Oh Happy Day

 Our little guy had a great day yesterday: bicycle rides with Dad and Gramzie, tennis lessons, and watching a Sun's game from a suite. The game was really late, so he fell asleep in the car while wearing his new Suns shirt.

This morning, he discovered a huge present he wasn't expecting. (Thanks, Marlene and Alex!) Our house will forevermore be riddled with lego pieces. Then, he still got the Nintendo DSiXL that he was wanting.

Can you believe that he chose to play with the legos for about an hour before going back to the DSiXL?! So much fun!

Soldier in the making

Nick, the senior... Lauren, the beauty... Max, aka Big Dog... and a couple of parents thrown in for good measure.

Call or text 602.628.8019 today to schedule your session.

Family Fun

This family was extremely fun to work with! We had a blast, and I loved watching them interact with each other.

I've been really busy working on client orders this month. Watch for some catch up post in the next week or so.

I'm also working on a photo a day project. I plan to post those images soon, too.

Sweating for Sara

The daughter of a friend was in a terrible car accident while away at college. At first, we weren't sure if she would survive. Then, there were concerns about what extent she would recover. Now, she is home. It is still a long road to recovery, but there is talk of her returning to school next fall.


One recent Saturday, a lot of Sara's supporters gathered to raise money and to show their support. We had a great time. Enjoy this video.

Sara, we are so proud of you! Keep amazing those doctors and the rest of us!

Shutterbugs week 3

The topic for this week in the shutterbugs workshop was composition. Look for use of the rule of thirds, leading lines, and negative space.

Shutterbugs on the playground

We took the class outside this week. Everyone had fun taking pictures of each other and the equipment on the playground.

Shutterbugs: Starting to think like photographers

The shutterbugs (grades 1-3) had a great time in their enrichment class. They learned to think, look, see, point, click and enjoy.

First three edited (teaser)

There are many more amazing images of this awesome girl. Sixteen going on Super Model. She even did her own hair and makeup for this session!

Moore Fun

Brothers who actually get along... I'm so glad she decided to post a comment to the BIG Photography Giveaway on the Becky Higgins blog. Otherwise, I wouldn't have had the chance to meet her and the handsome men in her life.

See what I mean!?!

Chusok 2010

Smiling faces, rekindled friendships, Korean culture, great food, one big happy family...

Sneak Peak - New Backgrounds

Marlene and her family won a portrait session through the Becky Higgins Blog contest earlier this year. It has been about 14 years since her family had a portrait made. I'm glad we were able to have the session before her boys grew up completely and moved out on her!

She had her heart set on an outdoor session by a lake, so we scheduled it for October. Unfortunately, the recent heat wave drove us indoors for most of the session, and she wasn't able to reschedule. Since I was just as disappointed as Marlene, I decided to create a cool new backdrop for the session. I gathered up four doors and got to work painting and distressing them. Some were already pretty distressed!

More images soon! I'm still editing them...

Holiday Card Mini Session

Need an updated family portrait? Want to send out the best holiday cards ever?


Kill two birds with one stone by having a Holiday Card Mini Session.

For $175, you will get a half hour mini session at my studio. Indoor and outdoor sessions are available. You will also get 40 single fold or 20 accordion fold holiday cards. Other styles are available at an additional cost. Two dates are available for these special sessions – October 23 and November 7.

Special wall portrait pricing is available for this event. You can also make holiday gift giving easy with photo gifts for your family. Holiday ornaments, purses and key chains are some of my favorites.

Upgrade to a full session for $100 more and receive an additional pack of 20 holiday cards for free. A full session includes clothing changes, both indoor and outdoor settings at my studio or on location at the site of your choice, and additional time.


A limited number of Holiday Card Mini Sessions are available. Call 602-628-8019 today to schedule your session.

Clickers Week 2

We discussed light this week. The kids especially enjoyed learning about modifying light with reflectors and portable light sources!

Clickers Week 1

Here's where it all began. During the first session, the clickers learned about thinking before shooting. It was really neat to watch them roam around the classroom and frame their shots before taking them!

Clickers Week 4

The clickers learned about style this week. Most of them were drawn to photojournalistic and contemporary styles.

Regardless of their preference, they really understood STYLE...

Kids and Cameras are an amazing combination

These images were from the third week of our photography enrichment class for grades 4-6 at SSKY elementary. Just before these images were taken, we discussed the basics of composition. We covered framing, line, and the rule of thirds. You can really see those concepts expressed in these images! I hope you enjoy the show...

Back to School

Second grade is turning out to be pretty amazing. I can't believe we were lucky enough to find Sonoran Sky and Ms. Mensing!

