What could be better than shooting a beautiful model?  Doing it in downtown Chicago, just after a great thunderstorm! (hey, here in Phoenix, we don’t really GET thunderstorms, so having one before our session was an added bonus…..)

Have I mentioned how much I *LOVE* my job?  Flew to Chicago a few weeks ago and had the opportunity to work with Emma.    Sometimes it’s refreshing to photograph grown-ups…. they sit where you tell them to sit (BONUS!) they don’t need to be bribed with lollipops (well, heck, I do love lollipops…so let’s strike that one from the record)… and there’s no crying and throwing fits when you request an outfit change!

Without further adieu…meet Emma!   She was a great sport… the humidity level during our session must have been 99%… and the temps about 95` as well.  But she stayed cool as a cucumber!

Boudoir shoots have really exploded in popularity over the last year or two…… You may ask… “What is a boudoir shoot?”  Well, glad you asked!  Here’s the deal:

Boudoir photo sessions are essentially sexy photo shoots that give you an opportunity to wear different styles of lingerie (or whatever you want).  Some of my favorite boudoir sessions are when my client is wearing her husband’s button-down shirt.

Here’s the “FAQ” 411:

Q: What if I’m not a size 2 with a perfect body?
A: Who is?! It’s my job as your photographer  to emphasize the va-va-va-vooooom. Your hubby doesn’t expect you to look like a different person!

Q: Where will we shoot?
A: If you live in, or have a friend that lives in or around the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, we can shoot at that location. Often, girls get a room at a nice hotel and we shoot there.

Q: What should I wear?
A: It’s a great idea to have a wide variety of different outfits available,  As your session progresses, you will feel more comfortable with a wider variety of lingerie/clothing.

Q: Do I have to be nude?
A: No, of course not! Unless you are in lingerie, I mostly shoot “implied nude,” which means you may be wearing minimal clothing. If you’re uncomfortable with that – lingerie is completely fine! It’s your choice – if during your session you choose to show more…. that’s fine.

Q: Umm…… are you going to post photos of me on your blog?  If my mother in law saw them I’d die!
A: Only if you’ve given permission.   Women featured on the blog for boudoir sessions have given express written permission for these images to be shared on my blog.

Now with all that being said—here are some great images from a recent boudoir session shot in Gilbert, AZ, at my client’s home.  Enjoy – and call the office today to book your session! 623.239.2437

She said yes! She said yes!

What fun I had shooting this adorable couple.  We flew out to San Diego to get some beach shots because they really REALLLLLY love the beach… and HELLO San Diego! The beaches there are gorgeous, as well as all the other venues we drove through…we shot on the beach near the cove (the cave?? what was it?? It was gorgeous, whatever it was!)…. the old “barrio” neighborhood (and had some FABULOUS marlin tacos from a great little taco vendor on the street)….Balboa Park (LOVED it!)… etc. etc. etc.

So many great shots that show their personality – they are full of laughter and love, and were a total pleasure to work with.  Can’t wait to shoot their beach wedding in a few months!

Oh what a pleasure it was to meet this most amazing, gorgeous family.  Since we shot this session a few weeks ago, Dad has since deployed to Iraq where he will be for about 13 months.  Long months when you have four children and a wife who are at home!
What an honor it was to shoot Dale and Amy and their children – their session could not have gone better – from the ADORABLE little patriotic outfits on the girls, to the boys in their camo.

Be safe, Dale, and come home soon! And… THANK YOU for your service!!!

Oh what a FUN job I have!  Sorry I’ve been MIA on the blog – been a little busy with some summer shooting – have traveled to San Diego, Chicago, and a few other places for some aaaah-mazing photo shoots.  Until I can get them up here on the bloggity-blog… enjoy these shots from last week’s performance of “Twinderella” at the Chandler Center for the Arts…. kids did a GREAT job with their lines and the dancing… so adorable!

Other photographers dread family sessions. So many people, expressions, attitudes, and such. Pshaw on that, says I! Sure, family portrait sessions can be intimidating and serious and stuff but not with Priceless Reflections by Melissa! We have F*U*N!

I do believe we have a future golf pro in the making here. Love capturing his serious expression and concentration.

A little brotherly love… say it with me now… “awww…” and their sweet, rough and tumble, wee one.

Daddy, best get your shotgun ready now. One day she’ll leave her glorious princess bedroom for a date with Prince Charming. She’s already a heartbreaker!

I met Julia Hagens, jewelry designer extraordinaire, in Scottsdale to create new headshots for her FABULOUS jewelry business as well as her expansion into image consulting.

Love how the red POPS and makes her eyes sparkle. Julia looks confident, sassy and on fire!

This is the competent businesswoman, friendly and approachable, but savvy.

And here’s Julia in her Southwest Splendor look – total tourism ad for Scottsdale as well as Julz by Design.

This little princess has been a Priceless Reflections by Melissa client since she was just a few days old. I’ve had the pleasure of watching her grow and the honor of documenting her life through portraits for her family. On this day, she was real trooper and full of laughs, giggles, and that batting eyelashes look that every little girl seems to master to get what she she wants.

Recognize her from the top of the Smugmug site where you view your images after the session? She’s growing up!

I can’t leave my Ohio peeps out of a contest so let’s do something a little… different. Send me your favorite FUNNY FACE snapshots. The ones you’re going to embarrass little Tommy with at his high school graduation, the one of your husband singing into a brush in the bathroom mirror, kids sticking their tongues out at the camera, you get the idea. The winner gets a session with moi and one to gift to a friend as well.   Same details as the PHX Kahn-test (details above)… the deadline for submitting images is TUESDAY JUNE 15th .  Send the images to Melissa (melissa@pricelessreflections.com)  with the subject line: FUNNY FACE …. images will be posted on the blog for Joe Q Public to vote on… and the winner receives a FREE FREE FREEEEE session with ME ME MEEEE during my next Ohio trip (9/30-10/7).  So let’s see those funny faces!

It’s time to show me your favorite summer places in/around Phoenix. Submit snapshots of your family enjoying the best of what Phoenix has to offer in the summer and you’ll have a chance to win a full Priceless Reflections by Melissa session AND a session to gift to a friend. Is it the pool? DC Ranch? Free movies? Water Park?

Here’s the 411:  send in your photos to Melissa (melissa@pricelessreflections.com) with the subject line: PHXKAHNTEST.  All photos must be submitted by TUESDAY JUNE 15th. Start sending them today! (Today! Today!)  The photos will then be placed on the Priceless Reflections Bloggity-Blog (www.pricelessreflections.com/blog)  for the general public to vote (that’s when you quick forward that link to ALLLLLL your friends, family, postal workers, nurses, and hair stylists).  Voting will be open for one week (one vote per ISP) and then the super-duper KAHNtest winners will be announced.  The winner will receive a FREE SESSION for themselves, and one to GIFT to their BFF! If that doesn’t make you jump for joy, I don’t know what will!