Melissa Vannest Photography

Mini Sessions!

2010-04-23T11:22:00.002-04:00

The cherry blossoms are blooming! I love this orchard by my house, especially in May, so I'm offering my first ever mini-session day at the orchard! The sessions will be held May 8 from 2:30-5:30.
       -sessions are $35 for 20 minutes for 2 kids
       -additional kids $10 each, includes 5 extra minutes (max 4, immediate family only)
       -receive 25% off prints and a great discount on a CD of your image files-- please inquire
   -reserve your spot through Paypal (no-shows are non-refundable)
       -we will re-schedule for rain Friday May 14 same time
Very limited space available!! Please call 616-889-4226 to schedule

Cutest Baby/Toddler Contest

2010-04-08T21:27:00.000-04:00

(Here's my cute toddler)

To kick "portrait season" off, I'm holding a contest to find the cutest baby/toddler. So if you have the most adorable baby and/or toddler age newborn-4yrs ... enter yours now for the chance to win a FREE session or $65 print credit! (If you don't have a little one to enter, please encourage your friends who do!)

Details...

Entry: Photo submissions will be accepted starting today 4/8 and WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL 5PM on 4/16. Email one photo per child to melissaphotog@yahoo.com Please include child's name, age and your contact information.

Voting: Upon close of entry submission, photos will be posted on my Facebook fan page for voting.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1321894217&ref=ts#!/mvannestphotography?ref=ts
Please feel free to invite friends and family to vote! Anyone may vote but must be a fan of my page for their vote to be counted. Just click "Become a Fan" at the top of my fan page before voting.

Prize: Winners will receive a free Custom Session for up to 5 immediate family members to be completed by 5/31/2010 or $65 print credit (no substitutions or cash value). Winners do not have to live in the Greenville/Grand Rapids area, but must be willing to travel to me for the session. Winners' photos may be used on my website, blog and/or for advertising purposes.

Good Luck!!

Delinquent

2010-03-25T10:51:00.000-04:00

To say I've fallen a bit behind in blogging is an understatement. So I'm going to catch up with what I've been doing over the winter in one big blog. (I now realize all my watermarks are a year behind-- oops!)
Here we go....
I assisted my friend, Phrene, on a very cold January wedding. We stayed warm inside for the most part. I really like being the second shooter at a wedding, it's all the fun of being a wedding photographer and very little pressure. Here are a few of my favorites...

This beautiful preggo is my friend Robin who waited a LONG time for this baby to come out. He finally made is appearance this week and I'm excited to meet him.

This beautiful little girl is Brysta. Obviously, very loved...

Outtakes

2010-02-17T13:31:00.002-05:00

I was perusing some old photos and came across some of the funny outtakes that inevitably happen during shoots. I must say, these are the types of family photos you would find on my walls (but that's just me ;)

I love that she's flashing a little boy in the background :D

Jackie

2010-01-22T16:31:00.001-05:00

My friend, Joey, let me use his studio for this last shoot (which worked great-- thanks, Joey!!). Jackie wanted an urban setting so I was planning to use an alley near the studio Joey told me about. He said this alley was used for drug deals, blow jobs, and senior photos. Unfortunately, we didn't get there first :( But we got some great shots which is easy with Jackie.

Mary

2010-01-01T17:44:00.001-05:00

I think Mary is one of those creative types, which is flattering that she wanted me to take her Senior Portraits. We had fun tromping through the snow and she honestly didn't complain about being cold-- she didn't even look cold (I, on the other hand, looked liked Rudolph). Mary and I also realized we are both pastor's kids. Yes, I'm sure you've heard the 2 pastor's kid stereotypes, I'm not telling which category I fell into ;)
Thanks for the fun (chilly) afternoon, Mary!

Sweet :)

2009-12-17T22:02:00.001-05:00

This little boy is LOVED! I love to come into new parents homes and see them gush over their little pride and joy. I get it... I was a new parent only 2 years ago and I love that little girl more every day. Little W. is so sweet and smiley...

here he is advertising his dad's business Stein Electric (let me know if you need an electrician!)...

