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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Brother/Sister Photographed In Studio: Bright Spring Colors

What’s more colorful than this new spring backdrop? Their personalities. :)

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Big sister had some pose ideas of her own.  I had some folded canvas backgrounds draped over this chair I wasn’t using.  She crawled inside to make a little nest. :)

Big sister had some pose ideas of her own. I had some folded canvas backgrounds draped over this chair I wasn’t using. She crawled inside to make a little nest. :)

Little brother, who was very curious, came over to investigate. I love the look on his face!

Little brother, who was very curious, came over to investigate. I love the look on his face!

 

Are you on our email list? It’s where I send out specials and SOLICIT OPINIONS. Even though I welcome followers on Instagram, my email list is special and gets MY FOCUS. You can find out about creative things we’re doing AFTERWARDS on Insta *WHEN I REMEMBER TO POST* but my email friends hear about it first!

Five Year Old Girl In The Studio

Bright, colorful, full of fun and silly faces: these are portraits that make you feel good inside!

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ARE YOU ON OUR EMAIL LIST? IT’S WHERE I SEND OUT SPECIALS AND SOLICIT OPINIONS. EVEN THOUGH I WELCOME FOLLOWERS ON INSTAGRAM, MY EMAIL LIST IS SPECIAL AND GETS MY FOCUS. YOU CAN FIND OUT ABOUT CREATIVE THINGS WE’RE DOING AFTERWARDS ON INSTA *WHEN I REMEMBER TO POST* BUT MY EMAIL FRIENDS HEAR ABOUT IT FIRST!