We Have Moved!

It is time to say good buy to Blogger. Please come over to my new site here. I am loving it over there and can't wait for you to come see all the new changes! Be sure to reset your reader or RSS feeds.

Casting Call!

Winter is when a lot of photographers start getting antsy sitting indoors due to the chilly temperatures. I am no exception so I thought this would be a great time to hold a casting call and try out some fun new props/poses, etc. for a major update of Melissa West Photography.Models Needed:

March 10-13
1. Newborn - must be under 10 days old on the day of the shoot
2. 6-9 month old - must be able to sit unassisted
3. 9-11 month old - able to stand while holding on to something but not yet able to walk
3. Family with 2 children under 8
4. 6-9 year old
5. Pregnant Mama - in her 8th-9th month

The Details:

• Sessions will be FREE of charge.
• Participants will receive a complimentary 8×10. Additional prints and products may be purchased at my current pricing.
• Sessions will take place between March 10-13 in your home.
  
• These sessions will be focused on capturing 1-3 specific setups and poses that I have in mind in order to expand my portfolio. If there is time and baby/child is still happy, additional setups/poses may be attempted.
• Requirement to sign a model release so that images can be used on my blog, website, marketing materials, etc.
• 10-20 proofs will be presented in an online ordering gallery approximately 4 weeks after the event.

If you are interested, please email me at melissawestphotography@gmail.com with your child’s name, birthday, and a recent snapshot of him/her. Please pass this onto your friends that have children this age or know someone that may.

And of course a post isn't a post without a picture! Here is Bella ready for all the winter weather=)

Tim and Meredith: Annapoils Area Engagement Photographer

I think Tim and Meredith should change professions and work for the post office because they sure didn't let the 22 degree weather stop them from getting some amazing portraits on Saturday!  I mean it was COLD! Of course, Tim loves the cold weather so he didn't mind so much ;)  Looking forward to your wedding in July!  And thank you, Christal, for your awesome warm-building-finding!

Go BIGGER it will make it all better!

When ordering session portraits for a wall, many people hesitate to order larger than a 11 x 14. I mean that's huge right? Wrong! Take a look at an 11 x 14 portrait on the mantel. It looks ridiculous and out of place.

photo from Amy Ro Photography

Well while browsing, I came across this blog post about the size of portraits. It is amazing the way Amy Ro explains the sizing of pictures for your wall. Go. Read. Then order...Bigger!

P.S. Meredith sneaks are coming I promise!

Santa!!!!!!!! I know Him!!!!!! He's Coming Here!!!!!

Okay, sorry I got carried away with the title -- I love Christmas movies=) We took Bella to see Santa yesterday and I fully expected for her to scream. Arrabella cries unless she is in my arms. So I placed her in Santa's arms and quickly got of the way. The lady didn't take her picture because she was waiting for Bella to look at the camera. In my head I was yelling, "Take the picture before Bella has a melt down!" She didn't have a meltdown...didn't even cry. I was shocked. Shocked. It was magical=) Here is what happened...

"Um, Santa? Hi, I just wanted to tell you a few things" said Bella


"Well little girl, have you been a good girl?" Santa replied in a deep voice.
"I've been a very good girl, you can ask my mama. And all I want for Christmas is 3 cupcakes, a teddy bear, a baby and a unicorn."



"Okay, Mama, I'm ready to go now.


I love that girl!
Merry Christmas

He's Back!

My brother come home from basic training this morning. We were right on schedule until I realized I had forgotten my battery! Ahg! We rushed back home, and while we were still on time, my mom called and said he had already landed...luckily it was a hurry up and wait situation=) Sorry for the slight blur on the pictures in the second set...I had to deal with a lot of excited family=)

He's here!

Mamma Tortilla and Co.: Annapolis Area Family Photographer

Can we say gorgeous? I am in love with these pictures - they turned out so beautiful! My good friend Les and her family stopped by for a few fun photos for their Christmas cards. In the short time we had to work, we were able to get some awesome photos...