Melissa Trcka Photography

Newborn and TuTu Cute!

2010-10-23T14:06:00.001-07:00

Criss-Cross Applesauce {Temple, TX Photographer}

2010-10-03T17:05:00.001-07:00

I always have so much fun photographing you, Miss 3 Year Old!

Train Station Fun

2010-07-24T16:49:00.001-07:00

There is nothing like a 2 year old boy and his fascination with choo-choos!

How 'bout some blue eyes?

2010-07-22T14:11:00.000-07:00

Another one year old handsome boy!

Adorable One Year Old

2010-07-19T14:45:00.000-07:00

Do you see why this is my favorite age to photograph?

Back to Blogging

2010-07-18T14:50:00.001-07:00

So if you look at my blog, it appears that I haven't worked since November! Actually, I've been so overwhelmingly busy (a good thing) with preschool portraits, custom sessions, and my full time job that the blog just got neglected. I was discussing the situation with a good friend, and she suggested that when I get swamped, I should just blog my very favorite picture from a session. That way, potential clients see my recent work, the current client gets a sneak peek, and I keep my sanity. Don't ya just love smart friends?

So here is my favorite from *her* session! Congrats on your new little girl :-)

Pretty in {Hot} Pink :: Temple TX Photographer

2009-11-21T11:46:00.000-08:00

1st birthday portraits--my absolute favorite! There is something special about the age when a child is making the transition from baby to toddler. I love watching a new walker explore her world! Don't you wish you could know what kids at this age are thinking? When you see this little sweetie, you know she must be thinking about something cute!

Mom and big brother also got in a few shots--I bet Dad will love these!

I just had to post these dramatic-looking images of brother. These looks are SO him :-)

We Need a Little Christmas Now :: Belton TX Family Photographer

2009-11-17T22:20:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend, I got to spend a beautiful afternoon doing a photo shoot for this family and their precious baby girl. Take a look at her festive red dress, and I guarantee you will start humming Christmas music! It was fun to see how much she has grown since June when I took newborn pictures of her. I was happy to have a chance to capture her with her eyes open!

She had the curls even as a newborn!

I hope y'all are happy with the way these are turning out so far. The dressy holiday style is lovely against the grand architecture at this location.

Twins, Trains, and a Teenager :: Temple TX Family Photographer

2009-11-14T19:18:00.000-08:00

The other day, I met this family at the train depot. What a fun place for a photo shoot! I think at least 3 trains went by as we were working (a huge fence keeps little ones safe from the passing trains). These little cuties loved exploring the old trains and tracks, and I enjoyed working with them. Their big sister was a great model as well. She has such a beautiful spirit! Y'all enjoy your sneak peek...

Shooting the Eagles: Killeen Family Photographer

2009-11-11T09:27:00.000-08:00

You don't have to be in Killeen long to understand the rivalries between the various high schools. So you can laugh at the irony of me (a Killeen Kangaroo for the past 10 years) taking family portraits for some Ellison Eagles. And these aren't just any Ellison Eagles--they are the principal and his family. And we held the photo shoot at EHS! *gasp*

But I survived being in "enemy territory," and I actually had a great time. We love this family, and we know the students and faculty at Ellison are blessed to have them!

I am loving the images we shot of the boys inside the school!

And outside...having fun by the flag poles!

This family had an activity-packed day! This handsome little man had flown an airplane earlier that morning, and as you can see, he was telling us all about it.

I hope y'all enjoyed your sneak peek! And I can't wait to see what this talented Mommy does with these images + her graphic design skills. I bet they'll have the cutest Christmas card on the block! Be sure to check out her amazing work here!

More Brothers! Belton Children's Photographer

2009-11-07T18:50:00.000-08:00

In the past few weeks, I have taken pictures for 3 families a common trait--they all have two boys. I am loving all of the brotherly love! And, E, thanks for running races and playing swords with me :-)

Wanna see how much baby brother has changed since he was a newborn? I posted his newborn pictures on my other blog.

I noticed that this Mommy usually chooses classic black and white or sepia prints in her home, so I made sure to process these with my special chocolate and white treatment. It's lovely on these shots. When you book your session, let me know if you are interested in the yummy chocolate finish!

Be sure to contact me soon if you are needing pictures for Christmas! I am almost completely booked, but I can still fit you in if you let me know soon. And I will be going up slightly on fees in 2010, so book now to lock in 2009 rates (even if your session takes place after the new year).

A Fun Family | Temple Family Photographer

2009-11-03T21:05:00.000-08:00

One beautiful evening, I met this family at their home. Having portraits made at home makes so much sense, especially with little ones! I think my youngest clients all have the prettiest eyes, and this little man does not disappoint--check out his baby blues. Enjoy your preview!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-15T21:12:00.000-07:00

I have had the craziest day today! This morning, I had the privilege of doing portraits for some adorable preschool students. Later in the evening, I met these sweet sisters at their house. We did some pictures in "regular" clothes, too. But I am wiped out, people, so let's just start with these 3 for a sneaky-trick-or-treaty-peek!

You gotta love her stunning blue eyes! I just couldn't wait to get my lens on them :-)

Did I mention my website is now live? I am so happy with how it turned out. I hope you'll check it out often because I'm getting pretty busy with fall sessions, so the gallery will be changing!

Melissa Trcka Photography

Another Sweet 2 Year Old

2009-08-16T14:46:00.001-07:00

You never know what is going to happen when it's time for 2 year old portraits, and this little lady didn't disappoint. I had so much fun looking at all of her different expressions, and I think you will too! About a year ago, I "borrowed" her to see if I actually had what it took to photograph someone to whom I am not related, and it's been really cool seeing how much she's grown since then. She is quite eloquent for a 2 year old, and you should hear her talk all about Veggie Tales!

Her Tutorial on How to Smell a Flower

2009-08-14T14:26:00.000-07:00

When I first met this little girl's mommy almost 13 years ago (freshmen at Harding), I thought she was full of herself and snobby. You should hear what she thought about me. Well, God has a way of surprising you, and by the time we were juniors, we were forever friends. This summer, we reunited for the first time in 6 years. We met each other's daughters and enjoyed every minute of watching them have fun together. If that isn't cool enough, I got to take some pictures of her precious daughter!

I have many other images to edit, but I couldn't resist posting this series as my first official photography blog post.

About Me

2009-04-21T12:54:00.000-07:00

I am a mom who grew tired of taking her children to a chain studio for portraits only to wait 45 minutes past our appointment time. I was tired of the standard poses. Of course, I thought the pictures were cute, but I always left feeling like they hadn’t captured the true essence of my children.

And then there’s brown eyes. I was tired of my childrens’ beautiful brown eyes looking like black holes. Their eyes are full of light and life! I wanted pictures that showed this. So I asked my husband to buy me a nice camera. Then, I took a class, read a ton, talked to other professional photographers, and drove my children nuts while I practiced.

Ultimately, I learned how to use natural lighting to create images that showcase my children. And I learned how to make their amazing brown eyes look just as amazing in portraits. Most importantly, I learned that I can’t stop learning about photography. I am constantly trying to improve or try a new technique.

I know oh-so-well how being a mommy changes your life forever. When holding a sweet new life in your arms, you want to remember those lazy yawns, innocent expressions, and sweet smiles forever. You blink your eyes, and your baby is suddenly walking, running, climbing, and jumping. Each stage is precious in its own way. Preserving these fleeting moments is what I love to do. And if I have the privilege of working with you, it is a responsibility that I do not take lightly.