My Style

People... carefree, spontaneous, wild, silly... all of these and many more. This is what a session at Melanie Michele Photography is all about, capturing the essence of people... all people, from the very young to the very old. I prefer to take a laid back, stress free approach during your portrait session. Most often you'll find me in jeans and a tee shirt, missing my shoes and often my socks too, ready to engage my subjects in play, banter, story time, etc. I strive to find that connection with your, child, your aging parent... the connection where they forget the camera and just have fun being themselves. You'll find me playing silly games, making faces and having conversations, to evoke true emotions and genuine smiles. Not all children or people are smilers, and that's ok. Capturing true personalities, whether it's all smiles or more thoughtful glances... that is what I strive for.
 

What Should We Wear?

One of the most frequently asked questions is "What should we wear?"

If you are unsure what will look best, keep in mind that simple, classic and timeless always looks great.

You are always welcome to bring a few outfits that you are considering and allowing us to help you make the final choice on what would best suit the look and feel you are going for in your portraits.

KIDS

Boys look great in solid colors and tailored styles.  Button-up shirts, polo's, jeans, overalls and khakis are all timeless and photograph well.  Untucked shirts and bare feet are adorable and add to the quintessential "little boy" look.

Little girls look great in simple styles such as a slip dresses, sundresses, long skirts and tank tops. Jeans and simple tops are also great, especially if you're trying to match siblings.  And of course, what session wouldn't be complete without a tutu or dress-up dress!

If your child has a favorite item, be it a superman cape, twirly dress-up dress or any other item of clothing that they're attached to, bring it to the session.  Years from now, you and your child will look back on those photos and reminisce about their favorite things!

If children are being photographed together, clothes that are similar in style give a more coordinated look.  Bare feet are especially fun and kids love it too.

BABIES

Bare skin is best.  I love being able to capture little details and the best accessories are textured blankets. Plain white onesies, diaper covers and tiny fitted hats look cute as well.  Try to avoid overalls when dressing infants who are not able to sit up well as they creep up and cover the neck and face.

FOR BABIES AND SMALL TODDLERS

Photo sessions with babies and young children are always unpredictable, especially when your child is crawling or walking. To begin our session, it is best if I or my assistant are the only people coaching your child to look at the camera. Parents can participate by fetching wayward toddlers, crawlers or creepers and returning them to the set. This kind of teamwork seems to work best. If you can do something that makes your child giggle, by all means, let me know.

Finally, it is my goal to get many different types of photos for you. Some fun, some emotional, some beautiful and some candid. These can never be planned, but if everyone is relaxed and having a good time with his or her family, there is a higher chance that these natural moments can be captured.

FAMILY SESSIONS

Family photographs are special, a legacy of whom your family was for future generations to enjoy.  Consider clothing for each family member that has the same tone, not necessarily the same color.  Be wary of stripes, plaids, words and logs on your family's clothing.  Bare feet are great for family sessions too!

Now that I have told you what I suggest, I hope that, regardless of my suggestions, you wear anything that makes you feel good or that shows your personality. The best rule of thumb is simple and comfortable.

 

MISCELLANEOUS

Please allow two hours for the shoot. Rarely does it take this long, but this will give us the necessary time to work comfortably and avoid the stress related to rushing. When babies/children are the subjects of a sitting, they should arrive well rested, since happy babies/children are the easiest to work with.

Here is a list of items you might find useful during your photo session.

• translucent powder

• hair spray

• makeup

• a few choices of clothing

For babies and toddlers

• Cheerios

• Bottles

• Changes of clothes

• Blanket

• Favorite costume (ballerina tutus, fairy wings and capes are always a favorite at

  the end of a session)

For everyone

• Please feel free to bring along any items that show who you are.  Some examples are dancing clothes and shoes, an instrument, sports uniforms including flags and equipment.

Finally, it is my goal to produce the very best photos possible, so if you have any suggestions, requests or comments please do not hesitate to call me.

                                                                      ~~~Melanie Michele

contact us

address:

Melanie Michele Photography

3401 Skippack Pike

Cedars, PA 19423

phone:

610-584-3330

email:

melanie@melaniemichelephotography.com

member: