melissa zihlman photography

{I've moved}

2008-05-20T22:14:00.001-05:00

There is a brand *new* blog in town...go check it out, and please update your blogrolls to reflect the new address!

www.melissazihlman.com/blog

Can't wait to see you over there!

{absent much?!?}

2008-05-07T19:49:00.002-05:00

phew...almost two weeks without a blog entry...sorry guys!!

It has been a slew of First Communion shoots and wrapping up my major commercial shoot with a school in FWISD. I have been saw caught up in them, there hasn't been much time for anything else!

And I am not at liberty to post any of the pictures I've been taking because there are not signed model releases! I am back in action tomorrow with a normal shoot, and next week I am headed to Ohio for some mini-sessions! What fun! Stay tuned for updates soon!

Oh, and don't forget to check the "specials" tab on my website...there are a couple of great specials up right now!

:)

{wildflowers}

2008-04-24T23:34:00.002-05:00

The bluebonnets are nearly gone - but that just means it is time for some of the other Texas wildflowers to make their debut. There are incredible fields of flowers all over, and today I was fortunate enough to photograph a family in them!

And can I just say, this the best looking family ever! There isn't a bad picture in the bunch, despite the crazy wind! Here's a little sneak peek...

{swap}

2008-04-16T01:15:00.002-05:00

I had the most amazing opportunity today to participate in a swap with some other photographers in DFW. I know these ladies through a photography forum, and we've talked for some time about trading services since our own children don't like to pose for us anymore. :p

We met this evening in downtown Denton and I had the chance to shoot 7 adorable children while the other photographers shot my little man! The images of my E are fantastic - I can't wait to get them on my walls!

Just wanted to share a few of some of the lovlies I had the chance to meet tonight!

{Mister K is turning ONE}

2008-04-14T20:37:00.003-05:00

This little guy is adorable, and if they sun hadn't set on us, I certainly would have continued shooting. He was just to die for!! We mixed a bluebonnet session with a little urban downtown fun!

Here's a little sneak peek for mom and Mimi. :)

{click on the images to make them bigger}

{family & bluebonnets}

2008-04-13T20:29:00.002-05:00

Nothing says spring in Texas like family shots in the bluebonnets. Albeit most are on the sides of the highways, so finding the perfect patch can be hard sometimes! :)

I had the chance to photograph my family today - my mom, step-dad, and littlest brother scheduled their own session. They haven't had a family picture formally taken of the three of them...I think I got some gems! Here are the first few I pulled off the card for a little sneak peek! Enjoy!

{faux-hawk}

2008-04-06T20:35:00.002-05:00

Meet Baby J - 5 days old, perfectly curly, and complete with a little faux-hawk! I think I am totally in love...I just couldn't get enough of him!

Here's a quick little sneak peek for mom and dad (and aunt D, too!)! Enjoy!!

{bluebonnets}

2008-04-04T21:37:00.004-05:00

Had the chance to photography an amazing family today! A bluebonnet session...before all the flowers get trampled in the coming week!

How perfect are these girls? And thanks dad for making us laugh!! Here's a little sneak peek for mom and dad! Thanks for sharing your girls with me today!

{belly love} contest

2008-03-28T22:36:00.002-05:00

Are you having a baby this summer? Do you just love your baby belly? Would you like to win a free maternity session?

Send me a picture of your sweet growing belly (and don't be afraid to show some skin!). Bonus points for pictures of your nursery as well, even if they are far from done!

Submissions must be received by May 1st. The winning mom-to-be will receive a complimentary maternity session.*

*sessions should be held between 32 and 36 weeks. winner is chosen by a subjective process. prize is nontransferrable. no cash value.

Contest bonus – book a newborn session before this contest ends on May 1st, and receive $50 off your session fee.

{You do not have to enter contest to be eligible for the discount. Mention the contest when booking}

{heaven}

2008-03-26T18:49:00.001-05:00

Meet Mister G! Gorgeous, so incredibly well behaved, and an absolute dream to work with!! Can't wait to do more pics of this little guy as he gets older!

Here's a little sneak peek for mom and dad - enjoy!

{wonder}

2008-03-25T20:59:00.003-05:00

Meet Miss A...gorgeous!!! She was a little premie, and now at eight weeks is a *hefty* seven pounds! So alert and perfect - thank you mom and dad for letting me photograph your adorable little girl!

{happy Easter}

2008-03-22T22:44:00.003-05:00

from my family to yours...

(here's a picture of him watching the eggs very carefully!!)

{one more}

2008-03-18T22:19:00.002-05:00

okay TWO more...I just can't help it...these girls are breathtaking...

