Unscripted & Storytelling Sessions
Kansas City Family Photographer
Kansas City isn't just a vibe; it’s a kaleidoscopic mix of golden prairies, industrial grit, and high-fashion street art. One day I’m chasing a toddler past the murals in the Westside, and the next I’m capturing a quiet, sun-drenched maternity session at the Nelson-Atkins. I love this city for its edges and its elegance. Whether you want your family photos to feel like a high-fashion editorial in front of Union Station or a 'lifestylish' afternoon picnic at Loose Park, I’m here for all of it. I specialize in the unscripted: the loud laughs, the wind-blown hair, and the real connections that make KC feel like home.
Your Family Story, Framed by the City
I believe that a photo session in Kansas City should feel less like a chore and more like an afternoon exploration. Whether we are meeting at the WWI Memorial or wandering through the Crossroads, I focus on the "Directed Candid."
You don't need to worry about where to put your hands or how to get your kids to sit still. I will guide you through natural movements and interactions that allow your family’s real personality to shine through. My goal is for you to walk away not just with beautiful images, but with a memory of a day spent laughing together against the KC skyline.
I specialize in maternity, newborn, and family photography with a lifestyle approach. My goal is to capture the candid, 'lifestylish' magic: the belly laughs, the wind-blown hair, and the way your family actually looks when you're playing together. I’ve always loved the architectural grit and the hidden green corners of Kansas City, and I’m thrilled to be officially expanding my footprint here. From the vibrant murals of the Westside to the timeless elegance of the Nelson-Atkins, I’m constantly on the lookout for new ways to frame your family’s story against this iconic skyline. I’m currently booking KC sessions with no travel fees as I build my local portfolio. If you’re ready for a session that feels more like an adventure and less like a chore, let’s go explore the city together.
Your Kansas City Photographer
Hi, I'm Tammy!
Tammy Karin, photographer
"Tammy is an incredible photographer. Laid back and easy to work with. She can capture the absolute best of your family and precious moments together. Even if you’ve got a grumpy or uncooperative little one. Amazing results every time!"
family lifestyle | manhattan, ks
Kami P.
1 / 15
“Tammy is a phenomenal photographer and worth every penny! She made us feel like we were old friends in no time, which led to such a fun and relaxed photo session. She was always concerned with the comfort of my baby and me and willing to patiently work on any shot that we wanted to try...even with the family dog! The pictures she did for our newborn are absolutely gorgeous. From answering questions before and after the session, to the photo shoot, to the pictures themselves-every aspect of working with her far exceeded our expectations!”
newborn lifestyle | manhattan, Ks
Jessica L.
2 / 15
"We have countless photos we cherish due to Tammy's time, talent, and hard work. She is in this line of business because she truly loves it, and she is determined to ensure that her clients love their photos each and every time.
Not only does Tammy capture beautiful portrait shots, but she also captures personalities and connections between people that are genuine - whether funny or sentimental.
We love Little Leapling Photography!
See more of our pictures here!
family lifestyle | manhattan, Ks
Melissa W.
3 / 15
“We had such a great experience from our newborn session! Tammy was very laid back and flexible with scheduling the session. At first I wasn’t sure how I would like doing the photo session in our home but now I’m so glad we did! She was so patient and I never felt rushed or stressed. She had great ideas for photos/poses and they all turned out beautifully! We LOVE our pictures and will definitely be scheduling a family session in the future!”
View our gallery along with some newborn photo tips!
newborn lifestyle | manhattan, Ks
Sandy C.
4 /15
“I could not be anymore pleased with all the images I have received throughout the years. They fill me with happiness and tears when I look at them. Tammy takes her time to capture images that she knows you will enjoy. She is patient with children, I have four, and can get smiles out of them when no one else can! I will always cherish the pictures that I have gotten from Little Leapling. It’s like looking at pieces of my heart every time I look at a memory she has photographed upon the walls of my home.”
birth newborn family | junction city, Ks
Amanda O.
5 / 15
"Everything she does is amazing! She works soooo well with kiddos, even high needs toddlers! Every chance we get to take photos with Little Leapling is a memory I know will be captured perfectly."
family photography | manhattan, ks
Haylee M.
6 /15
“I love Tammy!
I was dreaming about Tammy!
I’m so happy to see Tammy!
Guys we should make a picture of her so I can dream about her!
After pictures maybe Tammy and our whole family could go to the library!”
Take a look at some of our family pictures!
family photography | manhattan, ks
Addie W.
7 /15
"Tammy is an incredible photographer and we could not have chosen a better photographer to take the pictures of our family for the last three years. She always makes us feel at ease so that we could just be ourselves during the shootings. Photos always turn out stunning and we are so grateful! She is super responsive over text/email and always provides our photos in time. We would definitely recommend Tammy to families with kids since she can easily connect with kids and get their best smiles!"
family photography | manhattan, ks
Aynura A.
8 /15
"We have had 4 sessions with Tammy and have loved both the session time and photos from each one. She has been so easy to work with both in setting up an appointment and during the sessions. Tammy is wonderful with my daughter, who I was nervous would be shy but took to her right away. We’re looking forward to getting many more wonderful photos of our family with her."
family photography | manhattan, ks
Heather B.
9 /15
"Tammy with Little Leapling Photography is not just a photographer, she is an artist and magician all in one! When deciding what photographer to use for my family pictures, I took my time and searched other photographer's photo galleries. Tammy's photos had such a magical quality to them, they stood out amongst her competitors. She is a mom too and knows how much you value those pictures of your growing family! She is worth every penny and will make your family picture taking session a breeze. The result will be photos that you will cherish for years to come!"
family photography | manhattan, ks
Marcie M.
10 /15
"I cannot say enough fantastic things about our experience we had with Tammy and Little Leapling Photography! She made sure everyone was comfortable which made for a really easy and natural session which you can see in the fantastic pictures. We have used Tammy for newborn pictures and now for family pictures and would absolutely recommend!"
See more of our pictures here!
Newborn & family photography | manhattan, ks
Rebeccca D.
11 /15
"She’s funny and sweet and awesome and she gets our real smiles! We look forward to getting our pictures every year!"
- Morgan, age 8
"I love her! I like kissing my sister. I have so much fun."
- Torin, age 4
Newborn & family photography | manhattan, ks
Morgan & Torin N.
12 /15
"Tammy has taken our family photos for the last 4 years! Every year we get so many compliments on them. They are always SO beautiful and colorful! But the real miracle is that she actually gets our 4 young boys to all smile!! We have arrived to our sessions feeling like all sorts of chaos and she pulls it off every time!"
Newborn & family photography | manhattan, ks
Melissa W.
13 /15
"Tammy, you have made dreams come true that I didn't even know I had. Your work is just breathtaking. Thank you."
family photographer | manhattan, ks
Angie B.
14 /15
"I want to get more pictures so I can hug her all day."
family photographer | manhattan, ks
Elliot H.
15 /15
Take a moment to share your vision for your family's photo session and let's get you on my calendar. Feel free to use this form to ask any questions you might have about my services. I will respond via email as quickly as possible.
Your contact information will only be used by me for your photo shoot.
Say hello and let's connect!
