Just a Gentle Reminder...

All images copyrighted by photographer, Surprise Photography and are strictly protected under national copyright law. It is illegal and unlawful to scan, copy, or reproduce Melissa Surprise’s work in any manner or medium and punishable by law with fines starting at $150,000. As an artist, Melissa Surprise wishes to have complete control over the final look of her client’s images, and scanned images damage her reputation as a photographer by distorting and devaluing the image quality.

In conclusion, Melissa Surprise wishes that all images carrying her name look their absolute best. She goes to great lengths to provide you with top-quality, beautiful images that you are proud to display and share. Copying and scanning these images greatly reduces their beauty and quality. Please contact her if you would like additional images of your child.

Thank you for respecting Melissa Surprise’s work and livelihood by choosing not to reproduce her images.

Another Fabulous Album...

I think my UPS man is going to miss me while I am gone. He is here most days of the week. My neighbor told me he thought I shopped online a lot :) Well, actually, I kind of do. But this package wasn't for me, it is for one of my favorite mommies. She hasn't seen it yet, so this is a little sneak peek for her.

A Very Special Family...

I have the utmost respect for any person who serves in our Armed Forces. This was a very special session in the fact that Daddy is getting ready to go to Iraq, early next year. Again, I want to thank him for his bravery and serving our country.

A private moment for mommy and daddy

Yeah, Winter Is Here...

I think my fingers might be still frozen. I just got back from my shoot and I can't believe I saw icicles today:


When I get home, I see my neighbor is putting up Christmas lights. I haven't even eaten my Thanksgiving turkey yet, Christmas lights! Ahhh, I feel even colder. So I run straight for my Espresso maker thinking a nice Peppermint Mocha will make me all better, but then.....



I look down to see this:



Now I am all warm and fuzzy again :)

One Week Left For Holiday Prints...

There still time to order photos for the holidays. All preprint orders must be submitted by November 25th to guarantee holiday delivery. Holiday Sessions were booked by August this year. Even if you didn't get in, you can still use your previous session photos for great greeting cards. To see all the great options, or if you are interested in print re-orders, please drop me an email.

Note: For those on the waiting list, I am sorry I couldn't accommodate you this year. Be sure not miss out again, I have already started taking deposits for next years Holiday Sessions.

BURRRRRRRRR.......

It might not have rained today, but it was just a wee bit nippy outside. With the wind, VERY nippy. However, I have to say, the kids held it together so well. I of coarse, am locked in summer/fall mode and show up in a light shirt with a cardigan. I guess I should get over the fact that summer is over and winter is around the corner. Hawaii, only 3 weeks away :)

Thank you "C" family, I had a great time and it was so good to finally meet you. Frozen fingers and all ;)

Just My Kids...

Our turn for our holiday photos. Kind of a spoiler for the grand parents, but this is just a small peek ;)

Happy Birthday Dad

Atlanta, Here I Come!!

I am so excited to be among the limited group of people who will be traveling to Chateau Elan to study with some of the best in the biz including Audrey Woulard, Tamara Lackey, Laura Novak, and Lena Hyde. And no, I am not just going because it is on a winery, although that is a bonus ;) I think this is a tremendous learning experience and with the teachers and sponcers who are representing this workshop, it seemed to good to pass up. So yes, I am doing the happy dance!

Landscapes...

Not one of my favorites to shoot, but I was driving over the Mid Hudson Bridge when I noticed the heavy clouds and large amount of fog down by the river. There was a large barge coming up the river and that looked pretty cool. I had a half hour to spare before picking up Brayden from preschool, so I raced down to the river and snapped some of these shots.

Waddle n Swaddle Anniversary Party...

There were a lot of familiar faces and new faces in the room as we celebrated the one year anniversary of Waddle n Swaddle's opening as well as the new store at Vassar Brothers Hospital. Thanks to all those who came!

Waddle N Swaddle in Living and Being Magazine

Preparing for 2009

Just a reminder that I am booked for the remainder of 2008. I am currently in transition to 2009 rates. I will be offering some great new products including more print and album options. I normally am booking 1-2 months in advance, so please drop me an email if you wish for further information once my new session packets are available.

Expecting in 09? Please ask about my "Welcoming Me" collections. This has been one of my favorite collections to do. There is no better way to document the arrival of your new baby.

Newborns, best when shot during the first 2 weeks of life. Please call ASAP to book your session.

Seniors, I will be looking for new senior reps for the class of 2010. Be sure to keep an eye out on further information.

Weddings, I have a couple lined up for next year. I am so excited for them. One will be up in Massachusetts next fall as well as another down in Westchester.

Thank you for checking in and I will be back with some more last minute 08 info!

Brayden in the Paper...

It is always having your picture published and printed. Unfortuantely, I didn't get any of the credit :(

Lucky this was my father n law who submitted the photo, so I don't have to sue him for copyright infringement {wink wink} But my little man was in the paper and his picture is posted online, check out MassLive.com.

I Know, Neglecting the Blog....

I am in totally crunch time with holiday orders and sessions, so the blog has been put off for a couple of days. This past weekend I took some time off and went upstate for a friends wedding at Turning Stone Casino. It is always nice to see old friends, especially for such a happy occasion.

Congrats Fran and Beth!

Of coarse, today was a day of catching up. Grocery shopping, playdates, naps, meeting with my fabulous clients, emails and a trip to Vassar to check out the new Waddle n Swaddle sister store. Jenn is getting ready to celebrate not only the opening of her new store, but the one year anniversary of the Raymond Ave location. Someone has been busy ;)

Here is a peak at her new space.



For those attending the WnS celebration party, I will see you there!

Happy Birthday Baby Boy...

One year ago today, this little ball of sweetness was causing me some of the worst pain of my life :) He came in to this world a little earlier than expected, in fact daddy didn't believe me when I told him my water broke. On the way to the hospital, we even stopped to vote. The ladies at the voting booth will never forget us ;) Kieran has brought such joy to our lives and I can't believe how quickly this year has gone. Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

Last Holiday Shoot...

Of the year! Ironically, this little sweetie was my last shoot of 07. We shot her pictures just weeks after Kieran was born. Back then, she could barely walk. This year, she could hardly stop running. Her and her fabulous red sparkly shoes ;)





Don't worry blog stalkers, this is not my last shot of the year. I have several more lined up before my vacation, so keep peaking back! Also, think ahead. I have already started taking bookings for the 09 Holiday Session.

One of My Favorite Families...

I have been photographing this family for a couple of years now. They are special to me since they were one of my "Original" clients. When we made this appointment, neither one of us thought about the time change. Man, it gets dark at 4pm these days, we had to work fast ;)