Vertical, Horizontal or Square for Headshots?

If you don’t have company specifications, it’s useful to have a headshot that can handle many purposes. Profile pictures for platforms (could be square, might be circular). Business cards (could be vertical, might be horizontal with dead space for text). Social media (any format, although some platforms display 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! Ask and I have a special offer, just for you!

How Are My Headshots Going To Turn Out?

  1. If you’ve seen my work on my blog or LinkedIn, you already have an idea.

    If you like what you see there, we’re a good fit. If you want something different, you’re welcome to reach out and ask- but for the most part, I have a certain style and “way to see the world” that is not going to drastically change overnight.

  2. But here’s the catch: your photos will naturally be different—because no two people are the same.

    Every person is different and I can’t do the exact same thing twice. I’m terrible at copying. If you want me to freeze, show me a Pinterest picture and tell me recreate it. I will hyper-focus on things like lens focal length and lighting pattern (even though people are most likely only seeing the outfit or photogenic subject). There’s something inside my brain that always panics about doing something exactly like the source- this is true for my music, my writing and my photography. If I have to play a piece exactly like it’s written, I dread it! (Which is humorous, because I’ve heard many people are the opposite and panic when they have to come up with something on their own. This is a subject I’d love to explore over coffee with my creative-loving friends!) Back to the original topic of this paragraph: “Your pictures will look very similar to work in my portfolio, but a little different because you’re a little different.”

You’re not the first person to worry about your headshots will look.

It’s natural, and I have a plan to help you.

  1. First, make sure you like the pictures you’ve already seen. I tend to be classic and more formal, more so with my lighting if not all my poses. If you don’t care for my take on headshots, keep looking around until you find a photographer that resonates with you.

  2. If you like what you see but are still uncertain about how yours will turn out, help me by bringing some “raw material.” By this I mean “clothing options.” Different blazers, different colored tops, sleeve lengths, necklines, etc. Three to five should be good. Bring only what you love- if it’s a shirt you hate you won’t suddenly love it just because I photographed it. Don’t bring three things that are exactly alike except different colors- for example, men bringing one suit with one white shirt but three different ties. That won’t make much of a difference.

  3. Let me shoot some bad pictures. Yes, I’ll take some pictures that will make you shout, “Heck, no!” And I’ll take at least one that will make you laugh out loud. Do you know what horrible thing is going to happen when I take a bad picture and you see it? We’re going to delete it. And no one will ever see it again. But afterwards, you’ll be left with portraits that look really, really nice. You’ll smile when you see them.

    There’s a story of an art class that was divided into two sections. One half had the goal of making a piece of art every day for a semester. The other half only had the goal of making one incredible piece of art for the semester deadline. At the end of the class, the group that made art every day had produced several beautiful pieces (albeit several crumpled, rejected flops, too). But the group with the pressure to produce only one, beautiful work never did come up with anything. They couldn’t agree on what to create, and the dissension caused by the strain of perfection produced zero results. The group that actively practiced produced far more superior than second class pieces. Nothing bad happens if you let me take my shots while I look for your best angle. It’s my job to show you different perspectives so you can sort through and pick the best of the best!

Now let’s look at pictures. Here is Lacie, who brought me plenty of raw material in the form of clothing AND facial expressions. She gave me the freedom to explore and create something unique for her. Did she have any “bad shots”? You’ll never know! ;)

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.

25th Anniversary Portraits

Looking for ideas to celebrate a wedding anniversary? What about a Portrait Session together? You can purchase your favorite images in a leather-bound album that will endure for generations to come.

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This was actually a test shot where I was metering the white wall. They ended up loving it and putting it in their album. “It looks like we’re dating,” she laughed.

This was actually a test shot where I was metering the white wall. They ended up loving it and putting it in their album. “It looks like we’re dating,” she laughed.

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The last image.

The last image.

Girl Dancer in Costume

Dancers put so much time and work into what they do- why not have professional photos taken to celebrate? This young lady dances at Solomon’s Dance Studio in Neosho. Can you guess some of the dances these costumes belong to?

Photographed in the studio.

Six Year Old Girl In Studio

Are you looking for a way to let your daughter know how special she is? A Birthday Portrait Session at Calotype might be just what she needs!

Many little girls love the experience and attention they receive during a photoshoot, plus you have the photographs themselves to keep as a memory.

Did you know: I have a special gift for you, if you bring your child during the month of their birthday?

CALL ME- it’s too good to post online!

If you want to make her birthday special this year, book a Session today! Call the studio at 417-658-8865. And look at these happy images of this six-year-old beauty, loving every moment of her photoshoot.

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