As a  professional photographer, I know that natural light is a gift that keeps on giving. Its soft, flattering glow can transform an ordinary portrait into a magical frame. Understanding the nuances of natural light, particularly the play of light at different times of the day, is therefore essential. And in the heartland of America, the Midwest's August light offers some truly special opportunities.

The first golden window for natural light portraits is the early morning. Known as the "Golden Hour", this time slot, approximately an hour after sunrise, promises a gentle, warm glow that imbues photographs with a dreamy, ethereal quality. In the Midwest, August sunrises are typically between 6:00 am and 6:30 am. Therefore, plan your shoots to start at around 7:00 am to capture the soft morning light.

Midday light, between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, tends to be harsh and direct, which can create unflattering shadows and overexposure in portraits. But don't dismiss this time of day altogether. With the right techniques, such as using a diffuser or seeking out natural shade, midday light can provide a vibrant, high-contrast look. That being said, it is generally the most challenging time of day to shoot and is often avoided for portrait photography.

Late afternoon, or "Golden Hour" round two, offers another prime opportunity. This is the hour or two before sunset when the light takes on a warm, golden hue. In August, sunsets in the Midwest occur between 7:30 pm and 8:00 pm, so scheduling your shoot to begin at around 6:00 pm will help you make the most of this beautiful light.

Lastly, there's the "Blue Hour", the brief window just after sunset before darkness sets in. The indirect sunlight during this period can result in wonderfully saturated, cool-toned portraits. For August in the Midwest, this would be just after 8:00 pm.
Of course, weather plays a significant role in natural light photography. An overcast day can provide soft, even lighting, while a clear day can yield a more dramatic effect with stronger shadows and contrast. It's about being flexible and making the most of the conditions on the day of your shoot.
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Remember, the best time for natural light portraits isn't a one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on the mood and aesthetic you're aiming for. Whether you're seeking the delicate allure of a golden hour glow or the striking contrasts of a clear midday, knowing how to work with August's shifting light in the Midwest can elevate your portraits to new heights.

In today's digital age, a strong online presence is crucial for professionals across various industries. One essential element of personal branding is a high-quality headshot that conveys professionalism, confidence, and approachability. As a dedicated photographer, I am thrilled to offer a specialized service that focuses on business and social media headshots. Whether you're an individual looking to enhance your personal brand or an entire office in need of consistent and impressive portraits, my tailored solutions will help you stand out from the crowd.

Comprehensive Retouched Digital Files:
As part of my offering, I provide fully retouched digital files that are optimized for various platforms. Your headshot package includes images sized specifically for print, social media, Teams, and LinkedIn. With attention to detail, I ensure that your headshots are perfectly tailored for their intended use, allowing you to make a strong and impactful impression across different online and offline channels. Your images will be available in the following sizes:

•         Print: Fully retouched digital files will be sized to 8x10 inches, enabling you to produce high-quality prints suitable for framing or use in marketing collateral.
•         Social Media: Images sized to 4x6 inches are ideal for social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Stand out from the online crowd with a professional headshot that captures attention and leaves a lasting impression.
•         Teams: With headshots optimized for use in Microsoft Teams, you can project a polished and professional image during virtual meetings and conferences. The image size of 450x450 pixels ensures optimal clarity and visibility.
•         LinkedIn: LinkedIn has become a go-to platform for professional networking and career advancement. Your headshot will be sized to 400x400 pixels, perfectly fitting within LinkedIn's guidelines and helping you create a strong online presence within the business community.

Flexible Options for Individuals and Offices:
I understand that every client has unique requirements, which is why I offer flexibility in my services. Whether you're an individual professional or an entire office seeking cohesive headshots, I can accommodate your needs.
For individuals, I provide a personalized 45-minute session designed to capture your unique personality and professional essence. With a keen eye for composition and lighting, I strive to create headshots that truly reflect who you are. You will receive two fully retouched digital images as part of the package, ensuring you have standout visuals for your personal branding efforts. Additional retouched images can be added to the package for an extra fee.
If you're a business or organization looking to provide headshots for your team, I offer on-location sessions or access to my studio. These sessions allow for a consistent look across all headshots, reinforcing your brand identity and presenting a unified image to clients and partners. Additionally, retakes or sessions for individuals who were unable to attend the office session can be scheduled at the studio.

