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!