I love the look on mom and W.'s face...

thanks for the fun photo shoot, Stein's!

Capelli's

2009-12-16T13:08:00.000-05:00

I recently did a photo shoot for Capelli's Salon which is located in East Town. It was a lot of fun because it was so different from what I normally do and it allowed me to be creative in a different way. Plus, Capelli's is a group of very creative, very stylish women (and what a freekin' cool salon!)! They will be creating a website with the photos, so hopefully I can post a link soon!

Give the Gift of Artistic Portraiture

2009-11-25T17:42:00.000-05:00

Starting this Friday until December 11, I will be selling gift certificates for $50 which will include a regular session and a $20 print credit. This has a regular value of $105! Give it away or give a gift to yourself!! Gift certificates will expire December 1, 2010. Please email me at melissaphotog@yahoo.com and I will send you a Paypal invoice (credit cards accepted!). I will then email you your personalized "certificate" which you can print and wrap up all pretty (come on, do it... packaging is important). I'm happy to answer any questions, just shoot me an email.

Giving is Awesome!

2009-11-25T17:07:00.000-05:00

You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography -- $400 worth, a session, 3 stand-out 8x10s and 10 4x6 to be exact. Start thinking... it's in your power to give someone the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $75 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside in Grand Rapids/ Greenville area. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story : melissaphotog@yahoo.com

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve -- get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,
Melissa

Matt and Liza: Engaged!

2009-11-18T20:11:00.000-05:00

This is one of my lovely couples getting married next year. We had a surprisingly beautiful November day for our shoot. We started out at Riverside Park and then finished at the BOB. This was my first time meeting them, so I was happy to find that they are really nice people which makes me even more excited about their wedding! One thing that was super cute was how flirty they were with each other-- and after 6 years of dating! That's love.

Brooke and Ryan are MARRIED!!

2009-11-10T13:12:00.002-05:00

Fall is such a beautiful time to get married... though it can be a real gamble with our Michigan weather. Brooke and Ryan planned their wedding right at the peak of color. We got lucky in that it stopped raining in time for some photos outside, but there was definitely a wintery chill in the air. You wouldn't know it by looking at the photos-- those girls don't look cold at all!! Enjoy your sneak peek, Brooke and Ryan!

I Love Fall!!

2009-10-28T09:37:00.000-04:00

Isn't little S. pretty? Her dad is in for it later-- keeping those boys away :) Anyway, I've always loved Robinette's (I even worked there in HS)... apple dumpling, donuts, apples, apple dumpling (mmmm, I love apple dumpling), a really big fake apple... now I love it for fall photo sessions-- check it out...

Liz and Mark...Engaged!

2009-10-26T14:48:00.001-04:00

I'm trying this new thing out using the movie making capabilities of my new camera-- fusing moving pictures with still... Liz and Mark are the experiment. It was fun interviewing them and learning their story-- they were good sports letting me try this thing out with them. I'll be sure to post the video when I'm done. Til then... here are my favorite shots. Looking forward to the wedding!!

Little Man

2009-10-23T14:58:00.001-04:00

H. wasn't into our last session so much, but he has since come around and was sweet and smiley on a beautiful fall day at Aquinas.

....so loved by his big sister...

Do Not Trash

2009-10-13T20:25:00.000-04:00

There should be a better name for these sessions other than "Trash the Dress." I'm sure the name scares off

more than a few brides. Barbara was not interested in trashing her dress-- I hardly blame her, it was gorgeous! I love these sessions though, it gives me a chance to catch up with the couple after the wedding and have a more relaxed photo session. Matt and Barbara were a blast to spend a chilly morning with, they even made the long drive up from Indiana-- thanks guys, enjoy!

It's Coming...Get Ready!

2009-10-08T11:27:00.000-04:00

I guess I'm like the overeager department stores... but, you've got to be prepared! Christmas is coming, so if you're thinking about cards why not put your face on them? Below are a few examples of my announcement cards (which can be used for any occasion). These are flat, double-sided 5x5 cards which start at $2.00 (I have also dropped the design fee if you choose a pre-designed template).

