Yup, I've been MIA again!

I am almost 32 weeks into my first pregnancy and I have to admit, photography is the LAST thing on my mind. Life has been super busy crazy working and trying to prepare for our baby. A few weeks ago I had to unfortunately cancel a bridal session due to rain. (bummer!!) :( and that was my last opportunity to shoot before the baby comes. I can't believe I have only TWO months to go!!!

So that being said, I am putting any outside photography on hold until further notice. More than likely I won't start shooting and pursuing photography until early 2011. I want to thank those of you that have inquired and really appreciate the interest!

I guess it's safe to say, I won't be out of too much practice since I plan on taking a gazillion pictures of my son. ;) He will be my first newborn session. ;)

It's Holiday Time!

Well, for me anyways! We are doing Thanksgiving a few days early to help accommodate my hospital schedule. We are headed down to South Florida where my family is meeting at my mom's place. I am THRILLED to see my 18 month old nephew, Cayden. We plan on taking him to the beach for the first time!! So glad I get to be a part of another one of his firsts. Last time, while visiting NC, was his first time in the pool at our place.

Just wanted to let my clients know that I have finished editing, burning and packaging everyone's CD's!! I'm about to run to the post office, so you should all get them before Thanksgiving!

I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, even if it is a little bit early! And what am I thankful for? Well, I'm thankful for a lot this year. But I am really thankful for all of my clients that have entrusted me with such special moments. I'm thankful to have had a hobby that I'm so passionate about, that may have the possibility of it turning into something amazing. What are you thankful for?

The equipment bug has bitten...and then some

Can't. Stop. Buying!!!

I realize that having all the equipment in the world, doesn't make you a better photographer. But I promised myself this is the LAST purchase until the new year. I need to start focusing on my business plan, website and marketing materials so that I can adopt great business practices. Which, right now, is a little more important and filling up my plate. I need to build a ground to stand on before I go all nuts buying every new toy and gadget. (Which quite honestly is being funded by my day job since I am offering such great rates to build my portfolio!) :)

I think the excitement stems from my first wedding being in the works!!! Yes, you heard me right. I have four months to get my butt into shape for it, and I'm SUPER excited! I hadn't planned on doing weddings quite this soon, but my client, and personal friend, buttered me up real good with a very sweet email. Hey, what can I say? I'm easy. ;)

Oh and what did I buy? A Canon EF-S 55-250mm lens which I DEFINITELY had on my wish list! I whipped it out for a little while during Wendy + Tom's engagement shoot and fell in love with it!

Getting real excited for Caleb's 9 month portraits today! In another announcement, due to daylight savings' swift change of heart, all sessions will start a 3pm. If you have already booked with me, you will be getting an email with the change in time. It's amazing what two weeks can do to the sunset!!

New Gear!

Realizing for a long time now, the limitations of my kit lens (18-55mm), I went ahead and purchased another lens that isn't on my wish list-but something I was keeping my eye on as a "transition" lens. I just bought a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II. The lens is only about $100 (yes, that's cheap in the world of lenses!) but I could use a decent portrait lens that gives me the 1.8 aperture that my kit lens is lacking. I'll look at this as a baby step into buying an army of equipment that could cost as much as a down payment on a house (ok, maybe I won't go that crazy!) It will arrive in time for Thanksgiving where I plan on testing it out on my family. We are gathering in Florida at my mom's house the weekend before Thanksgiving to accommodate my unforgiving holiday work schedule (hospitals never close you know!). ;)

More particularly, I'm looking forward to photographing my adorable growing nephew, Cayden, who I haven't seen since the wedding. I'm sure he's grown so much and I already have pressure from all sides of my family to take a bazillion portraits of him while I'm there. I can't wait to see how much the little guy has grown...and for the life of me I will get him to say my name!!! My brother and his family live in Oklahoma City, so visits are usually once or twice a year if we're lucky. The last time I visited OKC, I had just purchased my DSLR and I can't wait to take my new found knowledge and capture some really great moments of my own family. That, I am definitely thankful for.

