Maternity Session {Alissa B.}

I had the perfect maternity session with my sweet friend, Alissa & her hubby, Mike today!  I just couldn't get over how cute this couple is!  There is so much love between them, and they are so excited to welcome Miss Paige Olivia into the world in November!

Here are a few of my favorite shots....
(It was so hard to pick!)

Calling 2014 Seniors!!

Are you a high school Senior? 

         Do you want A-W-E-S-O-M-E Senior portraits? 

                             Do you live in Michigan?

Well, look no further! 

I am offering 2 different portrait sessions for all your Senior portrait needs, with competitive pricing on prints, cd's and more!  Visit my website at www.photographybymelissac.com.

Contact me at 810-449-6964, or email~melissa@photographybymelissac.com, or facebook at https://www.facebook.com/photographybymelissac

Don't forget, most schools have a deadline for portraits to be turned in for the yearbook, so don't be left out! 

Senior Rep {Haleigh M.} Kearsley High~Class of 2014

Haleigh Morgan
Senior Rep {Class of 2014}
Kearsley High School

We went to Dow Gardens in Midland.  It was a gorgeous day, in a beautiful location!  I had lots of fun with Haleigh and her family!  We got a lot of beautiful portraits!  Can't wait to do our next session this Fall! 

Focused on Life

I am so proud to announce that I have joined an amazing group of photographers from all over the country, at Focused on Life.  This group of talented photographers have come together to give those who are suffering from life threatening illnesses, a professional photo session, when they otherwise may not be able to afford it.  This is something that is near and dear to my heart having cancer touch my family and myself.  

Everyone deserves to have their precious memories captured.  Message me for more info or to find a photographer near you.  Please "like" our page on Facebook, and send a message for more information!

Here is the link:

https://www.facebook.com/FocusedOnLifePhotographersShootingWithTheirHearts

So, if you know anyone, or are yourself living with cancer, or any other chronic illness, visit the link above to find a photographer near you. 

We look forward to hearing from you!

                               ~ Melissa

Beautiful Butterflies

I took a little time off from editing and working on updating my website, to get outside this weekend with my camera and my fiance.  We went to a new place for us and I was more than thrilled with the beauty of this beautiful nature preserve not far from my home!

We found not only beautiful scenic areas, but lots of butterflies!  There was a nasty storm rolling in, but the sky in all of my photos were bright blue with the huge puffy cloudy that I love!  It was a perfect day!

There was a nasty storm rolling in, but the sky in all of my photos were bright blue with the huge puffy cloudy that I love!  It was a perfect day! Look for more photos to come! For now, enjoy these of the gorgeous Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly.  He was loving the camera!

Independence Day 2013!

Fireworks are not that easy to capture, but if you have the right equipment and use the correct settings, you can capture some beautiful fireworks!

After not being able to even celebrate July 4th for the last two years, due to my surgery and an illness, I was very excited to try my hand at it this year!  They ended up rescheduling our local fireworks due to rain, twice.  The date is still to be determined!  So, I tried to go to the next city over, but due to other circumstances, we were unable to make it.

I found out this afternoon that there were fireworks tonight about half hour north of us,in a smaller park, out in the country, and on the way home from my husband-to-be's mother's house where we would be coming from.  Perfect!

So, I made sure I had all of my equipment, battery was fully charged, tripod was in my car... Let's do this!

We got there at 10 pm and had to pay $10 to park.  Not really what I had planned, but I was not going to let that stop me!  I got my camera and tripod and started walking around to find the best spot.  The show started and I struggled with my tripod,( I really need to practice with it more in the dark!) and with my fiance's help, I managed to get it set up.  I had to tip it back slightly since we were a little closer than I would have liked, but I was NOT going to miss this since I waited TWO YEARS!

I set the camera, ISO 100, F11, 10 second exposure, and pushed the shutter button to focus where they were ( I couldn't find my remote! UGH...).  Holding my breath and getting bit by mosquitoes, I prayed that I get at least ONE good shot!  Be in focus, be in focus.....

I took about 10 shots including the finale, which I knew right away, didn't turn out.  I could live with that.  Once the show was over, (it lasted about 30 minutes), we grabbed everything and made a run back to the car.  I had a 30 minute drive home.  I couldn't wait to see the fruit of my labor!

I held my breath again as I uploaded my shots....I got 2 that I am pleased with.  That is twice as much as I asked for, and I could not be happier!!  I can't wait to do this again and will have to wait awhile, but I will be ready!  Next time, I will make sure that I am in my location much earlier, and set up, with bug spray and ready to go!

So, here are the two that turned out....

Happy 40th Anniversary, New Welcome Missionary Baptist Church!

I had the honor of being a part of the upcoming celebration of this church's 40th anniversary!  They have moved into a beautiful, but neglected new church, but the love that fills those walls is amazing!  They will be renovating and preaching the word of the Lord within the community of Detroit.

Happy 40th Anniversary to Rev. Brock, First Lady and the entire congregation of The New Welcome Missionary Baptist Church!  May you have many more years of happiness together!