"But I Always Wear Black!"

Black is classic. It’s timeless. It’s sexy. Confident. Sophisticated.

Easy to match. Safe. Predictable.

BUT HAVE YOU TRIED COLOR?

Let’s look at one of my clients who came in for a headshot. She’s efficient, goal-driven and gets things done. What better uniform to wear, than black?

The safe, dependable black blazer.

The soft upgrade

Her long-time friend recommended she wear this blue blazer because it brought out her eyes.

Hmm. Looks like her friend was right!

See the difference? Black is not always the better choice!

“But, Julie! How do I know what my color is?

Easy. Bring a few different tops with you and I’ll photograph you in both! Then you can decide for yourself!

I can also help with recommendations, if you’re still shopping. Color can make a powerful statement! Call me and I’d love to share a few things I’ve learned about wearing the right color for your headshot.

Professional Headshots With Possibilities

Maybe you need just one great image. But how do we get there? What do YOU call great?

This client needed a dark background and wanted to wear dark clothes. Using those parameters, I made different looks with subtle changes in hair, face angle, etc so she could pick the best one. Flip through these and you’ll see how many are similar, but not exactly alike.

Nervous about how you’ll look in your headshots? That’s why I take several and make changes as we go. We’re guaranteed to get one you’ll love!

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.

Looking for Ideas On What To Wear?

Getting headshots taken is a breeze!

The only excruciating work is getting ready for them, ha! (Did you expect me to say that?)

My most asked question: “What do I WEAR??”

I used to say- “Black.”

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

There are a number of reasons why it's important to be fashionable and look your best. Here are a few of the most important:

• 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. 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 be perfect, but it does mean that we should take some effort to put our best foot forward. I used to be uncomfortable about taking time to look good until I realized how it affected others. When I look good, it’s a delight to others. 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!

It may not come easy to you. (If it were easy, everyone would do it).

Start with the sources I recommend above- Daily Look, Outfit Formulas, Color Me Beautiful.

OR:

Bring me some outfits. Some shoes and a t-shirt or accessory you love. Sling it over your shoulder and I’ll sort through it at the studio and pick out something perfect for you! A small-town extra included at no additional charge. ;)

How Photography Helps You Have More Powerful Moments With Your Kids

I work with many moms who are motivated high-achievers. They’re going to the top and stand out in their circles. But did you know they still have a common worry… “Am I a good mom?”

Ok, you already know there are thousands of articles and podcasts that address this- many preying on women’s fears just so they can get likes and shares- and the good ones still hose you down with so much information you’re overwhelmed! I’d like to quickly scroll past those opinions and skip to what makes a good mom.

A mom who is there.

Kids are born with a deep desire to win their parents’ approval. Simply by your presence, they are reassured that you value them.

Now, this doesn’t mean you have to be with them every waking moment! Even you understand that when a person looks back at their childhood, they will not remember it all. Studies show that we only remember certain points! The Peak-End rule is a good example of this, if you want to go down the rabbit hole of memory research. What matters is that your child sees, hears, and feels your presence during the important moments of their life.

In life, there are times that experts agree are important - accomplishments, sickness, heartbreak, change - but there is also a way that you can CREATE important moments for your child to remember!

It’s called “Flipping The Script”. It’s the unexpected! Showing up to share a school lunch. The unplanned manicure together; the trip to GameStop for no reason. These acts seem small, and they don’t need to happen often to be effective. It’s the gift of surprise and the gift of yourself that magically meld, forming a remarkable memory.

It’s me, with my fabulous four. This photo is from Mother’s Day 2020 so if you’re reading this much later- wow- my kids have changed!

Early on at my studio, I noticed that many kids get a sort of “entertainer complex” or star-struck shyness when they’re suddenly the center of attention in front of the lights and camera. Depending on their personality and age, they may get the wiggle-giggles, or give me such a funny look they cause themselves to laugh. It’s contagious, and Mom starts laughing, too. In a flash, a memory is made because it’s unexpected and funny.

