Clear Spring High Senior Spotlight!

A very cool girl I photographed this fall from Clear Spring High School...her family is one of my favorites!

Have any nicknames?
Bernie

What's on your ipod right now?
A mix of random things, my favorites include Coldplay, Goo Goo Dolls, Taylor Swift, Foo Fighters and Boys Like Girls

Favorite high school memory?
Favorite memory is cutting class with Dylan and Erik just to run around the halls at school...
(Bernie...I am not responsible for the repercussions of this post, hee hee)

Most embarrassing high school memory?
When I said "luminosity" to answer a question I hadn't heard and it was so off that the entire class busted out laughing

Your hero is...
Every man or woman who serves our country in the military

Name of your first crush...
Andrew Burk

Favorite movie or book...
Romeo and Juliet (yeah I'm a nerd)...Not at all, just a romantic!

I chose Suzanne Mellott Photography because (shameless plug)...
Because I know her personally and have seen her work which is great!

After high school plans or goals...
I plan to enter the U.S. Air Force as an MP then go on to college and major in psychology, and have a career in psychoanalysis investigations.

Wow Bernie! Best of luck with your incredible goals...I know you'll go far!

Lovin' the Class of 2011...You're Almost There!

Lots of action on the blog...trying to keep up with it more faithfully. Check out this year's group of high school seniors...Awesomeness.

2011 Seniors from Suzanne Mellott on Vimeo.

You'll Never Regret It

Wall displays that is...I was always the "never go bigger than an 8x10" gal for a very long time. Don't get me wrong because 8x10s have their place, just not on a wall. I promise you that I could convince you of this with a side-by-side comparison in two seconds flat. I challenge you to think outside your comfort zone and consider a wall display with (eeek!) portraits as large as 16x20 or BIGGER! When you become a client of mine, I will happily show you the comparison, give you personalized ideas like the one below as well as come to YOUR house with ideas for your walls. I won't tell anyone about your dustballs in the corner if you won't tell anyone about mine.

Introducing the Class of 2024

Wow! That's crazy to think about, isn't it? I had the ultimate privilege of returning to Doodlebugs Learning Station again to photograph this year's Pre-Kindergarten graduates. What a blast! These kids were bursting with energy and personality! I like to think it's my goofy personality or that fact that I know all the inappropriately funny kid-talk but I think it's just that these kids can't help but be adorable. And parents, if your child came home saying "monkey underwear," it was NOT from me.

I am always so impressed with Doodlebugs Learning Station and the caliber of learning that they provide for our community's children. I know this firsthand, because two of my children attended their program and one is in waiting. Friendly faces, awesome classrooms, and genuine love for our children makes all the difference, in my humble opinion. If you haven't looked into Doodlebugs yet, give them a call at (304) 258-0095, tell them I sent you!

Watch out for these rising stars and look out Kindergarten, HERE THEY COME!

When: Saturday, November 20th…sessions from 8:30am to 12pm.

What to Bring: Fun accessories for you and/or your children...hats, bows, flowers, anything meaningful!

Attire: Wear something fabulous! And casual. Try to pick one or two colors and coordinate (no matchy-matchy!). Bright colors and layers (jackets, scarves, etc) with accessories will stand out and make a portrait pop!

Cost: $150 (Pay via cash, check, credit card via Paypal at time of booking to reserve your spot)

What it includes: 5-7 retouched high resolution images on CD (selected by photographer) + Online Gallery of additional poses not included on CD. This is a HUGE savings off the normal CD prices, so get in while you can! I will give you a print release form, as well as a recommendation to a photo lab that will print professional quality pictures.

Who should come?: Typically, mini-sessions are reserved for families and children. I recommend that everyone come prepared to be in a few pictures, even if you have scheduled to get shots of your kids.

**This is NOT ideal for extended families, seniors or newborns!** I will do my best to get a nice variety of groupings and poses but please remember that the sessions are short (hence the ‘mini’ in the title!!), so if you’re looking for a million different things, you best book a regular session! Individual shots of children (in addition to family shots) are not guaranteed unless you book an additional mini-session spot!

How do I reserve my spot? Email Me: mellottphotography@yahoo.com I will then have you pay your $150 non-refundable session fee, which will officially ‘reserve’ your spot!

Entry for the ABC Challenge over at Clickin Moms!

The Letter Q..."Quitting Time!"

Berkeley Springs, WV Senior, Child, Family Photographer

Need some inspiration for your photo shoot?

My new logo!

I am loving my new logo (see blog title)...what do you think?

Ok, topic change...I've been stalking photography blogs all week long and have decided that I must stop! Seriously. I have to stop comparing myself to other photographers who have more or less experience, time, money, and clients. God gave me a gift to share and enjoy...not to belittle myself if I'm not as successful or gloat if I enjoy more clients. This will be a challenge but I am going to try. I may not ever be the wildly successful photographer that I aspire to be but I must learn that it's never a crime to make mistakes, but it is a tragedy in God's eyes to never try. So what is your dream? Give it a try...

