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AUXARCZEN

pronounced: OZARK ZEN

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Most headshots that I have seen are made to be safe. Let me set the stage. A neutral background in washed out greys and blues, one warm key light ,a body turned slightly to the side, arms folded just so, a polite half-smile and they aren't making eye contact with the camera. They are professional and perfect for some lines of work.


I don't make headshots like that.


HEADSHOT MINI SPECIAL

(through February)

  • 15 minutes

  • 1 location

  • 5 fully edited, high resolution images

  • available within two business days

  • $175







HOW I MAKE HEADSHOTS


acting headshots
acting headshots

Your headshot is often the first line of your story.


my subject works mainly in small roles & commercials
my subject works mainly in small roles & commercials

It should feel like you.


I wanted him to have a wide range of emotions
I wanted him to have a wide range of emotions

I create headshots that are clean enough for professional use, but alive enough to feel human.


that way he can submit a photo that matches the role that he is auditioning for
that way he can submit a photo that matches the role that he is auditioning for

WHO ARE THESE HEADSHOTS FOR


  • actors, artists, authors, and performers who want something with mood and truth

  • entrepreneurs and small business owners who want a natural non-corporate result

  • professionals who what a headshot that captures you

  • anyone who is updating a profile thinking please don't make me look like a stranger


Yes, this is the dreaded pose that I spoke of, but we are using it ironically. This set the mood for a "We have missed you" social media post.
Yes, this is the dreaded pose that I spoke of, but we are using it ironically. This set the mood for a "We have missed you" social media post.


WHAT YOU WILL GET


Depending on what you need, your session can deliver:

  • a clean, classic headshot for official bios

  • a more cinematic option for press, speaking, acting roles, or book jackets

  • a set that includes both approachable + authoritative looks

  • images formatted for web, social, and print.



I am able to connect quickly with most anyone
I am able to connect quickly with most anyone


WHAT IT IS LIKE TO WORK TOGETHER


If you feel awkward being photographed, you are in good company.

Here is where my theatre directing background shows up.

On stage, a director isn't there to force a performance. They are there to help the actor find the truth of the moment, to give you something playable, to adjust the timing, the angle, your position in the light until it clicks. A headshot session works the same way.


I will give you clear direction, simple actions that feel like you because they are. We will build the image the way you build a scene. The result are photographs that feel confident.



and pull emotions that make great pictures
and pull emotions that make great pictures



THE PROCESS

  • Quick consult - this can be completed by email or on the phone

  • Choose your vibe - we can either set up a pinterest board where you can share images that have the vibe you are going for or simply have a discussion about what type of photos you love.

  • Session day - guided, relaxed and efficient.

  • Curated gallery - you pick your favorites and I deliver final retouched files ready to use.


This is for his artist statement
This is for his artist statement


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I get both professional and creative options?

Absolutely, many clients choose a set that covers "official" & "cinematic."


What if I feel awkward?

That is perfectly normal. You don't have to perform. I will direct you gently and we will get there quickly.


Would you be willing to do all of our employees' (or group of actors or authors) at one time?

This works great for me and there are even discounts that come along when several sessions are booked at one time.


a favorite Halloween costume
a favorite Halloween costume


full view
full view

A SMALL INVITATION


If you are building something, your headshot will support you and represent your public facing self.

Just you, in good light, telling the truth.

Book a headshot session for yourself or a group, just give me a call or drop me an email.

 
 
 

Let's dim the house lights. We have an announcement to make and we want to set the scene.

Spotlight please, and maybe a drum roll.

Perfect!


We have been building something and we are ready to share it with you & the world.


We are proud to introduce an old creation that has become new.

Welcome to AUXARCZEN (pronounced Ozark Zen)

AUXARCZEN is our umbrella for the work we make at the intersection of images, design, and words.

It's a studio and a workbench

a camera bag and a drafting table

a small press and a place for your stories to land.

Everything we do lives under one roof now

we didn't want to make it bigger

just clearer

nothing corporate

just TRUTH


WHAT WE DO HERE

AUXARCZEN is home to a few distinct branches, each with its own craft, all connected by the same intention and often overlapping. A portrait session becomes a brand. A brand becomes a book. A book becomes a full launch campaign. AUXARCZEN makes it easier to bring it all together under one umbrella.


WHERE TO BEGIN

  • PRAIRIE WISE - if you need design, branding, logos, websites or book covers

  • GO!PRESS - if you are publishing a book and need expert guidance

  • JENNIFER CARTRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY - if you need portraits, headshots, brand sessions, or documentary work

  • Contact - if you are not sure yet (we will help you find the right door)


AUXARCZEN is our ghostlight left on so that nothing gets lost. Come check us out & let your creative friends know about us.


MICHAEL & JEN

JUST US
JUST US

 
 
 

It's official, Alchemy of Headwinds (auxarczen 18) is out today!


John Macker's poems are a landscape of resilience, grief, solitude, and the long light of the Southwest. I am honored that one of my photographs graces the cover.


Find it, read it, reread it, share it. Let these poems keep you company in the wild open spaces.


The following videos by Jennifer Cartright Photography feature John Macker reading selections from Alchemy of Headwinds. Poetry is intended to be heard, live readings are where the poem takes flight.






Order your copy today at the following link. Many, many thanks!

 
 
 
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