What makes it even more powerful is the resulting photograph, which allows you to relive that moment over and over.

Siblings sharing a secret joke in the studio.

There are many things that audaciously demand your time and your focus. It’s up to us to choose what matters- what is truly important to us. If you’re overwhelmingly busy but longing to be more present for your child, let me introduce the idea that a Portrait Session can flip the script and make a magic moment for your child.

Next steps- call me, and blurt out your biggest concern when it comes to professional photography!

I’m not a big corporation- it’s me. I answer my own phone, and my clients are real, ordinary people of the Ozarks who range from long-time family portrait enthusiasts to first-time portrait beginners who have no idea what to expect. Every stage is fun, and it starts with a phone call! The studio number is 417-658-8865.

I need to find out one thing- what’s holding you back from bringing your kids in for pictures? Let’s find the answer!

Updated Headshot- Thanks, Clara

When I need a headshot, Clara (10) is my photographer of choice. She’s often at the studio with me, she understands keeping the focus points of the DSLR on the eyes, and she offers a string of ultra-specific, entertaining instructions. 😛

I set up the lights and reflector first, using her as the test subject. She was in the middle of making cherry trees from paper bags and construction paper, and you can see her fuzzy, end-of-day ponytail. No time for beauty standards when there’s crafting to complete!

We did several tests because I was uncertain about the brick wall contrasting sharply with the white wall it connects. “Just go with it, Mom,” was Clara’s opinion.

Go with it we did. She expected to be paid. “Craft supplies are getting expensive,” she shrugged.

Outdoor Family Portraits, Early September

A family of three, photographed in the morning at Morse Park.

Notice the wrist brace. Calotype portraits are a yearly event for this family, so these will be known as “the year with the broken wrist.”

Nine Month Old Baby Girl Spring Portraits

The purpose of this Session was to record the nine-month milestone of Little Sister, and feature Big Sister in just 1-2 portraits.

However, as you can see, Little Sister was MUCH happier with big sister involved, so most portraits ended up including both girls.

Isn’t this the way of siblings when they’re little? They love being together.

Fun Family Picture Ideas (Family of Four- Small Children)

Do you dream of unique, creative photos of your family? Something really special that everyone will love?

Tip: Hire some professional child models and leave your own kids at home! Because your kids have their own ideas and may not listen to yours!

(I’m joking) (A little)

Really, for best results, don’t dream. Just do it! Book the Session. Come in and let’s play!

Here’s a real life family, with real life kids.

Resting and Restoring In Winter ☀️

After the rush of Christmas, I love to cozy up in my home and nest for a while. I intensely dislike a constant string of frantic activity. I like to be quiet, alone and thinking about my own thoughts- preferably in elastic-waist pajamas with my hair in a messy bun, the Chris Rice Deep Enough to Dream album from 1997 playing, and bread rising in the kitchen. (I am very specific about my environment and how it affects my senses!)

Unfortunately, the weak, cold daylight of a Missouri winter makes me feel uninspired and cross with people. I tried for years to change myself since I can’t change the weather, but it eventually occurred to me I COULD change my location- and we started spending more and more winter time in Florida.

This year, our family spent five weeks in the Sunshine State. Four in Destin (five starts) and one in Orlando (no stars for the city of Standing In Line Everywhere and Bad Internet). Since this is not a travel journal, I’ll spare you my reviews and instead show you some photographs of my children. I didn’t do much photography and I like it that way. I have to step away from the camera occasionally to widen my perspective. But Destin is beautiful and there were memories to be made, so here are few images from January/February 2022.

Firstborn Jack heaves a loud sigh when Mom takes his picture, so I have to be stealthy to get a genuine expression like this. He’s 13 now, quiet and reserved. His youngest siblings make so much noise I have to intentionally make room to hear what he has to say. A conversation with a teenager is precious indeed.

