I know my last post was about a month ago, but I have been doing more on my Facebook page and posting to twitter, so hopefully people can see what I have been doing there. It's really hard this time of year to keep up with all the social media avenues, when I have so many family sessions in the evenings and editing and posting online keeps me busy all day, along with fulfilling print orders.
This year I decided not to advertise with Google Adwords, which I have done for the past several years.  I wanted to test my website's organic results--with my use of keywords on my site--to see if people would still find me in their searches for Destin photograpers, beach photographers, Santa Rosa Beach photographers and photographers in Destin.  Well, my test was successful! I have had more sessions this year than ever before...even when I was showing up at the top of a google search.
I basically placed myself "under the radar" on purpose, and got the best of the best clients as a result. I didn't want clients who were "tire kickers;" those who call around to get the best deals. I wanted--and got--clients who are a perfect fit with me and my style. They call to book me because they trust me to capture the relationships of their families. And the great reviews are proof of that!
So thank you to all of you who have allowed me to spend this year so far getting to know the personalities of your families. They are young and old, some suffering illnesses, some with special needs, and some adopted...just like me!
I enjoy you all, and hope to see you again in the future...just like I got to with Augusta and her family!
Last year she visited Watercolor with her husband's family, and this year I got to meet her side of the family. It was fun, and I LOVED the blue they were wearing and how great it looked with the water and against the sand!
Until next time...

:-) Melanie

Family photography/Santa Rosa Beach photographer

Earlier this summer I had the opportunity to spend some time with Veronica and her family...just enjoying the beach.  As you can see, the little girls were busy having fun in the sand!

Seaside photographer, family photographer

When Allison called to book a family session with me, she told me that she wanted some other settings other than only the beach.  She and Michael have had plenty of beach portraits made with the children, she told me, so they decided to take to the bikes and ride through Seaside where they were staying.
This is a sweet little family, who like to do things together...and those little girls have a sweet spirit about them they will make you melt!
Thanks for the opportunity to spend time with your family!

<3 Melanie

Family photographers, Santa Rosa Beach photographers

Maggie and her family traveled from Texas, along with some close friends, to take their vacation on our beautiful beaches. Between the two families, they have 5 precious little girls. During the portrait session I could tell how close the families were. They have been friends over a dozen years. The girls' personalities really came out with the camera pointed their way!

Destin/Santa Rosa Beach Photographer

I always enjoy being with my clients for their photo sessions, whether it's a large group or a baby. And I LOVE that my clients have fun during their session.
Vanessa and Keith traveled to Destin in January 2010 after they got married in Indiana. This past week they came back to the area for a little couple's getaway and they chose me to photograph them.  Having fun. And that's what they did. And later Vanessa sent me a nice text:

"Thank you so much.  We enjoyed our evening with you and you will always be part of our Destin 2012 trip!"
This couple was constantly laughing and smiling, and I commented that they seem to have a good time together. They said they were always like that...since the time they met on an online dating service. And they got along so well that Keith told me he knew from the first kiss they shared that she was the one!
Thanks guys for allowing me to spend time with you.