ALASKA

There's nothing like staring down the 'barrel of a CANON' ....lens that is. I leave for Alaska today and I rented this Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS lens from the crew at Borrow Lenses out in California. They have been great so far!! I've rented a couple of lenses from them and they are always in great shape and great rental prices too...if you ever need anything check them out, tell them I sent ya! Hoping to catch some big brown Kodiak bears (from far away) and be nature girl for the week. This lens is seriously MASSIVE!!! I just got it this morning and the first words out of my mouth were :" HOLY Sh*t" :)

How about the 'CAMO' coverings :) well, I suppose in order to be one with nature, is to blend with nature ;) I'll hopefully have some amazing pics to post after my return...so just as an FYI, I will be out of town until Wednesday July 30th, and without EMAIL and most likely phone off and on.

I also will be shooting a wedding on Kodiak on Saturday, but for the first time in 4+ years, I'm going as a guest (with camera in tow, of course)..so stay tuned for some of those images too!!!






Take care, see you soon!! Melissa

Maya and Jim | the wedding

Stunning!!!!!! Maya and Jim are so cool it isn't even funny!! Their taste in music, fine art, wine, and month-long honeymoon choices are so beautiful!! Not to mention their amazing family and friends that surround their life!!! It was so fun to hang out with Maya and Jim for their rehearsal dinner and wedding over the 4th of July holiday!!! They are traveling Europe for a month right now, but here's a sneak peak into their beautiful day!!!!

Maya had a beautiful Vera Wang Gown

this photo was taken by our special guest photographer Julie Afflerbaugh an AMAZING local photographer who joined our team for the day!! Julie rocks!!





I just love the peaceful moment on Maya's fathers face, as if he was really taking it all in!

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so fun!! a bit traditional with a slight fashion edge to it.

and their first dance, to Loving Cup by the Stones shot with a hint of back-lighting from my pocket wizards ;)


and these two rockin' shots again from Julie!!


Thanks Maya and Jim for letting us step into your lives for such an important day!! It was a real honor and we are so grateful!!



"Oh what a beautiful buzz, what a beautiful buzz"

the red barn| Engagement!

I love it when a client has a particular idea in mind and together we can create something so unique and one-of-a-kind!! Kristen and Preston called me asking if I happen to know of a 'red barn and a meadow in the mountains' where we could do their engagement photos. I was racking my brain as I could not think of one that was accessible! I called fellow photographers, asked friends and then it dawned on me!! DUH!!!!!!!! I live down the street from the most beautiful barn EVER!!! and it's RED!! The only problem is that it was private property and the family is very careful as to who they let onto their property. They have been approached for commercials, ads, and all sorts of prods to use their barn as a backdrop. They typically decline offers to use the barn, to keep it private and a sacred place for their family.

It just happened to be our lucky day, when a friend and I were talking about my search for a barn and he said..." hey, let me call my buddy down the street" and the rest is history! I guess sometimes it really IS who you know!! and also I like to think that we are gentle with the land and respect the earth and the neighbors that surround us. I think that the universe works in delightful ways and I feel so fortunate to not only be blessed to know two incredable people like Kristen and Preston but also grateful that when you put your desires out there to the world, the world will usually work on your behalf to help manifest the reality.


Thanks Kristen and Preston for the suggestion, thank you for believing in me and trusting me, and thank you to the owners of the Red Barn, who trusted our vision and allowed us a few moments into their paradise. and with out further ado....the red barn!

Happy Freedom Day!!

Happy 4th of July. Hey all!! here's a shot from tonight up in Boulder.

Maya and Jim are celebrating their families tonight and I was lucky enough to be at their rehershal dinner. I'll post more images of their beautiful wedding tomorrow!

Enjoy the holiday!

Destination Durango!

Melissa Rich Photography just had a beautiful event in Durango, Colorado!! and was more beautiful than I ever imagined!! here are just a couple of images from the weekend. I have a ton of other amazing events and little ones to post, but for now here is a sneak peak at Shea and Lucas's wedding!...how sweet is that light!!!


Happy 4th of July!!

Old friends and new life!!~ baby!!!

This was a real treat!!! I have not seen Stephanie almost since we graduated high school 10 years ago.......she has since been married to the man of her dreams and most recently had created a brand new life and welcomed their baby daughter, Madaline to the world with open arms and lots of love. Madeline is 10 weeks old and yesterday, Steph and I caught up on times, told stories of the last ten years in each others lives and I was fortunate enough to spend a little time with baby Madeline!!

