Melissa Cockman Photography {the blog}

Tips + Tricks {30 iPhone Tips!}

2012-01-22T22:44:00.001-05:00

Check out this link for 30 Secret iPhone Tips!

http://iphone.appstorm.net/how-to/30-super-secret-iphone-features-and-shortcuts/

Wedding {Hannah + Josh}

2012-01-05T23:54:00.000-05:00

I was so honored to spend a beautiful day with Hannah + Josh
in celebration of their love!

2012 | Photo Special Celebration!

2012-01-04T17:51:00.002-05:00

Jones Family

2012-01-03T22:05:00.003-05:00

{Want to see more photos from Melissa Cockman Photography? Go to the FACEBOOK PAGE!}
Copyright 2012 Melissa Cockman Photography | www.MelissaCockmanPhotography. com

Grayson

2012-01-02T16:48:00.000-05:00

{Want to see more photos from Melissa Cockman Photography? Go to the FACEBOOK PAGE!}
Copyright 2012 Melissa Cockman Photography | www.MelissaCockmanPhotography. com

Hello, 2012! Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T22:56:00.002-05:00

What a WHIRLWIND 2011 was!
Thank you to ALL of my 2011 clients and Brides!

I'm so thrilled to see what beautiful new opportunities will arise for 2012!
Keep a check here on the Photo Blog for some INCREDIBLE specials, creative images and beautiful clients!!

{Want to see more photos from Melissa Cockman Photography? Go to the FACEBOOK PAGE!}
Copyright 2012 Melissa Cockman Photography | www.MelissaCockmanPhotography. com

Amazon's Best Selling Point & Shoot Cameras

2011-12-05T20:06:00.001-05:00

These lists, updated hourly, contain bestselling items. Here you can discover the best Digital Point & Shoot Cameras in Amazon Best Sellers, and find the top 100 most popular Amazon Digital Point & Shoot Cameras.

Click HERE to view Amazon's Best Selling Point & Shoot Cameras {updated hourly}.

Wedding {Katie + Brandon at WoodMill Winery}

2011-12-03T00:11:00.001-05:00

Engaged {Katie + Brandon}

2011-11-13T22:31:00.001-05:00

Katie + Brandon

Session Location: Murray's Mill Historic Site

Katie's eyes are just gorgeous!

Don't you LOVE Katie's ring!? Great job, Brandon!

I LOVE the air these two got on their jump shot! Brandon looks like he's surfing!

And as always....when visiting Murray's Mill we always seems to find some kind of creature! This little turtle caught Katie's affection pretty quick! She LOVES animals, so we HAD to get a shot like this!

Keep an eye out for Katie's Bridal Images and then Wedding Day photos here on THE BLOG!

{Want to see more photos from Melissa Cockman Photography? Go to the FACEBOOK PAGE!}

Go get your camera....

2011-11-12T18:29:00.001-05:00

God works in such beautiful ways, and sometimes He's just waiting on us to listen....

This morning I was in the kitchen cleaning up and washing dishes when I glanced out the window above my sink and noticed a little squirrel on top of the out-building in our back yard. He was gnawing away on a nut and lingered there for quite a while. Every time I looked out the window, the squirrel was still there...seemingly in no real hurry to run away...just enjoying his snack there on the roof. A little voice kept telling me "Go get your camera." I kept ignoring it, but every time I'd look out the window, that squirrel was still there, waiting, patiently, posed just right. I knew it was God telling me to "go get my camera." Then, "go get your long lens and take a photo of that squirrel!"

Finally, I did. I grabbed a 75-300mm lens and attached it to the camera body....walked back to the kitchen window and snapped ONE frame......then the squirrel ran away.

In so many aspects of our life (big and small, important and simple), we hear that small, still voice....and we just ignore it. Know that God is ever-present in ALL realms of our livelihood, in all we do.

We just need to listen.

Merry Christmas Sessions!

2011-11-09T19:37:00.005-05:00

Have you scheduled your Christmas Photo Session?!

{Free Prints with the purchase of the Session Fee + CD of 20 digital images!}

Check out the SPECIALS Page for more Information!
http://benmelissacockman.blogspot.com/p/specials.html

Motivational Monday!

2011-10-10T15:42:00.000-04:00

So I've decided to turn my blog around...we'll see how this goes!

Mondays are hard for all of us! Whether we work in an office or stay at home the whole day...Mondays are still seemingly the day of the week that presents the most challenges to get up and GO! I wanted to add a post today with a little 'pick-me-UP!'

