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Do you have a website that’s being redone and your photograph needs updating? Have you always dreamed about becoming a model but have no photographs of yourself? Are you an executive that has changed companies, or looking for a different look for your promotional material? Maybe you have just written a book, started a new home based business and need a headshot? All of these requests come into my portrait studio throughout the year. Each one requires special attention to clothing and location.

Executives:

Professional Headshots

Avoid stripes and patterns. Clothing should be pressed, neat and fit well. Ladies if you are wearing jewelry keep it simple. Men, please chose a basic tie, shave or beards need to be trimmed. If you hair is too long, make your appointment for a haircut a week before the session. Professional make-up done on site is the norm. I will be taking a variety of shots: Full length, ¾ and close-up. Some shots will be formal, some more casual. You will have plenty to choose from.

 Authors, Actors and Other Professionals:

Professional Headshots

Wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable and gives you a professional look. Lighter clothing is better than darker. Avoid stripes and patterns. Bring several outfit changes and include short and long sleeve shirts. Long sleeves can be very flattering. Men, if you need a haircut, please make your appointment a week before the session. Everything shows. Shave if you like that look or trim your beard. Collared button down shirts photograph well. Ladies, have your hair done the day of the session if you have a specific look you enjoy. Make-up should be natural and what you commonly use for day wear. I will be taking a variety of shots: Full length, ¾ and close-up. Make sure you can sit comfortably in whatever clothing you have decided to wear.

 Models:

Professional Headshots

I like to provide a “model” client with four completely different photographs. Scouts like to see how the person may photograph in different settings so I use at least two different locations. I make a formal type shot, a casual, an active shot, a variety of close-up, ¾ and full length views, black and white and color. For the scruffy look for men, I suggest starting off with that look. Then shaving and changing clothes for the rest of the session. The planning stages involve finding out what activities the client enjoys most. I suggest bringing several outfits for each setting and I can choose what will work best the day of the session. Often, I provide the client with an 8×10 which includes a mix of photographs and the statistics like name, height, weight, contact number, and so on.

Personal, Online Dating:

Professional Headshots

For this photography session I recommend wearing clothing that makes you feel attractive. Bring a variety of outfits so that there will be much to choose from. Lighter colors work well than darker. Again, avoid stripes and bold patterns; the viewer wants to concentrate on your face, not your clothing. I like to choose a location that you enjoy going to; be it a beach, a garden, a park. I need you to be relaxed and content so your comfort is paramount! I will be photographing a headshot, a three quarter view and a full length so whatever you decide to wear make sure you can sit as well as stand.

Whatever your situation is, having professional headshots made gives a great first impression to your clients, your readers, modeling agencies, potential dating partners.

 
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Michael Blount Joins Deborah Kalas PhotographyI am excited to introduce Michael Blount to Deborah Kalas Photography Studio. He will be working as my lighting assistant, technical expert, and second shooter for weddings and events. Michael began his interest in photography at the age of 15 when he received his first film camera, a canon AE-1 for his birthday. He graduated from Chadron College in Nebraska with a degree in Environmental biology. His interest in photography led to a job photographing for the Department of Interior in Montana, Nevada, California, Utah, Arizona, Nebraska and Texas.  He soon realized how much he enjoyed photography and wanted to make it a career. This led him to enroll in the Hallmark Institute of Photography in Turners Falls, MA, an intensive photography program which focuses its curriculum on the art, business and technical aspects of photography and digital imaging.

Michael Blount Joins Deborah Kalas Photography

Children’s Portrait

 Michael is very excited about moving to East Hampton because he loves to spend his time outside and at the beach. He has a labrador retriever named Izzie, who is Buttercup’s new friend.

Michael blount joins Deborah Kalas Photography

High School Senior Portrait                                     Pet Photography
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ARCHIVAL AND ORGANIC PHOTOGRAPHS

In today’s world, everyone hears about organic foods and archival products. In a way, they are similar. As a portrait photographer, organic and archival are very important concepts for me and my portrait photography studio.

I have been eating fresh and organic foods all my life. I either grow or seek out what’s local and in season and what is grown without harmful chemicals. The same goes for the products I produce for my photography clients. I start with a high resolution file that has been meticulously retouched for a natural appearance. The inks I use are fresh, the paper and mats are acid free. Just as a fruit or vegetable is harvested at the appropriate time, my prints are made with pigment-based inks , cured and archival with a lightfast rating of up to 108 years. The grandmother test is that a print should be unnoticeably changed for three generations. Refrigerating your produce helps some last longer after harvesting. Photographic prints generally last longer when they are kept out of direct sunlight, extreme heat and humidity. Take a look at the photographs below.

Archival And Organic Photographs

PAPER FOR PORTRAIT PRINTS: These family portraits were all made over a hundred years ago. Each has varying stages of aging. The print from 1870 shows the most signs of deterioration with uniform lightening of the tonalities. The image was printed on albumen paper made with egg whites. The photographs from 1900 and 1911 were printed on a fiber based paper and show almost no signs of fading, just a shift to warmer toned blacks. At my portrait studio, the inks are pigment based and the paper is acid-free. I also offer photographs made on an artist’s acid free watercolor paper which has a slight texture. It is museum grade and produces prints rich in tonality.

COFFEE TABLE ALBUMS, BOUND LIBRARY BOOKS:

The company I work with has a tradition of fine bookbinding procedures since 1942. The original founders and owners were trained in old world Italy from a fifth generation custom bookbinder and use the finest quality materials. Album styles range from very traditional through contemporary to avant-garde. They welcome photographer’s ideas and will customize the books to meet our client’s needs.

Archival and Organic Photographs

CLOTH DESK FOLIOS: I have a company that uses Japanese bookbinding fabrics, acid-free mats and their loving hands make the most exquisite desk folios. They produce their products as heirlooms to last for generation after generation. This is a concept I fully embrace. What I also love is that they will create custom folios to meet my client’s needs.

Archival And Organic Photographs

At my portrait studio, archival and organic is a way of life. Photographs made with pigment based inks, on acid-free paper, and mounted in products like books and desk folios will last many generations. If you have any questions about growing vegetables organically or eating organic food, please contact me as well. I am well versed on both topics!!