BonnerSprings.com

A new business opened on Bonner Springs's Oak Street this year, but there's a good chance you don't know it exists.

Sara Robaugh started her Countless Memories portrait photography studio in April 2007 at 250D Oak Street, above Miller Pharmacy.

Robaugh, a Bonner resident, began the business after working as a photographer with Target Portrait Studios.

"I just wanted to branch out and be more creative, do more things," she said.

So she used her tax refund check to buy a digital camera, then bought backdrops and lighting.

"Mr. (Roger) Miller was kind enough to help me set up a studio in one of his offices," Robaugh said. "I saved so much money, used my tax return money to get a camera."

Robaugh said the business was geared toward saving money for customers.

The appeal to Robaugh of her chosen field is relatively simple.

"The best thing about being a photographer is being able to bring creativity and uniqueness out visually in a way to show other people; basically creating art," Robaugh said. "And capturing special moments. Children grow up way too fast."

Robaugh shoots children and family portraits. She also takes pictures for modeling portfolios and for events.

"I do everything," she said. "I specialize in children and families."

Robaugh said she decided to open her studio in Bonner Springs because "we need a studio here. I figured it'd be more convenient for people in Bonner because a lot of people are going to Target. You can drive a block instead of 15 miles."

The only problem is, Robaugh said, "nobody knows I exist. Where it's at, nobody knows it's here."

That's largely because she can't put up a sign at her location, she said.

Still, she does have a Web site, at countlessmemoriesphotography.com.

One big difference between Robaugh's and the big-name studios, she said, is that customers must make appointments for photo sessions. The advantage of that, she said, is that there's no waiting, and so "the children are a lot happier," which makes for better pictures. Also, she said, because of her low overhead costs, she can charge less than the corporate portrait photography studios.

"It's more geared toward saving money," she said of her studio.

To make a appointment for a photo session, call (913) 441-1224.