March 29, 2010 - I ♥ Faces BW Dramatic Entry

I am entering the I ♥ Faces photography contest (www.iheartfaces.com)...finally! I've enjoyed this site for quite sometime but never seem to get organized enough to enter. This is one of my favorites of all time...I think it captures this guy's emotion perfectly and his parents' love too!">

Giving is Awesome WINNER ANNOUNCED!

Congratulations to Sami Sigel, senior at Southern Fulton HS, as the winner of my Giving is Awesome Photography Contest! Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination, it was truly a very difficult choice that I've been praying over for many days.

I promise to offer similiar opportunities in the future and am always looking for inspiring individuals and a reason to take a photo...

And, I hate to blog without a photo so here's a recent snap of Emma after a visit from Mary Kay!

Giving is Awesome!

You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty. You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography -- $300 worth, to be exact. Whether it's canvas or albums, prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over, it's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve. Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $75 session credit! What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a second home does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside in the region (within 30-mile radius of Berkeley Springs, WV). Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story by JANUARY 31, 2010, no exceptions : mellottphotography@yahoo.com

The winner will be announced on February 13th on Facebook and my website (www.suzannemellottphotography.com)

Get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries! Open your heart to someone and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,
Suzanne

Check out www.givingisawesome.com for more information!

Oh My Mia!

Had a blast shooting these beautiful girls downtown last week. The lighting was perfect and so was the weather. So off we went with the wagon, cowboy hat, rainboots, and tutu in tow. Life is good!

Ok, so just like everyday, I pass my computer about 50 times and must stop to "check my emails." Yeah, ok...an hour later while my children are happily playing upstairs, I stumble across this website. I absolutey adore the clothing line and am now convinced that I must start saving for my girls, just so I can photograph them! http://customer.matildajanetrunkshow.com/

I also love the founder's quote..."Do what you love, don’t look back and never take it for granted that you are able to choose the life that you lead." AMEN SISTER!

Whew!

Ok, as much time as I spend online, there is no excuse for not keeping this blog updated. I apologize to those of you who are reading my blog. I will vow to do better this summer. This spring was incredibly and wonderfully busy. I am convinced that I have the MOST beautiful pregnant clients in the world. I also have the CUTEST babies and FUNNIEST families! Enjoy and keep sending those referrals!

Back to PA!

What a fun time I had at my most recent shoot in PA! Matt, Erica, and Ethan were such troopers in the 80-degree weather. They have a beautiful property that was just perfect for outdoor photos. Such a cute family...hope you enjoy the photos!

Spring is finally here!

I'm so happy to be wearing flip flops! Everything is beautifully green and fresh, even though I still scrape ice from the windshield a few times a week, it's ok...spring is here. I'm so very thankful for everything these days, including my busy calendar. Along with the wonderful scenery, sports of all sorts are here too. Take a peek at my newest gallery, "SPORTS" on suzannemellottphotography.com. Here's a sneak peek of my son, the newest Yankee!

Jen and Dave

I had the pleasure of photographing this fun couple on Saturday! Dave was a good sport because like most guys, he was there for his girl. See Dave, it wasn't so bad was it? We trekked all over Berkeley Springs to find some unique spots and I don't think we broke any trespassing laws...Anyway, I think what I enjoyed most was seeing how head over heels these two are for each other. I had to laugh myself when we were attempting serious shots and Dave was whispering sweet "funnies" in Jen's ear. I actually captured a few of those shots and feel that I caught them being "them." Thanks guys!

Introducing My New Website!

I'm so very excited that I can hardly contain myself. This picture quite accurately describes how I'm feeling! I have my new website and am anxious for feedback. I suppose now I will have to be more diligent in my blogging! Now that the weather is promising to warm up, I am encouraging those of you interested in photographs to contact me soon. I have a list of interested clients who are waiting for the official spring warm-up and I am anticipating that I will fill up quickly! www.suzannemellottphotography.com

Baby Bennett Bump

Just finished a fun belly session with a good friend. They are set to have a St. Patty's baby but the poor parents are dying to know if it's a boy or a girl! The baby is breech and hasn't budged...Abby you must be taking good care of him/her and the baby's in for the long haul! I couldn't choose which photo to post...they were so many wonderful shots. Stay tuned for more on my website!

Gotta have Faith!

For anything to be possible, we must have faith. I have an abundance these days and I thank God everyday for it. Recently, I had the best time photographing Rodney, Becky, Little Rodney and Faith in PA. What a fun family and I'm lucky to have them in my life. Having a little faith will get you far...