Here are a couple of images from yesterday. Isn't she beautiful!!!!!!

Steph...I couldn't be more happy for you!! Madeline is more precious than any words I could ever say!! You are a beautiful mother and I wish you the absolute best!!!! and yes......more times to catch up on life is a must!! :)


...for the photog's out there.....I shot all of these with the Canon Mark III, and I used all prime lenses....the 85mm 1.2, the 100 2.8 macro and the 50mm 1.4. I shot everything between 1.2-2.8 ;)

.....the spiky hair.......wild child!!!! :)


I just love little fingers and hands..and bellies!!!!






with gratitude, Melissa

The TUTU project | day 6

......I love this!!!!!!!!!!



Thank you to everyone who has participated in this great project!! It's been a ton of fun and there is still more to come!

I do have a couple of weddings to also post......hopefully in the next couple of days!!

The TUTU project | DAY 1

WOW!!! The TUTU project is underway and things are going....as they go. WONDERFULLY!!! Kids will be kids and that's what I love about them..

Children are real. Their emotions are real. Their enjoyment is true.

I think we can all take lessons from the little people in our lives, open our hearts wider, and just breathe.

Here are just 3 shots from a couple of sessions today...more later! We have a very busy weekend...and more to blog!

wishing you a very lovely weekend, and remember to take time to open your heart this weekend and let it all in!!





with gratitude,
Melissa

Meet Meghan!!

Hello!! we are all gearing up here at Melissa Rich Photography for a busy season and I wanted to introduce Meghan!! She is our other AWESOME assistant here at the studio!! She has been a part of our team since August and is ready to take on this year's season!! Meghan is a current student at the Art Institute, getting ready to graduate in December. She just had the most amazing internship out in L.A.with international award winning photographer Matthew Jordan Smith...who has been a huge inspiration to me as well!!

Meghan is preparing to begin shooting for our team, so look for her work coming soon!!!!


I am so happy you are joining us for another season Meghan!! Welcome back and I am soooooo glad to have you!!

Hey! what's going on here?

if you guess what's going on.....I'll give away a free portrait session!!

Happy weekend!!

Melissa Rich On Lifetime TV!

I just found out that Heather Allen and Shannon Wilson of Table 6 Productions had a special about trends in the wedding industry featuring flower girls and table decor ideas. This was aired on Lifetime TV for the show Get Married. One of my images from Kara and Matt's wedding last fall was a part of the program!

How fun!
Below is the link to the clip!!
Get Married!

and here is the image of their beautiful flower girl!

Melissa and Eric-engagement!

Ok, I will post more on this super-uber cool shoot...but here's one for a teaser for now!!

***CHECK OUT A SERIOUSLY FUN SLIDESHOW HERE

someone shoot me

first order of business:

1. I haven't blogged in FOREVER

2. I have a LOT to share

3. A new space

4. A new brand

5. A new vision..........


stay tuned!


xoxoxo Melissa Rich

WPPI...here we go again!!!!!!!

I WILL BE OUT OF TOWN IN VEGAS FOR WPPI UNTIL FRIDAY MARCH 20TH ;) I WILL BE CHECKING EMAILS (hopefully) WHEN I CAN, SO CHECK BACK WITH SOME POSTS FROM THE TRADESHOW AND OTHER GOODIES :)


So, I am super excited to be going to my 6th WPPI..it's always insane (to say the least) 4 solid days and nights with 30,000 photographers (?) a huge tradeshow and events in the morning and night..It's exausting, and fun and inspiring!!

I am hoping to come back with some new ideas for this year, some new products and maybe some new suprizes!! I'd do my best to post a couple of times while I'm out there :)

woo hoo...here's a couple of images from last years wppi....CRAZY!!








...and anyone who is going skiing/snowboarding today!! ROCK ON! WINTER PARK GOT 21 INCHES OF FRESHIES...enjoy!! :)

Happy Valentines Day!!

......simply LOVE!! gotta Love it! Shea and Lucas flew into Denver from Arizona a couple of weeks ago and we had a great time getting to know each other...It was the first time we had ever met in person! I think the session was awesome and they are just so cool!
Shea and Lucas are tying the knot in June this year in Durango, Colorado! I can't wait!!







Happy Valentines Day!!...I have a lot to post from the last month so stay tuned!! and a couple of BIG surprises on the way :)

My husband and I are off in the morning to the high country for a weekend of skiing, snowboarding and good times with friends and family!! If you need to reach me, please call my cell phone...303.725.8969