Just a quick little post. sorry there is no time to blah blah blah. After last week’s tragedy  I am somewhat behind on editing…. ugh.  But there is light at the end of the tunnel and I will be caught up in no time! Thanks to everyone for being patient and understanding! I have the best clients EVER!!!

No worries! Everyone is still good with time to do Christmas cards and gifts, etc.  We got ya covered!

ok. now back to work……….. til my eyes shut. (so glad Christmas only comes once a year. hee hee)

NOTE: To my husband, kids, family & friends… give me just a few more weeks and you can have me back. I promise to emerge from this black hole of editing. love ya’ll.

smile big….

MELISSA

lafayette, louisiana, photography, newborn, infant, baby, toddler, children, child, kids, family, photographer, portraits, outdoor, session, on location, studio, natural, fun, candid, simple, art, lifestyle, life, life art, maternity, bridal, engagement, seniors, fashion, modern, urban, fresh, contemporary, true to life, wall art, wall displays, collages, storyboards, canvas portraits, natural personality images, coffee table books, custom designed, image art box, christmas cards, melissa andries photography

life happens….and sometimes that sucks.

I’M STILL HERE

I stood beside your bed last night
I came to have a peek
I could see that you were crying
You found it hard to sleep

I whined to you softly
As you brushed away a tear
“It’s me, I haven’t left you,
I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”

I was close to you at breakfast
I watched you pour the tea
You were thinking of the many times
Your hands reached down to me

I was with you at the shops today
Your arms were getting sore
I longed to take your parcels
I wish I could do more

I was with you at my grave today
You tend it with such care
I want to reassure you
That I’m not lying there

I walked with you toward the house
As you fumbled for your key
I gently put my paw on you
I smiled and said “It’s me.”

You looked so very tired
And sank into a chair
I tried so hard to let you know
That I was standing there

It’s possible for me to be
So near you everyday
To say to you with certainty
“I never went away.”

You sat there very quietly
Then you smiled, I think you knew
In the stillness of that evening
I was very close to you.

The day is over…
I smile and watch you yawning
And say “Good night, God bless,
I’ll see you in the morning.”

And when the time is right
For you to cross the brief divide
I’ll rush across to greet you
And we’ll stand side by side

I have so many things to show you
There is so much for you to see
Be patient, live your journey out
And then come home to be with me
-Author Unknown-

love you Tootsie.

10 years strong.

4th addition to the family on its way.

happy & glowing.

so in love.

and what’s even better, I get to call these wonderful peeps my friends.

I was completely flattered (and nervous as hell) when Heather asked me to document their Renewal of Vows Ceremony.  But then after my flushed cheeks regained their true normally pale color, a wave of nausea came over me. ugh. of course my head started spinning with thoughts of…what if I screw this up? what if they don’t like the pics? what if I trip and fall in front of the crowd of people watching the ceremony? etc. etc…. then I decided to not think about it anymore until absolutely necessary. This is exactly why I “retired” from doing weddings years ago…my nerves are freakishly sensitive. No, really. I am serious. I get ill. But, I really WANTED to do this for them. so I was super glad they asked me to.

The ceremony was so intimate, relaxed and casual…I loved being a part of it. It began at dusk, so light was minimal -but to me, perfect. I was determined not to use a flash. just my opinion, but a flash spoils the mood of the natural light (and not to mention, I stink at using a flash). I knew I would process most of the images black/white and I didn’t mind the grain at all….to me, it belongs there.

Their children cooperated beautifully throughout the ceremony. Heather & James are not “uptight” people and I guess that is probably why I am so drawn to them. I am one that needs to learn to RELAX. gah. so surrounding myself with easy going people is somewhat necessary! (at least that is what my husband tells me! LOL ) anyways, back to the topic at hand. their kids just hung out during the ceremony and were allowed to be “kids” which is right up my alley. Heather’s little girl stayed by her side for most of the ceremony, the youngest boy buzzed around daddy a bit, and their oldest stood off to the side and just took it all in. What a wonderful setting.

It was lovely. The couple was precious. the kids were happy. the cake was good.

…enjoy the show.

Melissa.

lafayette, louisiana, photography, newborn, infant, baby, toddler, children, child, kids, family, photographer, portraits, outdoor, session, on location, studio, natural, fun, candid, simple, art, lifestyle, life, life art, maternity, bridal, engagement, seniors, fashion, modern, urban, fresh, contemporary, true to life, wall art, wall displays, collages, storyboards, canvas portraits, natural personality images, coffee table books, custom designed, image art box, christmas cards, melissa andries photography

…….cute as a button bee.  Little miss evelyn is one of our brand new clients. She fit right in to our long list of “so much fun to photograph” kiddos! During a session, I pretty much hang out with children and direct them in a way so they don’t realize that they are doing exactly what I want them to do.  Now, that being said, with sweet evelyn, I have now met my match.  Not quite two, she very much knows how to handle herself. She knows what she wants to do and what she doesn’t want to do…all the while being very polite about it.  at times, I wondered if she must be older than two.