Here are 5 ways to help make NEXT Monday better!:
1. Say a little prayer or devotional - FIRST thing Monday morning! Choose to feel happy, not gloomy!
2. Exercise - Rise and Shine! Who says a quick little walk around the block won't help! Get up and get moving! If it's cold, hot, rainy or snowy out, here's what I recommend: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndVjwkaLGDk&feature=related
3. Plan your day! Make a list and check off each task....and don't procrastinate!
4. Don't get distracted! With Email and Social Media taking over our lives these days...set your eyes on the goal, not the computer monitor all morning!
5. Smile! :) Just because you're fighting your way through Monday shouldn't mean everyone around you should too!

Do you love Bluegrass Gospel Music? If you do, then we have something in common! My husband's family plays {BGG, as we call it} almost every weekend and it's such a blessing to us in so many ways. The Cockman Family just released their new album, "DEDICATED" this month....and it's incredible!

Last week, I took this image for a single (for radio) on the new album that my sister-in-law wrote called "True Love Never Ends." It's so inspired and I hope you love it!

Sam & Lydia {Fall 2011}

2011-09-19T23:50:00.003-04:00

Fall Special {2011}

2011-09-16T14:07:00.002-04:00

Dani & Dustin {Teen Modeling Portfolios2}

2011-08-30T19:53:00.007-04:00

Family | The Cline's

2011-08-29T16:14:00.006-04:00

Hattie and Hope - Hats, Flowers + Bows

2011-08-20T10:05:00.007-04:00

Check out

Hattie and Hope

Your One Stop Bow Shop!

{On Facebook and Etsy!}

Miss Katie {Newborn Photography}

2011-07-26T17:42:00.005-04:00

~ Hattie and Hope: Etsy Boutique ~

2011-07-24T23:17:00.006-04:00

Are you looking for SUPER CUTE Headbands?

Waffle Beanie Hats? Daisy Clips? {at a GREAT PRICE!}

Check out one of my sweet friend's Etsy Boutique:

H A T T I E + H O P E

DIY Lollipop Favors - Bridesmaid.com

2011-07-21T23:41:00.002-04:00

DIY Lollipop Favors - Bridesmaid.com

Maggie Claire {11 months!}

2011-06-10T18:50:00.008-04:00

Noah {Natural Light Child Photography}

2011-06-07T13:54:00.005-04:00

Mason & Emma {2011 Spring Child Photography}

2011-06-06T00:07:00.010-04:00

To see more photos from this session on Facebook, click HERE!

Sarah {Senior Photography}

2011-06-03T19:57:00.007-04:00

Avree & Kaden {1 year later|Indoor Natural Light Photography}

2011-06-02T23:51:00.006-04:00

One year after I first met Miss Avree, she stole my heart again! Kaden is such an awesome big brother, and takes great care of his little sister! I'm always thrilled when I get to see these two kiddos!

Here are photos from Avree's Newborn Session!

Honoring Memorial Day: The Cockman Family "Old Soldier's Reunion"

2011-05-30T15:44:00.003-04:00

Sophia Bella {Indoor|Natural Light Photography}

2011-05-29T22:54:00.001-04:00

Emma Graduated Preschool! {Indoor|Natural Light Photography}

2011-05-27T14:26:00.004-04:00

Here's Miss Emma!

She just graduate Preschool and we thought we'd

celebrate by having a little Photo Shoot this week!

Congratulations, Emma!

Bridals {Elisha}

2011-05-20T14:17:00.007-04:00

Emma's Dance Photos {Indoor|Natural Light Child Photography}

2011-05-19T16:30:00.009-04:00

Oh, sweet Emma! The Strawberry Shortcake girl of our bunch of 5 neices and 4 nephews!

Yes - we are beyond blessed! Emma will soon be 5! Can you believe that?! She has her mommy's pretty smile and sense of fashion....and her daddy's awesome green eyes!

For Emma's Dance Photos, we set up a Natural Light Home Studio in my living room (there's pretty light there)! From set-up to finish, it happened within 30 minutes and I think the photos turn out quite well - for my first time shooting inside my own home! If you're interested in photos like these, let me know!

Bridals {Leigh Ann}

2011-05-10T14:32:00.007-04:00

Wedding {Robert + Leigh Ann}

2011-05-09T13:50:00.018-04:00

As you can see, I'm quite far behind in posting Wedding and Portrait Blog Entries....as in a year behind!! I promise to get caught up as soon as possible! Until then, be sure to enjoy, comment on and share images you see here! 2011 is shaping up to be a busy season again, so there will be more image posts coming!

