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!

Family of Five in Studio/Fall Colors

When weather turns bad, we always have the studio as an option. Full of sets and backdrops, it’s fun to piece together a family portrait with props, stools, backgrounds… just like working a puzzle. Who fits where? Can we see your eyes full of light when I put you there? Do you look natural or uncomfortable? Sometimes I arrange and change a few times before it feels right.

Lately, I’ve made it a point to spend most of the session time on family groups, so moms have plenty of options to choose from when they come back to order. If people have gone to significant effort to get ready for family portraits, it’s my responsibility to make the most of their time and make sure they have great choices for wall portraits.

Edited 11-9-20 to add this thoughtful review from the dad: “We are so pleased with the pictures.  Even our 15 year old commented on how talented you are, not only in the pictures but how you engage and make people comfortable with your requests to change posture, position, etc.  Thank you for making it a great experience and for amazing photos.”

Fall Couples/Engagement Portrait Session

Even though Calotype no longer photographs weddings or live events, we still offer portrait sessions for couples!

Here’s Audrey and Caleb, photographed near the studio and in Morse Park, followed by a second outfit change with images taken in the character-filled Northwood Art & Event Center in Neosho.

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.

One Month Baby Girl Fall Portraits (In Studio)

Looking for fall baby photo ideas? What about something simple and timeless, with muted colors but textured layers to create visual interest?

These are simple colors, but baby’s textured outfit and the complimenting color of her hat make the above picture look cozy. Which one is your favorite? Email with any questions or comments!

Extended Family of Nine In the Studio (Fall)

Would you like a family Portrait Session of everyone- the married kids, the grandkids, the kids still at home? We can do that in our studio! Here are some highlights of this extended family. Which one is your favorite?

The Weird Child (There's One in Every Family)

It was late in the evening on a Wednesday night. I had just finished cleaning up from dinner and the kids were playing quietly with Legos and reading books. Apparently, the self-destructive part of my psyche decided that this Peace Should Be Interrupted and I should drag one of the kids to the studio to test another lighting idea that had been running through my brain.

Bruce happened to be the cleanest (surprisingly) so I grabbed some fall hand-me-downs from big brother Jack and off we trotted to the studio.

Bruce wanted to know if he would get paid.

Once I agreed to his terms (payment as soon as we arrived back home), I set up against the olive wall to see how many different looks I could get with a five-minute attention span (normal for a five-year-old). You can see the progression of his interest in these image. Serious and ready to work for a few minutes- then his native weirdness takes over… then he’s done. The last smile was only because I said the word “poop.”

All poses are Bruce’s own. I told him the general vicinity in which to stand; he supplied the rest. Do you have a child that brings his own life to the party?

Bathing Outdoors and Other Things We Do To Babies

What better to do on a warm September evening than to lay back and enjoy life?

Almost everything is new when you’re six months old, but you can tell from her expression this is QUITE UNEXPECTED. Props and idea provided by the client.

Family portrait time!

Ahh. Daddy knows just what to say.

Guess she didn’t want the smooching to end.

That face you make when you see dinner close by

And so begins a long life of instruction from Mom

What's the number one thing you look for when searching for the perfect photographer? Is it location, style, how easy it is to get something scheduled…?

If you’ve been thinking about having family portraits, then you've probably realized the thought process can be a little overwhelming at times. Let me break it down into four easy steps:

1. Call me! We’ll chat to see what you need and if I can meet your expectations.

2. Pick the time that works best for you. I’ll plan the rest.

3. Show up to your Session with pretty hair.  (Did you expect me to say that?) Hey, it makes the picture when mom looks her best!  If kids have short pants, mismatched shoes and chocolate milk mustaches, I can hide it/clean it/photoshop it.  But nothing can replace the confidence a woman feels when she knows she has great hair!

4. Get ready to cry tears of joy when you see the portraits. Ahh.  You’ve done it. You’re a great mom!

I hope these little tips help. If you'd love to talk more about hiring me as your photographer, please call the studio at 417-658-8865. No chat bots here! I love to talk to real people and I hope you do, too.

Classic Black and White (B&W) Portraits In Studio

Here’s Clara and Charlotte, my two little ladies, modeling patiently for mama while I do a lighting assessment in the studio. If I give them enough ice cream, they’re usually willing to help me out.

Side note: black is always a classic color to wear for portraits. It keeps the focus on the face and eyes and never looks dated.

No matter how “classic” their mama dresses them… they will always do this. 😬😛

Family of Seven: Fall Portraits in the Studio

Do you have a big family and you’re wondering what to wear for portraits? This family wore black, white, and shades of rust and brown.

Baby Shark Interlude!

Do you like the color scheme? What will you wear for family portraits? Email me with comments or questions about booking!