Welcome, little Hazel...

2009-10-05T21:29:00.003-04:00

This little baby doesn't like to be moved around when she is sleeping. I get it... I don't like it either, so all our plans for cute sleeping baby photos went out the window. Oh well... she's pretty darn cute awake :)

Neena and Brandon

2009-09-27T16:12:00.000-04:00

I'm excited about this wedding next summer... cool venue http://www.millcreekbarn.com/ and two very pleasant (photogenic) people. Awesome. Congratulations on your engagement!!

The Greene's

2009-09-14T16:30:00.001-04:00

Meet the Greene's. These are friends I inherited through marriage and I am so happy I did-- such a great family. I don't often shoot families this large, but it's fun (and challenging) when I do. It's always funny to me when parents think the shoot isn't going well, that they have the worst children ever, that I'm not getting anything... it is seldom the case... it's the crazy sessions that get the unexpected and natural expressions and emotions of children... I love it.

Joey & Lou: Sneak Peek

2009-09-10T14:59:00.003-04:00

worthington, originally uploaded by melissaphotog.

There's nothing worse for a bride than when it rains on her outdoor wedding. It held off right up to the ceremony-- go figure. Louisa was a trooper though and everyone else seemed to take it in stride with their umbrellas in hand. The rain only added to the ambiance and memories I'm sure. The ceremony was held at the Rabbit Run BB, which was adorable and then we headed over to Soe Cafe. Both places were very stylish but also very laid back which totally suits these two awesome people. Thanks for letting me be part of your day (and for the really yummy cupcakes)!

Jennifer and Ron: The Wedding

2009-08-31T18:17:00.002-04:00

Bart, originally uploaded by melissaphotog.

This wedding might never have happened. Jennifer was in a serious car accident in which the top of her car was sheared off. Thank God she wasn't seriously injured or worse. Amazing really.
You never would have known these two had actually gotten married the year before with how loving and affectionate they were. Very sweet. The wedding was lovely and the reception was beautiful. Thank you, Ron, for that great surprise dip at the end of the first dance! I don't always catch those great impromptu moments, but, YAY! I caught it!! The last few are from the Trash the Dress session, which I already blogged about, but deserve a second mention :)

Barbara + Matt = Married!

2009-08-26T23:58:00.003-04:00

millerseymour, originally uploaded by melissaphotog.

The rain didn't dampen the spirits of this couple. The day started off pretty drearily weather-wise, but you never would have known by looking at Barbie or Matt-- they looked quite happy to be getting married. It was a lovely ceremony followed by a party that started in the trolley and continued on at Barbie's parents' beautiful home. Luckily, the rain abated and we stopped to take some photos on Houghton Lake. It was a great party and the guests seemed to have had a lot of fun. Matt and Barbie, I must compliment you on your first dance-- coming from a former ballroom dance instructor, you did very well (believe me, I've seen it all ;)! Check out Sarah's (my fabulous assistant) favorite's.

Love: Jennifer and Ron Style

2009-08-20T23:09:00.003-04:00

I think I want to go into "Trash the Dress" photography full-time. So fun-- mostly because of this great couple. They are obviously beautiful, but also really laid back and just plain nice-- all things that make for a great shoot. I'm a little ahead of myself since I haven't even gotten their wedding sneak peek up yet, but I was so excited to share these! I'll get on it!!

My Sister and My Precious Niece

2009-08-15T21:12:00.002-04:00

This is my beautiful sister Trulie who was up from Atlanta for the week. She's a dietitian and needed some photos for her webpage www.atlantanutrition.com We also did a few of her and her daughter.

Catch Up Time!

2009-08-15T20:58:00.002-04:00

Although I put this on FB, I thought I should put it on my blog too. 18 month olds are tricky to shoot-- thank God for raisins! He was quite happy as long as there was a raisin in his hand. This is my designer friend's son-- you can tell she had some great ideas for this shoot.

Model Call -- the results!