I hope you enjoy viewing Robert and Leigh's Wedding Photos as much as I enjoyed taking them! Robert & Leigh Ann were one of my favorite couples of 2010. They. were. IN. LOVE! When you hear people say that when looking for the person to spend their life with, a sense of humor is important...well, Robert & Leigh Ann HAVE IT! They had such a special way of making each other smile....all the way from within. What an inspiration!

Father's Day Special {2011}

2011-05-03T14:15:00.001-04:00

Dani & Dustin {Teen Modeling Portfolios}

2011-05-02T16:54:00.011-04:00

Facebook {LIKE: Melissa Cockman Photography}

2011-05-01T15:05:00.004-04:00

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Melissa-Cockman-Photography/135668479807512

Baby Brinley {Newborn Photography}

2011-05-01T10:19:00.006-04:00

Family | The Whipple's

2011-04-30T12:15:00.008-04:00

Wedding {Rebecca & Daniel}

2011-04-29T18:05:00.008-04:00

2011 Spring Special!

2011-03-18T00:59:00.003-04:00

Protecting Digital Image Files

2011-03-12T22:47:00.000-05:00

Top Safety Tips for Protecting Digital Image Files

By Chris Bross, Data Recovery Engineer for DriveSavers

With the advent of digital photography and flash memory, a whole new set of potential problems has evolved for photographers. DriveSavers Data Recovery Engineer, Chris Bross, has assembled the following list of tips for how to handle flash memory cards properly and help prevent potential loss of precious photographs.

BACK UP YOUR IMAGES! Protect yourself and your irreplaceable images by backing up onto CD/DVDs, tapes, online storage or an external hard drive. This will help guard against data loss when (not if) your hard drive crashes unexpectedly.

TRANSFER YOUR PHOTOS. Copy the image files from the camera’s flash memory to a computer’s hard drive a soon as you can. We recommend not deleting images or reformatting the memory card while it is still in the camera. Wait until all photos are transferred and verified.

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS. Take care when removing flash memory from the camera or card reader. Avoid deleting or corrupting images by using the eject command on the computer or moving the card icon from the desktop to the trash/recycle bin before physically removing the card.

VERIFY THE TRANSFER. Open the images on the hard drive before reformatting the card.

MAKE MORE THAN ONE COPY. Back up your backup media and keep a duplicate offsite in a secure location.

PROTECT YOUR FLASH MEMORY CARDS. Use the plastic holder when carrying them around. Simple static buildup can zap the card and make it unreadable. There are other dangers as well, such as breaking a card in our pocket or putting the card, along with your clothing, in the wash.

REPLACE YOUR FLASH MEMORY CARDS. Typically, flash memory cards can be used about 1,000 times before they start to wear out.

AVOID EXTREME TEMPERATURES. Heat, cold and humidity can wreak havoc with digital equipment, especially flash memory.

http://www.ppmag.com/web-exclusives/2010/08/protect-image-files.html

Nevaeh & Levi {Child & Baby Photography}

2011-02-05T21:08:00.008-05:00

Wedding (Elisha + Zac}

2011-02-01T00:29:00.008-05:00

Family | The Brumley's

2011-01-31T14:23:00.005-05:00

Valentine's Day | Mini Sessions 2011

2011-01-13T13:37:00.001-05:00

Wardrobe Wednesday {Valentine's Day 2011}

2011-01-12T19:25:00.004-05:00

Who's ready for Valentine's Day Photos?!

Valentine's Day for Kiddos| Wardrobe Wednesday's WHAT TO WEAR

Thanks to http://minorimpressions.wordpress.com/2011/01/12/wardrobe-wednesday-valentines-for-kiddos/ and http://www.facebook.com/WardrobeWednesday

for this great composition of Kid's Clothes for Valentine's Photos!

Nathan {Child Photography}

2011-01-12T16:05:00.006-05:00

Family | The Kerley's {featuring Miss Karsyn!}

2011-01-10T21:34:00.007-05:00

To see more photos from The Kerley Family's Session, visit the Facebook Page!

Facebook | Kerley Family Photos

How-to/Tips: 10 Tips to Help You get the Most out of Your New DSLR

2011-01-09T17:26:00.002-05:00

10 Tips to Help You get the Most out of Your New DSLR

A Guest Post by Children and Baby Photographer David Moore from Clearing the Vision.

