Melissa Johnston Photography

Happy End of Summer

Melissa — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:47:22 +0000

I did it! I managed to blog every single day for one whole month. I can now scratch one more thing off my 101 things in 1001 list! It was an awesome adventure and certainly kept me on my toes. Since I was also able to keep up with so many posts I now won’t need to blog summer sessions all the way into February! I will still try and make it a point to continue blogging fairly often so that my faithful readers won’t desert me.

September is coming up and already looks like it will be one crazy month for Melissa Johnston Photography. I might not be blogging every day but I will be sure to work extra hard on some finishing touches for the Wedding Show that will be taking place at Lansdowne Park on September 11th and 12th. Be sure to check that out and while you’re at it, stop by my booth to say hello!

What’s a post without a picture as I always say? Here’s one I recently took at the Ottawa Ex just last week. This fair brings back so many childhood memories and I always try and make it out every year, even if it’s just to grab a candy apple…

Don’t go too far, another gorgeous wedding post coming up soon!

Veronique & Daniel :: Couple

Melissa — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 04:51:33 +0000

I can’t seem to remember exactly how or when Veronique and I came to know each other. One thing’s for sure – it was through the photography world. Veronique is a fellow photographer in the Montreal area so we probably stumbled upon each others work one day on the world wide web and that’s how it all started. Veronique asked if I’d be interested in doing a shoot with her and her man and I of course agreed. We decided we would meet somewhere in between Ottawa and Montreal, somewhere that would suit both our tastes so I suggested a tiny town called Vankleek Hill, an old, quaint little place.

We started off with some urban themed shots using the old brick buildings in town as backdrops, and then moved out into some nearby farm fields for a more country feel.

This session actually took place tonight and the reason why I am blogging it so soon is because I wanted Veronique to be able to get her sneak peek on her birthday – tomorrow! Happy birthday to one gorgeous girl xoxo

Lianna & Brent :: Engagement

Melissa — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 05:14:47 +0000

Where did the summer go? I cannot believe that September is right around the corner. I love this time of year when things get a bit cooler and more colourful. Even the late day sun seems more golden and radiant and that makes for wonderful light during evening sessions.

I was especially excited because Lianna, being a wedding planner, had many great ideas in mind for her engagement shoot. Since we have such similar tastes, it was easy for us to settle on location, props and feel for these pictures. At first Brent was a little hesitant to embrace the idea of the theme but once we started shooting I could see that he was getting more comfortable and the connection between them flourished in front of the camera. I am really looking forward to spending another day with them in May, when they finally tie the knot!

The sunset was absolutely GORGEOUS!

As we were rapping up, we noticed a full moon was out so we had to include it in a few shots…

Sample Wedding Albums

Melissa — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:22:27 +0000

My new sample wedding albums have finally arrived! I am beyond excited! Choosing an appropriate company to fit my style as well as designing them took a while but it was SO worth it! I just adore them and sure you will too! Here a few shots I took of the books:

There are many cover options to choose from. From leather to silk brocades to suede, you name it – we got it!

The creases in the middle of the book are practically non-existent, therefore you can have full page spreads.

I like my book designs to be simple and clean. There are no overlapping of pictures, although if that’s what you are into, I can certainly do that for you.

The thickness of the pages provide quality and durability:

These books are a GREAT way to display and show off your wedding images to family and friends. Too many people pay too much money for a CD and they don’t even end up printing their own wedding pictures.

Contact me if you have any other questions or concerns about the books. They are just lovely and I cannot wait to show them off. Check and mark!

Marie-Jo & Robert :: Wedding

Melissa — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:04:23 +0000

I probably repeated the story of how Marie-Jo and I came to know each other about a hundred times last weekend. The wedding took place in Albany, New York and the guests seemed curious as to how a photographer from Ottawa, Ontario ended up shooting a wedding in Rob’s hometown – the State Capital.

So the story goes that before I was a full time photographer, I spent my weekdays working in an office (that’s a story best left for a rainy day). Anyways, a co-worker of mine had a sister who worked in the fashion industry with Marie-Jo in Montreal. They all had a tendency to check out my blog from time to time, so Marie-Jo decided to hire me to capture her big day with her sweet American boy.

Ok I guess it’s not that crazy of a story, but I still think it’s great that I had the opportunity to meet such a gorgeous couple at such a perfect location- The Altamont Manor.Given the line of work Marie-Jo is in, I was not at all surprised to see how amazingly decorated the venue was. I know she worked really hard at making every detail as perfect as they could be and it certainly displayed itself.

Thank you for having me at your superb wedding Marie-Jo and Rob, I hope it won’t be the last time I get to capture your lives together wherever you might be

Get ready for one long post!

The Real Me and Nothing But

Melissa — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 02:37:24 +0000

There’s something really cool in the works for Melissa Johnston Photography. Lots will change around here but for the better. I am bursting at the seams with excitement and trying not to divulge what it is at the moment so instead I have decided to share something that is related to it. Just a piece of the puzzle.

A few months ago I met Sylvain and Caroline at a meet and greet for all kinds of wedding related businesses. I was impressed by the moment we shook hands at how easy going they both were. We introduced, exchanged cards and off we went. That same night I checked out their site right away and wasn’t disappointed. It was just a coincidence that I had been thinking about possibly getting a video done for my ‘About me’ section on the blog…I sent an email off to Sylvain to see if he’d be up to what I had in mind. I was delighted by the response yet again so we fixed a date to make my vision a reality!

I wanted something that would portray the real me and nothing but. I wanted viewers and potential clients to learn who I was in just under 2 minutes when they visited my site. This way they weren’t just familiar with my work but also with the person behind it all. I have to say that Sylvain and Caroline did just that and above. They really understood who I truly was and were able to captured it on camera. A million thank yous go out to Sylvain and Caroline at Reno Video Productions.

[See post to watch Flash video]

Not only did they do such an amazing job, but they made me feel at ease during the whole taping. Oh! I should also mention that all of this was done in +40 weather and not once did they complain. I recommend Reno Video Productions for all video needs

Laura & Kevin :: Wedding

Melissa — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 13:14:29 +0000

Notre Dame Cathedral is one of Ottawa’s most recognizable and beautiful historic monuments. Completed in 1885, it has been the sight of many wonderful weddings including very recently – Laura and Kevin’s.

Since their engagement session took place, I had no worries about these two lovebirds. It was then that I noticed just how relaxed and comfortable they were in front of the camera. Not only are they both so photogenic, but I just can’t stop them from cuddling and kissing most of the time!

After the ceremony, we spent a couple hours walking through the heart of downtown while I snapped picture of the newlyweds and the wedding party. Finally, the day was capped off with a reception at the National Art Centre.

Laura wore a garter that was used for 3 generations before her.

Melanie & Pete :: Engagement

Melissa — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:58:50 +0000

Couples shouldn’t hesitate to rock their engagement shoot the way that Mel and Pete did. You should all bring props or I can even suggest some (I have tons in mind and most likely have them all laying around at home somewhere) and best of all – bring your personalities…

Most of my clients ask for ‘natural, genuine’ photographs, I have to say that it’s easier said then done. Those are the kind of shots that I am aiming for as long as you are willing to be ‘REAL’ in front of my camera. If you are up for doing so, I will capture the true essence of who really are with the one that you love, just like we did with this gorgeous couple:

I also want to send out a HUGE thank you to the James family for letting us use their farm and their sheep for some of the shots.