affiliated with this website in any way. I am just passing along some cute items that are very budget friendly. I am actually purchasing a couple items today, I couldn't resist. 
Happy Shopping!
​Robin :)

I am currently gearing up for my 2019 senior year to be in full swing! I love this time of year!!! Here are just a few things I posted on my facebook page recently :)
Enjoy!

Hannah | Model | Overland Park, KS