melanie rose photography

12.09.11: One Big Happy Family | NYC Family Photography

2011-12-09T10:32:00.001-05:00

Meet: Camille, Melissa, J.T., Anthony, Dominick, Gianna and Adrianna. I had the privilege of working with them on a perfect Autumn day out in peaceful North North North New Jersey. The boys had plenty of stories to tell me and questions to ask (the first was "Is your car a Porsche?!" note: my car is a Civic).

So much fun! :)

CLICK photos for best quality!

11.11.11: The Most Glorious Autumn Day! | NYC Family Photography

2011-11-11T18:11:00.001-05:00

A sneak-peak from today's family session with Kristen, Ryan, Chloe and Romeo; shot at Bailey Arboretum on Long Island. The weather, light and foliage could not have been more perfect.

And...how cute are those furry faces?

click for larger image!

Maternity Photography Session FAQs | NYC Newborn Maternity Photography

2011-11-04T16:56:00.000-04:00

I seem to get more questions regarding maternity session preparation than any other type of shoot...even more than the newborn! I've finally compiled and (hopefully) answered them for you. Please feel free to e-mail me additional questions.

Whether you are on the fence about taking belly shots, or visiting this page in preparation of your scheduled session, I hope this information is helpful.

Here is my website's maternity section for samples of my work - tons of other relevant shots are linked below alongside the topics they illustrate.

The Cliff's Notes Version:

1) Schedule session between 32-36 weeks.

2) Photos may be posted publicly unless they include nudity, or if you request for them not to be.

3) Family is encouraged to participate :)

4) Prep: Groom, h2o, ~~SALT~~, relax/recline, sleep!

5) Level of nekkid-ness is your call.

6) All final photo selections are retouched to make you look super fine. What stretch marks?

The full and comprehensive FAQ

1) When should I schedule my session?
Every pregnancy is different, but between 32-36 weeks is ideal. The best time to shoot is when you are nice and round (remember, these are the kinds of photos you want to look round in!), but not so late in the pregnancy that you are totally uncomfortable moving and posing. You also obviously don't want to schedule too late, in case of an an early arrival.

2) Will the photos be public on your website?
I never post any revealing or nude photos publicly on my website or blog. There is a chance that selected photos from your session will be used in my galleries or blogs, unless otherwise specifically requested.

3) Can my partner be in the photos?
Yes, of course! Any family that you would like in the photos may join the shoot. This is a beautiful and joyous time of celebration in a family, which I love to document.

4) How do I prepare for the session?
Not too much preparation is required on your part, but here are some pointers to help you feel your best when the camera is on you!

•The day of the shoot, don't wear tight clothing, bras or other constricting bands; this will avoid marks on your skin.

•Steer clear of salt the day before and day of your shoot to prevent bloating. Drink plenty of water and get a good night's rest before your shoot.

•Have nails manicured (hands are often the highlight of a photo)- make sure any family members who will be participating also have clean nails.

I will take care of everything else!

5) Do I have to be nude?
No, no. Not at all! You can be as clothed, or as bare as you want. I always start with clothed shots and follow the client's lead. It is up to you how artistic you'd like to get. Still, I have done numerous boudoir maternity shoots which are absolutely GORGEOUS. If you are interested in incorporating that kind of style into your session, I can send you private gallery information to see samples of past shoots.

6) But what about my stretch marks, scars, etc!?
Have no fear, Photoshop is near. Any photo you select for your package will be retouched to magazine quality. You will look like a supermodel. I promise.

7) How should I do my makeup? Should I have it done professionally?
I offer full makeup services as an a la carte option (please let me know ahead of time if you'd like to add this to your shoot), though many women prefer a natural look for maternity photos. To achieve a face you are comfortable with but also translates well in photos, I recommend applying makeup as you normally would for daytime, but be sure to accentuate your cheek bones and wear plenty of mascara.

8) What do I wear?
Besides what you may already have in mind, I can help you choose appropriate wardrobe and accessories when I arrive...but to prepare, you can have out some of these suggested items.

For indoor shooting:
•Pre-pregnancy jeans, which you can still get into without zipping OR maternity jeans that don't have the elastic in the front. The point is to frame and highlight the belly, so the snugger they are in the front, the better.
•Leggings (black always works best). Pre-pregnancy also is ideal in this case so they sit below your bump.
•Ribbed & bright colored tank-tops (small/short ones so your belly pops out).

