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!