family photography | What makes us click

Aug 08 2013

The ‘R’ Family

We have known Karleen since forever. Besties with one of our sisters she often got pulled into many hours of playing house with us. Years later, no longer playing house but a wonderful and loving mother to three AH-dorable little ones, we photographed her and her family while at home in Saskatchewan.

Photographing sessions in Saskatchewan was a reminder of how unpredictable the weather can be there. Five different types of weather can cycle through within the hour I swear! This particular night we were just waiting for it to thunderstorm or have a tornado whip through! But look at this little family…do they look worried?!

Tagged family of five, family photography

Jul 24 2012

4 Comments

portraiture

the S family

What a special time with some friends from back home. The kidlets played as though they’ve known each other forever (and well, their mothers had known each since forever)! In fact the kids played so hard they were pretty exhausted when it came time for their session. As tired and as red as they were they did their best knowing that the night ended with their first In ‘N’ Out experience! Thanks ‘S’ family for including us in your Norcal Trip!

Tagged family photography, Melissa Petays Photography

Feb 16 2012

Fall Fashion Week Adventures, Day 1

Fall. Fashion. Week.

Cold or not…here I am! And happy to be here!

There is nothing like fashion week to make you realize that you’ve become lazy with fashion. Since having Dre, I’ve let myself slip into the ‘comfortable dressing’ zone. I mean, who needs to wear 6 inch heels to storytime? Or why bother curling your hair just for a trip to Toys R Us? But I saw Rachel Zoe (who’s baby Skylar is the same age as Dre) and she is looking AMAzing! Nina Garcia….gORGeous! Molly Sims is prego and rockin’ the heels! So here’s to stepping it up!

This February there were even fewer celebs than usual…and some of my favorite models are no longer walking in NYFW (ahhum karly kloss!) BUT I attended 2 shows and was backstage at another…so that made up for it. Over the next week I will try to blog my Fashion Week adventures….Stay tuned!

Celebs at the Rebecca Minkoff show

Nikki Reed of the Twilight Saga

and with her cute husband Paul McDonald (my fav American Idol competitor)!

Actress Abigail Breslin who was sooo sweet! She took time to sign autographs and get pictures taken with every young person that stopped her. So sweet.

Kristin Chenoweth and Jennifer Aspen – watch for them in the upcoming TV series GCB.

Model Actress Carol Alt

Sami Gayle from TV series Blue Bloods

Canada’s own, Coca Rocha!

Model Actress Beverly Johnson

Other fabulous people out and about the area…Joe Zee, creative director of Elle.

Ann Shoket (LOVING her jacket!) – editor-in-chief of Seventeen magazine

Zoe Kravitz leaving the Rebecca Taylor show

Designer Charlotte Ronson, with her DJ sister Samantha arriving only 30 mins before her show!

Angela Simmons (daughter of Russell Simmons) attending the Charlotte Ronson show

While I definitely miss Bryant Park, the scene here is gorgeous day and night.

Tagged Abigail Breslin, Angela Simmons, Ann Shoket, Beverly Johnson, blue bloods, Canada, Carol Alt, charlotte ronson, coca rocha, elle, family photography, Fashion, fern mallis, Jennifer Aspen, Joe Zee, kristin chenoweth, Lincoln Center, MB fashion Week, MBFW, mercedes benz Fashion week, mercedes benz fashion week designers, Models, New York, nikki reed, paul mcdonald, rebecca minkoff, Rebecca Taylor, samantha ronson, Sami Gayle, Vogue, Zoe Kravitz

Jan 31 2012

5 Comments

portraiture

the M family

I have the best clients! A few weeks ago, the M family invited me down to LA to photograph their family at the Santa Monica Pier. Let me think about it…get chauffeured around, no cooking, 8 hours uninterrupted sleep, hang out with some seriously great people…

Really?! As if I’d say no! (Especially knowing this little guy would be on the other side of the lens!)

Tagged family photography, Melissa Petays Photography, santa monica pier

Jan 31 2012

6 Comments

portraiture

the G family

My camera and quadriceps femoris knew no rest that afternoon! Also a’pier’ing at the same time to be photographed was the G family. The kids, besides being adorable right down to the last freckle, were rock stars. They had to follow us all over the busy, busy boardwalk…not an easy feat with all the distractions! I had a spectacular time hanging out with these guys. And much like ones time spent on the pier, there was never a dull moment!