8th Graders Stepping Up!

Calling all proud parents!

Graduation season is just around the corner, and with May approaching fast, now is the perfect time to capture your soon-to-be graduate's special moment with professional portraits.

Most people immediately think of a high school senior embarking on a new chapter, but what about your 8th grader taking the big leap to high school??

Remember:

• 8th grade graduation is a BIG deal! Celebrate this crucial growth phase before the whirlwind of high school begins. Academically, some changes include increased workload (high school classes tend to be more demanding, with more homework, projects, and tests. Time management and organization become crucial) and more subjects (students usually encounter a wider range of subjects, including electives and advanced courses which allow for exploration of interests and potential future paths). But what about TODAY? Before all this change happens, do you want to remember how they are right now?

• Their physical features are changing rapidly because puberty often kicks in during these years, leading to changes in height, weight, and voice fluctuations.

• They have increased self-awareness: Kids become more aware of their bodies and appearance, which can lead to self-consciousness or body image concerns.

• Identity exploration becomes stronger: This stage is often marked by questioning who they are, their values, and their place in the world.

I love these kids with one foot in childhood and one foot stretching toward adulthood- because I have kids there, myself. I absolutely adore getting them in front of my camera, even if it’s a challenge, and pulling out unexpected photogenic views they have never seen before. Many clients tell me, after seeing their photos, that they are the best photos they’ve ever seen of their child.

(Of course, parents look at everything through the lens of love so I know the real “tough cookie” is your child itself- can I make them pleased with their portraits?)

I’m happy to report that yes, even the teens leave quite pleased with themselves! TO BE PRECISE- no young teen has gushed on and on about their pictures, but I have gotten little bitty smiles and subtle satisfied head nods when they see their portraits for the first time. You can take that as you will.

• Professional portraits offer:

  • Exceptional quality: Studio lighting, expert posing, and masterful editing create pictures you'll be proud to display- and your new 9th grader will be proud, too.

  • Variety and creativity: Capture different looks, backgrounds, and even props for personalized storytelling. Let your child have their say here.

  • A stress-free experience: I’m happy to handle everything, from wardrobe guidance to posing, so you can keep your focus on parenting this strange, wonderful creature you love!

Invest in their memories, invest in professional portraits! What story will you tell with their graduation photos? Contact me today to book their session before the Saturday calendar fills up! Call 417-658-8865 to book, or just to chat and see what we have to offer. Hope to see you soon.

Girl Senior Pictures/Class of 2021

Looking for fall senior pictures? I can do both outdoor and studio senior portraits, especially on a beautiful fall day in the Ozarks.

**NOTE: My subject may be smiling in these senior pictures, but the first time we met she was NOT happy. Scroll to the end to see. **

Her outdoor senior portraits were taken in a parking lot near the studio; by the creek that runs through Morse Park to the northeast of the studio; and beside the courthouse in the square across from Calotype. I chose the locations based on her clothing colors.

Her mom’s favorites were the last images- in the studio on the olive plaster wall. Which ones do you like? Feel free to email me and comment!

Because you scrolled to then end so diligently- here is the first image from the first time I photographed this young lady. I took these in 2007 when her mom brought her to the studio for a spring portrait special. She may not look excited to be there, but thirteen years later… I know her mama’s glad she made time for professional photography.

First Birthday/Family Portraits In Studio

This mom combined a first birthday Portrait Session with family portraits. We were initially scheduled for outdoor fall portraits, but an unexpected all-day rain and 33° temperature changed our minds. In the warm studio, this little guy’s eyes were full large and full of light. Which one is your favorite?

Family of Five Photographed in the Studio- Three Boys/Muted Colors

If you’re looking for ideas on how to dress three boys for fall portraits, glance through these portraits. Their mom chose simple neutrals- cream sweaters and jeans. It keeps the focus on the eyes- keep scrolling until you see their closeups.

Note: I don’t recommend cream/white/ivory or anything light colored for grownups because it’s much larger splash of white- proclaiming “Look at this!” Most adults don’t want their chest or belly to be the first thing you see when you look at their family portrait!

