one more of A

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

A's 1st birthday

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

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

did you catch it?

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

logo work

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...

...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

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...

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*