•Bandeau tops/sports bras
•Oversized men's button down shirts
•Leg warmers
•Scarves or thin tapestries (silky ones are nice for more creative shots like the one below, achieved like this)

For outdoor shooting:
Colder Months
•Maternity jeans with boots
•Tight turtleneck/cowlneck sweaters

•Cute hats/accessories

Warmer Months
•Flowy maxi dresses (you can never go wrong with these!)
•Bright colored tanks
•Jean shorts

In General:
•Stripes and other solid color patterns
•Avoid black on top

•Form fitting dresses, appropriate to the season

Have more questions? e-mail me! melrose(at)melanierosephotos.com

Excerpt via Yelp:

"I had no intentions of doing maternity photos, but I liked what I saw on (Melanie's) website, and I found her pricing very reasonable, so I went for it. I'm so glad that I did! I think some maternity photos can be so cheesy and even creepy, and I was very nervous about how they'd turn out, but Melanie knew exactly what I meant when I expressed my concerns, and I couldn't be happier with the final product. She did my makeup, and helped me pick clothing that would look best on my 8-mo prego body. I felt comfortable the whole time, and the photos turned out great!" -Ashley G.

11.02.11: Lily, Age one! | NYC Baby Photographer

2011-11-02T13:29:00.000-04:00

Lily is a vibrant young girl who I have been shooting every three months since she was a newborn. Recently she hit her one year mark, which meant that it was the end of our first year sessions together. Since meeting Lily, I have witnessed a bright spirit that was evident when she was a newborn and continues to shine through her smile today.

Click to see larger images!

Whenever I work with Lily I also get to see her bigger brother Nathan. Nathan has big, gorgeous eyes and is so much fun to take pictures of. I'm sad and will miss both Lily and Nathan, but I have feeling I will get to see them again soon.

09.19.11: Sophia Malini, 1 year later | Queens Baby Photography

2011-09-19T15:41:00.003-04:00

Sophia is one of my "Trifecta" babies, so I haven't seen her since her 4 month session (here she is as a newborn). Big, big changes in this beautiful little girl!

Please click photos for a slideshow/best quality!

And here I am, with Sophia. An action/resulting shot photo set :)

08.05.11: Smiley Avery | NYC Baby Photography

2011-08-05T17:50:00.003-04:00

Back from blogging hiatus...with quite the treat, in my opinion.

Avery is such a gorgeous baby. She entered the world with wavy, highlighted hair, and an enormous smile on her face. Get 'em little girl!

Extra photos because I've been gone for so long...and she's beautiful. :D

Click for larger images/best quality!

04.06.11: Lily at 9 months | NYC Baby Photography

2011-04-06T15:18:00.003-04:00

After 9 months, it has been my pleasure to know and photograph (which for me, over time, becomes one in the same) Lily, Nathan and their family. Just 6 months ago, I posted Lily's 3 month photo shoot. I have said it before, but watching my first year babies grow and change is so remarkable!

Click for larger versions!

04.01.11: Ruby Carol at 9 months | NYC Baby Photography

2011-04-01T15:48:00.004-04:00

I started "photographing" Ruby when she was in her Mommy's belly, but finally met her at the newborn session. She sure has changed a LOT since then.

Here she is at 9 months, and I'm so sad that the next time I see her, her "first year" will be up. I'm hoping that Ashley wasn't joking about keeping me around for the "first 18 years package."

Click for larger versions!

01.14.10: Georgianna...aka Georgie girl! | Miami Newborn Photography

2011-01-14T14:28:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! I am so excited to see all of my 2010 babies continue to grow into toddlers, and meet the 2011 babies. Georgie was the last baby of 2010...we shot on December 30, 2010 at 7 weeks old.

This family holds a special place in my heart, as I've been shooting her older brother, Brant Jr. (who is now 3 1/2 years old and makes a special appearance below), since he was a baby.

Enjoy! Stay tuned for announcements and many more babies this year.

12.17.10: Newborn Digest | NYC Baby Photography

2010-12-17T14:46:00.001-05:00

Shame shame on me. I have not been blogging nearly enough. The good news is that it's because I've been "too busy" taking photos of itty bitty babies! I promise I will start back with full length feature blogs in 2011....but for now, I wanted to at least do a round-up of just a few of my recent baby sessions.

