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!

The Jackson Family – our Fresh Faces Runner Up from Cincinnati – stylin’ and profilin’ in front of my lens at Sharon Woods – Heritage Village.  Little Levi was amazing to work with – he even chose his OWN stylish threadz for the session…. what a sweet sweet boy he is.

Enter the Ohio Fresh Faces summer/fall contest by sending me your favorite FUNNY FACES snapshots (see details in separate post!)

The King Family received their Priceless Reflections by Melissa session as a gift from the Fresh Faces Grand Prize winner and we had so much fun shooting their sessions back-to-back in Middleton.

A little brother/sister love. Awwww…

As Mom to two boys, I can relate to that incredible bond between mothers and sons, and this session really rocked my socks because I got to focus on their relationship. No distractions, no other STUFF, just mom, son, and me… along with some seriously killer light.

That’s not to say it was all serious and deep – we have too much fun for that!

Mom’s got a heartbreaker on her hands. Oh, those eyes!

Piece of really cool but totally useless trivia: Mom attended college with my husband in Carbondale. How cool is that?  Let’s all bust out in a chorus of, “It’s a Small World!”

I’ve been blessed to photograph the “B” family for the last 3 years or so. Blessed because they’re a unique family full of love and compassion and yeah, a lot of fun. The expressions on their faces are so much fun – just look at a slice of our day.

How can you resist smiles like this?

Downtown Cincinnati was the setting for this session with the ever-gorgeous, always sassy, flat out amazing Dana A !  Helps to bring her hubby into a few shots too, cuz he’s just as SHAZAM!  (Those of you who are blog junkies and PR junkies know him as “Flat Daddy!”)  Oh, and their gorgeous daughter “D” joined in for a few shots too – the BEST session – so much fun!

This location lends itself to senior portraits, relationship/engagement sessions, and even family or child sessions if you’re looking for something urban chic. A little grunge, a little fashion, a little attitude and we have Va Va VOOM!

The Kahn Family has a new home. Well, at least at mealtime. We’ve fallen head-over-heels in lust (can I say that here?) for Pita Jungle in Chandler. Healthy fresh options that I don’t have to cook, everyone has a favorite, and you can eat in, order takeout, and even order online so it’s ready when you get there.

My favorite is the Shawarma (Mediterranean Roasted Chicken) in a pita with mixed greens, tomatoes, onions, pickles, garlic sauce and tahini. If you sit on the vegan side of the table, you can take a peek at their Vegan Friendly Chart to find out which options fit your lifestyle. Pretty cool, huh?!? Top off your meal with a dessert or maybe a smoothie made with frozen yogurt or soy milk. Yum.

You’ll find Pita Jungle of Chandler at 1949 W. Ray Road and they’re open from 11am-10pm every day. You can reach them at 480.855.3232 to place a to-go order or get directions.

Our own Smushie graduated from Yad B’Yad Preschool at Temple Emanuel and through the tears (and laughs… preschool graduation, enough said) I was able to capture some great images for the families.

And here’s our girl. We’re so proud of you, Smushie!

I can’t say enough great things about Yad B’Yad and Lynn, Denise, and Leslie! Thank you so much for the wonderful education, guidance, and friendship you gave to our daughter and all of the children in her class. We’ll miss you!