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

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!

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.

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!

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

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

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