Social Media That Doesn't Drain My Energy

One spring activity I’m currently enjoying is increasing my LinkedIn connections. I’ve had LinkedIn for years but didn’t take the time to understand it. It seemed boring and came across as slightly insincere because I despise vague corporate sayings like “dynamic solutions.”

However, I’ve found that LinkedIn has some benefits to my current stage in life.

1️⃣ The user experience.

It’s not visually overstimulating.  I enjoy clean lines and restful graphic design.  Obviously, you can’t beat a book 📖 for this experience but in the social media category, LinkedIn currently does well with this.

2️⃣ The pace.

It’s not frenzied. You can like and comment on someone’s post from three weeks ago and we’re all cool with that. There’s no pressure to always post what’s on your mind.  (I really don’t wish to know what’s on someone’s mind at every moment! I wish folks would weigh their thoughts carefully before posting… maybe even leave me lost in the mystery! I am truly ok to go a few days without hearing from you).

3️⃣ The mindset.

We’re here to connect. I believe all humans crave connection, in one way or another. Real-life interactions are still the most effective way to connect, but it’s neat to have an online “connection bank” to help my memory.  I enjoy seeing the occasional achievements, photos of a networking lunch, a new building addition, etc.  I can look at your work history if I’m curious. Then… I go on out about my life and don’t feel the compulsive need to check for new dopamine candy. To me, this seems a sustainable social media mindset.

I’m also full of care with whom I choose to connect. 

I don’t necessarily want a big network, I want a real network.

Robin Dunbar, a psychologist, has proposed a mental limit to the number of meaningful, stable connections we can have- he says it’s around 150. Beyond that, he believes we see diminishing returns. I can see why he proposes his theory, because we all know we don’t have the mental bandwidth to have real relationships with every single person on the planet.

Regarding this, writer and business coach Naomi Dunford says, “In a minimalist business, we focus on mindful, mutually beneficial relationships, and we connect in ways that matter and feel good, not in ways that drain time, energy and attention.”

Currently, LinkedIn does not drain my time, energy or attention. Let’s talk about it in person next time we meet- check the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce’s calendar and hopefully we’ll meet up at one of their events!

A Special Guest Appearance For Headshots

You never know what’s happening outside the frame. For example, see this calm, poised headshot of Dr. Richa, a dentist for Four State Dental Care.

Now we see another factor contributing to this expression - Dr. Richa is also a Mom.

It’s ok if plans change and your four-year-old comes in with you.

PS: Kids usually spill the tea while they’re here: Direct quote from Dr. Richa’s daughter: “My mom has food in her purse.”

Vertical, Horizontal or Square for Headshots?

If you don’t have company specifications, it’s useful to choose headshots that can adapt to various cropping.

• Profile pictures for platforms could be square or might be circular.

• Business cards could vertical, although mostly likely horizontal (and some need dead space for text).

• Social media, depending on platform, displays certain ratios to better advantages.

I keep all this in mind when I shoot. Your headshot should meet your expectations in every situation, even the ones you haven’t imagined yet! When you book, tell me about your business and I can help you brainstorm possible scenarios to be prepared for.

Here’s Nikki, with a perfect range of photos for her new role as realtor serving both Missouri and Arkansas.

What To Expect in a Calotype Christmas Portrait Session

It’s traditional for many families to celebrate Christmas with an annual photoshoot. I dearly love my faithful patrons who come back to Calotype, year after year, to make sure their kids have these childhood memories.

When I knelt down to greet these kiddos as they came in, the youngest put her tiny, slender arms around my neck right away in greeting. It had been a year since she had been to the studio, but she felt right at home.

We start out with a traditional, elegant family portrait.

Naturally, the personalities of the kids come out quickly.

Mama and Dad look fine, so let’s document that…

Next, I photograph the kids together.

And separately ⬇️

Little sister watched big brother being photographed, and when it was her turn she ran up to copy his pose.

But she had a few poses of her own, too

I coaxed them together for one last image.

Ready to make your own family memories? Call the studio at 417-658-8865 or email me.

Feeling Uncertain About Headshots? Calotype Brings Clarity!

Not sure what kind of headshot you need? That’s completely okay! Many people don’t know exactly what they want until they see it.

