Dallas Fort Worth Texas Photographer Melissa Zihlman » family

{one for the history books} – dallas/fort worth newborn photographer – melissa zihman

admin — Sat, 15 May 2010 15:55:32 +0000

Yesterday I had two sessions. My last two sessions before maternity leave. The morning session was for a sweet one year old babyplanner at the Arboretum (to be blogged in a bit) – it went great, we even beat the rain! Then I headed across the Metroplex for a newborn session in Fort Worth. I’d been waiting on Ben to arrive, hoping he’d beat out my own little guy! His big sister made mom & dad wait 10 days past their due date before making her arrival 21 months ago…and you know her if you follow the blog, sweet Sami was one of my first baby planners back in 2008.

Ben didn’t disappoint. Arriving just two days past his due date, on Mother’s Day. He’s long and lean, with a gorgeous head of blonde hair and blue eyes…just like his big sister. He was perfect for the session. Absolutely perfect…you know except for that small incident of projectile poop that covered my shirt! The incident that caused tears to roll down my cheeks and his mom’s cheeks, that sent Nan for paper towels once she stopped laughing, the uncles to opposite sides of the room, and dad for his camera so he could document the whole scene. Because, after all, it was a funny, very funny.

We finished the session without any problems. Ben was awesome. And then it happened…I totally lost my balance walking down their slick driveway in the rain. You can imagine what it looks like when a 9-months pregnant woman, in a skirt none the less, takes a spill…not pretty. I spent the night hanging out in L&D…getting the all clear to go home about midnight. I’m fine, the little guy is fine, but my knee is less than stellar. Awesome, I know. But it explains the delay in the sneak peek, and the reason this is one session I’ll never forget!

{heaven…} – dallas/fort worth wedding photographer – melissa zihlman

admin — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 19:14:09 +0000

Now we all know that MZP doesn’t do a lot of weddings, and that’s because I only do them for referral clients. Meaning the bride or groom needs to know someone I know (a personal friend of mine, a client, etc). Earlier this spring I was contacted by Kristin (whose sister has worked with a local photographer that knows me) about shooting her wedding to Gabe in April. This April…specifically, last Sunday. They were engaged in January and the Pastor they wanted to marry them has a crazy busy schedule…I mean running a church of over 15,000 members keeps a man busy!

Lucky for Kristin and Gabe…I don’t usually shoot on Sundays! And after meeting with Kristin, her mom, and her sister I was thrilled when they selected me to shoot the big day! I had some amazing help from my second shooters, a gorgeous sunny, blue sky day, and seriously all the prettiest people on the planet gathered for this event!

Kristin and Gabe aren’t even home from their honeymoon yet, but I know they’ll be excited to find their images waiting for them when they return! And I couldn’t very well talk all about this wedding without showing off some favorites!

{9 months} – dallas/fort worth baby photographer – melissa zihlman

admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:38:34 +0000

I can not believe I am writing this post…how is it that my babyplan triplets are already 9 months old?!?! They were amazing this morning for their shoot – almost two hours of shooting, three outfits changes, and lots of funny noises and peek-a-boo to keep their attention.

Dad, I know you’ve been waiting to see some of these…your key dangling paid off!

{family} – dallas/fort worth family photographer – melissa zihlman

admin — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 02:09:11 +0000

I had the pleasure of meeting a family this evening, who is so full of life and laughter it made the session so easy! They are friends with the family featured in the post below – and I love when I get the chance to meet friends of my clients – there is always an instant connection!

What I loved most about this session was that they brought their dog *and* they wanted a family session with their teenage son. I don’t get that often enough, but certainly this time in life is just as important to capture as the moments of early childhood.

We traveled through the Botanical Gardens and then onto the Stockyard to take advantage of the light. G family, I hope you all love these as much as I do! Can’t wait to edit the rest of your session!

Joey. The most adorable dog (after my own, of course)

There is nothing quite like a true expression from a teenage boy…and this guy was hilarious!

My most favorite way to capture a couple…

{please pray} – dallas/fort worth family photographer – melissa zihlman

admin — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 03:31:37 +0000

Today was one of those kind of sessions…the ones I feel in my soul, the ones that will linger with me as long as I live. I’ve known this family “forever,” almost as long as I can remember – and the sweet little red headed 3-year-old is my son’s best friend.

