Matthew’s Golf Course Adventure | Kansas City Portrait Photographer

September 8, 2014

I first met Matthew when he was only 5 years old when we moved into our current residency. He is our neighbor Janet’s boy. We always see him riding his bicycle in our neighborhood. His bike’s sound system is so unique that was invented by himself. I first thought he installed a motor on his bike, but no. He just stuck a plastic empty water bottle in between the wheels, and it makes fantastic sound.

We have been living in the same neighborhood for 8 years now and Matt is thirteen. He is such a talented teenage boy. Invited by Janet, I had the honor to photograph a themed session for him. Janet said Matt hates getting his pictures taken. I suggested that we should make it as fun as it could be. We will try making this an unforgettable experience for this young man. How about we capture all his hobbies? What does he like to do in free time? I know that he loves riding bicycle! I asked what else he likes. Janet said he loves trucks. We first thought maybe we could go to a dealer, but it did not work out. I noticed that Wesley received a toy truck from Janet last Christmas and it looks exactly like our red Chevy silverado. Janet said that truck was hand picked by Matt! He loves cars and knows all our cars by heart. My husband Billy kindly offered our truck to make a guest appearance in this shoot. Matt get to ride in it and pretend to drive it. Billy even backed it up for him and parked in front of a sand hill. This was a boy’s dream come true!

The entire session was taken at Shoal Creek Golf Course – ranked #2 public golf course in Missouri by Golf Week’s America’s Best 2006 – 2014. Janet has worked out some magic to allow us taking photos in this beautiful golf course. It is also my first golf course experience. After taking the truck pictures, I let Matt to ride his favorite antique bicycle in the golf course. This was his dad’s bike, but now his. He had fun riding the bike on the bridge.

Next, we all rode the club car to the golf fields. Janet drove on the main road, and then Matt took over to drive on the small roads. I bet he will get his driver’s license when he turns 16. He is such a good driver. You probably already guessed why we are shooting in a golf course. Golfing is Matt’s another hobby. His dad has been training him for a couple years. Matt and his friends have been coming to this golf course to practice a lot lately. He is really lucky to get introduced to golf at this young age. I was never interested in golfing, but after this session I think I might give it a try.

At the end of the session, I had some alone time with Matt when his mom was returning the golf car. I took Matt to the same bridge to take some headshots. I told him that he could do whatever he wants and do not have to pose like someone else. I wanted to capture the real Matt. We just talked and talked. We saw some bugs and birds from the bridge. We watched the little creek under the bridge and I got some closeup headshots of Matt!

This was such a fun unique session. Thank you Janet for taking me to this beautiful golf course! Everyone we met there is so nice! I look forward to get Matt more comfortable in front of camera next time!

Tagged with: Audrey • August 2014 • bicycle • bike ride • bokeh story • bokeh story photos • bridge • Chevy Silverado • driving range • golf cart • golf putt • Janet Hampton • Kansas City Child Photographer • Kansas City Family Photographer • Kansas City Lifestyle Photographer • Kansas City Portrait Photographer • Kansas City Teen Photographer • Liberty MO Child Photographer • Liberty MO Family Photographer • Liberty MO Lifestyle Photographer • Liberty MO Model Photographer • Liberty MO Portrait Photographer • Liberty MO Senior Photographer • Matthew Hampton • Shoal Creek Golf Course • Summer 2014 • Wesley