2009-07-31T10:00:00.004-04:00

Finally! This is my wonderful model, Gia. Pretty, easy-going, patient-- I could sing her praises all day. We tooled around Greenville and found some neat locations and I got to play with my lights. I think my favorite is the woodland fairy shot. What do you think?

Mom Saying #6

2009-07-31T09:59:00.000-04:00

"It hurts to be beautiful" -- I heard this a lot when my mom did my hair.

Sneak Peek

2009-07-18T20:35:00.004-04:00

I'm finally caught up enough to call this sneak peek a sneak peek. It was a gorgeous day at Long Lake Park (birthplace of my marriage :) but this poor little thing was not having the best day much to the chagrin of his parents. "This is the most he's cried in his life" they told me. Maybe it was me or gas (both have made me cry a time or two). But, thanks to his persistent parents, he cheered up for some cute faces. His older sister was a little gem, about as cooperative as they come. Cute, cute, cute!

New...

2009-07-16T21:02:00.004-04:00

A big congratulations to my friends! This session was combined with a party to celebrate their new marriage and their newly formed family. Funny how a family can just grow over night! What a cute family it is...

Lots of Catching Up!

2009-07-16T14:25:00.007-04:00

I'm getting behind in my blogging! Below is my friends beautiful little boy, Will. Despite appearances he was not a sleepy baby-- that took a lot of work on his mama's part.
The last is my little girl who is getting so big. This is her 18 month "formal" shoot. I'm hoping to order a canvas cluster of these shots soon.
what is she eating now?!
she does this shrug for everything
very proud of that tummy as well she should be-- they don't get that big without effort!
no raisins... no photo shoot!

Carnival!

2009-07-01T09:43:00.005-04:00

Pure joy. My little Aysah is a charismatic at heart... she throws her little hands up whenever she's really excited about something and what could be more exciting then the carnival? I'm sure we attracted some attention... Nathan holding a flash and me with my camera running around after a toddler, trying to gets pictures of her, keep her out of trouble and prevent her from being kidnapped (that's just the paranoia, probably not a real danger at that moment). Nathan made me put the camera away after a while... something about wanting to enjoy himself? What?!

Okay, I'm serious about this!

2009-06-28T20:26:00.002-04:00

I'm re-posting this post since I didn't get any takers the first time. Maybe now that I link this to FB, I'll find those high-school girls. Here it is:
This is where I ask you for help fulfilling my photographing dreams. You see, I get these ideas for photo shoots and sometimes a dog or baby won't cut it. So...from time to time I will put out a "Model Call." Right now I am looking for a girl, preferably a student in HS who needs some senior pics done, who is stylish and outgoing and ready to "work it" like in your modeling fantasies. I would like to do this soon so email me about yourself and include a snapshot. In return you will get a free photo shoot and a 4x6 proof book of your shots. Make sure you show that proof book off because you will get a $25 print credit per referral. A signed Model Release is required so I can show the world your beautiful images in my marketing and advertising.

Ryan+Brooke

2009-06-28T12:50:00.003-04:00

This couple came up from Chicago (Ryan is originally from the area) and we had a beautiful evening for our session. We took advantage of the pretty landscaping down by the Rockford dam and caught some pretty golden light (I love how it just kisses her face in the pic below-- how about that? getting kissed by the sun and Ryan at the same time!) Notice in the pic above the little hearts in the bokeh (blur)? It's a little trick I learned recently-- borders on being cutesy so I thought maybe a vintage app would even things out. What do you think? I'll be shooting their wedding in October and am really looking forward to working with such nice people again.

And Another Sneak Peek

2009-06-23T13:27:00.002-04:00

Families don't come any cuter than this... or any sweeter. We first headed out into a hay (I'm assuming it's hay) field... man, that stuff is a lot taller than you would expect! We were swallowed up by it! It was a really warm and buggy and the grass kept pushing my lights over so we took a few shots and moved on to a cherry orchard up the road. The kids seemed to enjoy exploring, so I got some happy faces. I loved their coordinating outfits-- they even had coordinating hair!

