Jacksie Short: Lamar, MO

Jacksie drove from an hour-and-a-half away to come to Calotype for her senior portrait Session. She also brought her boyfriend Ryan and her mom, Kim (you'll see them, pictured below). Jacksie was so easy-going and great to work with!

If I had to choose a favorite, it would probably be the one of her sitting inside her Mustang... but then again, I love the one in her formal in front of the old library doors... but I'm just the photographer. I have the easy job! I create the images— it's the clients that have the hard part of choosing!

Thanks, Jacksie, for choosing Calotype for senior portraits.

Hatfield Family: Orient, OH

Yes, it's a long ways from Orient, Ohio to Anderson, Missouri, but Noah, Holly and Abigail Hatfield were in the area and had to stop by Calotype Photography again! This is the second time we've photographed this beautiful family.

On a personal note: Holly gave me a card for my baby shower that made me cry... partly because I'm a post-natal emotional sprinkler, partly because it's so absolutely true... it said, "Everything else comes second... everything else can wait..." Now that Baby Jack is here, it's amazing how my priorities have changed. I have always valued family, and I've always valued portraits, but WOW... when it's your own baby in photographs... what an indescribable value. Priceless. I appreciate all of our customers, but now I thank each and every one from the bottom of my heart for their trust when they choose Calotype to photograph their family. Love to you all.

Tucker Dill: Anderson, MO

Tucker is the little brother to Ally and Max that we photographed earlier this summer. Who could resist this grin?! He's only three, but he sure knows what to do in front of a camera! What a cutie!

Smith Family: Sulphur Springs, AR

Here's Cheryl and Wayne Smith and their three children. I always post highlights from the Session almost immediately after clients view their images and place their order; thanks, Cheryl, for waiting so patiently over the last two weeks while I've been getting caught up from my UNEXPECTED maternity leave! (All of our clients have been so gracious during our absence— thank you, thank you, thank you!)

I love the soft, muted fall colors this family wore. Classic. They'll love these portraits for years to come. Thanks, Smith family, for the time you spent with Calotype!

IT'S A BOY!!!!

Jack Stephens was born 9-20-08 at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, weighing a little-bitty 3 lbs. and 10 oz. He was 16.75 inches long. He was born seven weeks early due to severe pre-eclampsia on my part, but baby is now doing fine and I'm doing fine... Jon and I are SO HAPPY and SO IN LOVE!

Jack is actually Jonathan Paul Stephens II, and we're calling him Jack for short. (Jack is a derivative of John or Jonathan— almost unheard of anymore, but I'm a history lover so I know these weird things!) I wanted to name my first son after his father, but I didn't want anyone calling him "Little Jon" so we went with "Jack."

Here's a few pics when he was just hours old. Even today, at 4 days old, he's changed so much and he's doing SO WELL! He's still in NICU at Freeman and will be for a little while as his lungs develop, but we can't wait to bring him home and PHOTOGRAPH the little guy!

Thanks to all of our clients who have been so patient with our rescheduling. We're slowly coming back to work for the rest of this week, but we'll be back with a bang before you know it. After all, we have a "new little employee" who needs training! Haha!

We appreciate everyone, client and friends, who called and visited and sent flowers and prayed. Jack is a little miracle (even if he was a little early!) and we're so blessed to have him. Keep watching for updates on our little guy!

Kacee Cholka: Neosho, MO

Kacee's a senior at Neosho High School. I know I say this almost every time, but I had SUCH A HARD TIME choosing my favorites for the blog. I love them all! (We're glad Kacee did, too!)

Thanks, Kacee and mom Carla, for choosing Calotype. You guys were great to work with!

Kianna, Tahatan and Mya: Neosho, MO

Aren't these siblings adorable? They were so easy to work with, smiling and following instructions so well. We just keep photographing the cutest kids!

Kianna, Tahatan and Mya are the children of Dr. Misty Deaton and Michael Pellegrino. Thanks for choosing Calotype!

Jackson Family: Anderson, MO

Kristin and TJ brought their little daughter Carly to Calotype for a family Session, and she quickly stole our hearts! I can't get enough of those serious, blue-blue eyes. What a darling! Check out the ones of her by herself, below. Wow.

Erin Busbea and Blayne Estes: Bella Vista, AR

Here's some highlights from Blayne and Erin's engagement Session (their wedding is next year in April). I think Erin did a great job with clothing— I love how it's colorful, but not overly distracting.

Also— special thanks to Erin's sister Beth, for her excellent reflector-holding skills. :) We love to put people to work— haha!

Congratulations, Erin and Blayne, on your upcoming marriage.

Kate Gantner: Rogers, AR

Kate's a high school senior at Rogers High School. My favorites from this Session are the ones with the copper-colored scarf— they bring out Kate's beautiful coloring! Some highlights from the Session are posted below. Thanks, Kate (and mom Teri), for visiting Calotype!