{seniors 2009}

2008-03-17T15:49:00.002-05:00

GORGEOUS!!! These girls were incredibly gracious this morning at our shoot - they must have changed clothes 6 times (in the backseat of the car no less), put up with fierce wind and the chill in the air - and to top it off they were up at 7 AM this morning - on the FIRST day of SPRING BREAK!!

You'll be seeing a lots of these three - they are my senior reps for 2009...thanks again ladies, you all are amazing!! Here's a little sneak peek...

{wedding}

2008-03-16T22:41:00.003-05:00

I had the pleasure of shooting my first wedding last night!! What fun!! Thanks to Kenzie and Ryan for letting me be a part of their special day...here's the first few I opened to edit...

{fresh}

2008-03-04T21:37:00.002-06:00

meet Landon...simply gorgeous! Mom is a photographer, so it was really an honor to be able to photograph this little bundle of joy!

{babybliss}

2008-02-26T13:26:00.003-06:00

Had a product shoot with two adorable kids for babybliss' summer line this morning (they just happen to be the owner's children!!). Melissa Zihlman Photography will have a display of images from this shoot going up in babybliss' Southlake store in March - watch here for info about a cool special promo that will get you amazing stuff from babybliss and a free session from me!

It was freezing and windy - so we made use of the parking garage for a little urban fun! Here's a little sneak peek {click to make them larger!}

{bride}

2008-02-25T20:20:00.001-06:00

Isn't she gorgeous?!?! Had the chance to shoot this amazing bride at the Cotton Mill in McKinney - fabulous location, amazing weather, beautiful bride!

{winner!!}

2008-02-25T20:12:00.004-06:00

Wow!! What a great turnout I had to the {free} wedding photography package I offered as a Pay It Forward adventure for me! Thank you to everyone who passed this blog along and encouraged their friends & family to do the same!!

Congratulations to...drumroll please...

Courtney, Landon, & Keara

It will be an absolute honor to photograph your wedding this July!! I can't wait!! Stayed tuned to the blog in the coming days as I share their story with you...you won't want to miss it!!

Thanks again to all the couples - and please know that those not chosen will have their wedding photographs taken for free as well by some awesome photographer friends in the area, thank you to those pros for stepping up to help these amazing couples!!

{one more}

2008-02-17T19:18:00.003-06:00

Couldn't help myself - here is the second picture I opened today!!

{double love}

2008-02-17T18:05:00.002-06:00

Seriously, could these lovlies be any cuter? I have the greatest time photographing these 6 month old twins today!! Here is a little sneak peek for mom and dad...hope they napped well this afternoon!!

{brothers}

2008-02-06T22:28:00.002-06:00

I couldn't leave big brother A out...I *love* this picture!!

{fresh}

2008-02-06T20:20:00.002-06:00

This little one came early, and I had the opportunity to photograph him in the NICU...

Now he is home, and I had the honor of doing some newborn shots...he is perfect! Here is a little sneak peek for the whole family who have been anxiously awaiting pictures of Baby C! Enjoy!

{free} wedding photography

2008-02-02T14:39:00.007-06:00

The problem:
As told by the New York Times

The inspiration:
Jason Groupp, Melissa Bitter, and Jessica Claire

It is time to pay it forward! People often ask me why I became a photographer - and the truth is I fell into it and fell in love with capturing memories! It is amazing to become a part of each family I photograph, catching the tender moments, the secret giggles, and great bear hugs!

I think that photographs are important for a lot reasons. I have many adorning my walls and albums, and when I look at them it takes me back to the exact moment the photo was taken - to the best moments of my life. Life passes so quickly - I cannot imagine not having photographs to remind me of the wonderful journeys I have taken!

Weddings, especially, go by so fast! I want to help you remember each special moment!! This is the reason I am going to be shooting a wedding for FREE in 2008! That's right, shooting, online posting, and an album for the couple on my own dime!

The Details:

Email your story and a photo of yourselves to mz {at} melissazihlman.com by Sunday, February 24th, 11:59 CST.

Qualifications:
1. Wedding must take place in 2008 - and a time and place must already be confirmed.
2. Must not be able to afford to hire another photographer
3. Wedding/reception must take place within 50 miles of DFW (I am willing to travel nationally, but travel expenses must be covered by winning couple)
4. I must be able to tell your story and show pictures on my blog
5. Story and photo must be received by February 24th at 11:59 CST.

The couple selected will receive:
10 hours of wedding day coverage
An online gallery for sharing and ordering prints
A DVD with images
A professional 20 page 10x10 flush mount wedding album

If you know anyone who is eligible, pleaase pass along the link!
:) Melissa

Legal disclaimer: Decision is subjective and final unless the couple chosen does not meet one of the qualifications outlined above. Services and product given to the couple has no cash value.

{fun family}

2008-01-12T12:53:00.001-06:00

What a great time I had this morning. This family was so easy to photograph - and I know it wasn't a ton of fun for their teenage son - 9AM is super early at that age!!