Emmie, 3 months old

Maria & Gino, 3 months old and 3 years old

Stella Maria, 4 days old

Nina, 3 months old

Luke, 5 weeks old

11.18.10: BFF's in Coronado, California | San Diego Portrait Photography

2010-11-18T17:18:00.003-05:00

While visiting a friend in Coronado last week, we asked a nice lady on the beach to take a photo of us. After she did (and I must mention that the photo she took was AWESOME), she told us that she had brought her camera to take photos of her Girl Scout troop, but the battery had died. I offered to take some shots and email them to her later, and was really happy with how they turned out. Sometimes the quick, snapshotty photos are the absolute best, most memorable and definitely most sincere. I think you can feel the friendship energy beaming from these pictures!

Definitely CLICK THESE for larger versions!

11.16.10: Little Zara in Central Park | NYC Baby Photography

2010-11-16T19:17:00.000-05:00

Winter is coming...and you know what that means? More babies in HATS! You know this makes me happy.

Here is baby Zara doing her cute little red hat justice.

Click images for larger versions!

09.26.10: Baby Lily at 3 months | NYC Baby Photography

2010-09-26T20:21:00.001-04:00

Lily is another one of my first year babies. Last week was her 3 month session, and while she definitely grew in size since I first met her, that cute little face hasn't changed much at all! I can't wait until 6 months when she'll be roly poly, wide-eyed and sitting up!

09.22.10: A Farewell to Summer - Beach Session with Mandy | Queens & NYC Portrait Photography

2010-09-22T22:33:00.009-04:00

I love working with people who have spirits that shine through in photographs. Besides having an amazing physique to work with, Mandy gushes energy and life in her pictures.

Photos were taken at Jones Beach on the last day of summer. Makeup & retouching by myself.

Click images for larger versions!

08.29.10: Alexandra ::Sasha:: Dylan, 8 days old | Queens Newborn Baby Photography

2010-08-29T11:14:00.005-04:00

This was such a cool little baby girl. There was something about the presence she showed in her eyes that met me with a thoughtful, relaxed and calming feeling. An old soul perhaps :)

Meet Alexandra "Sasha" Dylan...her middle name, a tribute to music legend Bob.

Please click images for larger versions!

Her Daddy is kind of in love with her.

See those eyes?

A special treat. Sasha's dad put on a little music show (lullabies of sorts!) to calm her down. She loved it.

And she finally dozed off.

08.16.10: Baby Jesse, 1 month old on the nose | Queens Baby Photography

2010-08-16T13:07:00.002-04:00

Meet little boy Jesse. Another baby whose first year I will be photographing. I can't wait to compare these photos to his 1 year old shots! I LOVE the hats his momma picked out for him to wear. :) I chose way too many photos for this blog - how was I to decide which to use?

Sleepy smiles!

08.10.10: Izzie & Mo's Beach Photoshoot | NYC & Westchester Children's Photography

2010-08-10T23:58:00.001-04:00

While all day, we weren't quite sure if mother nature was going to hold out for us with the forecasted thunderstorms this afternoon, the weather ended up being IDEAL for shooting on the beach! 4 year old Izzie (Isadore) was shy as he got out of his mother's car, but as soon as I offered to show him how my camera works, he perked right up. From that point on, he had plenty to share with me: his favorites, stories, knock-knock jokes, and tips for how to stay safe on the playground. 16 month old Mo (Moses) was being camera shy for much of the shoot, but that didn't stop me from stealing a few smiles and silly faces from him. :)

Much more of this session can be seen in the newest feature gallery on my website!

click images to view LARGE!

my favorite shot...

08.02.10: FREE Mini-Session for helping me reach 1000 fans! | Queens Photography

2010-08-02T11:27:00.004-04:00

To all of my loyal fans - I want to give you something FREE. I'm trying to reach 1000 fans, and I am thisclose. Less than 200 people away, and with a little help from my current fans, I know I can achieve it quickly while also giving something away! In order to help and win a free session, please follow these steps.

CURRENT FANS
Step 1: Go to my facebook fan page HERE
Step 2: Suggest my page to your friends by clicking "Suggest to Friends" or the "Share" button at the bottom of the left column. Feel free to add any kind words you may feel are relevant :D

-OR-

NEW FANS (this is important for both you and your referrer!)
"Like" my fan page to become a fan. Then fill out my contact form HERE to let me know which of your friends referred you to my fan page. If you don't do this, I won't be able to reward anyone! **Once you are a new fan, you are eligible to refer fans as a CURRENT fan as well.**

When I hit my 1,000th fan, I will tally up the results and see which of my fans sent the most referrals my way. That person will receive a mini-session of their choice (this is any type of package for 1 hour and includes 1 5x7 and 1 8x10). If I see that this is going well, I will continue the contest past 1000 and think of better prizes for more aggressive referrers.

