Santa Baby

Oh, we love this kid!!! It's so much fun to photograph your own!

Let me tell you, he was NOT happy to be stuffed in this sock. But once we got him in, he succumbed to the swaddling effect (and the near-tropic temperature I had the camera room).


Baby Jack is now three months old and weighs over eight pounds. His lungs are fine, his heart is fine, his eyes are fine— he has none of the complications that preemies can sometimes face. Just this week, he started smiling and cooing and laughing at me and Jon, which we think is just the smartest thing EVER. He'll be driving us to work before too long, I'm sure. :)

Family really is the best gift. Customers— you're a nice second. Thanks to everyone for a wonderful year, and we really mean it. We'll be closed until Jan. 13, spending time with family and friends and Friends. I mean, who doesn't watch those reruns?

James and Mary: Fayetteville, AR

James and Mary are engaged!! Aww, aren't they cute!!

James and Mary wrap up the last Session for 2008. We're closing over the holidays and we'll resume January 13th, with brand-spanking new ideas and all sorts of exciting, exciting things!!

Aaron Humphrey: Neosho, MO

Aaron's the son of Julie and Joe. He brought along his own train for the Session. Thanks, Humphreys, for "choo-choosing" Calotype!

And that was a ridiculously cheesy pun.

Parker, Riley and Jennifer Gent: Anderson, MO

I love to photograph Parker and Riley! And Jennifer— well, we don't mind throwing her in for a few. :)

Every time I photograph these guys, I wish I had twins. Then I think about my sleepless nights with ONE three-month-old... and the feeling goes away. Quickly.

But I still love to photograph them!

Genet and Joel: Bella Vista, AR

Baby Jones is on his/her way! (They're not finding out the sex— isn't that completely awesome??)

Using one of the images from this Session, they sent out a Christmas card saying "The Season of Miracles," which triggers the still-touchy weeping response leftover from my recent pregnancy. Bawl! Babies are miracles! Right now, it's a miracle that Jack is sleeping. And that I'm posting Genet's portraits to the blog before June.

Kirsten and Kolby Henson: Pineville, MO

Bro and sis came in for Christmas portraits, wearing these sweet coats and hats. My new recommendation. Coat+hat+gloves+scarf= insta-Christmas-look!

I love photographing return customers! They let me do anything. :) (See the Eclectic, two images down).

Check out the custom Christmas card we designed for them (last image). I was feeling it.

Berger Family: Rogers, AR

Heather and Clay brought their two girls, Brooke and Caroline, to Calotype for Christmas family portraits. The girls were dancing and I just had to grab the shot (middle).

And who says your eyes have to be open in every picture? Come on— let's think outside the box! (But don't close your eyes when Aunt Brenda starts snapping at the Christmas Eve get-together. There's a time and a place).

Kendra Carlson: Bentonville, AR

Everybody should wear red shoes so we can photograph them on a gold couch on a green background! We love it!!

But, gentle reader, I may not do it again. Wear red shoes and I may photograph you on a pale blue wall. I love red and pale blue together. Today. Tomorrow I may love something different. Maybe you should wear yellow shoes and see what I come up with!

Whatever you wear, I'll come up with something fabulous. That's what I get paid to do, you know. Thanks, Kendra, for paying us to take these sweet pictures. We're glad you had fun.

Evans Family: Neosho, MO

How cute is this kid? He's 15-month-old Boston, who ever so nicely allowed his mom and dad to be photographed with him.

Craig and Heather Wilson: Neosho, MO

Newlyweds Craig and Heather came to Calotype for some "couples" portraits. We did casual, and then Heather brought along her wedding dress. Great idea! (Except for the fact that it was 40 degrees outside!) Hey, at least I got to wear MY coat, and Heather got awesome pictures. What's beauty and art without a little suffering?

Drew Pearcy: Anderson, MO

Drew's a senior at McDonald County High School (hence the Mustang statue in the shadowy background of the truck pictures). Yes, that's at the school.

The railroad tracks and the green door are by city hall. (I'm continually amazed at the amount of people who still don't know that city hall has green doors!)

We had a great time with Drew. And... his family. We had to pull them in for a few!

Colby Underhill: Rogers, AR

Colby is smoldering! He's going to make every thirteen-year-old girl in NWA want to take guitar lessons!

Colby's the son of Amy and Jeff Underhill. A lot of kids (boys especially) get neglected portrait-wise in the tween years. Tsk, tsk! Kudos to Amy for taking the time to have Colby professionally photographed!

Thanks for choosing Calotype, Underhill family. We appreciate your business.

Dave and Jenny Holden: Neosho, MO

DAVE AND JENNY ARE SO AWESOME WE CAN'T STAND IT!!! In fact, when their total awesomeness combines, they become the fabulous DA-NNY! Or is it JAVE?? How 'bout DJ?

Whatever. Dave and Jenny are best friends of ours, and also the godparents to our handsome boy Jack. I was jumping with joy at the chance to photograph them.

We did a sunset Session out and around town. Yes, Jack came with us. Yes, we can do a sunset Session for you. Yes, it will cost more money. No, Jack cannot have two sets of godparents. Contact us in advance for child #2.

WE LOVE YOU DAVE AND JENNY!! STOP BEING SO AWESOME!