Kim, or Mawmaw as she’s better known is an amazing woman. A lady with more strength and FAITH than anyone I have ever met. And she is fighting an incredible battle. Tomorrow, on her birthday, she’ll have surgery…and she needs all of us to be praying for her, for the doctors, and for her kids.

I know many of you read this blog…so I’m hoping this call to pray will add many more to her prayer chain. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

{so behind} – dallas-fort worth newborn photographer – melissa zihlman

admin — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:36:35 +0000

I’m about five sessions behind in blogging – so sorry!! Between the Holiday Rush and Thanksgiving I’ve fallen completely behind the eight ball. I’ve met the cutest three newborn girls in the last week…just had to share the first one here tonight (the other two to come tomorrow!).

Sweet Miss M joined her adorable big sister just 8 days ago, and already they are smitten with eachother! We got to have a great newborn session, plus family pictures, and I even got to have a tea party with sweet big sister. So fun! Thank you H Family for having me – it was a lot of fun!

{bring the rain} – san antonio newborn photographer – melissa zihlman

admin — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:42:55 +0000

About two months ago I started following a blog about the Sullivan Family . Nine months ago Sara was diagnosed with breast cancer, at only 28 it was hard news for she and her husband Brad to take, but they chose to follow their faith through Sara’s diagnosis and treatment. They were pregnant, with what they would soon learn was a sweet baby girl…there were important choices to be made about Sara’s treatment during the pregnancy. Again trusting in the Lord they continued treatment and close monitoring of their sweet daughter. For the last three week’s of Sara’s pregnancy she was on bed rest, but it didn’t deter her or her husband Brad’s faith. Their baby girl, Chloe Grace entered the world six weeks early…spent a week in the NICU and then was released so her mother and father could take her home. Sara was able to spend two amazing days at home will Chloe. Brad will tell you it was the happiest he had ever seen his wife. On September 17th Sara began having seizures, which in the hospital were diagnosed as post-partum angiopathy. Four days later, Sara was pronounced brain dead, just a few days shy of her 29th birthday.

Brad and Chloe are adjusting to life as a family of two. She is certainly keeping him on his toes, and she is also an amazing source of strength for him during this time of grief. What amazes me most about this family, is their testament to their faith. Never once during Sara’s 9 month battle did it waver, they were tested when Chloe had to spend time in the NICU, and yet it held strong…and even now as each day passes since Sara went to be with the Lord, Brad’s faith remains steadfast. God has brought a lot of rain into their home in the last 9 months, but circumstances can’t possibly change who they are in Him. What an inspiring and humbling testament of faith.

Brad and Chloe made the trip to Dallas this week, as they will be running in the Race for a Cure in honor of Sara on Saturday, and I had the amazing pleasure of spending the day with them. Capturing sweet 6 pound Chloe, who shares her mother’s eyes, and Brad together. A complete honor. I look forward to capturing Chloe throughout her first year, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives.

{just gorgeous} – dallas/fort worth family photographer – melissa zihlman

admin — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:53:10 +0000

Holy beautiful family! I have this client, whose twins daughters are seen here pretty often, who has sent me so many referrals over the last two years…I owe her *BIG* time for this family tonight. I was so excited when they got out of the car, not only are they gorgeous, but they were dressed awesome too!

They needed so little direction, it made the shoot easy, and their images – stunning!! I am so excited to work on this gallery. Thanks for coming out tonight and for totally rockin’ it!

Also, keep an eye on the blog in November. I’ve got some new casting calls that will be announced then!

{8 months} – dallas/fort worth baby photographer – melissa zihlman

admin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:52:58 +0000

Liam’s family met me downtown yeterday for a session marking his 8 month…I love baby planners at this age! He’s moving all around and has this fun new smile that had me laughing the whole session. Thanks to mom and dad for trekking around in the heat…we got some great shots!

newborn

4 months

8 months

{vinny’s big people} – dallas/fort worth family photographer – melissa zihlman

admin — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 04:26:20 +0000

Loyal blog readers will recognize the littlest guy in the family shot below…Vinny is a baby planner who will be one soon! Yikes! His mom called a couple weeks ago to say that all his siblings would be in town at the same time this week and we needed to get some pictures…she called the right person! I met three of the most well-mannered big people today…who are obviously in love with Vinny and totally adoring of their father. Awesome! So glad the rain held off!