Hello!

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)

Calling all Professional Photographers!

The Genesis Workshop information launch had just blasted off!

Go to our official blog to get all the latest news!

Just so you know…

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New clients always ask if Jeff is a photographer, too. Of course, I understand WHY they ask. His name isn’t on the building. And it’s not because I’m selfish… it’s just because Portraiture by Melanie was what it was before he decided he wanted to join me. If I thought I could change it to Portraiture by Mansfield without confusing everyone, I totally would. But alas…

The other day, Fin and I weren’t feeling well, so Jeff headed out with the Wilder family all by his lonesome. And can I say? He hit this one outta the park. I loved editing them and getting to experience their “play-date” second hand. I felt their joy and laughed at the “all boy” things that William was excited about. Here are my favorites… now you can show up to your shoot and be THRILLED if Jeff’s the one waiting for you. ;)

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Hold on to your socks, people… this is epic.

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We are SO proud to have pulled together several of the best photographers from across the country for the purpose of putting on an AMAZING workshop for those interested in advancing their skills in the photography field. I can’t begin to express just how big this is… though any of you who know of Sam, Evan and Tony are already peeing yourself with excitement. Jeff and I have had the pleasure of getting to know these guys over the last few years and there are very few photographers in the world who can top their talent, even fewer who can top their character. Between their expertise in lighting, posing, composition, processing, workflow, marketing and SO MUCH MORE, this workshop will be the beginning of a whole new level to your career.

Of course, this post is just a teaser… if you want more information as it’s made available, just pop an email to us and we’ll get you on the list. Right now, we just want to make sure you mark your calendars and clear out the space… cause you ain’t gonna wanna miss THIS. :)

So, what are you waiting for… SEND US AN EMAIL!!!

And while you’re at it, visit the sites of the guys who are going to be instructing… you’ll be blown away!

San Jose, CA Photographer, Sam Hassas
Philadelphia, PA Photographer, Tony Hoffer
Nashville, TN Photographer, Evan Baines

Say it Ain’t So…

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When I was in the 6th grade, my English teacher was my Aunt’s mother (the aunt who married my uncle. I wasn’t just trying to find a creative way to say “grandmother”). It was a large room partitioned into three classes. So the walls didn’t go any higher than about 7 feet or so. I was in geography when the door to the 6th grade building opened (I could see it from my seat), and in walked my aunt and uncle with their brand new, never-before-seen-by-me baby boy, Cliff. I watched them head straight to my aunt’s mother’s part of the classes and I was just ITCHING to run over and have family time… school be darned! But of course, good girl that I was, I sat quietly at my table and tried to forget that a TINY LITTLE BABY THAT WAS MY COUSIN WAS JUST A FEW FEET AWAY! My head was just screaming it at me over and over!

Then… I heard my uncle’s voice shout out so that everyone in the room could hear, “Melanie… here’s your new cousin!” I looked up and saw baby Cliff… raised high above the partition in my uncle’s outstretched arm. They didn’t know where I was, so they made sure I could see my newest relative, regardless of which class I was in. I glanced over at my teacher, Mrs. Myers, and she nodded, giving me the permission I so desperately wanted. I took off running around the corner so I could get a closer look. The image is burned in my mind.

And now there’s a new image. Grown up Cliff with his beautiful soon-to-be-bride, Megan. Say it ain’t so. :)

Congratulations, Cuz… you’ve become everything we hoped for you… and more.

I blame the baby for this taking so long…

It’s finally time to make the announcement! After three months of mulling it over, going back and looking through past galleries and fighting over whose choice was better, and changing a million diapers… Jeff and I have FINALLY agreed on the “Best Image of 2009” winner! Give a warm round of applause to EMILY AND BRANDON!!! As the winner, the not only get this sweet entry on our blog, and the awesome crown jewel of a spot at the header on this page, but they also get a complimentary wall portrait of this very shot! Congrats, guys! And thanks for being such an amazingly photogenic couple to work with!

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