When people visit a city’s website or walk through City Hall, they may not consciously think about the portraits they see.
But they notice.
They notice when everyone looks like they belong to the same team. They notice professionalism. They notice consistency. Most importantly, they notice an organization that appears united in its purpose.
Recently, we had the opportunity to work with the City of Olathe to create a cohesive collection of portraits for city council members and members of the city’s professional staff. In addition to the individual portraits, we also created a formal group portrait of the City Council and Mayor that will be displayed in Olathe City Hall and used throughout the city’s communications.
Projects like this begin with planning.
One of the biggest challenges with organizational portraiture is creating consistency across many individuals while still allowing each person’s personality to come through. Lighting, backgrounds, posing, expression, and presentation all need to work together so that every portrait feels like part of a larger story.
Our goal was simple: with a quick glance, you should be able to tell that these individuals belong together and are working toward a common purpose.
That consistency is important because portraits are often one of the first introductions a community has to its leaders. Whether someone is visiting the city website, reading a publication, or walking through City Hall, those images help communicate professionalism, trust, and accessibility.
The same philosophy applies to businesses, healthcare organizations, law firms, financial institutions, and government agencies. A unified portrait style helps reinforce the idea that every member of the team is contributing to something larger than themselves.
At Strauss Peyton Portrait Studio, we believe the best professional portraits are created long before the portrait session begins. Careful planning allows us to create artwork that feels intentional and connected while making the experience comfortable and efficient for everyone involved.
Over the years, we have been honored to create commissioned portrait art for community leaders, healthcare organizations, executives, financial institutions, city governments, and other professionals whose portraits help tell the story of the organizations they serve.
Communities are built by people who choose to work together toward something larger than themselves. We hope these portraits serve as a lasting reminder of that shared commitment and of the individuals who dedicate their talents to serving the people of Olathe.
Our leadership team is busy. Do you have to photograph everyone on the same day?
Not necessarily. We can create a portrait plan that accommodates different schedules while maintaining a consistent look across the entire organization. Some of our clients, we’ve been doing this for years for them while still maintaining their professional look they chose.
Some of our team members dislike having their portraits made. Can you help them feel comfortable?
Absolutely. Most people are not excited about being in front of the camera. Guided posing and careful direction help people feel at ease and look natural and confident.
Can you create portraits for both print and online use?
Yes. Many organizations need portraits that work for websites, annual reports, press releases, social media, wall displays, and printed publications.
We already have older portraits. Can you match an existing style?
In many cases, yes. We can often create portraits that work with an established look or help organizations transition into a refreshed visual style.
Do you work with businesses and organizations outside of government?
Yes. We have created portrait programs for healthcare organizations, professional offices, civic organizations, businesses, and community leaders throughout the Kansas City area.
Creating an Official Judicial Portrait for Senior U.S. District Judge Daniel D. Crabtree
Some portraits are created for a family home.
Some are created for an office.
And occasionally, a portrait is created to become part of history.
Recently, we had the privilege of working with Senior United States District Judge Daniel D. Crabtree as he prepared to transition to senior status after years of distinguished service. His official portrait would take its place in the Robert J. Dole Courthouse in Kansas City, Kansas, where it will be installed alongside the judges who have helped shape the court’s history.
Projects like this begin long before the camera comes out.
We met together several times to discuss the purpose of the portrait, the environment where it would be displayed, and the details that would help create an image worthy of the occasion. Wardrobe, expression, lighting, pose, and presentation were all carefully considered. By the time portrait day arrived, there were no surprises. Everyone involved knew exactly what we were creating.
As a result, the actual portrait session was remarkably efficient. Careful planning allowed us to focus completely on creating the final image rather than making decisions in the moment.
One of the things we have learned over the years is that the most successful portraits rarely happen by accident. Whether we are creating a family legacy portrait, a business branding image, or an official judicial commission, thoughtful preparation gives our clients confidence and allows the finished portrait to reflect who they truly are.
Recently, Jonathan had the honor of attending the Official Portrait Ceremony at the Robert J. Dole Courthouse for the grand unveiling. Seeing the portrait installed in its permanent home, surrounded by colleagues, friends, and members of the legal community, was a reminder that portraits can serve a purpose far beyond a single day.
They become part of the places where history is remembered.