EVERY single participant (current fans and new) will receive 10% off any package, even if you do not win the mini-session. This means there's no way to lose!

Happy referring. Thank you everyone for being so supportive!

08.02.10: Carol Theresa Turns ONE! | Westchester & Queens Baby Photography

2010-08-02T00:57:00.001-04:00

My niece, again...I love her. She's not only gorgeous, but one of the best behaved little girls in the world. Now she's a YEAR old and I can't believe it! There were a lot of other cuties to photograph at the party as well :)

CLICK PHOTOS! You need to see them BIG.

Birthday girl in her blue birthday dress!

INCREDIBLE face painting by Hollydays Creations

"Hi! I LOVE the camera."

All of these kids really, really, really loved the balloons.

Birthday girl fell asleep!!

But she woke up in time for her CAKE. :)

The face, I wanna eat it.

07.28.10: Little Madi | Queens Newborn Baby Photographer

2010-07-28T17:03:00.002-04:00

I'm telling you all, 2010 has been a year for girls (in my book at least). Pretty, cherub cheeked little girls. Where are they all coming from? Not that I'm complaining...

07.21.10: Sweet Baby Elle, 1 week old | NYC Newborn Baby Photography

2010-07-21T19:48:00.004-04:00

Look at those lips! And the tutu. I love baby girls, and 2010 has certainly been the year for them. :)

Clicking on images is ESSENTIAL for best quality.

07.11.10: New website, new logo, new features!

2010-07-11T21:20:00.001-04:00

My new website has launched, yay! I am so excited about this. I realized after a couple months with my previous website, that the photos were just too small to do them justice, and I wanted other components to make my clients' lives easier as well.

So, I present to you my bigger, badder, easier to use website. I have a new, original logo...designed by the talented Maria LoPrete. Photos are now 900px wide/600px high; nearly double what they used to be. The site is also viewable in full screen.

It is iPhone/iTouch/iPad compatible for browsing...especially helpful for that instant gratification when I send you your latest password for a proofing gallery and you're nowhere near a computer. No more zooming into your screen and long loading times. To access the site in mobile version, either go directly to http://www.melanierosephotos.com/mobile, or click the MOBILE link on the home splash page. This works on all mobile devices, but is optimized for iPhones.

You can select and purchase your images straight from each proofing gallery. There are new print package deals listed in your shopping cart, and all of my current session package pricing is listed under "details." I also include my current equipment list and information regarding print processing.

I also decided to dedicate an entire sub-gallery to newborns, rather than combine them with babies. I photograph so many of them now, and they look SO different in the first few weeks than even a 3 month old, so they get their own section :)

There are other little differences as well, but those are most notable. Feel free to have a look around and discover. Any feedback is always welcome, and I really hope you enjoy the new design and features.

07.09.10: Isabella Rose, All Smiles | Queens Newborn Baby Photography

2010-07-09T18:46:00.001-04:00

Everyone has been waiting for this little girl to arrive! I am so happy that I got to photograph little Isabella Rose. She is the daughter of one of my fiancé's oldest friends, and he actually tagged along to watch me work for the first time ever.

Have you ever seen such a smiley newborn? One week old.

07.02.10: Bright New Things Ahead!

2010-07-02T23:20:00.001-04:00

Things I am looking forward to this week:

1. My website redesign launch (with lots of new features for you to enjoy!)

2. New logo unveiling

and...most of all....

3. Welcoming home the newest member of my photography family!

Sky is the limit. Excitement level is through the roof.

Edit: How strange, yet appropriate is this captcha I just received when posting my blog on facebook?

06.26.10: Eden Alexander, son of Xavier & Wafa | NYC Newborn Baby Photography

2010-06-26T09:39:00.003-04:00

He's here! I shot Wafa's belly 2 months ago and I finally got to meet the little dude. He was pretty sleepy (which of course, I always think is super cute in photos), but he did open his eyes and join us for a few shots.

Welcome, Eden. He is only 7 days old in these photos.

oh, hello world!

goodnight world. O:-)