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Archive for January 2011

Break out the calendar, it is time to book some weddings! Real Life Photography

Monday, January 31, 2011

The first month of the year has evaporated. I remember it being the first week of January... but the rest is a bit of a rushed haze. I have had the chance to meet so many amazing brides in my studio and over the phone. All of this wedding buzz has left me with just a few spots left in 2011.

With each new friendship formed, I find great excitement in creating a brand new story. I have booked little bitty weddings and great BIG weddings for this year. I can't wait to share them with you as the stories unfold.

My studio was a steamy place to be this past Saturday. Several ladies turned on the heat and posed for boudoir and pinup style photography. I am left in the wake with hundreds of amazing photographs with the job of narrowing them down to the best of the best. Hopefully a few of the girls will let me share a couple shots with you.

Happy Monday everyone!
Melissa

Lucky Ladies, Boudoir Sessions Saturday! Real Life Photography.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Less than a week until a fun day of Boudoir sessions. I wanted to post a few links that have great lingerie.

hepburnandleigh.co.uk

ladywaisted.com

joannaswardrobe.com

Hair and makeup will be available by Jessica Ragan, owner of Southern Chic in High Point. ( She will be in my studio for the sessions. If you have not booked your hair and makeup and wish to, call me for her direct number)

If you are one of the lucky ladies that booked for the day here is what you can expect:

- I will coach you through your poses and session in a comfortable and private environment.
- You will be nervous but these nerves will subside with every moment during your session.
- I will choose the poses that will flatter your body type, you may not love EVERY shot, but the goal is to find a reasonable amount of your boudoir shots that you absolutely love.
- That the shoot will remain at YOUR comfort level. Boudoir does not need to mean lingerie shots and I will be able to make you look sexy in even a pretty dress or sweater.
- That you photos will remain private unless you sign a model release.
- That you will have the time of your life!

Lexington NC Photographer, Real Life Photography.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011



Thank you Julie for bringing in the newest member of your family. She was so sweet and wonderful, and a great start to the day.

Monday, January 17, 2011

After a small break from shooting because of all the ice, it was nice to get my studio warm and ready this morning for this little girl.



She is a keeper for sure!

Another snow/ice day!!!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Day two of snow and ice.
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Good thing the pantry was stocked with Mac n Cheese.

207 South Main Street, Real Life Photography. Babies

Saturday, January 8, 2011

How sweet it is to have natural light. I spent Saturday afternoon with this tiny little gal and her beautiful mom. More sneak peeks to come from this great shoot.





Have a great weekend!
Melissa

The Black Dog Emporium, 336-249-7799 John and Heather Seuberling

Friday, January 7, 2011



As a new blog effort I have decided to spotlight a few of the shops on Main Street. Today I wandered into the Black Dog Emporium located at the corner of First Ave. and South Main Street.


This antiques store is full of cool finds, from dishware, and costume jewelry to vintage eyeglasses and mounted butterflies.




The shops mascot was there today and was kind enough to pose for a few shots.



The Black Dog Emporium is going into its third year of operation. It currently houses 10 vendors with a waiting list available for others who would like to rent a booth. Heather and John enjoy owning their own business and are proud to be on Main Street. Together they manage the stores vendors, and seek out entire estates for purchase. Heather has a passion for jewelry and eventually plans to offer high-end estate finds.
John likes rocks of a different nature. He recalls hunting for arrowheads as a child and has continued his collection. He offers several arrowheads for sale, and is ready to help others gain knowledge on the subject.

These vintage radios are fully working models. The vendor replaces internal parts but keeps the original front. These make a great gift for a collector or for the guys who has everything.

Heather spoke highly of the artist who creates beautiful displays with real butterflies. These butterflies are collected from all over the world. They die a natural death in their own habitats and are harvested. The colors on the wings are something to see in person.



Heather and John Welcomed me into their store, even with a giant camera and a bunch of questions. They even shared a not so secret secret with me..... They are going to have a baby. Looks like maternity pictures are on the horizon for this fun couple.

You can go in and congratulate them (and shop) on Saturdays from 10-5, and Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 until 5:30. Be sure to tell them I sent ya in.