Here's a little sneak peek for you...click on it to make a little bigger!

{winner}

2008-01-01T06:57:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to little L and his family - your image was voted best of 2007! You will be receiving a mounted 11x14 copy of the winning image!

Thank you to everyone who participated in voting - it was a super close race - only 5 votes separated 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place! Wow!!

Happy New Year and best wishes for a blessed 2008!

{blue eyes}

2007-12-31T20:19:00.000-06:00

He's back!! How could I not post a sneak peek of this little man! B was a little under the weather today, but you wouldn't know it from this...

{squeeze}

2007-12-31T19:02:00.000-06:00

Got in one more session before the end of 2007...and what a way to finish it out! This family is really one of my favorites...it was great spending the afternoon with them! Thanks to C & K for putting up with an extra long shoot and two locations - you guys are great! And C, my husband thought I had ruined my shirt - I *love* invisible ink!!

one more...

2007-12-28T19:06:00.000-06:00

Lily and Gus are the cutest dogs!! They were so good to sit with baby D for a picture!

{8 days old}

2007-12-28T11:40:00.001-06:00

Meet baby D...gorgeous!! I had a great time photographing this new little guy, and let me tell you he was perfect! Didn't cry, didn't fuss, let me lay him all over the place! What a pleasure...I wish all newborns were this good!

Here is a little sneak peek mom and dad...click on it to make it bigger! More to come, stay tuned!!

Best of 2007

2007-12-20T21:11:00.000-06:00

It is contest time! It has been a very blessed year for me as my business came to life! Thank you for the opportunity to photograph your child - each one is absolutely amazing!

I have chosen eight of my favorite images from 2007, and because there is no way that I could pick a true favorite, I need your help! Check out the images below and cast your vote for your favorite (please only one vote per IP address) - and don't be shy, send the link (www.melissazihlman.com) to your coworkers, family, and friends, so they can vote too!

The contest ends December 31st at midnight. The winner will be announced New Year's Day and will receive a mounted 11x14 of the image. Good luck to all nominees!

IMAGE 1

IMAGE 2

IMAGE 3

IMAGE 4

IMAGE 5

IMAGE 6

IMAGE 7

IMAGE 8

{loving winter break}

2007-12-16T19:05:00.000-06:00

I am taking the time off leading up to Christmas and New Year's to enjoy some quality family time! My son will celebrate his first Christmas and first birthday in the coming weeks and I don't want to miss a thing. Here are a few my our time enjoying the awesome weather today!

(Don't worry, I am still taking newborns and maternity during this time!!)

Happy holidays to you and yours!

siblings

2007-12-07T18:55:00.000-06:00

I took on a few more clients for December - I can't resist adorable kids, and today's brother-sister pair really are that cute!!

Here is a little sneak peek for mom!! (click on the picture to make it bigger)

last sessions of the season

2007-11-23T19:42:00.001-06:00

Just a quick little sneak peek for my two dear friends, who allowed me the opportunity to photograph their families tonight. Thank you!!

Seriously, how cute are these two?!?!

{thankful}

2007-11-21T22:08:00.001-06:00

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I love mini sessions!!

2007-11-18T17:22:00.000-06:00

My favorite blue-eyed boy was back with his siblings in tow for a mini session today! I also met his little friend C, who happens to be just as adorable as B!! Wow, what a fun family...here is a quick sneak peek for the moms!!

'tis the season

2007-11-18T14:37:00.000-06:00

I love mini sessions - I get to see so many little faces in one fantastic day!

Here is a little sneak peek from my two morning sessions...more to come from this afternoon's lot! Hope you love 'em!

{click to make them bigger!}

I can't help myself...

2007-11-11T18:46:00.000-06:00

...here's one more from yesterday's session!

oh boy!! all boy!!

2007-11-10T14:01:00.000-06:00

Seems I have been photographing a lot of boys lately - and I have loved every last one!!

Meet P, perhaps the most active 9-month old I have ever chased with a camera! This boy can move - I'm sure he'll be walking in no time! His blue eyes are to die for (another trend I've noticed!)...here is a little sneak peek for mom and dad!

a few more of little T

2007-11-05T19:08:00.001-06:00

I went back for a quick follow-up this afternoon - and just *had* to post a few more!! This kid is gorgeous!

a brand new bundle

2007-11-04T19:03:00.001-06:00

Little T is so long!! His sweet little body seems to go on forever, and although he is only 11 days old, he seems totally aware of everything around him - including my big 'ole camera!

Here's a little peek for mom and dad (and aunt Nancy too!)!

here come santa claus...

2007-10-27T22:00:00.000-05:00

...no, not the real Santa Claus, I mean the cutest little Santa ever!

