1 year old boy so happy and energetic :: Colorado Springs Children Photographer

Normally one year olds tend to have at least 1 fit during their session.  This doesn't mean they don't have a blast during their session, it just means, well... they're one year olds!  Sweet Quinn, he was a different story.  I spent 2 hours with this bundle of joy and he was smiling and laughing and having the best time. Thank you QUINN for such a great session!

I'm sure his favorite part was the cake.  Then again, it's always my favorite part as well.  It's one of those few photography moments where I kind of sit back and just snap away because they have something in front of them helping to entertain.  Without a cake, I'm running around looking like a goof ball getting every smile and giggle I can.

Beautiful eyes!

He'll be walking in a week - no doubt!

It seems most outdoor sessions with little boys usually have some pics with a stick or rocks (or sometimes dirt!). Boys will be boys! This is who they are and this is what I love to capture.

Thank you to Quinn's parents for letting spend time with y'all! You have such a wonderful boy who will create great adventure and happiness in your lives for a long time.



© all images and content copyright of Photography by Melissa J, but you already knew that =)

Natural light photography at it's best :: Colorado Springs Newborn Photographer

Sweet little Daniel was as precious as can be! The minute I walked into his home, I knew it was going to be a fantastic session.  The parents are extremely nice and so at attentive to their new bundle of joy.  They had wonderful natural light coming in the home and beautiful decor that immediately gave me inspiration.  Amongst their home was white couches, white walls, and beautiful black and white photo's of their wedding.  The white couches and walls reflected the light wonderful for me... now, if only I could request that every client puts out white couches and white walls, that'd be amazing (a natural light photographers dream!). 

I hope you enjoy!...

Hat made by Simply Sara

LOVE LOVE LOVE his hair!

This photo shows he's already got a little man muscle there in his arm... how cute!

Thank you Mr and Mrs C for letting spend some time in your home photographing sweet Daniel!

~ Melissa J from Photography by Melissa J, Colorado Springs Photographer

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10 years; Memory is still alive :: Colorado Springs Photographer

I was getting ready for class, late as usual, oblivious to the "quietness" that was going on around me.  I walked out of my bedroom into the community living room and my roommate says "where are you going"? I'm not sure what my exact reply was but as soon as she told me to listen to the news, the rest gets kind of blurry.  I'm pretty sure I dropped my backpack and I think I sat in front of that community TV for the next 5 or so hours. Of course I remember all the sadness and the terrifying feeling of the unknown but one of my most fond memories is watching and gasping for each time the news would mention another survivor being recovered or found. I could not peel myself away from that TV, hoping more and more survivors would be found!

This morning, 10 years later, I woke up and gave my kids extra kisses.  It is hard to believe that my kids were not even born when we experienced what happened on September 11th, 2001.  I hope and pray they don't have to ever witness something so terrible and heart breaking.

Our nation 10 years ago began a journey, it was a day that changed lives.  I just wanted to put this blog post out there to ask 2 things; 1) What were you doing that day? and 2) What will you do this year as a good deed in honor of those lives lost?

These pictures below are not from 9/11 but each of them reflect a memory of that feeling of America, of friendliness, of rescue and surviving, and of support and sadness. I took these photo's downtown Colorado Springs this morning while reminiscing what happened 10 years ago today.

Lens Makeover :: Colorado Springs Children Photographer

Photographers always need creative ways to help children look at the lens.  As a lifestyle and candid photographer, some of my favorite shots are those when children are looking away or gazing in the distance but I think it's still important to get some shots spot on looking at the camera.  For anyone under the age of 5 - this is sometimes quite the task!  I have many tricks but here's a new one I've added to my bag.  I can't take credit for coming up with this on my own, I found it on Etsy...LOVE that place!  Below are my DIY lens decorations but check out this site HERE if you'd like to buy some.  The one's on the link look AMAZING! Now, don't laugh at mine =)

I used what I had available so some "critters" may not look legit but what maters is that the child will laugh at it.. and my kids had a blast helping!

Next time I have an assistance with me out on a kid shoot, I'll get some pull back shots so you can see it in action.  These were super easy to make and take very little supplies.

scrunchie hair ties, felt, and super glue

Let me know what you think and I want to see photo's of your camera critters or camera bling or whatever you choose to call it.  Give it a try, you can help that child look at the lens!

Happy crafting and photographing!  All images © Photography by Melissa J 2011



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Spunky 6 month girl :: Colorado Springs Children Photographer

I got to spend some time last weekend with Miss Cadence and I had so much fun.  She is a stunning little princess and has some amazing parents. At 6 months old, obviously you can't sit a child down and say "cheese" so you have to get creative.  We incorporated hay bales, angel wings, beads, grass, flower headbands, and baskets. I think her favorite was picking at the grass and the hay bales. It's a good thing she's got an athletic mommy because that grass and hay would go immediately in her mouth if her mom wasn't so fast at getting it out of her hands!

Sweet Little Angel

She's got some amazing blue eyes!

All little girls love picking (or eating) the flowers!

 And here she is throwing a fit...   If I was to tell you that every 6 month old's session was perfect with smiles and laugh's, well, that would be a lie.  Seriously, she's a 6 month old! As photographers, we have several tricks up our sleeves but children need "their time" and this was one of Cadence's times.  She was back to smiling and giggling about 5 minutes later.

Beautiful blanket made by a friend of the family

Thank you to Cadence's family for letting me spend time with y'all.  I loved every minute of it!

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© Photography by Melissa J 2011; Colorado Springs Photographer

Puppy Love :: Colorado Springs Photographer

Oh how I forgot the chore it is to raise a puppy - the potty training, the nibbling, the chewing, the yapping! Even with all that, puppy love is a wonderful thing! We have only had Jaden for 3 days but he's already shown us that he is a perfect addition to our already wild family.

Look at that smile!

Another couch potato boy in the house!

I think it's really time to add a girl to the family.  I am the only female living with 6 boys! (6 - yikes!) That would be 3 human boys and 2 dogs and 1 cat.

Jaden has the most beautiful blueish eyes which is what attracted us to him. He has that sad puppy dog look that is oh so cute! He sure knows how to use them as well.  There's already been a couple "no, no" moments as you could imagine with the potty training stage.  He'll just look up with those baby blues and all you can do is melt with puppy love.

Photography by Melissa J
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