But for small children, little highlights of cream/white/light colors can be pleasing.

What do you think about these colors? Send me an email with comments or questions!

First Birthday Fall Outdoor Portraits

These were taken at Morse Park here in Neosho. The first baseball images are inside the dugout, and the second set is down by the creek. For future reference (if you’re eyeing leaf color and wondering when they change) these were taken the second week of October. Fall color is slightly different every year and varies by location, but I keep my eye out for patches of good light and good color during the whole fall season. Do you like the baseball or creek portraits better? Feel free to comment by emailing me!

Props provided by the client.

Six Month Baby Boy (Studio)

Six/nine-month-olds are in a picture-perfect stage. A six-month-old usually:

• smiles constantly

• looks great in their outfits

• can’t crawl away from me

See for yourself.

Family of Four (In Studio) With Older Children

If you have very young children, it may seem hard to get everyone together for a family portrait. But parents with adult children tell me it’s even more challenging to schedule a Portrait Session with older kids.

As increasing responsibilities tighten everyone’s schedule, the feeling of overwhelm can make you want to push off family pictures until a more convenient time. But “when things slow down” is a catchphrase for wishing thinking, and the best time is always the time you have right now in your hands.

When Covid-19 brought these grown daughters home for the summer, they asked their parents to schedule family pictures at Calotype. I have been photographing their family since the girls were very small- here are a few of the earlier images we created for them, starting in 2008:

Now the girls are grown. Here is the family in 2020, photographed in the studio.

“I’m Worried About How My 2-Year-Old Will Act For Portraits”

Don’t be. I’m prepared for the liveliest of toddlers. I specifically design sets in my studio to contain and entertain these energetic subjects!

Here’s a real-life example to look over. For this toddler’s 2nd birthday, her Mimi booked a Portrait Session to celebrate.

As you know, a two-year-old will not be still. How do you keep them in the same place, long enough to create a few photographs?

One solution: a ladder! This age loves to climb, so a ladder positioned just right keeps them in the sweet spot of lighting and sets me up for a series of great shots while they climb around. (Mom and Mimi were inches away on either side for safety).

It was pouring down rain that morning, and Mimi had brought in an umbrella that her granddaughter kept wanting to play with. Rather than discourage her, I thought it would be cute if we let her play with it for pictures. This unplanned photograph ended up being one of Mimi’s favorites!

After a few minutes of active play, she grew tired and wanted her momma. Momma ended up choosing this sweet photograph as a favorite in her Collage.

With so many good photographs to choose from, Mimi and Momma decided to go with a Signature Canvas Collage. Mimi chose her favorite images:

And Momma chose her favorites:

Displaying photographs of your children in your home helps children feel loved and valued. Being two is such a sweet stage, and these Signature Canvas Collages will only grow more precious to Mom and Mimi over the years. Don’t worry about how your toddler will act; worry about missing this precious part of childhood!

Outdoor Summer Portraits at The Park

Studio portraits are timeless, but sometimes a family wants something a little more seasonal.

I have photographed this family several times over the years, and each time we alternate studio vs. outdoor to keep things looking different. This time, we met at Big Spring Park in Neosho.

If you have young children with short attention spans, keep in mind that outdoor sessions always take longer than studio portraits because:

• every time the light changes I need to change my settings

• we fight the breeze that blows hair in the eyes and billows shirts & dresses

• children wander toward water and the ducks (and the playground…)

Big Spring Park is a beautiful part of Neosho. It has stood for over 150 years; however, childhood does not! If you’ve been meaning to update your family portraits, consider this your reminder. Whether in the studio or the park, don’t wait until they won’t fit in your arms anymore.

More old photos of Big Spring Park. If you love local history, follow the Big Spring Park page on Facebook. They post interesting tidbits and old photos as they surface. (You can also join Friends of the Parks Neosho and help keep these beautiful places thriving into the future!)

Date unknown

This image of the stone bridge was taken in the 1940’s