I was so excited for this session because the last time I photographed this family was a dream! (You can see that session here.) Their sweet girls are looking so much older now! The whole family is so sweet and their sessions are just FUN! I love playing with their kids and they make my job so easy. We had to reschedule a couple times because the blossoms were late and they were so laid back and understanding about it. I’m convinced I have the best clients/friends. The mom, Jordan, is so photogenic. Capturing her relationships with each family member was so special. I love those tender little moments. Thank you Anderson family!
photo by mad
Kenzie & Quinn + Salt Lake City Engagements
Kenzie and Quinn’s session was so fun! She originally asked for blossoms, but I didn’t think the timing of their session would work out. As it turns out, the cherry blossoms at the Utah State Capitol were a little late this year so it worked out perfectly! If you haven’t been to see the blossoms yet, you should go. They are absolutely gorgeous and they don’t last long! After the capitol, we went to a nearby rooftop and got some really fun shots. I love shooting downtown! These two were playful and made each other laugh through their entire session! Being able to capture their dynamic and unique relationship was a joy! Congratulations you two!
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Nelson Family + In-Home Session
My husband and I met Kensey and Alex through mutual friends. They are such an awesome couple and have the most beautiful family! My family took a trip to St. George over spring break and I’m so glad I was able to do this session while we were there! In-home sessions make my heart happy and the Nelson’s dreamy home topped it off for me! I’m in love with how this session turned out. It was such a great mix of smiles, tenderness and playful moments. This family loves to spend time together and just have fun and it shows!
I want to throw in a disclaimer here. When you look through these you might think, “These seem so perfect. My family session would never go this smoothly. I’m terrified of how my kids might act.” You might think this session was just smooth sailing the entire time. It wasn’t. There were times it went perfectly and then there were times none of the kids were listening, the baby was crying and lots of bribes were involved. This isn’t the exception, this is NORMAL! Expect that your kids will have meltdowns and trouble listening. They are kids after all, it happens! Family photos might be a totally new experience for them. There is no such thing as a family session going perfectly. The important thing is to try and not let it ruffle you. Keep smiling and having fun and the kids will feed off of you! We will push through it together and I promise the end result will be worth it! Thank you for having me Nelson Family! You were champs!
Favorite Makeup Artists
Getting ready to be in front of the camera can be stressful! One of the best ways to reduce that stress is to get your makeup professionally done. All of a sudden getting ready is relaxing! You just show up and let the pro take over. They know exactly how to apply makeup in a way that looks AMAZING on camera, but still looks like you. I hired Jill Marie the last time I got my photos taken, and I can’t say enough great things about her. She is so sweet and talented! Utah has so many talented makeup artists and I included a list of my favorites below so you can refer back to it next time you schedule a photo session!
Makeup by Jill Marie. Photo by Melese Miller. [Read more…] about Favorite Makeup Artists
Henson + Lifestyle Newborn
Sweet little Henson didn’t even open his eyes to meet me, but he’s so dang cute I’ll forgive him. I love this family and I’m so grateful they keep having me back! It’s so fun to watch their little family grow. Henson’s older brother Gav is always trying to steal the show! Wherever I went he would find me and say “cheese!” He is already so sweet with his baby brother. He just kept cuddling him saying “cute”. It was the sweetest thing! Thanks Walker family, you have the most adorable babies!
Haylee + Lifestyle Newborn Session
I’m so grateful I was able to photograph the Baumgartner family and their newest addition, Haylee. They were referred by another client of mine and it seriously means the world when you guys refer me to your friends and family, so thank you! Julie and Lincoln are both originally from Utah, Julie from Mount Pleasant (small town girl) and Lincoln from Kaysville. This session was two days ago during the crazy snow storm we got here in Salt Lake City. Traveling to the studio was a little nerve wracking and slow, so I’m grateful we all arrived safely. Thanks to this family for braving the crazy weather! This session went so well! The studio we shot at had limited availability that day, so our time together was shorter than I prefer. We got so many great shots though, it made my job of narrowing them down difficult. The star of the session was obviously sweet Haylee. She arrived 3 weeks early, so even during her session at 4 weeks old she was the tiniest little thing! Her older sister Payton is 5 years old and in preschool. She was a little shy at first, but it wasn’t long before she was running around and showing off her energetic personality. She was so sweet with her baby sister, they were melting my heart! Lincoln is the cutest dad to his little girls. Even though adding another child is challenging, he said he was enjoying the extra time home with his family. I could tell Payton was loving having dad around more too. While Julie was feeding the baby, I had fun capturing them playing and interacting. And beautiful Julie. She was so relaxed and easy going during the whole process. If she is sleep deprived, she hides it well. She is just gorgeous! Thanks Baumgartner family and congratulations on the new babe!
Meet Madison
I don’t think I have ever fully introduced myself here, so I’m going to give you a little intro to where I came from and how I got to where I am today. My first name is Madison, but friends and family shorten it to Mad. I’m originally from Cleveland…. Utah. When I tell people I’m from Cleveland everyone assumes I mean the one in Ohio because very few people know there is one in Utah. Cleveland is a really small town in Eastern Utah. Small like 500 people small. I loved growing up in a tiny town and still go back all the time! We camped and fished and rode four wheelers around town. I will always be a small-town girl at heart!
Avett Rae + Lifestyle Newborn
Watching new parents with a fresh little babe never gets old! There is something so special about capturing their new love in the comfort of their own home. Especially when their home is so cute! Avett was the best newborn I have ever seen! She slept almost the entire time and was a perfect little angel. She’s the sweetest!
Soffe Family + Snowy Maternity Session
This gorgeous family just announced they will be adding a baby boy to their family and I’m thrilled for them! This session lit my photographer soul on fire! It was my first family session in the snow, so I was a little worried about everyone freezing but it went so well and now I want to shoot soooo many more snowy sessions! I’m not a huge fan of winter, but it’s beauty may have converted me. I mean, how beautiful are those snow covered pines? Lindsey is gorgeous and so sweet. I was dying over her dress and her pretty hair (that I’m a little envious of). After I sent the gallery, Lindsey sent me the most kind words saying how much she loved them and they brought her to tears. That is why I do this. I want every family to have photos that mean that much to them. I just adore her, she immediately asked where she could leave me a review. Who does that? Anyways, I’m obsessed with these. Enjoy!
Trabert Family + In-Home Lifestyle Session
Man parenting is hard. So much of it happens inside our homes, with nobody around to encourage us or cheer us on. It goes unnoticed and at times, feels very under appreciated. (unrelated: does anyone have tips for getting two toddlers to go to bed? Asking for a friend). As hard as it can be, it also brings an insane amount of happiness, joy and fulfillment.
These are just a few reasons in-home sessions fulfill me. I want to help parents see the joy in the hard times and remember why they do what they do… day in and day out. I love documenting families in their space. Kids feel more relaxed and I love watching them just be. Parents can be carefree and just play with and love on their kids. It feels more real to me.
I had a great time at this session. Thanks for having me Trabert family!
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