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.

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!

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.

Are Simple Senior Portraits Still A Thing?

Have you searched “ideas for high school senior pictures”? It’s an entertaining few hours!

I thought I was being creative, 24 years ago, when I insisted my brother take me to Patoka Lake and set a kitchen dining chair in the water why I posed in a blue floral maxi dress and looked off into the sunset. Everyone else was doing white backgrounds with a big block “99” on the floor. (Clean white was the response to paint-splattered canvas backdrops a decade earlier- usually with a stepladder in the scene).

Then came photoshop, and people seemed to think it was a fine idea to put “fire” on baseball bats and random sports equipment…ah, fun times.

I do love to be creative. But I’m not a shock-and-awe type creative. I love classic, timeless styles. I’m so happy to see a return for classic, nicely-lit senior portraits in the last few years. I think some teens are tired of the same brick walls and same outdoor locations, and they are leaning into more subtle, timeless looks.

If that’s your preference, I invite you to come view the studio and see if something here works for you. I also shoot on location- but I bring lights, so we still have a polished, professional look. Call me- let’s chat. Even if you decide not to book, you may get some ideas!

The classic white wall- it’s back!

Close up senior pictures of girls are timeless.

A simple, real pose- made interesting by different textures, warm skin tones and a smile.

Outside in the studio courtyard. Classic black and white- and what really makes this photo is all the texture. There may be no color, but see the concrete wall, the denim/lace shirt, the plants in the background, the ringlets, the hat…? All contribute.

Another classic close-up. Nothing is overly loud. It’s sweet and simple.