Arcadia High School Calendar

It is all set up! You can make an online donation through the St. Vincent de Paul FaceBook Causes page, and they will send you a calendar in the mail.

Impact the future, one life at time. Support the One at a Time Financial Assistance Program by contacting St. Vincent de Paul's Development Department at (602) 261-6814 or by making a donation at http://tiny.cc/oneatatime.

School Year Calendar

I worked with a few models from Arcadia to create a calendar to raise funds for the One at a Time Financial Assistance Program through St. Vincent de Paul. It provides scholarship funds to students who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford to go to college.



The calendars are fun calendars that will be great for recording the events of the school year. Check out this video to see what they look like. Five dollars from the sale of each calendar will be donated to the One at a Time Financial Assistance Program. St. Vincent de Paul will also be giving copies to donors to the program. Check out the St. Vincent de Paul FaceBook page for more information.

New Website - check it out!

It was about time.... I finally broke down and updated my website. It is full of yummy images and even works on the iPad and iPhone! I think it better reflects my style and has more impact than the old site. Watch for updates to the blog, too.



There's even an iphone gallery that will be updated frequently with images from my iphone 4. I love using it as a camera!

Let me know what you think about it and let all of your friends know about it.

The first person to send a referral who has seen the new website will get an extra $50 print credit above the usual $50 print credit for referrals.


Check it out at http://www.bymelinda.com/.

Incredible - enough said!

Emily is an incredible young lady. Devoted. Caring. Sweet. Talented.

I've only known her for a short time, but I can tell that she is going to make a big difference in this world! I can't wait to find out what it is...



Call me at 602.628.8019 or send email to bymelinda@cox.net to schedule your image session now! I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Back to School Mini Sessions

Looking for a fun way to document your back to school shopping efforts? Call 602.628.8019 now to reserve a time for your back to school photos!

Bring your kid, the backpack filled to the brim, and those adorable back to school outfits - don't forget the new shoes!

In the comfort of my indoor air conditioned studio, we will make some really fun images using my new backdrops. If the weather cooperates, we might even head outside for some more fun. Then, I will prepare the images for viewing, and you can make your selections right after the session. The selection process is really fun because you will get to view the images on the big screen in our home theater while snacking on movie snacks and popcorn.

Call 602.628.8019 or send email today to make sure you get the time slot you want!

I can't wait to see what your child picked out for school!

Learn from the Pros

Hi, I wanted to take a minute to pass on some great educational resources that I have found to be invaluable.

I joined the Arizona Professional Photographer's Association the same month that I started my studio. They provide amazing educational workshops, studio tours, and monthly meetings. The members and speakers provide a welcoming atmosphere where everyone shares their "secrets" to help ensure the success of each member. I highly encourage you to check it out. Learn more about the organization by checking out their website at http://www.arizonappa.com/education.html.

By the way, I'm teaching an InDesign workshop on August 22. Sign up now to reserve your spot. http://www.arizonappa.com/education.html#august_22

If you prefer learning in the comfort of your own home, give the PhotoVision DVD's a try. They are filled with information from leading professional photographers across the country. I've learned so much about posing, lighting, marketing, and just about everything else from watching these DVD's. I usually watch the entire DVD within a few days of receiving it and watch particular segments again just before a specific type of session.

Now because of a special sale, anyone can receive PhotoVision's 6 DVDs for just $39 by using the promo code: PVFAN. I look forward to my bi-monthly, 2-hour photo educational fix arriving in my mailbox chocked full of information and inspiration.

If three people order a subscription using the link below, I'll get the 2011 subscription for free. That would be totally cool! Click here to find out more.  http://fansof.photovisionvideo.com/Melinda/044350

I'll keep you informed as new educational opportunities approach. Have fun and keep clicking!

Friends, Fun, and a couple of creepy crawlies

We recently went on our first camping trip as a family. Riley had a blast. He even made some new friends!

It was great, but a few people had trouble sleeping because of the two tarantula spiders and the scorpion that we saw just before going to bed. Part of the adventure...

What we did this summer: Part 2

We went to Uncle Tom's cabin near Chicago. Uncle Tom took us to the beach and took us fishing. Riley loved playing with the dogs so much that he decided to become a dog. He used the doggie doors and everything! Thanks for the great hospitality!

Part One: What we did this summer

We went to Chicago and had a great time at Navy Pier. Our little adverturer isn't so little anymore. He had to be 48" to ride the EXTREME THRILL SPEEDBOAT RIDE. Guess what! He is exactly 4 feet tall right now.

We had a blast. Our only regret was that the ride was a half hour instead of an hour long.

Jordan - Class of 2011

The class of 2011 has tons of fantastic students this year, but Jordan is one of the best. Handsome. Artistic. Nice. What more could you ask for?


