Mel O Photos - Old Blog

2007-08-14T07:21:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-08T06:45:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-02T09:24:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-07-29T21:15:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-29T19:38:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-22T17:51:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-30T23:07:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-30T09:16:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-28T20:23:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-06-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

Gail and Jerome

Engagement Session

San Francisco, Ca

What more can a photographer ask for; a beautiful couple in love; an iconic backdrop of the beautiful Palace of Fine Arts and Baker Beach in San Francisco, and a fabulous day, with bright blue skies and a breathtaking sunset.

Gail and Jerome were so much fun, Jerome showed how much he cared by bring some of their favorite things. Wine (yum) and his scooter. We spent an afternoon together, and the time just flew.

The wedding is in September in Florence Italy. They want to go back to the city they met in to marry; I think it is so romantic.

Enjoy your slideshow. You can see more images in their gallery on my website. http://www.melophotos.com/

Click here to see the slideshow!

2007-06-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

8th Grade Graduation

8th grade graduation was bittersweet last night. I was so proud of Nicole, she looked beautiful and poised as she stood with her classmates. We have been waiting for this day with mixed emotions; the excitement of starting high school and the sadness of leaving all of the great friends she made in middle school, and her two grade school friends Haily and Amanda. With all the kids heading to different high schools they knew it would be hard to say goodbye. The tears came early and often. I am happy my girl was fortunate enough to find the finest group of friends, they are all hard working nice kids that any parent would be happy to have as their childs friend. Congratulations graduates, high school with be an adventure, may it bring you all the same joy and friendships that you enjoyed in middle school. I put together a quick slideshow of some of the pictures I snaped please check it out. slideshow

Enjoy!

2007-06-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth's Bridal Shower

Today Christine and Kim hosted a bridal shower for Elizabeth at Latitudes in RP. The food was yummy and of course the company was good. We are all looking forward to the wedding next month.

Check out the slideshow.... of the ladies getting WILD click her to view the slideshow

2007-05-08T06:58:00.000-07:00

Meet Katie

I could not have been more pleased to meet Katie and her mom Liz last weekend. The lovely Katie has agreed to join my "fresh face for '08" campaign and represent Mel O Photos for her High School. It was hard to pick a few of my favorite images. Check out her slideshow

2007-01-14T21:02:00.000-08:00

I was blown away by this Rosalia's beautiful eyes and natural smile. I enjoyed my morning with her, I hope she loves her senior pictures.

Class of 2007 Rosalia

2006-11-24T17:20:00.000-08:00

I guess I should go outside more often. I was playing outside with my new camera and I met my neighbor. We got to talking about photography and set up an appointment for a family picture.

They were a beautiful family, and I hope they love their portraits.

2006-10-29T13:10:00.000-08:00

Everything is coming up Rosey.

In an effort to give back, I met Rosey. I wanted to donate some senior sessions to the local high school, for students who would otherwise not have professional portraits. As luck would have it the person who answered the phone, had a beautiful daughter who needed pictures. Mom is going to find me a few more deserving students. Rosey was beautiful and I hope she enjoys her senior portraits.

2006-10-29T12:46:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Family

The Breimayer Family was a photographers dream. They are such a handsome family, and the true warmth they feel for each other was evident to me from behind my lense. I had enjoyable session with this family, they are easy to pose and ready with beautiful smiles.

2006-10-29T12:39:00.000-08:00

Aint gonna be no replay!

This was a fun session. Little Andrew was not so sure he wanted me pointing a camera at him; then his mom remembered that Grandpa always says"aint gonna be no replay" and he laughs, well she was right and it worked like a charm, every time. He is just the cutest little one and his brown eyes just shine.

2006-10-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

Wine Country E-Session

I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day for my first e-session. Elizabeth and Rob were kind enough to allow me to photograph their engagement pictures. I hope they like them; we found some beautiful senery to be the backdrop for this beautiful couple. Rob is great; he looks at Elizabeth with such love in his eyes, my hope is that it shows through in my images.

Melissa O
http://www.melophotos.com

2006-10-20T11:46:00.000-07:00

My first Post....

So I guess I am now officially a blogger. Please visit my blog often, my plan is to share my recent photosessions, so you can share them with your friends and family. It isn't easy to update my website so I thought I would use my blog to share my favorite images ASAP. I am all about instant gratification, so I think this is a good fit for me.

Here are a few old favorites of my favorite models.

Love
Melissa