Her mommy brought wonderful outfits to play in. We had several different looks. Cute outfits. Great accessories. and even her halloween costume! I had a blast!

My favorite (besides the bee costume) was when we played with the hats and scarf that mommy brought. and really without my direction, evelyn was perfect! She played. She posed. She sat still. all of it. add that to whispy strawberry blonde hair and shiny blue eyes and golden sunset……makes me very happy!

Like this one, my favorite sessions are the ones with relaxed and “go with the flow” atmosphere.  When mommy & daddy just let go and let their child be themselves. Yes, the small details are taken care of like clean face and no boogies, but clothing is comfy and not binding, hair does not have to be perfect in all shots, constant smiling is not stressed,  and the child can have fun and truly show their personality.  If this formula is used then it is almost guaranteed that the images will portray the child in an honest and true to life way. The child that mommy & daddy sees everyday. the smiles, the pouts, the laughs, mean face, silly face, serious, curious, mischievous, and so on.  And, of course, those are my favorite images. The “real” ones. That means the images are unique to only that child. Some of my favorite are completely unplanned and unexpected. Ideas that just happen spontaneously because the session was not stressful and was allowed to flow naturally…..like playtime. That’s it! Sessions should be considered playtime.

well….while we are on the subject, I might as well add a little about clothing. I suggest bringing several items that coordinate and accessories to add and take away from the outfits. When deciding on color, just consider where the images will be displayed. Patterns can be mixed…colors can be mixed…have fun with it. example: for multi-colors use colors that compliment each other, mix patterns that match because of color, like plaid with paisley, add some solid to break up the patterns.  for one color use several shades of the same color, again mixing patterns and solids. for neutrals the same can apply, mix patterns, solids, textures. Don’t lock yourself into just solids or one pattern with a solid. Think in layers…just like you would in decorating a room.  And of course, don’t forget accessories!fun hats/caps, scarves, coats, boots, hair accessories like headbands etc, leg warmers, arm warmers, funky neckties, suspenders, fun socks, vests, sports coat, leggings/tights, belts, etc. Also, things that your child loves is always welcome in the images…things that will make the session fun for him/her like skateboard, ball, umbrella, tutu, hula hoop, a magic wand, favorite toy, blankie, etc. Use your imagination but more importantly, be true to your child. Keep in mind that the session should be customized just to fit him/her. If your child loves to draw, bring crayons and some paper. It would be wonderful to have images of them drawing. That is a cute storyboard…the child coloring and drawing and also an image of him/her holding up the art they completed! THAT is what capturing your child is all about.

ok. I have rambled again. sorry. here are a few more pics…..

hope everyone had a great halloween. I will try to post more halloween pics tomorrow.

Life: unPOSED

Melissa

the ART of your LIFE.

lafayette, louisiana, photography, newborn, infant, baby, toddler, children, child, kids, family, photographer, portraits, outdoor, session, on location, studio, natural, fun, candid, simple, art, lifestyle, life, life art, maternity, bridal, engagement, seniors, fashion, modern, urban, fresh, contemporary, true to life, wall art, wall displays, collages, storyboards, canvas portraits, natural personality images, coffee table books, custom designed, image art box, christmas cards, melissa andries photography

fabulous. quirky. funny. easy going. and super adorable. all full of personality! ….these are some of the words that I would use to describe the family I photographed this evening. I know I don’t normally post an image from a session this quickly….and I don’t mean to be unfair, but I was just so excited about this particular image. I thought the sun was absolutely perfect. And this was my first time shooting this location.

We just hung out and was pretty much entertained by their two little boys! all was fun and games except for the big tall horse that kept getting too close for comfort (according to me-everyone else seemed un-phased by his presence) and then of course there were numerous piles of horsie poo poo that none of us wanted to step in or especially sit in. but that is just all a part of a wonderful location!

as the session came to an end….finishing up some close-ups of the boys….all the while still being amused and entertained, I received one of the coolest compliments ever! (at least I took it as a compliment!) The dad said to me…

“I can see how people could get addicted to you doing their pictures.”

isn’t that a neat thing to say? I like it. alot. thanks so much Brett!

and then, as if that wasn’t enough to send my ego into puffy head status….mom (from the session, not my mom ) sent me a little message on facebook…

“hey melissa…Cooper said when we got home “I had fun today mom” wow that’s not something I’ve heard my kids say about taking pictures. Thanks so much we had a great experience….you rock chic!!!!”

aren’t they a cool family! love it! Thanks Erin….actually it was you guys that ROCK! I just photograph what I see. Ya’ll did the work!

I will stop typing now. It is kinda like talking….sometimes I just don’t know when to stop!

Melissa

Life: unPOSED.

lafayette, louisiana, photography, newborn, infant, baby, toddler, children, child, kids, family, photographer, portraits, outdoor, session, on location, studio, natural, fun, candid, simple, art, lifestyle, life, life art, maternity, bridal, engagement, seniors, fashion, modern, urban, fresh, contemporary, true to life, wall art, wall displays, collages, storyboards, canvas portraits, natural personality images, coffee table books, custom designed, image art box, christmas cards, melissa andries photography