[b] party

I was invited to [b]ecker's party in Las Vegas during the week of WPPI. I had such a blast! Mark and I went not knowing anyone and left with some great friends. The room was filled with Professional Wedding photographer's. I was so honored to be invited. Thanks [b] for a great time! Here is our new friend Jeff LaPlante. Jeff has got to be one of the nicest people. He encouraged me to talk to people throughout the evening and gave me so much information. Thank you Jeff for being so awesome!

Here is the beautiful and talented Jessica Claire. She was launching her new brand of camera bags called Shootsac while in Vegas. Don't you just love that red hair? Gorgeous!
This is me and Jasmine. We have "talked" back and forth through the computer. It was so nice to meet her in person. Jasmine has such a genuine personality and warmth about her. Jasmine, you truly are amazing person and photograher. It was so fun finally meeting you!

The [b]school cups. These were at the door when you walked in.
This is [b]ecker taking self portraits with some of the people. Look at Mike Colon's face. Isn't it hilarious?
Then look at [b]ecker's face in this one. Goofy
I asked [b]ecker to pose GQ style.
This is my new friend Jeanie. She is so full of life and energy. We talked about going skiing/snowboarding at Whistler. She made me laugh so much.

We also had fun talking with Mason and Jennifer. They are from San Diego so we had a lot in common. Such nice people. I am bummed I didn't get a pic with them. I think they took one with their camera though.

We met Jeremy and Amaria too. They are so cute. They are expecting their first child in June. Just a really cute couple. I am bummed I didn't get a picture with them too.

---Being around such amazing photographers has really made me excited about my business. I am looking forward to where my career will take me this upcoming year. Thanks again [b] for a great party. See you in April.

These are some pictures at the Bellagio. I was really bummed because the weather in Vegas was so windy and cold. My plans of walking along the strip to get some cool pics were pretty much ruined by the weather. Oh well.

We had a great time in Vegas. Just nice to get away for a day to ourselves with Aiden. Now, back to reality and my day job tomorrow.

This little monkey is 5 months old today. I can't believe it!! The time is really going by so fast.
Click here to see more pics on his blog. Have a great day everyone!

I took some pictures of Jessica yesterday. These are going to be a birthday present for her hubby. We had so much fun. I think she will really love them and so will her husband. Had so much fun yesterday!!!

My boys

These are my boys minus the furry one. Aiden was being such a cutie so I had to take some pictures of them. I love them so much. There are more posted here on Aiden's blog.

Today I had the pleasure of photographing these cuties. These 3 boys had lots of energy and were just so darn cute! Thanks for a great day guys, see you soon.This is my favorite image of the day. I love his expression against the red wall.

Isn't he just adorable?
This shot was for mom. She loves it when he makes this face. I hope I captured it good for you mom!

Getting a picture of the 3 of them wasn't happening, so I made a storyboard collage instead.
Look at those big beautiful eyes
This little cutie is only about a week younger than my Aiden.
I love this expression, isn't he just a doll?

I asked him if he could see my eye through the lens. He said he could :)

-Thanks again you guys. See you next week!

Yesterday, we tried to take some family shots. Most of the pictures ended up being Mark and me. Aiden just didn't want to cooperate, he was very grumpy. So, I think we got a total of 5 pictures where he wasn't crying. Anyway, here are a few of us. Mark and I had fun, but I was so bummed Aiden was being a cranky pants. Thanks to my good friend Ruby who took these for us.

Today I had the pleasure of photographing my friend Tanya and her new baby Isabella. I got to take Tanya's maternity pictures a while back. Isabella is such a sweetie. Aiden had fun too, check out his blog to see a new pic. This is beautiful pregnant Tanya and now mommy with baby.

A fun baby parts collage. I took a bunch of details shots and thought it would be nice to make a little collage

This shot was so cute. Tanya was putting on makeup for the pictures and I got Isabella watching her. Already interested in makeup this early, watch out Mom and Dad!

Tanya, I had so much fun with you today. Isabella is adorable. I am so happy for you and your family with all the new and exciting things taking place. See you all real soon!

Lately I have been feeling so overwhelmed. Life can hit you hard at times. Sometimes all it takes is getting an encouraging email from a friend to help you snap back into reality. I have been blessed with so many wonderful people in my life that I am so thankful for. I mean, I really didn't think about all the people I know until I sent out an email letting people know about Aiden's blog. I had to send 5 different emails because my address book was so big. That's when it hit me. I am truly blessed. Thank you to SO many of you that have written me emails about my photography and how excited you are to have us move back home. I am so blown away by the comments people make. Thank you, you are so encouraging.

So, to my friends and family.... I Love you very much. Thanks for your continuous support and love.
Until next time. I promise to post a picture on my next post.

We got this adorable hat for Aiden today. I call him my monkey so it was so perfect. We also had a little photo shoot. Go to his blog here to see the pictures.

Just updated my website in the Maternity/Babies section, 2 in the adults section and a few in the kids section. Glad to finally get some fresh faces up on my site.

I took some pictures of Aiden today. I posted them on his blog here.
You can see that he didn't like it after a while, but I am glad that I got a few good ones.

I Need Help!!!!

I need your help!
If you could go look at my website and tell me what you like or don't like about it. Any images to change or more of ones you would like to see. I need some MAJOR constuctive criticism!!! I want my photography to be amazing and inspiring so help me get that way. Leave me a comment, or if you would rather email me feel free at meli@melissakoehlerphotography.com
I really mean it, give it to me straight. I'm not going to get better unless you tell me. SO have at it :)
Thanks!!!

Party of 5, baby!!!

Not the show, but the class. I signed up for a class with with one of Orange County's premier wedding photographers, [b]ecker. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to do this. I am hoping this will be the kick in the pants that I need to get my wedding business going. Can't wait until April. For the wedding photographers out there, what is your favorite lens to shoot with?
SO stinking excited I can't stand it!!!

I just wanted to send a huge shout out to Bobbi. I found her when I was surfing other photgraphers blogs. Bobbi and I have emailed and Instant Messaged back and forth. She has got to be one of the cutest girls ever and so darn sweet. She is also an amazing photographer and has been somewhat of a "mentor" to me in a way. She took the time to answer all of my annoying questions and did it without the blink of an eye. She has never met me but took the time out of her busy schedule(and I do mean busy) to help me. So, Bobbi you are amazing!!! Thank you for being such a sweet person. I only hope that someday I can return the favor. You Rock girlie!!!

Check out her blog www.bybobbi.blogspot.com She's awesome!

Making some small changes to my website. Since I am gearing myself towards weddings I had to update the website with some wedding images that I have. It will continually be a work in progress, but it works for now.

In other news.... Aiden has his own blog. I decided to dedicate a blog to him. I am hoping that I will be able to update it at least 3 times a week for family and friends to read about what is going on with him. The new site address is www.aidenkoehler.blogspot.com or you can link to it from my profile here.

16 weeks today

He is another week older today. I still look at him in wonder. He is my perfect little boy.