mechelles lens blog

2011-09-23T06:38:00.001-07:00

Senior in the house!

2009-11-11T07:00:00.001-08:00

Happy Veterans Day! I plan to remember, honor and pray for our troops at home and abroad~ past and present. Thank you to for your service to our country. That I can walk down the street in relative safety is a blessing. When I put my child to bed, I do not fear bullets coming through his window. I can make my own choices and destiny. All of this because of the hard working service men and women... past and present. Thank you for all you have giving to me and my family.

Sugar and Spice

2009-08-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

Roll Away Bride

2009-08-26T10:04:00.000-07:00

2009-07-27T00:31:00.000-07:00

2009-07-26T00:18:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Bride

2009-05-26T09:54:00.000-07:00

I shot a wedding this weekend. It was lots of fun. The bride was beautiful even if the weather wasn't! LOL

Sugar and Spice

2009-05-17T12:56:00.000-07:00

Sugar and Spice and everything nice, that is what this little girl is made of.

I had such fun shoot this little one. She is full of fun .... with a serious side. Love to capture both!

I DO!

2009-04-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

I was honored to capture some wonderful moments of this beautiful wedding. It was a cold day, but all the love warmed my heart. m

Which Camera is best?

2009-04-01T10:59:00.001-07:00

HI everyone.
I have had more than one email asking me about cameras and which ones are best. So here is the scoop according to me:

The top two digital cameras in the world are Nikon and Cannon. The rebel is a great camera. I won a photo contest once and top prize was a rebel. I used it a few times, just to check it out and then gave it to my brother. He has done wonderful things with the camera.

Both cameras have won an equal amount of awards and you will be happy with either.

The cannon has an edge on color correction within the camera.

Nikon has an edge on Clarity.

So you just need to choose which one is more important to you.

I shoot with Nikon and will not switch now because I love it and because all my lenses are Nikons.

On the road again.

2009-03-28T14:45:00.000-07:00

HI Everyone,

I am on the road again. Just want all of you to know where I am going and when so if you want me to do a shoot for you or your family we can hook up.

April 18th I will be in Phoenix AZ

May 1 and 2 I will be in Provo Utah area.

June 8 and 9th I will be in Utah.

June 9th and 10th I will be in Id and Montana.

June 11th through the 23rd. I will be in Spokane Washington area.

June 24th through the 26th I will be in Montana and Idaho.

June 27th through the 29th I will be in Utah.

If you live in any of these states and you are interested in a photo shoot, please contact me and we can set it up! Thanks, Mechelle

Photo Tip of the Week

2009-03-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

Photo Tip: the Old Rule of Thirds

Here is a photo tip about composition. Putting all technical stuff aside for now, just put your attention on how you see the object you’re trying to capture in the viewfinder of your camera.

The idea is that you can make your pictures so much more interesting if you focus your conscious awareness on how you “frame” whatever-it-is-you’re-trying-to-capture before pushing the camera trigger.

There are many aspects to this, for now let’s introduce the first rule in the book:

1: Rule of Thirds!

Imagine you divide the scene you see through the camera’s viewfinder into three parts, both vertically and horizontally, like this:

- it is really much easier to show than to explain in words.

Note that the intersection of two lines falls right near the middle of the woman’s face! And feel the tension and sense of movement created by all that mysterious black space to the left!

The idea behind this old rule is that a picture usually becomes more interesting if the major, dominating, elements are a bit off center.

The Rule of Thirds is a simple tool to help you avoid the boring habit of putting everything smack in the middle of every picture. Instead, keep imagining those lines, running as shown above, and try to place your object of interest somewhere along those lines.

This will introduce a sense of movement to your pictures. Imagine a picture of a person for instance. Put her right in the middle - what do you feel when you see that? Is she going anywhere? No, it seems she has already arrived! Ho-hum… But put her off center, at either of the vertical lines. Then what? Well, she may be on her way into the picture, or disappearing out of it (depending on which way she is positioning her body).

Every time you are about to snap a picture, ask yourself: “How can I use the Rule of Thirds to make this picture more interesting, with more of a sense of movement?” Keep doing that and I’m sure your photographic skill will improve visibly.

Here is another example:

The Winners

2009-03-12T21:15:00.000-07:00

OK, here we go, girls and guys.

The time has come.

I would like to say that I really appreciate all your interest I hope I can work with some of you in the future and I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can.

I wish you could all win. But I am so busy already that that would just not do.

The way I selected the two winner: I put all the entries into the random selector thinging and had my 15 year old daughter watch me. Kallie is VERY honest and can be trusted completely. She is my witness. (if you know Kallie, you know what I am saying right?)

SO

With out dragging this on any longer

The two winners of my photo shoot give away are:

Bren over at Luv Ur Kids (don't you just love that name of that blog?) Isn't she cute!?! Call me girl. Lets set up a date to do the shoot. I will travel to you. That was the deal. So my bags are packed and ready to go.

And the Second winner

is

drum roll

I don't know why I did two. But I think it had something to do with how fun that random number selector was to work.

so

here she is, wish it could be all of you. But it is

The Russell Family

Give me a call D and we will plan when we can get together. I will travel to you. So just let me know when and I will be there to capture some wonderful moments for you to treasure forever!!!