Melissa

North Carolina Boudoir Photography, Portraits, Valentine's Day

Hey Ladies... It is that time of year again. Time to WOW your man.
Head out shopping with the girls for some new lingerie, because it is time to book your Boudoir Portrait session.

No Lingerie, no problem. These portraits are tastfully created with you choosing how much to leave to the imagination.



There are limited spaces and times available for the sessions. Book for the weekend of January the 29th and 30th to insure a great gift for V-day.

Boudior sessions have been around for a while but have recently gotten a revitalization. If the only thing holding you back is nerves, then please be assured that this session is fun, private, and created with an artful flair.

Hair and makeup available on request. (Must have advanced notice.)

Call today!
Melissa

Real Life Photography, Raleigh NC Wedding.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

This was such a fun day. I photographed this couple on my own wedding anniversary, and what a great way to spend the afternoon.


They hosted the reception at a hip restaurant downtown Raleigh called Gravy. The food smelled amazing and the staff was very friendly.

The light coming through the front windows were beautiful. Even this fast moving kiddie was easy to capture.





The flowers were done by The English Garden, and were beautiful. Each bouquet was tied with a different color ribbon and held a charm for the bridesmaid.










This couple found me via facebook. Thank you facebook, you sent me a wonderful anniversary gift, a new bride, groom, and a new set of friends.

Photographer of Weddings, Infants, Children, Seniors, Brides, Families in North Carolina.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Grrr. I have been without internet for a couple weeks now. Having to do updates from my iphone is no fun. I miss posting images to my blog and uploading cool things. I have been assured that everything will be hooked up tomorrow.... but you know how that goes. Look out though because I have a backlog of pictures coming up, just as soon as this internet glitch is fixed.

My new shop is open for business. Please come by and visit me if you are in the downtown Lexington area. I am now located at 207 South Main Street.

See you soon.
Melissa

Wedding Photographer, Lexington, Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point, North Carolina

Sunday, January 2, 2011

It is that time of year, when all those new rings are sparkling on the fingers of newly engaged girls. That means it is time to make some plans. Remember that all my consultations, via phone or in-person are complimentary. This is a great way to ask questions and get answers. Here are a few things to consider when planing your consultations:


1: Schedule your consultations wisely.

Assuming that you're arranging consultations with more than one photographer, it's best to schedule all of your photographer meetings within the same day or two. Wedding photographers will offer you the courtesy of holding your date while you make your decision, but they can only hold that date for you for a few days or a week at most.

By booking your consultations within the same day or two, you guarantee that your wedding date is held by all of your potential photographers for a similar amount of time.

2: Prepare for your meeting.

During your consultation, a lot of information gets covered in a short amount of time. You want to be sure to ask all of the questions that are really important to you, so it's a good idea to write a list out beforehand and bring it with you.

3: Know your budget.

It wastes your time and the photographer's time if you meet with them and you're not sure about exactly how much you're prepared to spend on your wedding photography. Before scheduling a wedding photography consultation, decide on a budget and be certain that you and your fiance are both in agreement about the amount.

4: Know your wedding schedule.

Before you even start contacting photographers, make a list of the wedding photographs that are important to you and your fiancee. Do you want pre-ceremony photos? Ceremony only? Do you want posed shots with your wedding party, friends and family? Photos at the reception? A comprehensive list of the photos you want, will help you figure out how long to book your photographer.

When you meet with wedding photographers, they'll need to know how much time you'll want to book them for on your wedding day. Try to be sure about this before you meet with them. If you're not sure, bring the list of your 'must have' photos to your consultation.

5: Trust your instincts, not your wallet.

If you've done your research, you'll have only booked meetings with photographers who have good portfolios, who offer services, rates and photography styles that suit your needs. So the deciding factor will come down to who you'd most like to have as an integral part of your wedding day.

Sometimes you'll know right away. But if you're uncertain, ask yourself which photographer had a personality that seems well-suited to you and your fiance? Which photographer seemed the most competent, knowledgeable and trustworthy? Who seemed to be the most kind, considerate, polite and friendly?


Thanks to enzine articles, for this great list.


Melissa