Mom Saying #5

2009-06-22T16:27:00.003-04:00

This is kind of a new one from my mom. She has only said it a couple of times since my daughter was born, but it deserves repeating (especially in honor of new mom Christina):

The cleaning and scrubbing

will wait till tomorrow,

for Children grow up,

as I've learned to my sorrow.

So quiet down, cobwebs.

Dust go to sleep.

I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep......

Another Sneak Peek

2009-06-22T14:57:00.004-04:00

I had to add this one, too. I like it, but not sure if I should crop the window out. What do you think... distracting?
I love newborn portrait sessions even if they do take a really long time like this 31/2 hour session did. Set up... clean poop off props...take a few shots...feed 'em...wipe pee off backdrop...few more shots...feed 'em again... you get the picture. But they they're so wonderfully immobile and sleepy and this little one is such a doll. Congratulations, K family, you are truly blessed!! Thank you for letting me be your photographer-- I am honored.

I love this blanket they had (below) --such nice texture-- if anyone can find me one there might be a prize in it for you!

Sneak Peek

2009-06-17T20:39:00.003-04:00

This family has been with me from almost the beginning, which is the greatest part about this job-- watching the kids grow up, getting to know their parents. I actually shot them with their original furry babies-- I imagine those dogs got knocked down a peg, the fate most pets suffer when the baby comes along (I know my poor dog did). This cute little guy did great, hardly any tears :) Toddler boys are definitely the most challenging but they also give me some of the greatest expressions (not that the girls don't, too, just different). He's enjoying his bribe in the first shot. I'm often glad I haven't put my camera away when we're "done" b/c I get these cute faces. Thanks for a fun session, guys! I look forward to seeing the whole H. clan in August!!

Mom Saying #4

2009-06-12T22:54:00.003-04:00

"If wishes were horses, beggars would ride." It took me a long time to figure out what that meant-- seriously, like years.

Water

2009-06-11T22:48:00.004-04:00

I making a concerted effort to do things with my camera that don't necessarily apply to my career. I'm thinking it will help me become an overall better photographer.
Isn't water neat? Reminds me of Chihuly only I guess God is the sculptor here.

Ron and Lauren

2009-06-06T15:41:00.001-04:00

Sorry for the lapse in blogging. I had the awful flu for a few months (it felt like it anyway) and it's been pretty quiet on the portrait front until this engagement session. Man, sometimes I really blow it-- first I was late (although I thought I was early until I realized I was late...hmmm...) then I had an equipment malfunction. But if I ever really blow it again I hope I do it with people as nice and as patient as these two. All in all, I am really happy with their portraits-- I mean how could I go wrong with people this good-looking? Thank you Ron and Lauren, I'm really looking forward to your wedding!

Sorry for the lapse in blogging

"A True Icon"

2009-05-05T20:58:00.004-04:00

I was asked to photograph the Women of Achievement award banquet a couple weeks back. It was honoring Helen Thomas, Suzanne Geha and a few other high achieving women. For those of you who don't know her, she is the most senior member of the White House press corps. She has asked the first question to every president for the past 40 years. That's pretty neat, huh? She even has an HBO documentary about her! That's when you know you've made it ;) I can't say I was terribly familiar with her (okay, maybe not at all), but I was emphatically informed by a woman I was trying to get a photo of that she is "a true icon." Alright, I believe you! She is pretty impressive and she is also Suzanne Geha's aunt who was also being honored for being impressive in her own right. I was certainly honored to be part of the event.

Dang It!!

2009-05-05T20:21:00.004-04:00

One of the many great things about being a photographer is being able to do an impromptu family portrait which is what I wanted to do when I saw the cherry blossoms. One of the worst things about being a photographer is that I have this idea that I can be both photographer and subject-- nothing stresses me out more and this particular occasion I was on the brink of insanity (my poor abused husband). To add insult to injury this is the best "family portrait" I got. Grrrr... I will get that shot! On a different note, if you want a pretty family portrait under the cherry blossoms, give me a call soon!

Mom Saying #3

2009-04-30T15:46:00.001-04:00

"Good enough for government work"
Although this one was taken from my Uncle Richard.