Today I had the pleasure of photographing G, the most precious little guy - and son of dear friends. It is always an honor when people I know personally ask me to photograph their little ones...it means a lot!

This little guy was so fun - just getting to the "good stage" - giggles & grins galore! Here is a little preview for mom and dad!

sweet, sweet baby...

2007-10-25T19:33:00.000-05:00

I was so excited when L's mom emailed for a shoot - this baby is gorgeous!! Here is a little sneak peek for mom and dad!

one more...

2007-10-18T22:24:00.000-05:00

B's mom has graciously agreed to allow me to include his pictures on my new website...I mean, how could I not include this angel? Here's another preview from his session.

baby blues...

2007-10-14T19:47:00.000-05:00

Meet B, perhaps the most beautiful 18 month old I've ever seen! I had the pleasure of following him around downtown today...this is a special sneak peek for mom and the best big sister, K. Enjoy! (mom you can click on the picture to see it bigger!)

sweet, sweet baby...

2007-10-13T14:28:00.000-05:00

I had the opportunity to photography the most precious 3 weeker - long and slender, and totally alert! Big brother R was quite a character! What fun...here's a little sneak peek for mom!

Third birthday shoot

2007-10-07T22:20:00.000-05:00

Here is a quick teaser from today's session. T just turned three - what a doll! He wasn't sure he liked the idea of the camera - but feeding the fish and playing the water fountain loosened him up!

Teaser for the F Family...

2007-09-22T20:37:00.000-05:00

Had the opportunity to meet two of the most energetic boys and their adorable little sister today! We had a great time scouring the park and old downtown...here's a little peek for momma!

Baby C Teaser

2007-09-16T20:41:00.000-05:00

Here's a sneak peek from tonight's session with an adorable 7 weeker!

C&C Teaser

2007-09-15T16:26:00.001-05:00

What a fun session I had this morning with C&C! I am totally in love with the pictures I have proofed so far! Here's a teaser for mom...hope you love them!

Website Launch

2007-08-14T13:37:00.001-05:00

We've done it...the website is up! Check it out:

Melissa Zihlman Photography

This blog will continue to be active - showing client sneak peeks, special secret offers, and design templates.

Pass it along...

Melissa

one more of A

2007-07-31T14:55:00.000-05:00

okay...couldn't help myself from posting one more little tease...

A's 1st birthday

2007-07-30T22:28:00.001-05:00

Here is a teaser from the session today...A, who will be one in a few weeks, was not too intersted in playing in the cake - can you believe that?

The rest of the shoot went well - I'm excited to finishing proofing. These are the first two shots I opened when I got home. L and R, I hope you enjoy this little sneak preview!

birth announcements

2007-07-27T16:04:00.000-05:00

a sampling of designs from my last two clients...

did you catch it?

2007-07-24T07:32:00.000-05:00

I've posted my new logo...Melissa Zihlman Photography has officially arrived...

logo work

2007-07-23T22:49:00.000-05:00

I've been helping some other aspiring photographers launch their new logos too...here are some of the samples I have created for them...I am loving this design work.

coming soon...

2007-07-22T22:23:00.001-05:00

...my new logo! I have been toying with logo designs for weeks, wanting to perfect my final choice. I don't want to have to change it at any point - it will mark my work from this point forward, so it has got to be good! :)

After receiving some feedback from some talented design friends, I have narrowed it down and am working on tweaking the last few nit-picky details. It's proper unveiling will take place this week...stay tuned!

fresh and new

2007-07-19T21:48:00.000-05:00

I love the way a *new* baby smells, how their skin looks, and how their feet and hands are still wrinkly. I have always wanted the chance to capture these first moments, precious hours and days that pass far too quickly. Recently, I was given the opportunity to photograph a new little guy, L. L is the adorable son of my dear friend, and I am so grateful she allowed me to be a part of his first hours. A truly unique and touching opportunity for me...amazing!

dabbling...

2007-07-16T16:39:00.000-05:00

I've been taking pictures for as long as I can remember...seriously. I shot photos in high school, taught photography while working as a camp counselor, took photos of Penn State football (Go State!) for two seasons, and recently decided that natural light photography is more than just a hobby for me. So I am embarking on the world as a new business owner and thriving artist...blogging seems like the best way to make my work and passion available for other to see.

This photo was recently named a semi-finalist in a National photography competition. A dear friend allowed me the opportunity to take maternity photographs of her and her sweet little boy, unfortunately, she and her husband experienced a terrible tragedy, when they lost their son in utero one week before delivery. This photo and experience have a very special place in my heart...we all now have a special angel watching out for us.

I am really enjoying the ride so far...jump on, it's bound to be an exciting adventure...

*this blog is the precusor to the soon-to-be running "melissa zihlman photography and design" website*