Kansas City's Portrait Photographer for Real Life, Real Love, and the People You Actually Are
This isn't snapping shots.
this is creative curation.
This Is art, dammit.
Whether it’s your full-throttle family, a romantic couple’s session, or just you stepping into your power in a portrait - we craft photos that feel real without leaving anything to chance.
At Stag & Bird, we don’t just show up and hope our clients are natural models. We direct like filmmakers - guiding, positioning, and prompting with precision—so your photos look natural but feel elevated. You’ll move, interact, and maybe even jog into a side-hug, but we’ll never leave you guessing what to do with your hands.
Expect:
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Artistic portraits with a sense of place
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Movement-driven prompts that look candid (but are cleverly crafted) and feel natural to pull off
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Playful scenarios, a few dance breaks, and zero forced smiles
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A session that feels more like a hangout than a chore
We’re not here for stiff, arms around waists poses or pretend smiles. But we are here for that weird little thing your kid does, the way your partner looks at you when you’re not paying attention, or the moment you realize, “Damn—I look good.”
While we always snag a few traditional shots for the grandparents, we focus on connection, emotion, and portraits that are as wild, romantic, funny, or soulful as you are.
Our sessions usually run about an hour—but we’re not watching the clock. We shoot until we’ve got what we need. Sometimes we stay and chat a while longer. That’s just how it goes when you’re creating something this good.
You don’t need to “act natural.” You just need to show up. We’ll take it from there.
Your Portrait Experience
This isn’t a quick photo op. This is a full-on, all-in investment in your story, your people, and the kind of art that actually means something when you hang it on your walls.
We’re not here to give you cookie-cutter images that look like everyone else’s—we’re here to create portraits that feel like you. Loud, honest, a little chaotic, wildly beautiful. Whether it’s a crazy family session, a solo milestone moment, or a quiet in-home lifestyle shoot—this is about preserving the moments that matter, and turning them into art you’ll keep forever.
the stag & bird curated photo experience
Who We photograph
Families: Movement, emotion, quirkiness, and closeness. We lean into the weirdness and beauty of your crew. Kid cries? Okay, whatever. That’s how she felt. Dad’s sneaking peeks at the game score? Camera’s still rolling. Tasmanian Devil toddler? We love motion blur.
Newborns: In your home or lifestyle sessions at the Electric Light Studio. No props, no baby in a basket, no “shhh” apps. Just you and your newborn, exactly as you are.
Maternity: Bold, raw, connected. We’ll celebrate your body, your story, and this wild season of transformation—with style.
Couples: You don’t need a ring to deserve the spotlight. More relaxed than an engagement shoot—think date night, but photographed. Perfect for anniversaries, just-because love, or capturing this season together. Want it spicy? Ask about couples boudoir—Court’s favorite. Engaged? There's more to it. Check out that info here.
Solo Portraits: Because you don’t need a reason to take up space. Milestones, promotions, glow-ups, healing journeys, identity shifts. This is the “I’m here. I made it. And I look damn good” session.
Step 1: Booking & Planning
Hit up our contact page and fill out the form. We’ll get back with you fast on everything you need: session details, pricing, available dates, your portrait agreement, and an invoice—all in one slick, easy-to-use client portal.
Click. Click. Boom. You’re booked.
Once your file’s signed and your invoice is squared away, you’ll get our deep-dive vibe + style questionnaire. That’s where the real fun begins. We’ll use it to plan the perfect location, help you choose the right looks, and even get you set up with hair and makeup from our glam squad (optional, but damn do they deliver).
Need outfit approval? We got you. Send it over—we’ll let you know what slaps and what needs a rethink.
Step 2: Shoot Day
The week of your shoot, you’ll get a final location confirmation. Then, show up. Show out. Have a damn good time—whether it’s just you, your partner, or the whole chaotic crew.
We’ll guide you through movement, prompts, and connection—no awkward “say cheese” moments, no stiff poses. This is about capturing what’s real.
Step 3: The Reveal
A couple weeks after the session, you’ll either come in for a gallery reveal + ordering appointment (highly recommended if you like snacks and good vibes) or get a curated online gallery for download—depends on the package you picked.
Either way, your face is gonna look real good.
The Investment
Our clients come to us because they want more than “nice pictures.” They want to be seen, celebrated, and captured in a way that feels intentional and unforgettable. We aren't a basement-bargain deal photography company, and our clients come to us to experience what it's like to be captured as the works of art you already are.
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Session options start at $300
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Full digital collections begin at $850
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Most clients invest $850–$1200 in a mix of full digital galleries and heirloom wall art
If that sounds like your kind of thing, we’re ready when you are.
You don’t want safe. You want the kind of portraits that make people gasp, grin, or get a little jealous.
The kind that scream you were here, you were loved, and you looked damn good doing it.
If that’s your vibe, hell yeah—we’re in.