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Archive for April 2012

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Wednesday, April 25, 2012


Lexington NC photographer. Melissa Sheets, Real Life Photography

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Oh, I love soft evening light! Our southern fields are bursting right now with wildflowers, you just have to be willing to walk a little to find them. These blue flowers are bachelor buttons or cornflowers. They are native to Europe, and used to grow wild in fields, but now it is endangered in it's native habitat.
These flowers were a favorite of John F. Kennedy and was worn by his son, John F. Kennedy, Jr. at his wedding in tribute to his father.

In folklore, cornflowers were worn by young men in love; if the flower faded too quickly, it was taken as a sign that the man's love was not returned.



The white flowers are daisies. The origin of the word Daisy is the Anglo Saxon “daes eage” which literally mean “day’s eye”. It was called this because daisies open at dawn as the day just starts to begin.

Now is the perfect time to shoot in open fields. If you are ready to book a spring session please contact me to reserve your spot.

NC Photographer, Melissa Sheets

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Last Friday I had loads of fun at my old studio creating portraits. These two girls were very sweet. The tea party theme made me wonder... what are the most popular tea types?

Green tea makes up about 10% of world-tea production and is a milder brew with a mild, appealing taste and understandably green appearance. There is no oxidation during processing. Rather, the leaves are simply withered and then roasted or dried.

Oolong tea is a cross between black and green tea, which can be detected in both taste and color. Recognized for its distinctive fruity flavor, oolong leaves undergo a moderated fermentation process where they are withered, partially fermented and then dried.

White tea, the rarest type of tea, come from young tea leaves that are picked before the buds have fully opened. The tea features a delicate, soft taste and light coloration. With a minimalist approach to processing, white tea leaves are simply steamed and dried, which keeps them closer to their natural state.

And of course Black tea, which is the most popular in the United States. Offers a deep hearty color and flavor.

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LEXINGTON nc Real Life Photography

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Storms are rolling across the area today, which should make for an interesting day shooting. If you have a session on the books today keep my cell number handy, 336-425-8602.

Melissa

Tuesday, April 17, 2012




Just a few from a product session this morning. It is always fun to collaborate with local shop owners for unique sessions.



Monday, April 16, 2012

A few more..........




Lexington, NC Photographer, Melissa Sheets

     I'm back from vacation, and I have hit the ground running. I've got a ton of sessions to post previews for and loads of e-mails, and phone calls to return.

     It is great to be back. I really missed my little view of Main Street. Where did we go on vacation you might ask? Well, we loaded up the truck and took the kids to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It was so wonderful and I plan to blog about it very soon. But work first.

Enjoy this preview from the weekend.

Melissa Beck Sheets, Photographer

Saturday, April 7, 2012


How cute! I think next Friday evening I will have one of these as my centerpiece at the small dinner party I am having on my porch. This looks so elegant, who could have known how easy this is.

Looks like there are two vessels, one inside the other. One to hold the lemons, and one two hold the flowers.

Lexington NC Photographer, Melissa Sheets

Monday, April 2, 2012


Wow, what a busy week  and another busy week ahead. I am so lucky to have such amazing clients with cute children.

I'm often asked about shooting in direct sunlight, so I wanted to share these two images that were captured around 1:00 this afternoon when the sun was directly above.

My number one tip...LOOK FOR SHADE.
Number two tip........Position the sun behind your subject if possible, or at a 45* angle.
Number three tip...... Use your reflector to block the light.
Number four tip..... If using flash expose to the background and compensate with flash.
Number five......Beware of dappled light on faces.

I often avoid direct sun, but sometimes you just can't....like today. I love a good challenge, and when a shoot requires you to use your noggin, there is a great deal of satisfaction in the outcome.

I hope your week has gotten off to a great start. I love comments, so be sure to post below :)

Melissa