the Moss family, or a.k.a.- the Aiden shoot {rowan county children's photographer}

Penny contacted me back in October because she wanted a few shots of Aiden for their Christmas card.  We decided on a quick mini-session.  With mini-sessions a client usually gets a few beautifully edited shots; mini-sessions are just a taste of what a full session can be.  You will see below that I got WAY more than a few great shots.  Aiden just kept bringing it!  He was such a natural in front of the camera and he had some really great ideas himself.  I love collaboration!  

Enjoy these shots of this GORGEOUS little man!

Look at these blue eyes!  And lashes too! 

I love the depth and drama of this shot.  He was so easy to direct too.

When I first scouted this location I saw these old bottles in the window and knew I wanted Aiden up here.  He was the perfect size for the window and ledge.

This one is so cute too.  Penny had hard choices to make as to which one made the yearly Christmas card.

This shot in black and white looks timeless to me.  Could be the 1950s even.  

Look at him.  I did not pose him at all, this is all him!  Isn't he a natural?

I always love to catch reactions to the approaching train.  

Isn't he the cutest?  I adore this shot!

Thanks, Aiden, for one of the most productive shoots I've ever had is such a short amount of time. 

You're a bright light! 

the Dees family {rowan family photographer}

When the Dees family contacted me for a portrait session I was thrilled!  I love me some Dees kids!  You see, I'm a part time art teacher so many of my clients and their kids are near and dear to my heart.  Also, Meg wanted to shoot at her family home where she grew up on Fulton Street in the historic district.  These homes are stunning and Meg's childhood home did not disappoint, plus we had permission to shoot next door at the Wallace mansion…. SCORE!  It's nice to have permission because many of you know I like to trespass, anything for a good shot.

Enjoy this beautiful family.

Aren't they casual, yet elegant?  It must be a southern quality.

One of my favorite sibling shots ever.  Look at this perfect lighting.  We were blessed with great weather this day.

I had to post this so you can see what happens between shots.  That's when real life happens and this is Maggie!  She is graceful, beautiful and a total NUT!  

Gotta have a "beauty" shot in each session.  Archie is a real cool cat but I'm glad he wasn't too cool to give me relaxed, warm smiles.  Such a sweet guy and quite the dancer.

LOVE this beauty shot of Maggie.  Could work as a head shot for acting.

I'm sensing a great comedic actress coming out of our historic Salisbury someday, aren't you?

Archie blocks a kiss from sis.  Love it!

I mean, why do some people get this amazing skin?  They are glowing.

Some of you already know from my post on FB some time back that this is one of my favorite shots EVER!  I cannot believe my fortune of catching this sweet moment.  That's why I love photography, I get to capture special moments in life and those images live on forever.  It's so much more fulfilling than working in TV.

I hope you enjoyed this peek at the Dees family.  

Jay, Meg, Archie and Maggie, thank you for your warmth and charm.  I got to relive our session all over again while blogging, and that made me happy!

Valentine Mini-Sessions {rowan county children's photographer}

Valentine Mini-Sessions ($50 = 3 beautifully edited images)

This session is open to children only (birth-teen), no families at this time.  

Please read the details carefully before emailing me.

Saturday, February 1st, 2014

(If it rains, I can move the session last minute to Sunday the 2nd.)  

I have 5, only 5, available sessions:

3:00-3:20, 3:20-3:40, 3:40-4:00, 4:00-4:20, and 4:20-4:40

The first five people to email me requesting a time slot will be selected.
michellespieler@gmail.com

 All others will be placed on a waiting list.  You are only considered officially booked once I've received payment; I will disclose a location at that time.

I will have simple valentine props, please check out examples below.  If you like the Cheerwine shots, please BYOC in glass bottles but I'll provide the striped retro paper straws.

Again, the $50 fee will include 3 edited shots of my choice, I promise I'll pick the best.  However, I will edit many more of your session and you may select CD packages with more of your images.  

Because of the nature of a mini-session (QUICK) I wouldn't advise booking a session if you have a camera shy child who needs time to warm up.  I would highly recommend a full session so I can really work with your child and gain their confidence and smile.  

Enjoy these sweet examples below:

I found a way to stabilize the hearts so they don't fly up in the breeze.