While every official portrait is unique, the responsibility is one we know well. Over the years, Strauss Peyton Portrait Studio has been commissioned to create portraits for hospital presidents, leaders of national medical organizations, financial institutions, city councils, and other professionals whose portraits would become a permanent part of the places they served. Whether the final artwork is displayed in a family home, a boardroom, a healthcare institution, or a courthouse, our approach remains the same: thoughtful planning, careful collaboration, and creating a portrait worthy of the story it represents.
For us, creating portraits is about more than producing a beautiful image. It is about understanding the responsibility that comes with documenting a life, a career, and a legacy that will be seen by generations to come.
We are deeply grateful to Judge Crabtree for trusting Strauss Peyton Portrait Studio with such an important commission and for allowing us to play a small part in preserving this moment in the history of the court.
What is an Official Portrait?
An official portrait is a commissioned work created to honor a person’s service, leadership, or contribution to an organization or institution. These portraits are often permanently displayed in courthouses, boardrooms, hospitals, government buildings, and professional offices.
How do you plan an official portrait commission
Every commission begins with planning appointments where we discuss the purpose of the portrait, where it will be displayed, wardrobe, lighting, expression, and the overall feeling the finished artwork should convey. Careful planning helps ensure a smooth and efficient portrait session.
Have you created portraits for other community and business leaders?
Yes. Over the years, Strauss Peyton Portrait Studio has been commissioned to create portraits for hospital presidents, leaders of national medical organizations, financial institutions, city councils, executives, and other professionals throughout the Kansas City area.
Can you help with where and how the portrait will be displayed
Absolutely. We consider the final display location during the planning process and help clients create artwork that fits the space and reflects the significance of the occasion.
When should an organization begin planning an official portrait commission?
The earlier the better. Official portraits often involve coordinating schedules, selecting wardrobe, considering where the portrait will be displayed, and making sure the finished artwork reflects the significance of the occasion. If there’s an event like a Portrait Ceremony planned, it’s best to start 4-6 months in advance.
We already have paintings displayed in our organization. Can you create something that fits with the existing collection?
In many cases, yes. We can work within an established style or finish such as a painting or help create a portrait that complements an existing display while still reflecting the individual being honored.
(And no, the answer isn’t “when you finally feel like it.”)
Let’s start with the truth. Almost no one is excited about getting their professional portrait made.
You would rather clean out your inbox, finally respond to that email you’ve been avoiding, schedule a dentist appointment or even possibly even begin organizing tax documents before voluntarily booking a new headshot. (Sorry to all the dentists and accountants out there!)
It’s not that you don’t understand the value. You do. You’re smart. You know your image lives everywhere and it’s important to give the best first impression. That’s actually part of the problem. It feels high stakes, permanent and slightly exposing.
And if we’re being honest, your last experience probably didn’t help. The lighting was fine. The smile was fine. The result was… fine. Which is deeply uninspiring as you deserve to have something you are THRILLED to show off.
So you used it. Cropped it seventeen different ways. Declared it “good enough.” And moved on to more urgent things. Meanwhile, your business did not stay “fine.” It grew.
Your confidence is different now. Less performative. More grounded. You don’t talk the same way you did three years ago. You don’t make decisions the same way. You don’t tolerate the same things. You’ve matured into your role.
And yet the image attached to your name still represents an earlier version. Not wrong. Just smaller and not as fabulous as you are now. That’s usually the real signal that it’s time for new portraits.
The Misalignment You Can’t Quite Explain
Most established professionals don’t wake up thinking, “I need new headshots.” They think, “Why does my website feel slightly behind?” Or, “Why do I hesitate before sending people to my bio page?” Or, “Why does this image not quite match how I feel in meetings now?”
It’s subtle. But it’s there. You’ve leveled up internally. Your visuals haven’t caught up.
And when representation lags behind reality, it creates friction. You reuse the same image everywhere because you don’t have options. You avoid pitching yourself for bigger visibility because you don’t love what will be attached to it. You tell yourself you’ll deal with it “later.”
Later becomes three years.
Why One New Headshot Won’t Fix It
Here’s where most intelligent professionals accidentally repeat the cycle. They think the solution is one new polished headshot.
One good image. Neutral background. Professional expression. Done.
Temporary relief…you did it!
Until:
You’re asked for a horizontal image and only have vertical.
A speaking event needs something less corporate.
A podcast host wants something more relaxed.
Your website designer needs negative space for headlines.
You launch something new and suddenly your one expression feels limiting.
Your business does not operate in one setting. So why would your imagery? This is where the conversation shifts from “updating a headshot” to building a Brand Image Library.
