the Wear family {rowan county family photographer}

The Wear family met me at Hurley Park on a drizzly afternoon in October.  We were very concerned that we were about to get rained out but after a LOT of prayer, God held the skies for us just long enough to get these darling shots.  I love this family.  They were so natural in front of the camera, and it's evident by the images below how fun-loving they are.  I'm quite fond of the twins since they are also my students; they are kind-hearted, respectful, and hilarious!  

We still had fall leaves at Hurley which make for a great bed to sit on.  Isn't this a beautiful family?

How pretty is Brittany (mom)?!!!!  You can tell the men in her life just adore her.

Traditional posed shots can be gorgeous but there is nothing that captures your family like candids.  Often clients aren't even aware I'm snapping away.

I just love B&W!  It's timeless.  I could've chosen a shot where both boys were looking into the lens but this shot is far more interesting and really captures their personalities.  

These next two candids are so cute.  Brittany tells the boys a silly joke and I love their faces and reactions.

Brittany really wanted to capture the boys while they still had braces on.  So smart.  I love that the twins chose different colored rubber bands, it really helps me know which is which.  

This is Jack.  His favorite color is blue.

And this is Will, he loves green!  Aren't they so handsome?  Gotta love the freckles.

The boys love soccer so we had to incorporate that into their session.  They fell into the grass to catch their breath after chasing the ball all over the park. I'm glad I had my camera ready when they did.

Aww!  Gotta love twins!

Brittany had a shot like this of the twins when they were really young and wanted to recreate it  at this age.  I just love it.  Can't you just see them on their high school graduation doing this same shot?  Or their  weddings?

Thank you Wear family for letting me capture who you are, FUN and LOVING!  

I feel privileged to know you.

the Goodman kids {rowan county children's photographer}

This is Anna Kate and Sam.  They were superb little models, especially so because it was the first cold snap of Fall and this afternoon dipped down to the mid 50s.  Mommy motivated them with a hot cocoa treat after the shoot so that bought me about 45 minutes of cuteness.

Aren't they styled perfectly!

Love this shot!  They are so cute together.

Love the way the sunset is softly hitting her face, you can see it reflecting in her eyes.  

Mom brought a wardrobe change, isn't this combo perfect?  I love her eyes!

Sam got a wardrobe change too.  How cute!

Love the B&Ws.  They are so timeless.

You can't see it here but Anna Kate's teeth were chattering.  It was so cold!  They look warm and happy here thanks to Photoshop.  Bye bye red noses.

Thanks Goodman family!  I always enjoy time with these cuties!

And It ALL Started with the Heiligs…… {Rowan County Family Photographer}

Happy New Year 2014!  

I am sorry I haven't posted since October but with good reason.  I've been so busy with Christmas photography portraits that I couldn't find the time nor did I want to ruin anyone's "Christmas card shot."

When my family decided to move to North Carolina I knew I was walking away from my television career but I was excited at the possibility of starting a photography business.  It was a slow go with many of life's detours until…… the Heiligs.  You might say that Melissa Lassiter Heilig changed my life.

Melissa had followed my Facebook photography page for awhile before she realized that I was also her kid's art teacher.  She asked me to do her family portrait and emphasized that she needed shots of her sweet Georgia.  I couldn't wait to get started, you see the Heiligs have amazing eyes!  On the weekend of October 12, 2013, I photographed the photos below and have been shooting non-stop, even on Christmas Eve and beyond, a time of year when photographers are slow.  God is good!

Please enjoy these photos.  They are very special to me, as is this family.

How gorgeous are they?!!!  Now I want a nice portrait of my family.  

(notice the Carolina blue theme?  no hating, Wolf-pack)

This shot was the kid's idea and I just love it!

See what I'm saying about the eyes?!!!  This is sweet Georgia (3).  This post got so many views on FB. 

And this is Lucy, also a beauty!  She is a little love and I receive HUGE hugs from her each time I see her.  

Big brother Jack didn't disappoint either.  Doesn't he look like a Ralph Lauren or Tommy Hilfiger model?  

I edited this one with a vintage feel.  Doesn't she look timeless with that huge bow, curly hair and paisley dress?  Just adorable!

I love this shot of Georgia because she is twirling a little purple flower so it gave a great purple motion blur while keeping focus on her gorgeous eyes.  

Lucy had some great ideas for poses!  I would have never thought of this shot.  Isn't it fun?!!!

This is a nice family shot too.  They chose the sitting shot for the Christmas card which was the right choice but it's nice to see both versions.  