Thanks to all of you. This has been such fun. I appreciate all you following me. SO for everyone that has entered this give away, I will give you 50.00 of free photo processing or 50.00 off the purchase of a disk with all your portraits on it. Hope that helps the sting of not winning if you are not D or Bren.

Give Away Time!

2009-03-11T21:26:00.000-07:00

I am coming to Utah...

2009-03-09T12:43:00.000-07:00

HI,
I just found out I am going to be in Utah, Provo area, the weekend of the March 21st.

I have one (maybe two) photo shoot opening(s) left for that Saturday. If you live in that area and are interested in a shoot please email me ASAP.

My email address is: gr8photo@hotmail.com
Thanks, Mechelle

The Eyes Have It.

2009-03-06T19:53:00.000-08:00

Photo Tip:
A person's eyes can grab one's attention and often speaks volumes for his personality without him having to say a single word. Because of this, nothing has more influence over the mood of a photo than the eyes.

In this photo, Holden's hat frames his face and brings attention to his eyes. This is just one trick to try and improve the family photos! Try it and come back and let me know how it worked! Thanks Mechelle

Boys!

2009-03-04T17:23:00.000-08:00

I have been so blessed to work with this family of four boys! Guess what? There is another baby on the way. Will it be a boy? M

Photo Give Away Time!

2009-02-27T17:39:00.000-08:00

To celebrate .... HUMM ... what the heck am I celebrating? Life! March! Happiness! Really I just want to increase traffic here on the old Photo Blog so here it is:

I am giving away a photo Shoot!

You heard me ... a photo shoot!

Just become a follower and leave a comment here and you are entered. Go ahead and enter even if you are not living in AZ. I travel a lot and would love to have an excuse to come and see you.

If you link me up to your fab blog, you get another comment!

If you are a return customer, please leave a third comment about the work I have done for you.

Make sure you get entered by noon on March 11th. (Which is my son's birthday!) I will post the winner on March 12th. (Which is my brother-in-laws birthday!)

Please leave an email address if you do not have a blog. Everyone is welcome!

Thanks guys! You are all the best. m

Full of Mischief

2009-02-27T01:31:00.000-08:00

This one is sure full of Mischief! But lots of fun to shoot.

Welcome Baby K

2009-02-26T01:31:00.000-08:00

Here is a new bundle of giggles and sparkles. What a bless he is in the lives of his parents, family and everyone! Welcome Baby K.

In the Details...

2009-02-25T01:22:00.000-08:00

I love capturing the details. A hundred little things that make the day special. Here is the dress, from a view the birded does not get to see. Until now, that is!

One Years Old!

2009-02-24T01:49:00.000-08:00

Here is a little angel who just turned one years old.
Pretty in pink and ready to move.
I had such fun working with this little one. Thanks D

Summer Delight in the middle of winter.

2009-02-23T09:22:00.000-08:00

I was recently privlaged to attaind a wedding in California. My last wedding had been in Utah on one of the coldest days of the year. About 10 degrees. So this one is a welcome contrast. About 75 degrees. That is what I am talking!

Cold or warm temps, I just love shooting weddings!

Wedding

2008-12-22T17:43:00.000-08:00

This is what I have been doing this week. A wonderful wedding! It was so cold, but the love flying around this wedding warmed my heart, even if I could not feel my fingers or toes!

I DO~

2008-11-09T07:38:00.000-08:00

I was honored to be the photographer at this wonderful wedding. The cold temps could not touch the warm hearts of all these wonderful people. I wish you both a wonderful life. m

Weather

2008-10-10T23:36:00.000-07:00

It has been windy here. I am liking what I am getting when we let the wind play with my client's hair. What do you think?

Such a Fun Family!

2008-10-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

This little one is as sweet as a rose

2008-10-04T10:02:00.000-07:00

What I have been up to

2008-09-26T16:11:00.000-07:00

Look at these eyes!

2008-09-14T01:04:00.001-07:00

This is Miss A. She was so much fun to work with. Just look at her eyes! Loved capturing those.

Our Future

2008-09-01T14:47:00.000-07:00

The young people I have been shooting this year have been phenomenal. The future is in good hands!

Sweet Babies!

2008-08-31T14:28:00.001-07:00

Save The Date

2008-08-31T14:12:00.000-07:00

These two beautiful people are getting married and I am honored to be able to capture every tender moment! I am so excited to be involved in this wedding most of all because these two really love each other. They are very cute together. Can't wait til May

With this ring...

2008-07-13T22:48:00.000-07:00

Twice the Fun

2008-07-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

Here comes the Bride

2008-06-14T23:41:00.001-07:00

Here is the mystery bride at last. Her wedding was today and it turned out to be a hot and beautiful day! I have lots of photos to post but for now here are some from the bridle shoot.

Secert Bride

2008-06-09T23:27:00.001-07:00

Had a wonderful bridle shoot today. But I can't show you any of the photos yet. We don't want any nosey grooms logging onto the blog and getting a sneak peak. So we will all just have to wait to see the bride AFTER the wedding. Tune in next week for full coverage.