With the holiday season now over perhaps you’ve been lucky enough to receive a new DSLR camera as a gift. But once the wrapping paper’s off, you might be wondering where to start.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your new camera, especially if you’re new to DSLRs:

1) Read the Manual

I know it can be dull as dishwater, but reading the manual will really help your confidence and flexibility when using your new camera. Knowing what each feature or button does can get you out of a jam when you need it. And the chances are your new beast does a lot more than you thought it could.

2) Learn the basics of shutter speed, aperture and ISO

One of the greatest strengths of DSLRs is the level of manual control they offer, which helps you craft each image exactly the way you want it. This is powerful, but it can also seem daunting when you’re confronted with a jumble of numbers and icons on the displays.

The only real way to take advantage of this control is to understand the basics of how shutter speed, aperture and ISO effect each other and the shot you’re taking.

There’s a really good overview here.

3) Experiment with switching away from the auto-everything modes

Once you understand the basics of shutter speed, aperture and ISO, you’re free to swim in the deep end of your camera’s capabilities – the creative modes. Leaving the camera in auto-everything (often shown with a green box on the mode selector) will give you passable to good shots, but you’ll never really know in advance what you’ll get because the camera decides on depth of field and shutter speed issues (and ISO on some cameras).

I’d recommend getting comfortable with Aperture Priority mode first. In this mode you control the aperture and the camera will choose a shutter speed to give a properly exposed shot. Choose an appropriate ISO for your lighting conditions (higher for darker), and see what you come up with at different apertures – keeping an eye on the shutter speed to guard against blurring (unless that’s what you’re after).

4) Switch off the on-camera flash

On-camera flash tends to be very unflattering, creating a harsh flat light on faces, and ruining the atmospherics of a scene. Cameras these days are getting astonishingly good at shooting in low-light situations, and you’ll get much more satisfying results if you increase the ISO and shoot without the flash.

I’d take a little bit of noise on a warm and inviting shot taken without a flash over a crisp but cold shot taken with one.

5) Try an inexpensive prime lens

If your camera came with a kit lens (one bundled with the camera body), it’s likely a medium zoom lens, that covers a pretty useful range. It’s capable in most situations (especially outdoors), but likely isn’t as good in lower light conditions (because its lowest aperture might be f/4 or above), and the image quality might not be stellar.

Canon, Nikon and Sony each make 50mm prime lenses that are pretty affordable (‘prime’ simply means a lens that shoots at a fixed focal length, rather than a zoom that shoots at a range of lengths, such as 24-70mm). Experimenting with one of these will let you work with a much narrower depth of field, use a faster shutter speed in lower light and might give you better overall image quality than a regular zoom. I was amazed at the images my old Canon Rebel XT could produce with the plastic Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 lens.

However, be warned: these prime lenses have acted as gateway drugs for many people (myself included) – leading them down the path towards much more expensive and esoteric lenses.

6) Shoot all kinds of different things

When most of us start out with our first DSLR, we don’t know what sort of photographer we are. I knew I was going to take photographs of my daughter, but I was slow in trying other things, which was a mistake.

Landscapes, sports, events, wildlife, still life and street photography all offer their own challenges and rewards. So try all of them (and anything else you can think of) and see what excites you. Even if you discover that you’re not that interested in that particular area, you’ll probably learn something along the way that will enhance your photography skills.

7) Shoot a lot

With film cameras there was a definite cost to you each time you pressed the shutter, but of course one of the joys of digital photography is that each shot is next to free. I’m not advocating ’spray and pray’ – there should be a thought behind each image – but the more you experiment, the faster you’ll learn.

So have the camera easily available when you’re at home, and bring it along with you even on unpromising errands. And if you can, set aside some blocks of time just to go out and shoot.

Shoot RAW

Chances are your DSLR offers you the chance to save your images in RAW or JPG format. JPG images are ‘cooked’ in the camera – adjustments are made to saturation, contrast and other settings to give you a more nearly finished (and smaller) file. RAW files keep everything the sensor captured, and need processing in your computer to get the best out of them.

So it would seem that JPG files are easier to handle, but actually I think the opposite is true. RAW files give you much more leeway to correct mistakes later (especially with exposure and white balance), so even if you didn’t completely nail the image you were after in the camera, you can improve things after the fact. Programs such as Apple Aperture or Adobe Lightroom make it easy to organize and adjust your images (whether they’re RAW or JPG).