Pricing and Booking:
Investing in professional headshots is an investment in your personal brand and professional success. My pricing starts at $192 for a 45-minute session and includes two fully retouched digital images. Additional retouched images, prints, and customized packages are available upon request.
To book your session or inquire about customized packages for your office, please contact me directly. I am committed to providing an exceptional experience and delivering headshots that exceed your expectations.

In today's competitive business landscape, a captivating and professional headshot can make a significant difference in how you are perceived by colleagues, clients, and professional networks. With my specialized business and social media headshot offering, you can elevate your personal brand and make a lasting impression online and offline. Take the first step towards enhancing your professional image by booking a session today and let me capture your unique essence through stunning headshots that open doors to new opportunities.

In a visually-driven world, the art of commercial photography holds immense power. It is the bridge between brands and their audience, the medium that breathes life into products and services, and the catalyst that tells compelling stories. Behind every captivating image lies a commercial photographer, armed with creativity, expertise, and an unwavering passion for their craft. Join us as we delve into the enchanting world of commercial photography and explore its transformative impact

The Essence of Commercial Photography:
Commercial photography goes beyond just capturing images; it encapsulates the essence of a brand or product. It creates a visual narrative that resonates with the target audience, evokes emotions, and leaves a lasting impression. From stunning product shots to dynamic lifestyle photography, commercial photographers masterfully blend aesthetics, storytelling, and branding to create captivating imagery.

Collaborative Vision:
Commercial photography is a collaborative journey between the photographer and the client. It is a fusion of creative ideas, brand objectives, and strategic planning. A skilled commercial photographer listens intently, understands the brand's values, and works closely with the client to translate their vision into a visual masterpiece. They are experts in capturing the essence of a brand and transforming it into a powerful visual language.

Lighting, Composition, and Technique:
Behind every awe-inspiring photograph lies meticulous attention to detail. Commercial photographers have an inherent understanding of lighting, composition, and technical aspects that bring their subjects to life. They artfully play with shadows, highlights, and textures, using their technical expertise to create visually striking images that resonate with viewers.

Telling Stories through Images:
Commercial photography has the incredible ability to tell stories. It captures moments, emotions, and experiences, weaving them into a visual tapestry that engages and connects with the audience. Whether it's portraying the joy of a family enjoying a product or the excitement of a new business venture, commercial photographers are masters of visual storytelling, bringing brands to life through their lens.

Impactful Branding:
In the competitive landscape of today's business world, strong branding is essential. Commercial photographers understand the significance of visual branding and how it influences consumer perception. They work closely with clients to ensure that every image aligns with the brand's identity, values, and target market, reinforcing brand recognition and leaving a lasting impression on potential customers.

Evoking Emotions and Driving Engagement:
Images have the power to evoke emotions and ignite action. Commercial photographers leverage their artistic prowess to create images that engage viewers on an emotional level, encouraging them to take the desired course of action. From social media campaigns to print advertisements, their visually captivating work drives engagement, sparks conversations, and cultivates meaningful connections between brands and their audience. 

Commercial photography is an extraordinary blend of artistry, technical expertise, and storytelling. It breathes life into brands, elevates products, and captures the essence of memorable moments. Behind every exceptional commercial photograph is a skilled photographer who understands the intricacies of visual communication and transforms ideas into captivating imagery.
To all the commercial photographers out there, your lens holds the power to inspire, evoke, and transform. Your creativity and expertise leave an indelible mark on the visual landscape, shaping brands and captivating audiences. So, keep pushing the boundaries, capturing moments, and telling stories that resonate with the world.

Embrace the art of commercial photography and unleash the power of visual storytelling that connects us all. Contact me today to help build your brands visibility online and in print! 

Lindsay is just starting out her modeling career and needed some images worth of agency meetings. I had a great time working with you Lindsay! 

Each session includes a Smart Phone APP of your final session edits that you can use as a digital portfolio. It can be downloaded, and shared to as many devices as you'd like. The APP ensures FAST viewing of your edits and images can be shared directly to social media sites! 

​Book a session today!