Rylan Nichole Scrapbook~by Mel

Make a Smilebox photobook

I've tried a new layout between the last post an this one. This is a new program that I found called smilebox. Most of the pictures remain the same, I just changed the format and did a scrapbook this time. Feel free to let me know which one you like better.

Beautiful Little Girl~ by Mel

Make a Smilebox postcard

I continue to be amazed at how fast children grow. Little Miss Rylan Nichole had her sixth month photo shoot not too long ago and she is changing by the minute! Words like sweet, cute, adorable, precious and darling are all words you could use to describe Ry Ry. I find however that her laid back nature and go with the flow personality are some of my favorite things about her. She never minds me coming at her with my big black camera. One of my Kindergarten students actually called my camera a monster the other day! It doesn't seem to bother Rylan one bit though. In fact she shines in front of the camera. Her smiles light up any who come near her and you can't help but be in a good mood around this little gift. She is just a beautiful little girl. Thanks Ry Ry for making Aunt Lissa's world a little bit brighter.

Special thanks to Erin, Jason and big sis Avery who are also pictured. The love you have for each other always comes through in your pictures.

Heidi's got the look...By Mar

Jess & Alex- Part 2

love her shoes

love their outlook

love this shot

love the angle

love the closeness

love the way he looks at her

love the bridge

love the playfulness

love the kiss

love this moment

love the color

Thanks Jess & Alex for giving us so much to LOVE!  

Alex and Jess

What a great couple...very fun, energetic, and sweet. Jess and Alex did such a great job on this shoot that it made our job really easy....(or really hard because we had to narrow down our favorites from so many great pics!) Thank you guys so much for a great time, we really can't wait for the wedding now! Coming soon... more of our faves, plus a video...

Meet the Kramers~by Mel

     IMAGEine if you will a family.  Not just any family, but one  that others likely strive to emulate.  The mother is intelligent, witty, calm and grounded.  The eldest daughter is creative, beautiful, quiet and brilliant.  The youngest daughter is adorable, curious, helpful and funny. The father is caring, friendly, hard working and warm.  They exude togetherness.  And now friends, you have met The Kramers. Not only are they a wonderful family I have the privilege of calling them my family.  Score another point for marrying into a group that never ceases to amaze me.  

     I had the opportunity to make the long trip to the Kramer household for a family photo shoot not too long ago.  Yes, I jest as they live literally 2 minutes from me.  Chad and I went over on a Sunday afternoon for a relaxed and fun hour of laughing, chatting, sharing, and oh yes, taking pictures.  

     We scoped out all kinds of locations from their tropical inspired backyard (Uncle Joe-Joe is a planting genius) to the beat up barn that had just been stripped of it's paint. (I saw it and thought perfect!)  From the impromptu flower in Alex's hair to the animals being a part of the photos every minute was enjoyable.  Speaking of animals...aren't they precious!  They were really well behaved and posed great for the camera...they must take after their human family!  

     We decided to take some extra photos of Alex and all I have to say is WOW!  She is so gorgeous and is a natural in front of the camera.  This may be due to the fact that she herself enjoys photography and takes wonderful pictures.  I think someday she'll be coming along to photo shoots with us.  

     This was one of the most laid back environments ever and I appreciated how comfortable everyone was in front of the camera.  They were up for anything and our time together flew.  I felt their love for each other and for me.  It is so great when family supports your endeavors and I felt honored to photograph them.  

     Thanks Aunt Shell, Uncle Joe, Alex and Olivia. (and thanks to all the furry friends too!)  You were such a joy to look at through my lens and I look forward to many more family times to come...photo sessions or otherwise! :) 

     Again special thanks to my hubby--you are beginning to read my mind when it comes to assisting me on photo shoots.  I am so grateful for your selflessness and support of my passion.    

Flaunt It!~by Mel

 The setting: Balmy, bright, laid back Sunday afternoon.

 The goal: Fierce senior pictures.

 The people: Friendly, funny and fabulous. (and family!)          

 The result:  Pictures of Katie that rock! 

     I recently had to opportunity to photography Katie. (Chad's cousin and now my cousin too!) As the shoot went on Katie became even more and more comfortable in front of the camera and we got some great images.  I think she looks like a rock star in some of them!  And I have to say Katie + yellow dress + wedge sandals = supermodel. 

(I felt really tiny in my flip flops!) 

     Thanks to Katie and Aunt Janine for spending the day with me and making this photo shoot so much fun.  Thanks also to Laura (Katie's sis) who showed up and had some wonderful ideas for posing.  And by the way dinner was awesome Aunt Janine---being served a fab dinner is a side benefit of doing a shoot with your family. :) 

     And I'd be remiss if I didn't give props and shout out to my sweetie of a husband who served as my assistant all day.  He carried around my shootsac and helped trade out lenses left and right.  He also had some great ideas for poses as well!  Thanks Chaddy Joe!  

just click on the arrow to watch Katie's video!