Call or text me at 602.628.8019 to schedule your image session now before the craziness of your senior year starts.


Studio and on location sessions are available.

New indoor studio space!

Get out of the heat, but still enjoy a fun-filled image session. This video shows how much fun it can be.


Call 602.628.8019 or email bymelinda@cox.net to schedule your session. Let's make memories and art together!

Photography Giveaway

I'm really proud to be participating in the BIG PHOTOGRAPHY GIVEAWAY on Becky's blog. Becky Higgins is a very talented life artist and a part-time photographer. If you are interested in winning a session with me, watch her blog during the month of May and post a comment. I will be picking a winner from those who comment to the posting about my photography. My posting is currently scheduled to appear in mid-May.

This is so exciting!

You can even nominate someone you think deserves a session. Pass this information along.

Here's a link to Becky's blog. http://www.beckyhiggins.com/blog/

Good luck!

First Outdoor Studio Session

Zach wanted a more contemporary feel to his images, so instead of heading to a park we opted for using the lines and texures outside of my studio. I love the look! Watch this video to see how it turned out.

Prom Princess

When I first met Kasie, she was into the Lion King and other little girl things. Now, she's a stunning young lady.

I hope you enjoy this video of her on prom night.

Graduating Soon!

2010 has some of the most beautiful graduates ever! These two sisters will be celebrating their graduation soon. They are very different, but both as sweet as can be.

Congrats

Congratulations to Kayla! She is graduating from high school soon, and she was a great model at our image session. Here are a few of my favorite images from the session.

Fun Day Relay Race

The kids had a great time in all of the events, but this one seemed to be a favorite.

High School Senior Models Needed

byMelinda Images & Design is looking for high school Juniors to be models in calendars that will be distributed during the 2010-2011 school year.


We need 3 models from each participating high school. Your sessions need to be completed by the end of April. See the attached files for more information.


I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Kolby's Touchdown

I just love it when the little guy scores! Kolby had a great game. He got some fantastic flag pulls and ran the length of the field for a touchdown.

He was unstoppable!

I also loved it when the team got so excited that they practically tackled Kolby in the end zone. Landon even gave him a huge hug! The parents went ballistic. I don't think the Sparks have ever been happier!

Go Kolby!!!

Click the link below to view a little video of Kolby in action.


Kolby's Touchdown

Happy Kid

The majority of the pictures I have taken lately have been at football games where Riley is wearing his mouth guard. During practice before the game today, I finally got an image of his new toothless smile. Doesn't that just make you happy?!

Take me out to the ballgame

Riley is in full swing right now...

Hip Hop on Mondays, Flag Football and Baseball practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the next few weeks, Saturday Flag Football games, Music lessons on Wednesdays, and chess club and jewelry class at school. Don't forget Mascot club before and after school every day. He loves it all and would do more if we would let him. This kid has more energy than anyone I know. Thank goodness he a good sleeper.

Doesn't coach understand that I could get better pictures if he would start practice an hour early before the light is almost gone?

Guess who stayed up late Monday night...

Riley decided to stay up late Monday night and pull his wiggly tooth. It took about 45 minutes of wiggling it and three full rotations before it finally came out. Here's what he looked like on Tuesday morning.

Loose Teeth

Riley had two loose teeth earlier this week. The one that didn't seem incredibly loose fell out at school on Monday. The other is hanging by a thread. It will probably fall out tomorrow. Here's a picture of him with one of the teeth missing. Watch for another one soon with the second tooth missing.

Unexpected Email Message

Look what Riley's teacher sent via email this afternoon! I feel especially happy because my boy is turning into quite the artist, and his teacher takes the time to send email messages with neat stuff.

Just in time for the New Year

This baby girl is now home with her loving family. She wanted to make sure the family started the new year off right!

Waiting for Baby

The family was making preparations for their new baby when I visited their home. I bet the baby is going to have a lot of fun with this little guy! He is full of energy and always ready to play.

Hip Hop Boyz

It is so much fun watching the boys learn the hip hop moves. They are really getting the attitude down!

Sparks are flying!

The Sparks are flying now! These images are from their second game. See them one at a time at www.backprint.com/bymelinda.

City Girls playing in the dirt

It is so much fun to watch City kids play in the dirt!

Touchdown!

The sparks scored lots of touchdowns on the first day of the season. It will be great to watch the boys learn and improve throughout the season! Here's a slideshow of some of my favorite images from the first game.

Goodbye 2009... Hello 2010

It has been a great year filled with lots of change. It is hard to believe that our "quiet baby" has really turned into a "noisy boy". He is halfway through first grade already!



Enjoy this video recap of 2009!