I was four years old and remember clearly the blackness of my grandpa's camera with its shiny glass lens as he took my picture. I knew that somehow it was connected to the photographs that hung on the walls of my grandparents' home. It would be seven more years before I'd pick up a camera and make pictures of my own to earn my Girl Scout photography badge during summer camp.
But it wasn't until I decided to specialize in newborns, infants and children that I felt I'd landed exactly where I belonged with my camera. Photography has changed in siginificant ways over the forty years I've been doing it: film has all but disappeared, printed photographs have taken a back seat to digital image files and computers are as indespensible to a photographer as cameras and lenses.
But it wasn't until I decided to specialize in newborns, infants and children that I felt I'd landed exactly where I belonged with my camera. Photography has changed in siginificant ways over the forty years I've been doing it: film has all but disappeared, printed photographs have taken a back seat to digital image files and computers are as indespensible to a photographer as cameras and lenses.
Services
Clients who choose to have their prints and albums made through my professional lab are certain to receive the finest printed products available. My photographic prints are mounted, textured and UV-protectant sprayed which means my portraits will endure long enough to hang in your child's home one day.
Lea Murphy is a full-time, award-winning photographer who has been snapping a shutter for over thirty years; she has been tutoring adults and children in the Kansas City area since 2012. Lea believes in the power of photography to tell stories no matter how big or small and she can teach you how to use the gear that will allow you to tell yours.
Infants and children are beautiful just the way they are and that's why I photograph them in a way that is clean, classic and timeless. My sessions are simple, efficient and relaxed. I use as few props as possible in order to create portraits that you'll continue to treasure for years and years to come.
My Baby Plan portrait program is designed to highlight the four major developmental milestones of baby's first year-propping, sitting, cruising and finishes with a first birthday portrait. Every baby is unique but the first three stages usually happen around three, six and nine months. Once all the sessions are complete I create your baby's panel using your favorite image from each session.
I developed my Watch Me Grow program for those families whose babies had finished their Baby Plan portrait sessions and wished to continue receiving beautiful studio portraits through the toddler years. My Watch Me Grow program includes four portrait sessions that can be used at any time across the course of four years.
Reviews (10)
Cindy Barnes
Oct 19, 2021
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Lea did portraits of my boys when they were babies and toddlers. When it came time for senior pictures, we did not think twice about who to use! She made scheduling and picture day easy. We could not be happier with her work. The back drops and lighting of the photos were amazing and she did a great job of capturing their personalities. We had our photos in a few days. Highly recommend Lea Murphy Photography!
Patrick Sprehe
Oct 17, 2021
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We had a wonderful experience working with Lea as she recently took some photographs of our son (and the family) for his senior high school pictures. Our son is not especially fond of having his picture taken or wearing formal clothes, but Lea had him relaxed and even smiling (naturally?!) from the jump. Lea picked some great spaces and light for the pictures, convinced the boy to pose as she suggested, and even helped him with his fashion choices.
Lea was very flexible about finding a time to do the shoot and even allowed us to reschedule due to the hot weather. She then took a total of one day
Lea was very flexible about finding a time to do the shoot and even allowed us to reschedule due to the hot weather. She then took a total of one day
Brooke Hilst
Apr 04, 2021
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Lea was incredible to work with! We are absolutely in love with the pictures of our 1 year old girl. When selecting a photographer, my goal was for the focus to be 100% my baby girl. Lea's studio set up is perfect for that. We really enjoyed interacting with Lea and her ability to bring out my baby girl's personality was top notch! Highly recommend. We will be using her for family photographs in the future.
Jessica Hao
Jan 02, 2021
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Lea is the best! We have been going to Lea for family photos for the past 8 years, ever since our son was a baby. We now have 8 years worth of precious photos of our family of 4, and we love to go back and see how our kids have grown and changed over the years. Lea has an extraordinary gift for putting babies and toddlers, (and even teenagers and adults!) at ease, so that she can capture truly magical moments in her photo sessions. We would give her 10 stars if we could. If you want family photos that you can treasure for years to come, you should absolutely use Lea Murphy as your photographer
Meggie Yount
Oct 10, 2020
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Lea is a true gem! She has photographed our family in our home and also at her studio and both experiences were absolutely fantastic! Lea’s patience with children is unmatched and she has a way with capturing the special moments that you will treasure forever. Lea is super easy to work with and collaborates on your vision. We highly recommend Lea for all your photography needs. She is simply the best!
Marti Dowd
Sep 18, 2020
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If you want beautiful portraits of your child, grandchild or family, I suggest you book with Lea Murphy. Her patience is unlimited even with the most rambunctious little ones. She never rushes through a shoot and she can always elicit a smile. My grandson recently turned three and she has been photographing him since he was an infant. I have not seen portraits anywhere as nicely done as hers. We loved our family portraits too. If you are looking for someone who can capture sweet moments and create beautiful portraits, I suggest you book an appointment with Lea Murphy. She is undoubtedly the best
Kelly Hanlin McCormick
Jul 28, 2020
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Lea is absolutely wonderful to work with! She has a very comfortable studio with lots of options so that you can get the look you're after, plus she's very mindful of being sure you're YOU and not a posed / fake version of yourself in your photos. I am thrilled with my pictures...and will be returning to her for both my professional photos for my business as well as with the family for our more personal photos for family memories. Thank you Lea for your work - you make something that could be awkward and fake feel completely natural. I appreciate you!
Emily Cooling
Jun 12, 2020
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Lea is a fantastic photographer - we love all of the photos she has taken of our daughter. She is really great with babies and little kids and has been great to work with. We've enjoyed the sessions with Lea and are so pleased with the photos we have from her. I can't recommend her enough!
Lea is a fantastic photographer - we love all of the photos she has taken of our daughter. She is really great with babies and little kids and has been great to work with. We've enjoyed the sessions with Lea and are so pleased with the photos we have from her. I can't recommend her enough!
Kate Ernst
Sep 23, 2019
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Lea did an absolutely amazing job photographing my extended family. She was able to capture some great moments in her studio that felt natural and not posed or stiff. She was also able to get my 6 month old to absolutely light up for the camera. I would 100% recommend her to anyone looking to capture some great family photos for any age but especially if you have an infant.
Ruthann Johnson
Jul 21, 2019
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Lea takes the most amazing photographs! She has taken both my daughters pictures since they were newborns and also our family photos. Lea does such a wonderful job with my girls and capturing who they really are. I have prints hanging up all over the house that Lea has taken. I will continue going back for years to come!