Brodie Roessler: Pineville, MO

Brodie's back!! And cuter than ever! He models the sweetest coat ever from Belly Buttons.

He's now one year old, and to celebrate the Big Birthday, and the grand finale of our year-long Baby Plan, we gave him a cake and let him go at it. Obviously, it suited his tastes.

And for curious readers... the crown came from Belly Buttons Boutique in Jane, the cake from Main Sweets in Noel. New moms and dads-to-be— book our Baby Plan (four Sessions in a year) and you'll get the royal treatment, too.

The Baby Plan is $250 and includes the four Sessions, 4-8x10 Prints and 4 sets of 7 Wallets. And of course, the cake and the hat. Save your child from a haunted childhood of Sears pictures. Book us.

Madison: Rogers, AR

For being so young, Maddie did GREAT for her Christmas portraits! I think I was more excited than her mom!!

I just love her sweet dark eyes. Gorgeous.

Elsea Family: Hiwasse, AR

These are my current favorite family pictures!!! These sweaters are so awesome, I want to buy this picture (below) myself. :)

Amanda and Kane brought these two Gap models, Keeley and Pierce, along for family portraits at Calotype. Haha! They're really their own kids!

I had to post their Christmas card, too, because it's so completely awesome. I'm excited about these cards lighting up the mailboxes! Thanks, Elseas, for coming to Calotype. We think you are cool.

Sundi, Michelle and Ashley: McDonald County, MO

These three sisters came in for a portrait Session as a surprise for their mom. How neat! I immediately thought, "Aw, I should get my picture taken with James and Jeff for Mom... she would really like that..."

But Jack has currently taken center stage in her life. Once she gets over her grandson, we'll try slowly reintroducing the original kids... :)

Thanks, Sundi, Michelle and Ashley, for choosing Calotype. Great idea. I'm stealing it.

Marcoux Family: Neosho, MO

When Grandma and Grandpa popped in for a visit from CA, the Marcoux family popped on down to Calotype for family portraits.

The vintage camera the kids are playing with (two shots at the bottom) is a yard-sale find my father-in-law bought for me. I'm always looking for old, yummy-looking cameras— if you have any, feel free to donate to my cause. :)

Mathew Family: Seneca, MO

Noah came back for "family" portraits with Mom and Dad (Ashlea and Eric) but you can tell who's really the star of the show! His outfit is awesome. I wanted to keep it for Jack. :)

Harmon Kids: Anderson, MO

Ok, Ashton, this post if for YOU!

These were taken on a freezing cold, dreary day on the Harmon's property. Mandy (mom) sat in the car and watched baby Jack while Jon and I worked to get the last splash of fall color. Look for these in the Harmon home on the Parade of Homes December 13th!

(The parade of homes if hosted by the McDonald County Booster Club. Tickets are available at the doors of the homes featured.)

Wasson Family: Anderson, MO

Gary and Erica brought their children, Drew and Elly, to Calotype for family portraits. My personal favorite: Elly's football outfit (yes, it's Belly Buttons) with Drew and the football.

Jordan Family: Anderson, MO

The Jordan family ROCKS the family portrait with their gorgeous blonde hair and fabulous outfits. I mean, the Jordan girls rock the portrait— while Bob does lend a handsome masculine presence. :) Is this not the sweetest family portrait (below) ever?

Hansen Family: Seneca, MO

We photographed the Hansen family at of their creekside home in Seneca. My favorite? Out attempt at the grandkids shot (bottom) with three kids under three. This is authentic family photography. :)

Isaac Cook: Miami, OK

Isaac's back at Calotype again, flaunting his sweet Belly Buttons attire. Can this kid get any cuter?

Gillam Family: Springfield, MO

Shannon (Wooden) and Ken Gillam brought their family back to McDonald County for family portraits. Photographing little children is so much fun! Oscar and Archer were absolutely photogenic, whether they were reading, laughing or pulling Dad's hair (my favorite).

Sara Simmons: Lamar, MO

Sara's an 09 senior from Lamar; she had some fabulous looks. We had a little last blast of fall for her outdoor pix— and a lot of winter bluster (brr). Love 'em all.

Karys Harvey: Anderson, MO

Karys came in for her six month portraits in this pretty little tutu from Belly Buttons. She was a little unsure at first (see the first portrait) but she warmed up quickly! (See the rest...!)

Ewan Family: Anderson and Diamond, MO

Bill and Kathy Ewan came in with their daughter, Michelle, and grandson, Derrick, for a family Session. Their pinks and browns were a great choice— loved it. And the hats. Love the hats!

Rita and Gary Rice: Bentonville, AR

Rita and Gary celebrated their 18th anniversary with a portrait Session at Calotype. They also brought along their Maltese, Brodie. I couldn't resist grabbing one of just him...

Wesley Carr: Huber Heights, Ohio

Wesley's my nephew, and while he was here I couldn't resist taking a few shots. What incredible, incredible eyes! Those run on Jon's side of the family so I'm praying that Jack will get those big ol' peepers.

Couldn't resist sticking Jack in for one. What cute cousins!

Bree Moore: Carthage, MO

The sun looks so warm on the outdoor part of Bree's senior pictures! (It really wasn't). We had a great time with Bree and her mom, Stephanie. We always have fun on our senior Sessions!