Fashion cropping for Senior Portraits and Headshots – Kathleen Hall Photography Palm Harbor Senior Photographer

Off with their heads!!

Occasionally I get asked about the top of a head in an image and why is it missing?  If you look at the current media, television, movies and magazines, the trend has gone toward cropping into the head in a portrait.  Think about this the next time you view a show.  It is so prevalent that I imagine you never even noticed it.  Not like what they did 20 years ago.  Think back on the portraits on your walls and school portraits.  OK, they look “normal”.  Or do they? Why has the trend gone toward this more “extreme” trend?  Yes, its different and contemporary, but more importantly it has a great deal more impact!  The “rule of thirds” applies in these portraits as well as most artistic works.  The strongest point of impact usually is placed at one of the four connecting points or at least on one of the lines.  Take a look at the images below and you will easily see what I mean. 

 

As your portrait professional, it is my job to give you the finest piece of art you can get and that applies to senior portraits, business headshots, family photos, wedding photography, etc.  Cropping is just one of the tools that I use.  I can’t really use this rule when photographing groups or even when I create a full length image; it just doesn’t work.  But it does work very well with individuals in a closeup or even a 3/4 length portrait.  Especially in seniors and in contemporary headshots or actor’s headshots.  The emphasis goes right to the eyes and the impact on the connection with the viewer is intesified.

I learned early on that you first need to learn the rules and then know when to break them, or apply them.  This can be said about any creative endeavor.  Whether it be a musician, an oil painter or a photographer, the really creative people that make an impact on our lives take and use the rules to create stunning pieces of art for you.

So when you see your head cut off, now you know why!!

Yeah, I did it on purpose!

#whygopro #kathleenhallphotography #headshots #businessportraits #seniorportraits

High School Senior Photos…Kathleen Hall Photography

Prom is coming up FAST and we thought about all the things that go into prom and thought we would do a little video for you!  Prom is great, but the whole preparation thing is very cool too!  You get to pick out a dress, figure out a hair style, plan on makeup and where you are going to get it done and a whole bunch of other things!

Julie is one of our spokesmodels and she volunteered to let us come along while she had a trial run with her hair and makeup at Salon Bella Flora and went dress shopping at Nikki’s Glitz and Glam Boutique.  Well, we went a little farther and had her pose for photographs in her three top choice gowns and three different hair styles!  You, yes YOU, are going to help her decide!  We will post on Facebook the three different hair styles and the three different dresses and you get to vote!  ( I have my favorite, but I’m not telling!) Take a look at the video below to see the whole process!
<>

Now Julie’s top three choices were these three:  The first one was designed by La Femme in aquamarine blue with a beautifully beaded bodice and an open back.  This looked amazing on Julie and even though it is quite elegant, it gave a softer look to Julie. Kathleen Hall Photography

The second one is a white strapless design with a sweetheart neckline.  The bodice is adorned with gold lace and beads.  It has an open back with a beautiful flowing skirt, great to dance in! The designer on this one is Night Moves. Kathleen Hall Photography

And lastly, there is the beautiful gray (who knew gray could be so elegant!), formal with a sweetheart neckline and mermaid style with tulle at the bottom.  Just gorgeous!!It has gold sequins with gun metal and aura borealis stones mixed in.  This one give a whole new meaning to elegance! This is designed by Alyce, in their Black Label line.  All of these can be found at Nikki’s Glitz and Glam Boutique in Palm Harbor.  Kathleen Hall Photography

And then there is a hair style to decide on.  True, the gown somewhat dictates the hair style but Julie experimented with three, with the help of Flora, Tina and Katherine at Salon Bella Flora. 

She has a choice of a very elegant and fashion forward bun, designed by Tina; a beautiful “messy” updo, styled by Flora, or long soft curls by Katherine   She looks great in all three, but which will she choose?!

I had a great time working with everyone last week!  Check on my Facebook page for the opportunity to place your vote and help Julie decide!