Featured in VoyageKC: Meet Christy Lonergan of Happy Chick Photography

I was recently honored to be featured by VoyageKC in their Community Highlights series, where they spotlight local creatives, entrepreneurs, and small businesses in the Kansas City area. It was such a joy to share a little about my photography journey and the story behind Happy Chick Photography.

For those who may be new here, I thought I’d share a bit more about my background and what inspires the work I do with families across the Kansas City area.

My Journey Into Photography

My love for photography actually began when I was young. My dad was a hobby photographer, and I spent many hours helping him in the darkroom. Watching images appear on paper felt a little like magic, and that early experience sparked a lifelong love of photography.

As I grew older, photography stayed with me through school and my local 4-H program, where my dad even taught photography classes. Those early experiences helped shape my eye for storytelling and capturing meaningful moments.

Like many people, my career path eventually took me in a different direction into the corporate world. But photography always stayed in the back of my mind.

Everything changed during a trip to Africa for my honeymoon. I purchased a new camera for the trip and fell completely back in love with photography. That experience inspired me to start my own business, which eventually became Happy Chick Photography.

The name actually came from a simple realization: if I could make photography my full-time career, I would truly be a happy chick.

That dream became reality in 2004, and I’ve been photographing Kansas City families ever since.

What I Love Most About Being a Photographer

What makes photography so special to me isn’t just the images themselves — it’s the connections with families.

Over the years I’ve had the privilege of photographing:

• Expectant mothers

• Newborn babies

• Growing families

• High school seniors

• Children celebrating milestones

Each session tells a story about a family’s life at that exact moment in time.

Those fleeting stages — tiny newborn fingers, toddlers’ giggles, or the excitement of a graduating senior — pass quickly. Capturing those memories so families can relive them for years to come is what makes this work so meaningful.

What Makes Happy Chick Photography Different

At Happy Chick Photography, my goal is always to create a relaxed and enjoyable experience so authentic moments can shine through.

Families often tell me they appreciate my:

• Patience with children and newborns

• Easygoing and playful approach during sessions

• Attention to detail and artistry in each portrait

Photography sessions shouldn’t feel stressful — they should feel like a fun experience where genuine expressions and connections naturally happen.

Advice for Families Preparing for a Photo Session

One of the most common things clients worry about is whether their kids will behave during a session.

The truth is: kids don’t need to be perfect.

Some of the best images come from real interactions — laughter, hugs, curiosity, and even a little bit of silliness. My approach is always to work with children’s personalities instead of forcing stiff poses.

The result is portraits that feel natural, joyful, and truly representative of your family.

Thank You to VoyageKC

I’m incredibly grateful to VoyageKC for highlighting small local businesses and sharing the stories of entrepreneurs throughout the Kansas City community.

Being featured alongside so many inspiring local creatives was a real honor.

You can read their full article here.