There’s more on RAW vs JPG here.

9) Print some images large

Even as the thousands of files pile up on our hard drives, the pleasure of printing images out large is one we digital photographers don’t give ourselves enough.

Seeing an image as a physical object is a special treat, bringing the subject to life in ways that any number of viewings on screen doesn’t.

Even the lowliest DSLR these days is capable of producing excellent prints at large sizes. You can make some as presents, hang them up in your home, get a book custom printed there are lots of ways to bring them into the real world.

10) Share your photos

As well as printing them, sharing your images online is another way to give your images an existence after you’ve taken them. Photo sharing websites like Flickr are a great way to find an audience for your work, and also get exposed to a group of people with similar interests and skills. Real-life meetups often start online too, so you might find a like-minded group near you.

Conclusion

The main thing is to enjoy your new camera, and hopefully these tips have given you some pointers. Feel free to share any other tips for new owners of DSLRs below, and if you’re just starting out, welcome aboard.

See more from David Moore at his site – Clearing the Vision.

Avree + Her Big Brother {Newborn Photography}

2011-01-03T22:41:00.009-05:00

Winter Special | Mini Sessions

2011-01-03T13:35:00.003-05:00

Family | Campbell Family Photos

2011-01-02T16:29:00.012-05:00

To see more photos from The Campbell Family's Session, visit the Facebook Page!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=25071&id=135668479807512

Gavin is Growing Up! {Holiday Child Photography}

2011-01-01T14:02:00.010-05:00

Family | Jeremiah + Emma + Billy + Jamie

2010-12-30T20:48:00.012-05:00

Family | Party of Five!

2010-12-27T23:56:00.010-05:00

Christmas Joy! {Holiday Child Photography}

2010-12-25T19:53:00.009-05:00

Merry Christmas!!

Do you remember Ada and Vance from last Christmas Season? Well meet their new little cousin, Eli!!

It's amazing how quickly little ones grow! Take a look at their photos just 1 year ago: http://benmelissacockman.blogspot.com/search/label/Trott%20House%20Inn%20Bed%20%2B%20Breakfast

Here's wishing these 3 cousins a very Happy Christmas!

I'm Dreaming of....

2010-12-24T23:47:00.004-05:00

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten,
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white!

Miss Audrey {Holiday Child Photography}

2010-12-23T14:58:00.010-05:00

To see more photos from Miss Audrey's Session, visit the Facebook Page!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=29179&id=135668479807512

Two Brothers | Ready for Christmas! {Child Photography}

2010-12-22T23:46:00.007-05:00

To see more photos from this session, visit the Facebook Page!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=27308&id=135668479807512

Video | "Eyes of Love" by Caroline Cockman Fisher

2010-12-16T01:09:00.004-05:00

Caroline singing "Eyes of Love" with Ben accompanying her on guitar....
I hope this song is a blessing to you this Holiday Season!

Tips | 15 Digital Photography Tips for Christmas

2010-12-12T08:41:00.010-05:00

The Christmas Season is upon us!

I wanted to post some tips for helping to capture those special holiday moments!

Check out this helpful link to help give you the tools to capture those

special moments this Merry time of year!

From preperation to photo booths....time lapse photos to group shots....

there's plenty to think about!

Photography Tips for Christmas:

1. Prepare - Making a List, checking it twice - Do you have your camera, batteries, extra memory cards?

2. A White Balance Christmas - pay attention to what kind of light you're shooting in....

3. Set up a DIY 'Photo Booth' - set up a 'Portrait Zone' where everyone gets their photo taken!

4. Capture the preparation stages - food prep, putting up decorations, setting the table...

5. Before and After Shots - from the same position...what does your locale look like?

6. Time-lapse Christmas series - set your camera up in a location and set it to take photos every so often!

7. Christmas Lights - can be tricky....click here to learn more!

8. Find a Point of Interest - find a focal point that has interest in a photo...

9. Fresh Group Photos - take a shot when everyone first arrives!

10. Opening Gifts - Shooting continuous Mode - switch your camera to 'burst mode' to get great series photos!

11. Fill Your Frame - of your subject by using your zoom or moving in a little closer!

12. Diffuse/Reflect Your Flash - if your images are too bright, bounce your flash off the wall or ceiling!

13. Go Macro - Switch to macro mode (usually the little flower icon) to get great close ups of ornaments or sweet in a bowl!

