Melissa Sneak Peek {2010 Seniors}

Melissa called me one night to talk about her senior portraits. Unfortunately, I missed her call. But I am so glad I did. Just with the message she left I could tell she had this fun spunky personality. So it was not surprising when we met downtown to see a fun-loving laid-back young woman. Thank you so much Melissa for the opportunity to capture some memories of your last year in high school. You are such a sweet woman and will do wonderful in your journey through life. Just remember to keep up the hard work and have a little fun with everything you do.

Melissa you have a gorgeous smile!

And she is also fierce!

Alex {2010 Seniors}

I absolutely LOVE shooting senior pictures! There is just something so special about these moments in every life. Maybe it's that young fulfilling energy they have or because this time in life presents so many questions and opportunities. These times are filled with so much joy and friendship, but at the same time full of wonder about the future and what it holds. It wasn't long ago when I was there, but it seems like so so far away now.

Thank you so much Alex for asking me to do your senior pictures. I had so much fun getting to know you and I know you will do great in whatever life brings your way. You have such a beautiful family and that even includes your little lovable dog, Tuff. Make sure you enjoy every moment of these last days of high school. Time will fly by faster than you realize.

Alex, I don't need to say this but you are absolutely stunning!

He is adorable and you're lucky I didn't take him home.

BAD BLOGGER

Wow! I just realized that my blog must feel neglected. It has been quite a while since I have posted anything new. I have been pretty busy with things lately, but that is still no excuse. I have some new sessions to share and I hope to get them posted within the next few weeks. Would love to do "a blog a day" but I just don't think I can promise that. Not yet at least. Lately, I have gotten to work with some pretty great people and I can't wait to share their sessions with you. So keep your eyes out for some new stuff coming this way.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD {Personal}

I have been blessed many times. Before yesterday came, I was an aunt to six beautiful children. Now my family has another blessing to welcome into our lives. Around two o'clock yesterday afternoon my sister brought her sweet little boy into the world. He came out at nineteen inches long and weighing eight and a half pounds. He is so precious with his chunky cheeks and full head of hair. I made it up to the hospital to congratulate my sister and brother on their addition to their family. It is such a joy to see so much love in the world. So small and warm with precious little hands and feet. Welcome to the world my little nephew.

IMAGES FOR A CURE

October is such a special month for me. It begins with my birthday, as well as my sisters and memas birthdays. I always fall in love with the colors around me and the weather I get to enjoy. And of course, Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. However, this year it is going to be even closer to my heart.

On October 11th, photographers throughout the United States and beyond are coming together in the support of breast cancer research. Best of all, I joined in on the great cause and get to be a part of it.

We will be holding sessions on this day where 100% of all session fees will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®.

I haven't had a personal or family experience with Breast Cancer and I am thankful for that. We have a family friend who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and was fortunate enough to survive with all the treatments. Unfortunately, several months after her last treatment she began to have problems again. Only to find out that she was diagnosed with bone cancer as well. So, for her and all the others that have to go through this, I am really greatful for the opportunity to use something I am so passionate about to give back. I am hoping we are all able to help make a difference in the research for the cure.

We will be holding sessions for Sunday, October 11th. If you are interested in booking a session with us to help support this cause, please contact us at melanie.ann@live.com to book and talk about your session. 100% of your session fee ($50) will be donated.

I also have a very dear friend that is participating in the Tulsa Race for the Cure® on Saturday, September 19th. I am going to be among the viewers on this event and hopefully get some great shots of all those who are supporting this cause. If you live in the Tulsa area I urge you to participate in one way or another. Even if it is just to stand on the sides and cheer those racing on. If, instead, you would like to make a pledge in support of a participant or team feel free to visit the Team List webpage.

Here is to the hopes that one day we may find a cure for Breast Cancer so that our children won't have to go through this.

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope or confidence." - Helen Keller

Downtown Shoot

We held a model photo shoot with cars in downtown Tulsa during sunset. I have to say - this shoot was so much fun. I thank Brian and Megan for modeling for me, and Ryan and Brian for supplying the awesome cars. Thank you everyone who helped put this photo shoot together! This was such a great turnout I think. Just so happens we had some people going about their weekend activities that were interested in finding out what we were doing. We had an audience but that was kind of fun to have.

Another Swimsuit Shoot

I got to go on another photoshoot at the lake. This time it was with the ever lovely Lacey. She was such a blast to work with and a blast to talk with too. She has a very beautiful look and with the beautiful lighting we were provided, it was a successful photoshoot. I was able to learn how to work with models more as well as how to work with lighting. I was pleased with how the pictures turned out. Here are a few for you to look at.

My very first shoot

I was like a kid in a candy store. A local photographer, that I have shot with before, invited me to come tag along on one of his photoshoots. He has been so helpful and offering advice for me to grow and I am so thankful for that. The model of course was lovely and such a joy to work with. It was such a nice evening outside - not too hot or muggy. As it was my first actual shoot, I was nervous as could be. I didn't want to get in the other photographers way as this was his shoot, but I also didn't want to walk away with nothing. So I jumped head first in the water to start shooting and learning. The only way you can advace yourself and your art is to learn from mistakes and practice. So this is what I did. And I am finally getting around to posting these.


Here are a few shots from the night.

Great Success

Saturday was better than expected. Although I didn't get to model my dress, I had such a blast. It rained early morning so the skies were clear by the time we all made it out there. There was a total of around 30 photographers with around 10-15 models. It was so great to have so many different views there to listen and watch how they worked. All the models were great and outgoing. Here are a few pictures from the day.

Janna was all smiles as she got dressed up in her gown again.

Macayla was a little shy at first but looks great with the camera.

Megan knows how to work with the camera and was a great model.

The lovely and exotic Amber in a sundress

Cassie was fun to work with and looked great with the sunset.

Danielle was stunning in her wedding gown.

Anticipation

I have been waiting for so long for tomorrow to finally come. Now it is less than 24 hours. I get to participate with a local photography club. On 14 acres of prime country land with horses and barns to spare, there will be numerous photographers ranging in style and professional status. I, among many other girls, will get to model in my wedding gown. But the best part about it - I will get to be behind the camera as well. So the anticipation has been burning inside me. I will get to work alongside many others and hopefully learn and get a great experience. Here's to looking forward to a good time and praying that it doesn't rain. Or at least that, if it does rain, it won't put a damper on the photoshoot. Wish me luck!

So Excited

Well this is my very first post and I am so excited to share my journey through the photography world with you. Photography is a passion of mine and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to grow with it. There have been so many photographers that have inspired me to enhance my abilities, both in photography and in life. I only hope that one day I will have the opportunity to stand in front of them and let them know how much I truely do appreciate and admire their work. Here is to wishing for that time to come....