If you don’t have company specifications that dictate what background or pose we use, let’s be creative and have fun! I tell my clients- “Let’s try it. No one else will see this but us. If you don’t like it- delete. ”

I’ll guide you through different poses and expressions. I suggest a quick shirt change or two so you can see what colors give the best result- you might be surprised!

You’ll come back in an hour to see all the images I created. We’ll sort through them by initially removing the immediate “nopes.” Then we’ll compare the remaining images, one by one, until you have it down to the best of the best. Instead of wondering “I wonder what it would have looked like if …” now you can know!

You don’t have to come in with all the answers—just come as you are!

Client Spotlight: Updated Headshots for Returning Customers

I just had a tough request: Newton Co. Public Administrator Joy Williams needed a new headshot and challenged me to create an even better one than the last one I took! 😬 🫣

Here is a photo of the headshot she's currently using- I agree, it’s lovely and I’m proud of it. I love how her angled pose works with the text on the card. Her skin tones reproduced well, even though the printing lost much of the original contrast of the image.

(If I could improve, I would have added more separation light on the hair, but this was taken several years ago when I was in the phase of “all or nothing” regarding separation light. Your hair either glowed like an angel announcing the birth of Christ, or tried its best not to be noticed by anyone).

Back to 2024, where Mr. Separation Light and myself live on easy terms (when I remember to invite him over), Ms. Joy is back at the studio for her update.

She recently won an award, so we included that as part of the Session!

This minimal, strong pose (above) ended up being her top favorite. It can be used as shown, or cropped closer for profile pictures (or business cards).

I appreciate my loyal clients who come back for more headshots!

Looking for Ideas On What To Wear?

Getting headshots taken is a breeze! The only hard work is getting ready for them. 😬

My most asked question: “What do I WEAR??” I used to answer, “Black.”

Now I say: “Bring me some options and we’ll decide once you’re here.”

It matters to play with fashion and look your best because:

• Fashion can boost our confidence. When we feel good about how we look, we're more likely to put ourselves out there and take risks. This can lead to new opportunities in our personal and professional lives. The easiest way to NOT feel frumpy? Don’t BE frumpy. Sign up for Daily Look or Wantable. Join Outfit Formulas. Read Color Me Beautiful.

• Fashion can help us make a good first impression. In today's world, appearances matter. That doesn't mean we have to have unrealistic standards, but it does mean we should take some effort to put our best foot forward. I used to be uncomfortable about spending time on myself to look good until I realized how it positively affected others. When I look good, it’s a delight to people around me. We all love looking at pretty things! Improving ourselves is way to make others feel better!

• Fashion can be a fun and creative outlet. Expressing ourselves through fashion can be a lot of fun. It's a way to be creative and experiment with different looks.

• Fashion makes for fabulous photos!

I acknowledge that it may not come easy to you. (If it were easy, everyone would do it!)

If you’re busy and trying to find the perfect outfit feels like more than you want to take on- then let me help you!

There’s no additional cost for me to make recommendations. Bring some different outfit or clothing pieces with you! Some shoes, maybe a top or accessory you love. I’ll sort through it right before your Session and pick out something that works perfect for pictures!

Client Spotlight: The Birthday Girl

This little curly head has been photographed by Calotype since her first birthday. (I know a lady is not supposed to reveal her age- but- I took her father’s senior pictures). 👵 🫢

Now in 2024, we photographed her along with two siblings that joined the fun along the way (pictures at the end of this post).

As I chatted with her parents about how fast time flies, it reminded me of all the fabulous images they are fortunate to have throughout the years. I went back through the archives to find some early pictures to share!

Here she is in her solo act, before the siblings came along.

Time marches on, and just when life falls into routine.... disorder arrives!

This particular Disorder had curly hair, too, along with beautiful eyes and her own personality. Enjoy these special photographs of the Original Birthday girl in her new duet role.

In 2024, this ringleted young lady steps into her latest performance as Mother Hen.

Little bro doesn't quite know what to think, but I’m confident he'll adapt. (Do you think he'll have curly hair, too? We'll find out next year when they're all back for more portraits!)

Of Course I Will Use Mother's Day to Show Off Pictures of My Children

And here they are, in their 15, 12, 9 and 6-year-old glory, respectively.

Oh, and a porg (bottom pic). My youngest does not leave the house without a stuffy or two and this was her companion of choice today. The porg with his sweet face and aggressive teeth fits really well with her personality.