Welcome!  The images that you’ll see here are all taken by my husband, Jeff, and myself. We’re a team (regardless of the name of the studio), and as the years have gone by, we’ve begun to notice the strengths that each of us bring to the table.  This has resulted in a metamorphosis of our business from “all Melanie, all the time” (which was what we were a decade ago), to “mostly Melanie with a sprinkle of Jeff” (I joked about writing his name in sidewalk chalk outside of the studio), to “Hey, Jeff’s picture is better than mine!” (I’ll only type that once and I’ll never say it out loud). It’s a great place to be… two photographers who each offer creativity and modern twists on everyday life. And we’re blessed to have people who clamor to be our clients. What in the world!? We don’t deserve it, in and of ourselves. But we praise the One who makes it happen… and we thank those of you who care enough to return again and again. You help us live out the creativity that was placed inside of us before we were born. And we’re filled with awe that it’s something we are able to offer full-time. So give us a call… and regardless of whether or not you have me for a shooter, Jeff running the show, or both of us trading off, be ready to experience photography in ways that generations before never imagined.

-Melanie (and Jeff)

Important information and specials can always be found at the top of the blog!

We are currently booking family & children sessions for Fall of 2010.

Session Fees:

$200 – Full hour (indoor OR outdoor)

$200 – Newborn Shoots

$250 – Full hour (indoor AND outdoor)

$50 – Quick Shoots (15 minutes/no proofs/white backdrop)

Our Genesis Workshop is drawing near and we’ve got lots of photographers chomping at the bit to learn tons of new information to help them grown their business as well as hone their talent. Included in their time with us, are sessions with three nationally recognized instructors who will demonstrate their shooting styles to the attendees, and also give each student time behind their own camera to shoot the models that we have lined up.

Some of the sessions are to include couples in love *insert swoon*. This is where the contest comes in! See, we could hire models to pretend like they are head over heels for each other, but nothing beats genuine, heartfelt passion! So we thought we’d get our fans involved and give one lucky couple the chance to have their pictures taken for FREE! The winners will receive full pampered treatment… hotel stay, hair and make-up prep, and lots of ooo-ing and ahh-ing over how adorable they are! Then, when all the images are processed and edited, they’ll also get a CD of the photographs for their personal use.

This is a great opportunity for couples who haven’t had their picture taken since their wedding, or for couples about to get married and want to have a special engagement shoot before the big day. If you or someone you know would like to enter to win, email us your picture and a short paragraph explaining why you would like to be chosen (or why you would like us to choose the people you’ve nominated)! The rules and regulations are listed below… check ‘em out, then get to writing!

RULES & REGULATIONS:

• Couple must enjoy having their picture made and love to have fun!

• Couple must be available from the afternoon of Tuesday, September 14th through Wednesday, September 15th (8:00 AM to 7:00 PM) in DURHAM, NC.

• Send picture and email to: melanie@melaniemansfield.com

Yesterday, Peggy and I took Parker out so that I we could get some shots of Parker with the guitar that his Grander gave him while we were in Mississippi last week. My dad has a collection of guitars, but has never learned to play… he decided to pass his favorite one on to Parker. Thought I would post the favorites from my own set for you to see!

So here I am! While I am being versed in ways of accent and eating, I am also gleaning great and interesting things from the photographers y’all know and love. Here in my first post is a shoot with Miss Mel’nie herself and her ever photogenic sweetie, Mabry. I think Mel was just as nervous to be photographed as I was to photograph her. But as you will see she had nothing to worry about. She looked just lovely.

Thanks for reading! I hope to meet or at least talk to many of you while I’m here. If I talk too fast or speak too sarcastically, feel free to give me a good Southern scolding. I am working on bumping up the “sugar” in my ways.
I really am so happy to be here!

As an extra little happy, I’ll leave you with a new Fin picture! He’s 8 months and 29 pounds. This is one of the few times in one’s life when back fat is cute, right? Haha!

Those of you who read our Facebook, know that we’ve brought an intern from the Seattle area on board with the studio. She’s here to learn the business side of photography, as well as hone her already amazing skills. This was her first shoot on location with us (she’s observed in-studio stuff for the last few days), and what a first shoot it was! I’m excited to have several of her images featured below… I bet you can’t tell which are which! Of course, I’ll tell you simply because I want you to give her credit where credit is due!

Enjoy!

Peggy grabbed this great shot of Chris chasing Jericho down the road… it was so cute!

Another great “Peggy Capture”… it helps that Krystal is so photogenic!

This one is my SECOND favorite that she took today… you can see the same moment in the next one, as shot from my perspective. Jericho was fascinated with the grass tips… I love her chubby hands.

Another identical moment… Peggy and I are clicking twins! The first is mine and the tight shot is hers. That’s the one that wins top spot for me… it was so much fun seeing how we composed from different angles.

This is mine, but it’s Peggy’s favorite shot… just thought I’d add that in here.

The crooked bow just showcases how hard she played.

Ahhh… the end of the session… tired, but still in love with each other.

Big sister hasn’t always been my biggest fan… haha!  But we never walk away empty handed!  She’s too cute for that!