This week, I want to focus on pride. Pride, by definition, is "a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired." Now, by that definition, I'm sure everyone has something to feel proud of. Your new precious baby, your marriage, a beautiful garden you grew, your classic 1970 Dodge Challenger, your family home, your place of business, or maybe even a family recipe that's been passed down to you. I'm sure you're wondering what pride has anything to do with my photography... would you be surprised if I said almost everything? Pride is so important to my photography, because that is what you want me to take a photo of!

Let's set an example up for you - Your adorable son in his Tee-Ball uniform, at his very first game... he smacks the tee, the ball falls to the ground... the coach and parents tell him to run to first base, and he starts running to third, the catcher doesn't know what to do and the pitcher is jumping up and down cheering him on. No one is touching that ball while the coach re-directs him the right way. He runs over, jumps square on first base, looks up and gives you the biggest smile you've ever seen, and says, "I did it!" So who is more proud, you or your son? Unfortunately, I can't answer that one for you. But here's a question I have the answer for: Who wants to forget that moment?? Answer: No one! That's just one example of how I can be there, capturing every little moment, ensuring you will never have to forget. 

Big or small, new or old, simple or extravagant... having pride in something is important! So tell me, what are you proud of?


...until next time,

Smile!

Today I attended a LeTip Luncheon with the Irvine LeTip Group, at J.T. Schmid's in the District. It was a really great experience! I met a lot of talented people who truly love their job. I also made a lot of great connections today... networking is always a plus! 50 business cards down. I am certainly aiming for success here. Many thanks to Tracey Plemon for inviting me! If anyone has any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

I should also let everyone know, I don't just photograph people! I love photographing food, plants, homes, businesses, pets, and everything other than people. Let's just say I have a passion for photography. If you know anyone looking for a food photographer, or anyone looking for a real estate photographer, please let me know and/or pass along my information!!

Is anyone having a reunion of any kind this summer? Family/school/class/friend reunions are definitely a ton of fun... seeing people you haven't seen in quite some time can be quite exciting. All the squeals, hugs, laughs, high fives, and memories... well why not let me capture the fun? Candid moments are what make the memories that much better... contact me for a quote!

...until next time,

Smile!

Yesterday was a great day... I got my business cards! This is one of the most important things a business can have. It's a mini billboard for your company, and I am so excited to have them!

If any of you would like some, please let me know! Help spread the word of Melody Calvert Photography! Whoever brings me clients will get a discount! Just have them mention your name when they contact me!

...until next time,

Smile! 

Today I had the opportunity to attend a baby shower for my friend. She has two daughters, but is pregnant with her little man. She has such a great family and awesome friends, and it was a beautiful baby shower! She got so many great things, including hand-made blankets and hooded towels, and a lot of sports-themed clothes (her family is full of Dodgers and 49ers fans).

Congratulations Rodriguez Family on your new little boy!


...until next time,

Smile! 

There's something special about being able to take photos of people you love. Whether they are family or friends, there's no doubt you just feel more comfortable. Taking photos of my best friend and her family was no exception for me... this was some of the most fun I've had during a photo shoot.

My friends are planning to move to New Jersey at the end of August, so for the family photos, they decided to do something very "California," and have the photos taken at the beach... Crystal Cove State Park to be exact. There are tidepools, shallow water and calm waves, sun and sand, rocks to climb on, just a ton of fun! So off to Crystal Cove we went. The day was perfect... there was just a slight breeze, it was warm, the water was just starting to warm up, and not too many people. The boys absolutely loved looking in the tidepools at all the fun little creatures. Mom and Dad had fun teaching their boys new things, and obviously had a great time playing in the water. All while they were carrying on, I was capturing their fun time.

I'm going to miss my friends more than words can say, but I'm so glad we got to have such a fun time making memories! Love you guys!!


...until next time,

Smile!

A new day, a new month, and a new year! Greetings to all, I hope you have a fantastic new year! 2011 is proving to be great so far... I had a lovely morning with my family, and in the afternoon, I photographed the Pacheco Family! 
First stop was Crystal Cove State Park in Newport Beach. This family consists of Mom, Dad, three daughters, and three sons... it was busy, but it was a lot of fun! We got some fantastic photos on the beach, and some special photos for Mom and Dad of their son who is a new enlistee into the United States Army.

Next it was off to TeWinkle Park in Costa Mesa. What I love about TeWinkle is that it's very serene and foresty, pretty much right in your back yard. The family played hide and seek in all the trees, and gave me some great smiles while climbing rocks.

I had a great time today with the Pacheco Family, and I hope to do it again soon.


...until next time,

Smile!