{blue eyes}

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}

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...

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

{8 days old}

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

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!

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{loving winter break}

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

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

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}

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I love mini sessions!!

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

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...

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

oh boy!! all boy!!

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

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

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...

...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...

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...

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...

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...

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

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...

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

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

C&C Teaser

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!