14. Watch Your Aperture - try throwing the background out of focus for a creative look!

15. Explore Your Neighborhood - Christmas Carol Services, houses covered in snow...

Video | Striking the Right Pose in Wedding Photos

2010-12-11T09:43:00.008-05:00

~ ~ ~ Brides ~ ~ ~

Check out the link below for some awesome tips on Posing for Bridal and Wedding Photos!

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/news/Striking_the_Right_Pose_in_Wedding_Photos

Katie {Senior 2010}

2010-12-10T23:52:00.008-05:00

Visit Melissa Cockman Photography on Facebook!

Eli {Christmas Photos 2010}

2010-12-09T23:34:00.007-05:00

Visit Melissa Cockman Photography on Facebook!

Wardrobe Wednesday {December 2010}

2010-12-08T14:23:00.005-05:00

Today's blogspot comes from inspiration from one of my favorite Facebook pages!

Check out Wardrobe Wednesday {where fashion meets photography}!

Thanks to Morgan Dawson for putting together this appropriate wintry apparel composition!

Visit Melissa Cockman Photography on Facebook!

Katie & Keri {Child Photography}

2010-12-07T13:27:00.009-05:00

.....I'm still catching up with blogging sessions from Summer 2010......

These two sisters were just too much fun!

We had a great afternoon running around Murray's Mill!

Visit Melissa Cockman Photography on Facebook!

Bridals {Ashley H.}

2010-12-06T18:25:00.014-05:00

Visit Melissa Cockman Photography on Facebook!

Bloggin' a day..

2010-12-05T14:32:00.008-05:00

So have you noticed? I've really been struggling to blog more! It's been such a crazy, busy, beautiful year packed with awesome sessions and wonderful clients....but I'm trying to make conscious efforts each day to update my photo blog!

You might be seeing sessions from the spring, summer, autumn or current....but I'm so excited to be sharing my work from 2010 with you! Leave me feedback, let me know what you think!

I will also be offering Winter Specials during the cold months with wonderful options to thaw the bitter chill! Stay tuned and check in often!

---- and because no blog post is complete without a pretty picture {wink, wink}....

Do you recognize the location in the above photo?

It's Lake Junaluska, nestled in the Great Smokey Mountains of Western North Carolina!

Our family stays there every year for a weekend. It's just a lovely getaway!

Maggie Claire {Maternity & Newborn Photography}

2010-12-04T10:48:00.005-05:00

"Maggie Claire "

Newton | Family Session

2010-12-03T13:56:00.011-05:00

Three Little Miracles {Child Photography}

2010-12-02T14:18:00.016-05:00

two twinkies + a baby girl = three little miracles

How-To! {Link: Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover}

2010-12-01T14:23:00.004-05:00

Do you have a DSLR Camera?

Are you tired of your 'kit strap'?

Can you sew?

Check out this link for a creative alternative!

http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/crafts-projects/make-a-ruffled-camera-strap-slipcover.html

Senior {Anna}

2010-11-30T23:52:00.004-05:00

Gift Certificates | Just in Time for the Holidays!

2010-11-30T13:47:00.003-05:00

Need a Holiday Gift Idea?

This year, give the gift of memories with a Gift Certificate for Custom Portraiture!

Gift Certificates from Melissa Cockman Photography can be used

toward any photography service -

Family Portraits | Newborn Sessions | Senior Portraits | Child Photography |

Engagement Photos | Bridal Portraits | Weddings | Prints | Products

M e r r y C h r i s t m a s!!

Nevaeh Rose {Fall 2010}

2010-11-23T15:14:00.001-05:00

Miss Alexa {Fall Photos}

2010-11-21T23:57:00.002-05:00

Sweet, Miss Alexa!

I had the opportunity to take a few Fall Photos of this lovely little girl a few days ago!

It's amazing how fast she's growing up!

Isn't she so pretty!?

Wedding {Laura + Jim}

2010-11-18T14:11:00.009-05:00

Congratulations to the Happy Couple!!

It was such a joy to be a part of your special day!

Seniors! {Charity & Seth}

2010-11-17T15:02:00.006-05:00

I was so thrilled when Charity & Seth asked me to shoot some senior photos for them!

They are great friends of ours and attend church with us!

Charity was a dream to photograph! And Seth...his shots turned out great, too!

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation!

Happy Fall!

