O'Fallon Mom Aims to Capture Your Memories in Portraits

When Miracle Kickham’s grandmother presented her with her very first camera as a child, she fell in love with photography. When she later took photography classes in high school and college, she had no idea that one day she would own her own photography business.

Kickham said that the photographer who shot her wedding happened to see some of her work and thought it was good. The photographer invited Kickham to work with her, so she left her job as a recruiter and launched her photography career.

“After a year, she told me I should open my own business,” Kickham said. “She offered to help and gave me a few things, but I paid for most everything myself.”

A Business is Born

With a business degree from University of Missouri St. Louis with emphases in marketing and photography, Kickham opened her own company, Miracle Kickham Photography, in 2000.

“I’ve been in the business for more than 10 years,” she said. “I started in weddings, which I did for about five years, and then I transitioned into portraits.”

Kickham said she does portraits of kids, families, high school seniors and other groups. She shoots on location at local parks and other popular areas, such as the St. Charles Riverfront, the , , Bosch Park and .

“We also do in-home appointments for an extra fee,” she said. “It works really well for new babies or anyone who wants their photos taken at home.”

She said that she shoots a lot of newborns at home because moms don’t want to drag them out in the cold.

“I set up a mini-studio right in the home and take the photos right there, especially during cold and flu season,” she said. “And did you know that December, January and February are the top months for babies to be born?”

She said that around this time of year, many people also like to have their portraits taken at home with their holiday decorations serving as the background.

“We did a front-door portrait for a family who decorated their house this week,” she said. “We’ll shoot outside for one more week, and then we’ll start shooting on location again in February.”

A Balancing Act

Kickham is married and has a son. She said she loves the flexibility her business offers her because she can work around her son’s school and sports schedules.

“If there’s a school event, I can make sure I’m off for it,” she said. “A lot of the moms I shoot are stay-at-home moms and they also have creative companies. I like to go to stay-at-home moms for business when I can.”

She said that she believes everyone struggles with balancing family and work, but that her family understands her passion, so they work with her.

“When I’m working or gone or have to come late to an event, my son understands that I have the flexibility other parents don’t always have,” she said. “I never miss a Christmas party or anything important. I do have to struggle sometimes with it, but my family appreciates the balance we have.”

The Value of Photography

Kickham said that in all of her years in the business, she has learned a very valuable lesson.

“When you’re looking for a photographer, don’t look for price—look for quality,” she said. “When you go to a place just for a cheap price, you’ll often find that you’re disappointed in the quality you get.”

She said that the best way to ensure that you’ll get quality portraits is to take a look at the photographer’s portfolio first.

“I have had several clients come back to me in the last several years because of quality over price,” she added.

Portraits for Posterity

“My slogan is ‘let us help capture your memories,’” Kickham said. “When you die, your kids and family will still have the photos of you. Later in life, they will be really treasured.”

She said that’s why she takes her work so seriously and really tries to focus on capturing memories of the family and what was happening when the portraits were taken.

“For example, you’ve got a kid who doesn’t want to smile because he lost his teeth,” she said. “That’s my focus, to really capture that smile as it is, right now—to really capture your life and what’s happening.”

She said there are many photographers out there who are great at capturing memories.

“That’s exactly why I think people should use a professional photographer who has experience,” she said. “You get what you pay for.”

Holiday Specials

Miracle Kickham Photography is running a half price special on gift certificates until Dec. 18.

“It’s 50 percent off gift certificates for any amount, and gift certificates are good for one year,” Kickham said. “They can be used for on-location photography available at local parks and homes.”

To make an appointment or learn more, contact Miracle Kickham at 636-240-7084 or visit her website.