Here he is drawing a map in the sand. He’s in Challenge A of Classical Conversations, and learning to draw the whole world from memory. I love that he’s currently drawing Eastern Asia while on the sands of the Florida panhandle. Homeschooling is full of rich moments like this.

Ten year old Clara searches for shells each time we walk the beach. Bright and chirpy in her personality, she finds beauty everywhere she looks.

Bruce Michael: always looking angelic, but drawn toward danger. His own guardian angels are overworked and underpaid, but they stay with him.

Mom said he could get wet right after pictures. He has the face of a man determined to do his whole duty.

Charlotte, the baby of the family. I never know what she will do in pictures but I can say I’m never disappointed!

She is four and already losing the baby look. Tall, gangly legs and arms are growing daily, reminding me that every photograph of her is worth it.

Remembering Nanny

This December, my in-laws (Mike and Ruth Stephens) would have been married 50 years. Ruth passed away unexpectedly and they didn’t get to celebrate this momentous occasion earthside.

I thought it would be fun to photography my girls in Nanny’s wedding dress and give pictures to Poppy in honor of their anniversary.

Here’s Clara- ten years old

This is Charlotte- four years old. I couldn’t get her to take off the veil- she loved it!

Finally bribed Charlotte to take off the veil for just one picture. She very seriously told me she was doing it so Poppy could see how nice she was being in Nanny’s dress.

What To Do With All Those Extra People Showing Up at Your House for the Holidays

Here’s a fun idea: do you have family coming in for the holidays? Book a Cousin Photoshoot at the studio!

It’s full of laughs, and you’ll get great memories to last a lifetime. This is the guaranteed way to Grandma’s heart! ♥️

Studio Senior Portraits: Class of 2022

Here’s a case where the subject wanted outdoor portraits, but it rained on the day we had planned. Due to weather, the early winter evenings, and his tight schedule, we switched to an in-studio Session instead. Results? See for yourself. Subject and mom LOVED the images- even more than they thought possible.

Studio images stand out in a sea of do-it-yourself and I’ve noticed they catch the eye of the Individualist- the person who respects the uncommon. Is that you? Call me at the studio and let’s talk about studio advantages vs. location and see which one works best for you.

Two Year Birthday Boy: Big Spring Park in the Fall

These images were taken October 25th. The leaves were still shockingly green through most of Big Spring Park, but there was a group of trees that had already changed at the back of the park, near the mouth of the cave. Have you been back there? It’s wonderful to explore.

Love the second one of Dad and son. I told them to lean their heads in. :)

Studio Family Portraits: Family of Three

Senior Pictures: 2022

Thinking about your son’s senior pictures and wondering what to do?

Did you know he can have his opinion, and you can have yours- and both be happy with the results?

Senior photoshoots at Calotype include the shots that moms love; yet consider the senior’s perspective, too. Shown here, this senior was photographed with his mom’s choice of car and then with his- a classic MG he’s in the process of restoring. The Session (usually about an hour or less) is a creative time with no bad ideas- it’s all fun and inventive. Don’t like some results? No worries. Don’t choose that image when you come back to view the portraits! There will be many more you’ll love. It’s my guarantee- or your money back!

Family With Two Year Old: Big Spring Park (Early Fall)

These images were taken October 18th. In previous years at this time, the leaves had already started changing. This year, even halfway past the middle of October, they were still very green.

I took some fall leaf garland and fake leaves to scatter in the background, hoping to add some warm fall colors- but I confess I don’t love it. With so much green still around, it didn’t look natural (see fourth image). But the weather was flawless, and the park was beautiful. Enjoy these images of a lively 2-year-old traipsing Big Spring Park.

JJ from Cocomelon makes a cameo or two- can you find him?

Senior Boy Photos In the Fall

Class of 2022 senior, photographed entirely on location in the Joplin greater area.

Scroll to the end to see some throwback photos that Calotype created (when he was only five).

And here’s that throwback I promised- from 2009

I don’t know what he was thinking about. I’m sure it wasn’t senior pictures… and how fast the years would fly.