2010-09-23T08:24:00.001-04:00

Eades Family {Summer Photos}

2010-09-22T13:59:00.005-04:00

Eli {Summer 2010}

2010-09-21T14:20:00.002-04:00

Vendor Spotlight | Carolina Photo Booths

2010-08-22T22:05:00.005-04:00

I recently shot a wedding with an awesome feature for the guests | A Photo Booth!

Check out this website for Carolina Photo Booths, based out of Mooresville, NC

Summer Photos | 2010

2010-08-20T13:36:00.000-04:00

Wedding {Amanda + Stephen}

2010-08-18T16:42:00.008-04:00

Published | Little Ones Magazine

2010-08-16T19:35:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone! So much has been going on since I've last blogged, but I'll try to catch up a little here and there!

You might remember this image from last fall.....well, it now adorns the current cover of Little Ones Magazine - covering the Charlotte Metro Area!

Here's the image cover:

Newborn Photography {Brett}

2010-03-30T14:06:00.008-04:00

Meet freshly baked little Brett.

He joins his lovely big sister Campbell to make a beautiful family of four!

Grandma and Grandpa even got in on the action!

Family Session {Thompson Family}

2010-03-25T14:08:00.010-04:00

Child Photography {Miss Rylea}

2010-03-24T17:26:00.008-04:00

Welcome, Spring!

2010-03-19T13:57:00.002-04:00

Spring, I'm so happy you're here!

Mark and Landon {Father + Son}

2010-03-15T23:07:00.006-04:00

Spring Forward - Daylight Saving Time

2010-03-13T22:01:00.004-05:00

Once again, it's time to 'Spring those Clocks Forward!'

Daylight Saving Time

.....By the very wonderful way......
Thanks, Hannah! Love the watch your dad gave you!

Wedding {Teaser: Amy & Josh}

2010-03-06T23:42:00.008-05:00

Just one image from the many great ones captured at my first wedding of the year!

I'll be posting more from Amy & Josh's BIG DAY soon!

Wedding Planning {Google Wedding Docs}

2010-03-06T00:42:00.001-05:00

Family Session {Bieda Family}

2010-03-05T23:32:00.019-05:00

So ya know how when you're a teenager, there are certain girls like 8 or so years older than you and all you can really think when you're around them is: "I want to be just like her one day." Well for me, that girl is now the featured sweet mom, wife, daughter, aunt and sister in this post.

I got the opportunity to shoot The Bieda Family over the Thanksgiving Holiday while
Ben and I visited Kentucky and The Bieda's were visiting their family from Illinois.
We had a great time and had the chance to re-connect in the process!

Naomi, thank you for being so warm to me from back in my teenage years. You were always an inspiration, had a smiling face and the most beautiful hair of any redhead I know. Now you have your own beautiful family! All my love to you...........

This much cuteness shouldn't be allowed.
I heart you, Selah :)

The above photo: taken in front of a black barn.

Yes, a Black Kentucky Barn!
So many of you North Carolinian's have asked why there are so many black barns in KY.
I think it has something to do with the drying process of tobacco leaves?

Teen Photography {GraceAnn}

2010-02-25T18:48:00.011-05:00

GraceAnn and her mom met up with me in Downtown Hickory
for a fun little Urban Session!

Talk about style, this girl can really rock bright colors!!.....see what I mean?!

2010 Spring Mini Sessions

2010-02-23T13:22:00.001-05:00

Family Session {Powell Family}

2010-02-22T19:08:00.017-05:00

Last season was such a wonderful time for me!

I watched my business grow in leaps and bounds & along the way was blessed to meet incredible new clients!

As you can see, I'm still getting caught up with blogging late fall/Holiday sessions from 2009.
Each week, I see 2010's calender book up with lots of sessions, while enjoying meeting new clients and relishing in re-connecting with 'my families' from past shoots.
Thanks everyone!

This entry features The Powell Family who met with me one afternoon at
Murray's Mill for their 2009 Holiday Photos.

Their two little guys were so handsome and up for anything!

Deidra, thank you for contacting me!
I hope you enjoyed your photos as much as I enjoyed spending the day with your family!

Family Session {Brown Family}

2010-02-18T19:23:00.011-05:00

Couples Photography {Stephanie + Justin}

2010-02-17T15:33:00.010-05:00

In case you haven't noticed a common theme in the last 3 blog entries.....
...they are all part of the same wonderful family! ...

Tomorrow I'll be posting the 'big' family portraits
For now here are some shots of Stephanie and Justin.

I posted a link to their Videography Business Website here.
Justin and Stephanie do wonderfully creative work and are a delightful couple!