Design, Discounts & Deets

One of the first steps in creating a successful business is to come up with a strategic marketing plan. That is why Melissa Berg Photography has teamed up with a designer on Etsy to create logos, watermarks and business card designs. If you have never heard of Etsy, I highly recommend checking it out. Etsy is a great place to find handmade custom items for just about any occasion! Two local artists I highly recommend are AlloverArt and graceuga's shop Crafts by Castellanos.

I am also in the process of designing a home website to tie into this blog, where I will still blog about all of my photo adventures with you. The URL will have to change once that process is complete, so make sure to become a fan of Melissa Berg Photography on Facebook to stay up to date on all things new that are happening!

I hope to have all these changes into effect by January 2010 as I move along in the process of starting my photography business. Speaking of, did you know I am still offering portfolio building discounted rates!?!? So if you missed my "FB Fan Special", you can still take advantage of my current special. Act fast, because I will only be offering these rates until December 31st, 2009. If you are interested, please email info@melissabergphotography.com for availability and special pricing.

Stay tuned on the blog as I will be posting about upcoming contests that you don't want to miss! This weekend I will be featuring Wendy + Tom {Engaged!} and Caleb's {Child Portraits}. Can't wait to work with you guys and hallelujah for the gorgeous weather this weekend! :)

Off Camera Flash

I like to call this dabbling in OCF since I did it in less than 10 minutes, terrorizing my cats (or more so they were interested in the strobe) for quick practice since I got my new triggers, what a month ago?!?! Well insomnia did it for me, and I decided to finally break my triggers out of their box from China and scrounge batteries out of every remote control and back of every drawer in the house. I was just happy I have a working flash setup (minus the light stand and umbrella...lol) but it's a start to practice with! I'll be the first to admit I had no idea what I was doing, mostly trial and error with my camera settings since its not TTL compatible. For my first few shots, I think they are ok.




The light is really harsh because I had to hold it at an arms distance and I haven't mastered my ancient Nikon Speedlight from the 80s (I had to download the manual from the internet). I also practiced a little back lighting on Cooper while he went to town on Whisker City. ;) This was more of a working setup practice. I press the shutter button and OH MY the flash actually goes off. haha. Very exciting stuff.

New Partnership with Pictage.com!

Recently, Melissa Berg Photography has partnered with Pictage.com to offer clients an online viewing gallery with the ability to purchase prints and products. As soon as you book with Melissa Berg Photography, you will receive a link to your pre-scheduled event where your photos will be uploaded. Share your event with family and friends by adding their email addresses, so they can view your photos and order prints!

I am sincerely excited about this new addition to my ever evolving business plan. Hopefully at the beginning of 2010, I will have Melissa Berg Photography up and running as a whole business. Partnering with Pictage is definitely a big step, but I have LOTS to go and lots to learn still.

I want to thank my clients for trusting me with their special moments and helping me build my portfolio. It's been so much fun and I can't wait to photograph the sessions I have coming up!!

Become a fan on Facebook!

Become a fan of Melissa Berg Photography on Facebook!. Get connected and get up to the minute news and specials. I have some exciting announcements coming up soon and you don't want to miss it! :)

Check it out at: http://www.facebook.com/melissabergphotography

Camera Show

Just LOVE the vintage cameras!!

So today...I knocked another item off of my wishlist. I got a Nikon SB-24 Speedlight circa like 1980s!! My new favorite website is strobist.com and I'm finally getting an understanding for what lighting equipment I need/want.


A little bit of a chip in the infrared cover but I'm going to cover it with a piece of black tape and it should be fine. I had the seller test it out for me to make sure it actually works and it does!

Enough dabbling in stuff I know little about. Time for a portrait session with Michael and Jonathan this afternoon. Hopefully I can post a few up here tonight when I get back.

Hot Rod

© Melissa Berg
Went to Brigs for brunch this morning and saw this baby in the parking lot! Wowza!

Tripod!

I am now the proud owner of a tripod! Yay! It's a Quantaray QSX Digi Pro 8500 and it's just wonderful! We were at Brigs for brunch this am/afternoon and we stopped by Wolf Camera to check out what they had. Hopefully tomorrow I am shooting portraits for a coworker of her sons and I could really use the tripod tomorrow to get a good group shot. So that's one item off of my list of things to buy! ;)