John Whitesel Photography
Best photo ever. Guaranteed*
John Whitesel is the premier headshot photographer in central Kansas.
Walk away with photos you will want to share with friends, family, in your professional life, and even on social media and dating sites. Make people say Wow!
"If people knew how to look normal in front of a camera my career in photography would be over." - John Whitesel
"If people knew how to look normal in front of a camera my career in photography would be over." - John Whitesel
ABOUT ME
When I was young I hated having my picture taken (much like most of you). I still to this day avoid cameras whenever possible. I figured out long ago if I was on the other side of the camera I had complete creative control. Among my friends "Doing a John" meant taking hundreds of photos of random things for no apparent reason. But when the photos were developed (this was back in the film days) everyone always wanted copies, and I sold these copies to help buy the next roll of film. My photography business was born.
I like to catch people in the act of being themselves. We all know how to look normal in public when there is no pressure, but stick a lens in someone's face and suddenly everything goes blank. For many years I would only take pictures of people who were not paying attention. My style was almost exclusively photojournalistic. In fact, when I hired a second photographer for weddings or events I always made them the "real photographer" which is unheard of in our world. My knack was capturing the real person, not the crazy looking posed cut out we all see on our facebook pages. I let someone else focus on the posed portraits. which made business sense since the candid shots were the ones that sold. Those were the pictures people loved.
After working with hundreds of people over more than 20 years I have learned tips and tricks to help coach and direct people so everyone can look good in front of the camera. I have discovered a love for headshots. Lighting, equipment, and knowing how to compose a picture are extremely important, but knowing how to teach people to be themselves in front of the camera is what makes me stand out.
I like to catch people in the act of being themselves. We all know how to look normal in public when there is no pressure, but stick a lens in someone's face and suddenly everything goes blank. For many years I would only take pictures of people who were not paying attention. My style was almost exclusively photojournalistic. In fact, when I hired a second photographer for weddings or events I always made them the "real photographer" which is unheard of in our world. My knack was capturing the real person, not the crazy looking posed cut out we all see on our facebook pages. I let someone else focus on the posed portraits. which made business sense since the candid shots were the ones that sold. Those were the pictures people loved.
After working with hundreds of people over more than 20 years I have learned tips and tricks to help coach and direct people so everyone can look good in front of the camera. I have discovered a love for headshots. Lighting, equipment, and knowing how to compose a picture are extremely important, but knowing how to teach people to be themselves in front of the camera is what makes me stand out.
I am a single parent and raising is son is the most important thing I do, so availabilitly is sometimes limited so I can be Dad. Saturdays generally work best, though week day appointments may be available with enough notice. Please contact me to work out a time that everyone can agree on.
Types of photography I do:
- Headshots
- Portraits**
- Children
- Engagement Sessions
- Events
** For portraits all participants must have an individual session first because this is where we teach you how to pose. Packages are available.
For the most part I no longer do long wedding shoots. An old injury keeps me from being on my feet for more than 5 or 6 hours per day.
I may be available for shorter weddings or as a second photographer for a limited period of time, such as a reception, though.