My babies are sick.....

I used two different editing processes.

Brutus on top, Lulu on bottom.

Which do you prefer?

Going to snuggle with my fur babies!

Hope everyone has a fabulous day!

Talk Soon

Melissa

What every professional photographer would like to say...

Good Morning!!

Still working behind the scenes on a totally new look for this, here, blog of mine.
While all that has been taking place, I got to thinking about some recent discoveries involving professional photographers.

There are so many misconceptions!
This brought me to writing my very own list to clear things up a bit.

Believe me, most photographers have wanted to say at least one of these things in their time photographing, I'm sure not all, but I promise, at least one.

Melissa Pierce Photography's Little (UN)known Rules

1. I didn't become a professional photographer when I bought my fancy camera.
        I started this road years ago with my Nikon D50 in hand. I started with the kit lens, shooting automatic. I moved the dial to Manual at least 2 years later...yes, 2 years. I read the manual a MILLION times and learned my camera in and out. I called my photographer cousin hundreds of times, asking for pointers. Fast forward 6 years.....I opened my photography business..with my beloved Nikon D50 still in hand. (Nikon D50 is NOT considered a professional camera) I had learned by then, the camera is a tool, what I could do with my tool made me good at what I do. I now own a Canon 5DMarkll and there are days I miss my D50. Trust me folks..it's not the camera!

2. PHOTOSHOP is a tool to ENHANCE my talent.
       While Photoshop is hands down, one of the most amazing tools I have, it doesn't take place of my talent and it is not a miracle worker. I want everyone to look their absolute best, but I cannot alter YOU. Actually, I could, but I don't want to and neither should you.

3. I need to get paid. This is my career. I have mouths to feed, bills to pay, a life to live...just like YOU. For a long time I have given deals to family and friends...I actually felt GUILTY for charging what I know I'm worth!! Um, that doesn't buy groceries. I LOVE to give back and if there is a charity that I want to donate my time and talent to, I will, the payback doubles for me more than any amount of money. I see it as getting paid emotionally, it feels good to give back. However, I can't do every event that might be asked of me. Please understand, I would LOVE to, just sometimes, I can't.
   As far as friends and family discounts,,,,,ugh, this still kills me, but I can't offer them anymore. If I take your photo and offer you prints, great! But please don't assume because we are cousins twice removed by marriage that I'm going to work for free or a significant price cut. I'll tell you what...When Hannaford offers free groceries or your doctor waives his fees, so won't I! Deal?

4. I have a specific style. This is so important. There are talented photographers all over. We are all different in our own way. That is what makes it so freaking awesome!! Find a photographer that specializes in the style YOU love. If you love standard traditional studio photos, you will be greatly disappointed if you hire me. I am not even close to traditional. Here's the thing, its ok. I want every single client to get exactly what they want. This quite possibly means you won't hire me..that's OK! I have gotten to know some amazing photographers in the area, I would gladly point you in the right direction to fulfill your needs!!

5. Editing is NOT quick. It can be, but for me, I have to take breaks away from the computer. My eyes start seeing double and I have to walk away. With that said, if I tell you it will be a week to see your proofs, its not because I'm working for a week nonstop on your photos. I tend to edit better in the evening after everyone has gone to bed. I don't know why, its quiet, its peaceful. If you want the best from me, trust me, if I say a week or even two, you WANT me to take that time.

6. If I show you your proofs and out of a million clicks of my camera and there is only 20. Please don't ask to see the others. I do what I do because I know what I'm doing. These 20 are the cream of the crop, the best of the best..I PROMISE! I do not edit every single photo I take. I do not display unedited photos (rules can change for wedding candids). Please, Please learn to trust me on this.

7. I truly love what I do. I love seeing people's reactions to their images. I love laughing and goofing around during the session. I chose to do this for a living after A LOT of thought and couldn't be happier. I genuinely care about you and your images and will always strive to be the best I can and continue to get better.

With all that said, if any photographer friends would like to add to this least, please do!!

Talk Soon Peeps!

Melissa

The Photos Are Avavilable!!!

To view and purchase prints, my gallery is at:

Melissa Pierce Photography

There are a few more photos that will be added to the gallery, but I'm working on a loading glitch as we speak.

Thank you in advance for all your support for the St Clairs (and patience with me)

Talk Soon,

Melissa

Well, hello..

This has been a rough week.

A dear friend passed away last week and his services were this week.

He was a wonderful man that left behind a sweet wife and two adorable boys.
I can't explain how my heart aches for them.
It challenged my faith.
I just pray that Jen and her boys find some peace.

Since I have been open with you all about my health issues, I suppose its ok to tell you that my seizures come with stress. I'm a worrier. I internalize a lot and I tend to stuff and go.

I'm a master at putting on a smile, making a joke and remaining disgustingly optimistic during times I want to just break down and cry.

I tried to stuff everything I was feeling this week. I really tried.
and with that came a seizure. A rather bad one.

It completely wiped me out.

I'm not making excuses here.

The StClair photos should be completed and a link should already be posted.

They are close, but not just yet. I promise though, soon. Like, tomorrow soon.

I'm a bit of a perfectionist and I want all my images of the event to be as great as the turnout was. I want every image to be something my dear friend Kate will be proud of.

I also want them to be so great that you will want to purchase beautiful prints so the proceeds can help my friends even more.

Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your love for the StClairs.

Talk Soon

Melissa