These are my FAV family images from 2011! For so many reasons . . . Valerie is my close friend, and just so happens to also be a super talented photographer. Our son’s are the same age and she’s just one of those people that when our paths crossed we had everything in common.  It wasn’t until I moved from Michigan to St. Louis that our friendship rekindled in the strangest of places . . . Las Vegas!  We were both heading into the Kate Spade store when we saw each other.  It’s one of those moments in life that I’ll NEVER forget!  We have never stopped talking since!   

So at least once a year we set aside a time to get together.  This year we wanted to include our families so that we could take family photographs for each other.  It’s SO important and I’m usually the one taking the pictures and not the one being photographed.  I’ll post my session that Valerie Ott Photography shot for me later.  I cherish EVERY image.  But for now, here is the Ott family!  I adore them.

And now for a little peek of things to come in 2012 at MELANIE ACKER photography.  I will be adding customized styling services to the services at Melanie Acker Photography.  I’m SUPER excited.  Without giving too much away yet, below is a tiny peek into the styled session.  Check back after the new year to hear all the details and see MANY more images!!

This was our family card this year.  Merry Christmas to everyone!  I’m looking forward to enjoying time with my amazing family while we celebrate our Savior, Jesus Christ! 

 I always say that “the camera doesn’t lie.” Maybe you’ve heard that before. But in the age of “digital” where there is a lot that can be done with editing , one thing you can never edit is the soul of someone. And that’s what I love to capture with my camera. The real emotion and spirit of my clients.  And trust me, the camera doesn’t lie.  True inner beauty is reflected through the eyes and very essence of someone and let me tell you that Emily was TRUE beauty.  She is stunning and glows in these images because she has inner beauty that just enhanced her outer beauty and  my camera could not get enough of her! Thank you for choosing me to do your Senior portraints, Emily and have a great rest of the year at Christian High!  

check out these cute kicks! love her boots!

So, I haven’t blogged in a LONG time.  This is such a busy time of year for everyone but that’s not my excuse.  As many of you know (and probably many more don’t know) I had a scheduled parathyroid surgery during October. YES, the busiest time of year!  But you just can’t always plan these things like you would like! I was recovering as expected and ready to get back to work when 10 days post surgery a blood clot developed in my neck and I found myself in the ICU. While it was scary we saw God’s work throughout the entire situation and his provision for our family. We were so thankful to all be together and healthy for Thanksgiving!  So, now I’m back and I’ll be blogging again. I am so grateful for all my amazing clients who waited patiently for galleries and in some cases even re- scheduled session until the Spring. THANK you so much!

I’m going to start with my little girl’s session because she just had her birthday! It is hard for us to believe she is four. This was right before Fall started.  The light was gorgeous that evening and just poured over her. Her personality shines bright just like the light that night.  She is confident, humorous, creative and always entertaining us! We love her so much!!

Next week I’ll be posting portraits of a beautiful High School Senior from Christian High in O’Fallon, Missouri!

 Find out more information on photo sessions with Melanie Acker Photography.