Birth Announcements

2009-04-30T11:09:00.005-04:00

I wanted to show off some of my new birth announcement designs. Although I can't take credit for the designs, I can customize them if you are interested. Pretty cool, huh?

Almost Here!

2009-04-22T13:34:00.002-04:00

Ever since I became a mom, I get so excited for those women having their first babies (not that the subsequent babies aren't exciting, but I have yet to experience that). The memories are still fresh and now I actually know how much fun (and incredibly challenging to say the least) being a mom is.
This dad-to-be was determined to have fun during the shoot and though his wife was perhaps a bit annoyed :) he made her laugh and it made for some great expressions (plus could they be better looking? I mean she had on her pre-preggo jeans for crying out loud!) Thanks guys, you were lots of fun and I'm excited to meet your little one!

Riverside

2009-04-18T14:19:00.004-04:00

Riverside is really pretty. I always feel like I'm in a big city park, like D.C. or somewhere. We had a really beautiful day for the K family shoot, almost on the verge of too sunny (such a thing exists in the photography world). The little guy wasn't really into cuddling with his new baby sister for photos (who goes to a park to sit and cuddle, right?), but he was so playful and rambunctious I feel like I was able to capture his cute personality. His parents were great about it too-- sometimes photo shoots can be stressful with toddlers but they kept it fun. Thanks, K family for a good day!
This little sweetheart has my "baby itch" all fired up. Could she be any more precious?

Going to the Dentist (the way I prefer).

2009-04-18T13:34:00.002-04:00

I've been doing some work for my dentist Dr Levin at Baldwin Lake Dental to photograph him and the staff. He has commissioned me several times to do seasonal photos of Baldwin Lake to hang in his office, so it was fun to actually work with him and the gang (and not have my mouth gaping open the whole time ;) If you are looking for nice group of people to work on your mouth in a relaxed atmosphere, check them out!

Mom Saying #2

2009-04-09T17:26:00.000-04:00

"Marry a Doctor"
Can anyone guess what this means?

Beautiful Bride

2009-04-06T21:45:00.005-04:00

My extraordinarily pretty friend, Katie, graciously agreed to model for me this weekend-- seriously, she should get paid for being this pretty (and a sweetheart to boot), luckily she doesn't charge. I'm frantically trying to put together my ad for GR Bride magazine which is due this week. I had this idea that I could shoot some spectacular image for it (plus I'm just sick of looking at my old stuff-- man, I can't wait for wedding season!!). Unfortunately, I blew it on many levels: I dawdled and thought I had more time to catch that beautiful sunset light, my lighting was finicky, I yelled at my poor gaffer/husband, and made Katie freeze her bunz off. Although I laid awake that night sick about missing that light, I can't say I don't like the way they turned. Good ol' Photoshop to the rescue. Hopefully the brides-to-be will like them! If you have a vote on which one you think I should use, leave a comment.

In the "Studio"

2009-03-31T11:57:00.004-04:00

This is a sneak peak for the lovely D. family who are always a pleasure to shoot. This was in my gerry-rigged studio, also known as the dining room. Unfortunately, it's not the most professional set-up, but it serves my purposes in cold weather.

Mom Saying #1

2009-03-28T12:30:00.002-04:00

It hurts to be beautiful.

Model Call!!

2009-03-28T12:13:00.004-04:00

This is where I ask you for help fulfilling my photographing dreams. You see, I get these ideas for photo shoots and sometimes a dog or baby won't cut it. So...from time to time I will put out a "Model Call." Right now I am looking for a girl, preferably a Junior in HS who needs some senior pics done, who is stylish and outgoing and ready to "work it" like in your modeling fantasies. I would like to do it this spring so email me about yourself and include a snapshot. In return you will get a free photo shoot and a 4x6 proof book of your shots. Make sure you show that proof book off because you will get a $20 print credit per referral. A signed Model Release is required so I can show the world your beautiful images in my marketing and advertising.

Urbanites

2009-03-26T22:03:00.007-04:00

Lately I have been trying to convince everyone to have their shoots downtown GR. Luckily, I had some takers-- thanks, M. and R.!