Thank you for viewing.  I look forward to working with you!

the Myers family {rowan county family photographer}

Fortunately for me Tabitha Myers had seen the shots I did of the Heiligs, Brincefields, and Phillips families and asked me to shoot her family portrait for Christmas cards.  I'm so glad she did!  She wanted to do shots at her church, First Presbyterian, and then end up in downtown.  We had a lot of fun!  Enjoy the shots below.  

Didn't Tabitha do a great job on styling the family?  I love the colors mixed with navy and denim.  

Gotta love the candids!

What pretty sisters!  

Had to get a shot of these lashes…. lucky girl!!!! 

We left the First Pres area and I took them to a wall downtown that I really love.  Don't you just love the colors?  They thought they were doing a a typical family-up-against-the-wall shot until…..

…..I yelled out, "Tug-of-war" and I captured this shot.  So playful.  One of my favorite shots EVER!!!!

Big sister Emma looks so pretty and dramatic against this brick wall.

Can we take a moment and talk about Tabitha's lashes?  Love her makeup too.  Doesn't she look like a model?  And are you loving this turquoise necklace?  This gal has it going ON!

Little Addi.  Just lovely.

This is a nice shot too.  Hard to choose that "winning" shot for the yearly Christmas card.

Thank you Myer family for playing along with my antics.  You did splendid!

the Phillips {rowan county (and beyond) family photographer}

I was so excited to meet and photograph the Phillips family because they have two young boys, one still a baby, and you all know how much I love the babies!  The Phillips live in Concord so we decided to conduct the shoot at their home; home is a great place to start with young kids because it is familiar and it gives children time to warm up to the photographer.  William and Andrew warmed up to me quickly and honestly I could've stayed and played with them all day, they are ADORABLE!

With younger kids I always like to bang out the "family" shots first and then go into candids.  I told Liza to bribe the kids with candy so in some shots you may be able to detect a colorful Skittle in William's mouth.  Candy ALWAYS does the trick!  I'm not above bribing; don't judge.

Enjoy the Phillips family.  They are gorgeous, sweet, and I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon with them.

Backyard shot, SO cute!

Precious boys.  Notice the stick in Will's hand.  You will see many sticks throughout this shoot.  With young kids it's helpful if they are holding something, even a small flower, as it gives them something to do and occupies their minds.

Dreamy eyes!  Aww!

After some time at their home, we decided to continue over at a nearby park.  For this shot I whispered in Will's ear to go and tell mommy a secret.  He had just whispered in her ear when I got this shot with their reactions.  

Then I told him to whisper a secret in daddy's ear.  Isn't this reaction great too?  Will was a busy boy.

I always try to get a good B&W in each session, I think they're timeless.  

I adore this.  See the stick?  

Awww!  Happy Boy!

LOVE this little man!  Are you sensing a future Boy Scout?

I almost didn't edit this shot because of the pacifier but this is real life and that's what candid photography is all about, and really this shot is about Liza.  I would've LOVED a closeup like this with my baby.  Isn't she so pretty?!!!!!

I always get this reaction when I'm packing up to go.  Hmmmm……..

Thank you Phillips family for inviting me into your life.  I am honored and privileged to have captured your beautiful family.  

the Brincefields {rowan county family photographer}

After I did the Heilig's family portrait I was booked right away to also shoot the Brincefield family.  Meredith and Melissa are sisters so I'm talking about some beautiful DNA in these two families.  Meredith wanted the family portrait shot on their front porch for her Christmas card this year, it was the perfect setting, such a beautiful home.  She also wanted candids of the kids which is my favorite part of each shoot.  Enjoy this sweet, adorable family. 

*   *   *   *   *

How photogenic is this family?  Aunt Melissa was behind me singing and Vivi was clapping and laughing along.  Here's a helpful tip:  with young kids, it's always good to have an extended family member or friend standing behind the photographer making the kids smile.

Here is the candid version.  I just love everyone's reaction to sweet Viv!

These big brothers adore their baby sister.  I love the tenderness.  And look at her sweet feet…. I could eat those little toes!

And her eyes!!!!  Gorgeous!

Awww!  So sweet.  

LOVE this candid!  James is going to point Vivi on the right path in life.

When I saw this shot, I knew it had to be B&W.  Such a good, sweet boy is Bo!

I tend to overshoot a bit, I can't help it, look at these families I meet!  But I always get this reaction when I start packing up…. Yay, the lady with the camera is finally leaving!  

Thanks Brincefields.  I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our time together!