What a great weekend!

We had a great weekend camping at Duncan's Mills Camping Club. Friday night we went to the beach to watch the sunset and make a bonfire. The Northern Californa Coast is so unpredictible and we were not sure what we would encounter. Fog, and cold wind are the norm; but we were so lucky. It was crystal clear and we saw the most incredible sunset while we sat by the fire and roasted hot dogs. I can't imagine a more perfect evening. I was having fun getting shots of the kids on the beach and a few sunset images for myself. I think the kids all loved the pictures because they have already started loading them on their "my space" accounts.

Saturday we went to Kid's day at the camping club; Popo the clown painted faces and the kids played on the rock wall and bouncy houses. We snaked on hotdogs, cotton candy and snocones. I love summer and I am sad to see it ending; as we prepare to get ready for school I feel like time is passing so fast. Nicole is heading for high school and my Ross will be in the 5th grade; I don't know where the time has gone.

Melissa O

Elena


Julliard Park was the setting for Elena's senior portraits. Elena wanted fun natural poses without a lot of fake jestures and uncomfortable poses. Which makes her perfect for me; posing people in turning them this way and that way is just not my style; I like the images to reflect the personality of the Senior not some made up look that has been around for 50 years. We had lots of fun, roaming the park. Larry and Stella came to guard us; we even got them to pose for a few pictures at the end of the session.

I love to snap pictures and I think I could have gone on longer, had it not gotten so cold. I think we got some great shots of Elena; with her beautiful green eyes. I hope she enjoys them.

Melissa
Click here for a larger version of the slideshow

Meet Jaden

I had the pleasure of meeting Jaden and her family last Sunday morning. This session has been on hold all summer trying to get a morning that works for everyone; Jaden's mom was the winning bid for this springs silent auction where I donated a session.

Our session went quickly as we walked around the park looking for Jaden's smile. Mom knew it was in there and we just had to find it. I hope we did; as a photographer we meet people for the first time and ask them to look natural and smile while we are pointing a camera in their face; sometimes it takes time to relax and get into the mood and bring out the natural expressions that parents are hoping for.

Jaden is a spunking kid... with bright eyes that dance in the light.

Click her for the slideshow from our portrait session!

Renegades Hit Fairfield.

We went to Fairfield with just enough players for the weekend. It was tough to say the least. Although we only ended up with one W for the weekend; the girls had some moments of greatness. Now we just need to see that more constantly.

I guess I take less pictures we we are loosing because I didn't have that many this time. My favorite image and memory from the weekend was Tamara tackling the catcher in her persuit to a run.

Click here for the slideshow

Elizabeth and Rob
Keller

July 7, 2007

The wedding of the year.... probably the wedding of the decade. Elizabeth found the love of her life in Robert. And they became a family earlier this month. Everyone loves Elizabeth she is the center (of information - otherwise known as the HUB) of the Martinez family. Elizabeth keeps in touch with everyone and keeps everyone in touch; so naturally when she announced she was engaged to the handsome and charming Robert Keller we couldn't have been happier for them.

I knew Rob was a keeper the first time I met him. He got stuck with 4 women wine tasting; none of the guys came as planned and he just went with the flow; it was obvious he was crazy for Elizabeth.

The wedding went off without a hitch, we met in the beautiful St. Ambrose church in Berkeley followed by a reception at the Marina Doubletree. I knew the ceremony would be touching, as all weddings are; but this wedding was missing one very important person Elizabeth's dad "Uncle Abe". The funny thing was as I anticipated it being difficult and an obvious omission it felt like he was there; the special song dedicated to Elizabeth from her dad brought everyone to tears.

All the detail were lovingly chosen by the happy couple and we all enjoyed everything they had to share with the guests. Dancing... Dancing and more dancing, we danced all night; Grandma and Tia Odelia followed the young girls on the dance floor; it was such a treat and a heart warming experience to see them let down their hair and enjoy the music.

And of course the day could not have been better for me since I had my camera. The talented Jillian Kay was the photographer for Rob and Elizabeth but I was there to capture some candids and enjoy the wedding of the decade.

Best wishes and my sincerest congratulations to Rob and Elizabeth.

Cheers

Melissa

click here for the slideshow

Joyce Wilson Workshop


This week I had the privilage of attending a Joyce Wilson workshop. Listening to her was such an inspiration for me. I love her attitude and drive to always learn more and to never be stale. Her passion is contageous.

We were separated into groups with the assignment of shooting a portrait, and lifestyle image and something outside of the box. I was paired off with Neil Silverman whom I thought was fantastic. I loved the way he spoke to our young model in a nice soothing voice as he guided her in the posing he was looking for. I learned a lot from observing him and I am sure he didn't even know I was paying attention. Thanks Neil.

Our model was the beautiful Rinata (I hope I am spelling that right) she is twelve years old. What a great sport she was, she was up for everything and followed directions and looked beautiful on cue. Her blue eyes were catching the light and lighting up her face. I hope she enjoys her first professional photo shoot.

I also had the pleasure of haning out with an other new photographer Liza Gershman we rode up to the Reese Ranch together; how could I not have a great time when I got to spend 11 hours shooting and talking about photography.

Mel

See the slideshow here

The Renegades came ready to play. You could tell from the first game against the Steel Breeze the Renegades were not going home with out a fight. The young girls fought back after the first bad inning and held their opponents steadily for the remainder of the game; while that game did not produce a win, it did give the girls confidence to come back and play harder.

Game two against the more experienced Rug Rat team was great. The final score was a tie of 2 to 2 but the victory was in the level of play. Both teams battled up until the final moment; but a win was not to be for either team; they settle for a tie on the books but a victory in working hard and producing great hits, solid plays and spot on pitching.

The Rohnert Park Rebels were the hosts of the tournament so we knew they wanted the W. It was not to be the mighty Renegades brought out the big bats and scored 5 runs with ease. Again the pitching was great and the defence was strong. Tamara Link dove to two great catches for the out from second base; she plays with no fear.

It looks like the team in having fun, and improving with each inning played.

Enjoy the slideshow from the days plays.

Melissa O

Jacob is "One"derful

Beautiful Baby Boy, Jacob sat for his first year pictures this week. He has the most beautiful blue eyes I have ever seen on a child. He will break hearts some day with his dashing looks and charming smile.

We had a great time at Grandma's house (dinner was good too) Jacob smiled for the camera, played on the grass for the first time and entertained us while we captured some beautiful images.

I hope you enjoy the images as much as I do.

Love
Melissa

My First Wedding Album

I am excited to share with Shawn and Michele their wedding album. This album has been on my to do list for quite sometime, and recently I was able to sit down and design it just for my favorite wedding couple. I hope they love it.