Thank you, Heilig family!  You will always be very special to me!

Keep checking back for more family portraits!  Check me out on Facebook too: Michelle Spieler Photography/Facebook.  

Halloween/Autumn Mini-Sessions, only $20!!!!! {Children's Photographer, Rowan County}

HALLOWEEN/AUTUMN MINI-SESSIONS

$20

What?!!!!!  $20 for a beautifully edited shot?  Am I crazy?  Yes, crazy for cute kids AND new clients!

****

Here's the dealy-o:  

 WHEN:   Saturday October 19 & Saturday October 26

TIME:   4:00-6:00 pm  (weather permitting)

WHERE:  Spencer Library (park on 4th Street)

No Appointment Necessary, First Come, First Serve

****

Please show up anytime between 4-6 pm and I will take a few photos of your child/children in their costume OR if you just want an autumn shot I can photograph your child with pumpkins and fall leaves.  Your choice.  

Within a few days I will email you 1-2 beautifully edited photos of your child/children for only $20!!  

Please spread the word.

If you don't dig Halloween, I can do an autumn shot

Again, no appt necessary but give me a heads up so I know who to expect.  

Thanks!

Beautiful Alana {Senior Portrait Photographer, Rowan County}

Alana and I set out Thursday afternoon to do her senior portraits.  She wanted to wait for Autumn for the shoot and I'm glad she did; the colors are glorious and we had perfect overcast lighting.

We set out with 3 wardrobe changes and many ideas for backgrounds but my real goal in shooting senior portraits is capturing the beauty of who they are.  I think I accomplished my goal here.  Look at this beauty.  Alana is kind and humble and GORGEOUS!  She is a straight A student and loves knowledge.  I see a very bright future for this young lady.

Enjoy just a few of DOZENS of gorgeous shots I got.  This gal does not take a bad picture.  I guess that's why she's a freelance model.

Thanks Alana for hanging out this old lady.  I had fun!  

Falafel !

One food I really miss from California is middle eastern.  I'm sure there are plenty of places in Charlotte, but in our small town of Salisbury, no go.  We do have a local greek place that makes terrific Chicken Salvaki and Tzatziki,  they even make falafel ( though you won't typically find falafel in Greece anywhere) but it's definitely not middle eastern.  So I researched falafel recipes and set out to become a falafel queen.  I found a great site, Shiksa in the Kitchen.  I have made a few of her recipes now and they turn out perfectly.  She's also quick to answer any questions you may have; this gal is passionate about her food!  Check her out:  http://theshiksa.com/2011/01/05/falafel/

I'm not bragging here, Shiksa gets all the credit, I just followed her recipe, but I can tell you that both hubby and I think these are the best falafels we've EVER had!  I'm not going to post the recipe, you can click on the link above for that, but I do have some photos for you.

Here is the falafel as it enters the hot oil.  Sizzling.  You don't heat the oil on high, but on medium heat so it does take longer to heat up but worth the wait.  You don't want a burnt outside and raw inside, trust me.

I cook only about 6 at a time and turn them over at 2.5-3 minutes.  They should be a deep golden brown on each side and the center will be perfectly cooked.  

I place them on a cookie sheet lined with paper towels to absorb any oil  See that golden crispy goodness?  MMMmmmm!  I dream about these.

Of course no falafel meal is complete without a nice serving of Tabbouleh.  I found a recipe that makes Tabbouleh with  Quinoa instead of wheat and I actually prefer it this way.  Plus it packs more protein than traditional Tabbouleh AND cuts down on gluten in my life.  Isn't it so colorful and pretty?  And it's SO fresh tasting.

Now, I should add that to make Falafel, Tabbouleh, Tahini dressing, hummus, and Tzatziki (even though it's technically greek, we love this addition) it does take me close to 3 hours but it's SO worth it. It will have to be reserved for weekends only, who has this much time on a weeknight?  You can also buy pita bread or flatbread and make a falafel sandwich which is what we did last night.  I could've been eating a meal in Lebanon or Israel, no kidding, it's that good AND it's all plant-based, and whole food, so it's good for your family's health.  Kids love it too.  

Let me know if you try it.  

Bubbles and Fairy Wings {Children's Photographer, Rowan County, NC}

What do you get when you give a 6 year old girl a tutu, fairy wings, bubbles and a large greenway to play on?  FUN and vibrant photos!  I found two spots tonight that are gorgeous during sunset lighting, Sloan Park, and the The Greenway on Innes and Grove.  Enjoy these.