Happily Ever After

2008-06-09T22:40:00.000-07:00

I am so lucky to get to work with such wonderful people. This bride and groom were so fun. I did not realize what a fantastic sense of humor this couple had until the wedding. They had me laughing the whole time. Thanks for sharing your day with me.

The Winner!

2008-06-09T22:04:00.000-07:00

Here is the winner of the Christmas photo shoot give away. I had a great time working with these wonderful people. Hope you love the photos. M

Some of my own.

2008-05-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

These three of my sister's boys. I love them as if they were my own for they are. My very own nephews!

Cute Brothers!

2008-05-15T12:42:00.000-07:00

This was such a fun shoot. I have been working with these boys for a few years now and I enjoyed seeing how they have grown.

Sugar and Spice

2008-05-15T12:28:00.000-07:00

These girls are everything nice. Thanks for the opportunity to work with your beautiful children. Enjoy.

Seniors

2008-04-25T21:00:00.001-07:00

Spring is just around the corner which means graduation party season is soon to be in full-swing. I've created an assortment of graduation announcements for those of you who are looking for something slightly different than the standard "ho-hum" invitations.

As always, I tried to create "a little bit of everything, something for everyone". Whether you are looking for something elegant or edgey. Here are a couple examples. For more info leave comment are go to my web site ~ link is to the right.

Getting Ready for the Big Day.

2008-04-11T23:19:00.001-07:00

Had a great time doing the engagement shoot for this cute couple. The wedding is coming soon and will be sure to be a beautiful day.

Empty Nest?

2008-04-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks for letting me work with your wonderful family. This baby of your is so precious. I love to see the way you cherish her completely and totally. I look forward to capturing more of your newest angel.So you thought you were going to have an empty nest? Silly you! Now you get to start this wonderful thing called parenthood all over. I can't think of anything nicer to do or anyone nicer to do it with.

Babies make four!

2008-03-22T23:01:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to these two as they are getting ready to welcome two little ones into their homes and into their lives.

Sib Fun

2008-03-22T22:24:00.001-07:00

I got to work with two cute kids this afternoon. They are sweet, funny and self assured! I enjoyed capturing some special looks. Enjoy.

All My Girls...

2008-03-06T20:55:00.001-08:00

Today

2008-03-01T22:51:00.001-08:00

Today I got to capture a wonderful relationship. Whitney and Santo are preparing for what is sure to be a beautiful wedding in June. You guys were so much fun to work with...I can hardly wait for your big day!

So Cute....

2008-02-29T20:53:00.001-08:00

This little one is smart and cute and likes to have her photo taken. How could I ask for more?
This one is smart and will not give up a smile easily. But I got one out of him! LUCKY ME.

Baby Book

2008-02-06T14:01:00.001-08:00

Baby Book
Introducing my 10x10 Newborn Coffee Table Style Book. This 19 page book design in both a boy and girl version is a perfect addition to your newborn shoot.

Only Hours Old...

2008-01-28T20:49:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to do a newborn shoot today. This Little one came along this morning and I was clicking away within a few hours. Mr. E, as I will call him, has his own look about him even though I see the family resemblance to his sweet brothers. Welcome Mr. E, you have landed in a great family and I see a wonderful life ahead for you.

Sweet Baby

2008-01-16T11:09:00.000-08:00

Every time I picked up this baby, I could not keep myself from kissing his little forehead. He is SO CUTE and SO SWEET. When I looked into his eyes, I saw a soul that is wise, kind and here for a purpose. It was an honor to work with this little one.

Young Love

2008-01-16T11:04:00.000-08:00

It is hard to say what I love to photographer more, babies, families, weddings or couples. Oh yes, and seniors. I truly love them all for each one has a different challenge and energy. Couples are such fun. I love to capture their soft looks and funny inside jokes. As I did with these two. Best wishes to you both!

2008-01-13T22:41:00.001-08:00

Brothers! Seems that there are some paybacks going on here. But after all is said and done, he is the best link to your past. Enjoy the time together.

Four Boys! Four Times the Fun.

2008-01-13T22:33:00.000-08:00

Four boys! These brothers are all wiggles and giggles bundled up in their four different personalities.

Quote of the Day

2008-01-13T22:25:00.001-08:00

As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler; solitude will not be solitude, poverty will not be
poverty, nor weakness weakness."
— Henry David Thoreau

Dance

2008-01-13T22:16:00.000-08:00

This little one has a special place in my heart. His love for life, his self confidence and his ability to know that the camera is right there and just have fun. Thanks Little Guy, you have taught me much!

Family Shoot

2008-01-13T21:54:00.001-08:00

Over the past few years I've had several opportunities to work with this family. They are the best. Mom and Dad gave everyone the freedom needed to let real magic happen. Thanks to all of you for a fabulous shoot.

New Card Line

2008-01-13T21:04:00.000-08:00

I have added cards to my photography business. They are so fun. I am really excited. To see many more cards and to see the cards without the watermark (logo) on them just go to my web site: mechelleslens.com. Click on galleries. Click on cards and watch.