Risen One Productions Videography

Family Session {Brown Family:J + A + C}

2010-02-15T18:11:00.007-05:00

Family Session {Brown Family:S+C and Children}

2010-02-11T14:33:00.011-05:00

Melissa Cockman Photography {the blog}

Tips + Tricks {30 iPhone Tips!}

Wedding {Hannah + Josh}

2012 | Photo Special Celebration!

Jones Family

Grayson

Hello, 2012! Happy New Year!

Amazon's Best Selling Point & Shoot Cameras

Wedding {Katie + Brandon at WoodMill Winery}

Engaged {Katie + Brandon}

Go get your camera....

Merry Christmas Sessions!

Motivational Monday!

Sam & Lydia {Fall 2011}

Fall Special {2011}

Dani & Dustin {Teen Modeling Portfolios2}

Family | The Cline's

Hattie and Hope - Hats, Flowers + Bows

Miss Katie {Newborn Photography}

~ Hattie and Hope: Etsy Boutique ~

DIY Lollipop Favors - Bridesmaid.com

Maggie Claire {11 months!}

Noah {Natural Light Child Photography}

Mason & Emma {2011 Spring Child Photography}

Sarah {Senior Photography}

Avree & Kaden {1 year later|Indoor Natural Light Photography}

Honoring Memorial Day: The Cockman Family "Old Soldier's Reunion"

Sophia Bella {Indoor|Natural Light Photography}

Emma Graduated Preschool! {Indoor|Natural Light Photography}

Bridals {Elisha}

Emma's Dance Photos {Indoor|Natural Light Child Photography}

Bridals {Leigh Ann}

Wedding {Robert + Leigh Ann}

Father's Day Special {2011}

Dani & Dustin {Teen Modeling Portfolios}

Facebook {LIKE: Melissa Cockman Photography}

Baby Brinley {Newborn Photography}

Family | The Whipple's

Wedding {Rebecca & Daniel}

2011 Spring Special!

Protecting Digital Image Files

Top Safety Tips for Protecting Digital Image Files

Nevaeh & Levi {Child & Baby Photography}

Wedding (Elisha + Zac}

Family | The Brumley's

Valentine's Day | Mini Sessions 2011

Wardrobe Wednesday {Valentine's Day 2011}

Who's ready for Valentine's Day Photos?!

Valentine's Day for Kiddos| Wardrobe Wednesday's WHAT TO WEARThanks to http://minorimpressions.wordpress.com/2011/01/12/wardrobe-wednesday-valentines-for-kiddos/ and http://www.facebook.com/WardrobeWednesday

for this great composition of Kid's Clothes for Valentine's Photos!

Nathan {Child Photography}

Family | The Kerley's {featuring Miss Karsyn!}

How-to/Tips: 10 Tips to Help You get the Most out of Your New DSLR

10 Tips to Help You get the Most out of Your New DSLR

1) Read the Manual

2) Learn the basics of shutter speed, aperture and ISO

3) Experiment with switching away from the auto-everything modes

4) Switch off the on-camera flash

5) Try an inexpensive prime lens

6) Shoot all kinds of different things

7) Shoot a lot

Shoot RAW

9) Print some images large

10) Share your photos

Conclusion

Avree + Her Big Brother {Newborn Photography}

Winter Special | Mini Sessions

Family | Campbell Family Photos

Gavin is Growing Up! {Holiday Child Photography}

Family | Jeremiah + Emma + Billy + Jamie

Family | Party of Five!

Christmas Joy! {Holiday Child Photography}

I'm Dreaming of....

I'm dreaming of a white ChristmasJust like the ones I used to knowWhere the treetops glisten,and children listenTo hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white ChristmasWith every Christmas card I writeMay your days be merry and brightAnd may all your Christmases be whiteI'm dreaming of a white ChristmasWith every Christmas card I writeMay your days be merry and brightAnd may all your Christmases be white!

Miss Audrey {Holiday Child Photography}

Two Brothers | Ready for Christmas! {Child Photography}

Video | "Eyes of Love" by Caroline Cockman Fisher

Tips | 15 Digital Photography Tips for Christmas

Video | Striking the Right Pose in Wedding Photos

Valentine's Day for Kiddos| Wardrobe Wednesday's WHAT TO WEAR

Thanks to http://minorimpressions.wordpress.com/2011/01/12/wardrobe-wednesday-valentines-for-kiddos/ and http://www.facebook.com/WardrobeWednesday

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten,
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white!