It doesn’t mean dozens of random photos or influencer-style content.
It’s a strategic collection of images created with intention featuring different expressions, compositions, outfits so you’re not scrambling every time your visibility and opportunities expand.
It’s the difference between reacting and being prepared.
So… When Is It Actually Time?
It’s time when you’ve grown and your image hasn’t. It’s time when you look at your current portrait and think, “This was accurate then, but it’s who I am now.” It’s time when you’re stepping into more leadership, more visibility, more authority and you want your presence to reflect that level without trying too hard.
And yes, it’s also time when you’re tired of recycling the same photo from 2019. You don’t need a crisis to make a smart update, you need representation that matches your level.
If You’re Not Sure Whether You’re Overthinking This
That’s exactly why we have a pdf called A Practical Guide to Elevating Your Professional Presence to help you formulate a plan.
It walks through the gaps most businesses don’t notice until they’re costing them credibility. It helps you evaluate your current presence objectively. It introduces the idea of building a Brand Image Library instead of chasing one “perfect” image.
It’s not pushy. It’s not hype. It’s strategic and it might be exactly what your business is looking for.
Download the guide below and start there.
And If You’re Already Nodding…
If you’re reading this thinking, “Yes. I’ve definitely outgrown my current photos,” let’s just acknowledge something: You would still rather spend three hours with your accountant than book a portrait. At least with your accountant, you know what you’re walking into.
Portraits feel less predictable. More vulnerable. Slightly mysterious. And that uncertainty is usually what keeps intelligent, capable professionals procrastinating.
But here’s what most people don’t expect. When the experience is actually planned properly with clear preparation, wardrobe guidance, conversation beforehand, and a strategy behind every image, the stress drops dramatically.
You’re not guessing or performing and you’re not being thrown in front of a camera and hoping something works. You walk in knowing exactly what we’re creating and why.
And here’s the part that surprises almost everyone: It’s actually fun. Not “fake laugh for the camera” fun. Not “grin and bear it” fun. It’s the real, relaxed, this-isn’t-nearly-as-awful-as-I-anticipated fun.
When you see the images immediately after photography and realize you already love what you’re seeing, something shifts. You stop bracing and start recognizing yourself. That moment changes everything because now it’s no longer about surviving a portrait appointment. It’s about building a Brand Image Library of portraits that you love and you’re having fun creating that supports the next chapter of your business. Images created intentionally, with range, so you’re prepared for speaking engagements, features, launches, team growth, and whatever visibility comes next.
And suddenly the idea of updating your imagery feels less like a chore and more like forward momentum.
If you want to start with strategy before you commit to anything, download the guide above and walk through the evaluation questions there. It will help you see exactly where you stand.
And if you’re ready to stop recycling that one photo from 2019, we can have a calm, strategic conversation about building something that actually grows with you.
I promise you, it’s easier than doing your taxes.
Should I update my portraits before redesigning my website?
Yes. Imagery should support your layout and messaging, not be an afterthought. Planning portraits with your website structure in mind ensures everything feels cohesive and intentional from the start.
Do you help with what to wear?
Absolutely. Wardrobe plays a major role in how polished and confident you look in your portraits. Before you ever step in front of the camera, we discuss where the images will be used and what level of formality fits your brand. You’ll receive clear guidance on fit, silhouettes, layering, and how to bring options that photograph well. You won’t be guessing.
How do I know if my current visuals are hurting my credibility?
You probably already know. If your hairstyle has changed significantly… If there is noticeably less hair… If people say, “Oh! That’s you?” when they meet you in person…
It’s time.
And if your current headshot has survived multiple laptops, two phone upgrades, and at least one rebrand, we don’t need a forensic audit to confirm it’s outdated. Credibility isn’t usually lost in dramatic ways. It erodes subtly. An image that no longer matches your current level creates a quiet disconnect. Your expertise has grown, your presence has matured, but your representation hasn’t kept up. If your business feels sharper than your photo, that’s your answer.
Do you provide hair and makeup guidance?
Yes. And it makes a bigger difference than most people expect. We provide clear prep guidance beforehand and can coordinate professional hair and makeup, and yes, men absolutely take advantage of it too. Studio lighting is honest, and a little professional polish goes a long way. This isn’t about changing how you look. It’s about refining what’s already there. And fair warning: most clients leave saying, “I should’ve made dinner plans.” You’re going to look like yourself on your best day: confident, sharp, and very put together. Make the most of it!
