One from this weekend just before the storm came through. This garden is located in Uptown Lexington and has been great to shoot in this spring. It really makes me antsy to get the garden in the back of my studio started. Any volunteers ready to help me get it going???

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It is here! The official release day of the Hungers Games. I will not be going tonight at midnight, I did that a few months ago for a movie, and it was rough. But, I will be in-line to see it tomorrow.

These books were so good. I started the trilogy and instantly loved the book, but I waited several months to read the others because I needed to digest the first book. It was very hard as a mom to read the book and not feel guilty for enjoying a book in which so many characters of children die for entertainment. The entire concept was so harsh that it took me a while to wrap my head around.
Filmed entirely in North Carolina, The Hunger Games film locations spanned from a dense forest in which the arena that hosts the games themselves was created to a town that stood in for Katniss' home, District 12, to a sound stage that was the platform for the fantastical sights and sounds of The Capitol, the futuristic capital city of the nation of Panem. Principal photography on the 84-day production began on May 23. Communities in which the feature shot included Asheville, Barnardsville, Black Mountain, Cedar Mountain, Charlotte, Concord, Hildebran and Shelby. I think a road trip is in store this summer to visit a few of these locations.


It is easy to get sucked into the post apocalyptic world. I offered the series to my sister who read them all in day or so each. Definitely a great book, if you haven't read it yet do yourself a favor and invest in reading it before seeing the movie. I'm sure the movie will be amazing but, aren't books always better.

.Happy Thursday,
Melissa

"Pocket sessions" are back. These small sessions will be held next week at my old studio. Each session will last 15-20 minutes and will result in 10 final images. If you are new to Real Life Photography, or have been waiting to give us a try now is the time.




To make these sessions a success for your child here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Schedule your session at a time when your child is happiest.
• These sessions are only for children sitting up unassisted.
• Plan your outfit. This is the perfect session to pull out the cutest thing you own.
• For spring I think ruffles and lace for girls and overalls for boys. THINK HATS TOO.
• Bring a snack and drink.
• Arrive on time and ready to shoot. There will be someone before and after you.

These are great to use as Easter portraits, but they will not have an overly Easter feel.


Sessions are limited. The appointments are for morning or evening sessions Monday through Friday. I still have four spots open for next week, just give me a call if you are interested.
336-425-8602



Spring has sprung in Davidson County. Last night at our photography club meeting we hit the pavement and walked around the back streets of Lexington. Amidst the decrepit buildings, crumbling brick walls, heaps of broken glass and dead raccoons...bleahh, I found the growth and color of spring. I know it is just a weed but aren't most flowers weeds?

It is fun walking around and shooting with others. Our Photography club meets the first and third Mondays of each month. With longer hours of daylight the plan is to shoot a little at each meeting. So, grab your camera and meet us at my shop for our next meeting.

I have a bunch of good ones from this session. But here is one that I couldn't resist sharing. I sure do love little tiny baby bottoms.

Ohh these warm spring days make me think of yard work, outdoor photographs, painting my fence...... and it brings back my yearly lust for a VESPA.

Steven and I went to Rome a couple years ago. When we returned I was set on buying a vespa. But my plans were quickly thwarted by my husbands disapproval and my parents concerns for safety. I get the common sense factors of safety, but it doesn't stop me from dreaming.

Here is the beauty that has been calling my name!!

Today is day four of having no voice. For those readers that know me, you will recognize immediately that this is a HUGE inconvenience because I love to talk!! Here are the things having no voice has reminded me of:

1.  Speaking softly to my children has a greater effect. They actually have to listen to figure out what I am saying. They don't just hear me.
2. I must normally talk TOO much because my hour sessions are only lasting 45 minutes and I am still rocking out great images.
3. The dishes, and dirty clothes pile up... the effort of asking in mock sign language for help is useless.
4. My new clients don't know yet that I am a talker, they will figure that out at their proof sessions :)
5. The phone is not my friend.
6. E-mail and text messaging is way under-rated.
7. My husband doesn't seem to miss the hour long run through of my day when he gets home.
8. My singing sounds better a little raspy, good thing there is no one around to hear it.
9. Hot tea and honey is yummy!
10. Sticky notes are costly and I use way too many. Not having my voice has made me use even more.

Number 2 mentioned images. I 'd love to share one from this morning with you. And at the bottom of this post there is a quick video on a new line of lockets that I will carry in my studio. They are so precious.





Here are the new lockets. I would love some feedback before I Place my order. The quality of these is something that I can stand behind. So many of the other locket companies offer a low quality alternative. These will be priced between 150.00 - 300.00 for the ones that I plan to carry. This will include the image inserts.

One of my favorite quotes ever! In a field of that marries creativity and technology, it is our creativity that sets us apart from our competition. It also drives our curiosity and respect for others. What would the world be without imagination and creativity? BORING, that's what it would be.

I promised a contest this Friday, and I am going to get creative with it. I've given away free photography sessions, but this time I'm going to put a little twist on it. This weekend I'll take entries to giveaway a 2 hour photography course with..... ME.

Bring your camera to our lesson and learn about lighting direction, camera settings, posing, and post processing. Whether you are an inspiring photographer or a mom who wants to take better snapshots, this is a great opportunity to learn hands on.

To enter click here to be directed to facebook. Leave a comment on my wall telling me your favorite quote. Next Wednesday I will select a winner.

Have an amazing weekend and good luck-
Melissa