Mélanie Eckel Photography | Portrait, Wedding & Photo Booth Alberta: Blog

White Barn Wedding

Sun, 17 Nov 2019 23:08:49 GMT

Carla and Nate are so blessed and their family is just amazing. It was an absolute pleasure to capture their wedding day at the White Barn Wedding Venue. The thought of everything, from getting ready to the end of the evening patio with fire pits and overhead lamps. The bar made from an old farm building even had a connection to the family. The entire day was relaxed and magical full of love and laughter. A couple engagement image wedding day video clip please click play

engagement photos maple leafs fans engagement photos maple leafs fans

CLICK PLAY

Just a Few off the vendors

Venue - Whit Barn Wedding Venue

Caterer - A-1 Catering(in Camrose)

DJ - Chad McGhee

Makeup - Haley with HP Makeup (Leduc)

Hair - Alisha with Beauty Boss (Leduc)

Flowers - Corinthia Flowers in Leduc

Drayton Valley Lake Wedding

Sun, 10 Nov 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Vikki and Colin had a very beautiful wedding along side a lake on a private acreage property. It was a stunning location for the ceremony and family photos. Vikki was a planner and was able to secure a beautiful farm location with a large barn and this made for some very stunning images. as you will see in the slide show below. Reception featured a photo booth and we were able to capture all the fun from the entire day with 2 photographers.

Congratulations once again

lake side wedding lake side wedding lake side wedding

Sundry Wedding

Sat, 09 Nov 2019 21:24:39 GMT

Working with Brian and Jolene was an absolute pleasure. We had a blast at their engagement session sown a back road just out side of Drayton Valley. Of course we planned it later in the day so we could take advantage of the evening low light. These two have a bond and love so strong it really came out in their images. Their wedding was at her parents home just outside Sundry Alberta, what a beautiful and meaning setting fora wedding. so many of the details were made by the couple or family members. they spent many hours working together to create this beautiful day and it shows. please enjoy the full day of images here.

CLICK PLAY!!!!

Home Hardware Ladies Night

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 20:45:00 GMT

Home Hardware is an amazing company in Drayton Valley the owners and staff are always helpful and community helpers in so many ways. Every Year they host a Ladies night. Gifts for the first 50 ladies in attendance, draws samples and a sale for the evening. Ladies Night is always a huge hit! here are a few photos I took on the evening a few years back, Its a throwback post because this years Ladies night is coming up on Nov 14 2019, you don't want to miss it!! for details check out their FB Event page

North Saskatchewan River Couple Session

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 17:30:00 GMT

The river is a calming place. many of my clients have this location as their top location. We meet at Wiley West campground and from there we explore the light and backdrop options. The campground features a rocky beach and many nature trails that make for great images. I first met Jess at her Headshots session for her workplace. it was an absolute pleasure to capture her and her boyfriend in a couples session at the river just outside Drayton Valley.

RAGE'N Oilfield Services Ltd - Drayton Valley, Alberta

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 17:22:33 GMT

RAGE'N Oilfield Services Ltd - Drayton Valley, Alberta

Company image is so very important in the ever changing economy.

It is always a great experience working with Dave at Rage'n oilfield Services. I designed the logo, branding,corporate images, set up their website and Facebook pages. We just finished the launch of the new website featuring the expansion of adding a new Winch Tractor. check out the new look for their trucking company services here in Drayton Valley Serving Alberta. www.ragenoil.ca

Spring Giveaway Winner Announced

Mon, 01 May 2017 18:32:02 GMT

YAY ! we had so many people enter the giveaway and I enjoyed reading all the amazign comments and reasons to have a photo shoot.

Congratulations to Jenna Palmer and Her mom you have won this giveaway I will send you an email to make sure you are notified as well.

Thank you all for entering and as a fun way of saying thanks I am sending you all a special offer in your email because all your stories were just so wonderful.

Reminder Giveaway ends soon

Thu, 27 Apr 2017 19:50:45 GMT

Hey just in time for Mother's Day gifting!

My giveaway is ending soon and I want to make sure your mom has a chance to win a portrait session.

Here is the link

I really think we will have a great time together, lets chat, chose outfits and pan out your custom session. We can meet in Drayton Valley for coffee or just book and shoot. You will love your photos! Good Luck

Mother's Day Sessions Drayton Valley

Thu, 27 Apr 2017 03:00:18 GMT

Good evening friends!

Every mother is a blessing to her family. I am so thankful for my Mom, she is always there for me and our family. She has such an empowering energy that she is eager to share and lift us up to our callings. She is supportive, truthful and to the point that's what I love it about her. She has boxes of photos printed of her growing up and growing into her grandmother-hood, we cherish these memories she has had captured and preserved in print.

When families come to me I always take photos of Moms and the kids and few of mom alone. Moms also need sessions just for them, and its a great gift. Shooting in and around Drayton Valley and the Brazeau county. Moms look amazing everywhere and with proper posing and lighting she will love her images. photo sessions can be gifted to mom or booked for her for after Mother's Day. We can meet at her favorite place, The North Saskatchewan River, E-M-tee town, Your property, near the Clean Energy Technology Center, Parks and trails.

Mom your children will look for photos of you... What will they find?

I want them to find beautiful photos of you.

Book today!

Introducing Pet Photography | Drayton Valley Family and Pet Photographer

Tue, 18 Apr 2017 03:54:17 GMT

Many of my clients ask to bring their fur babies along to the shoot and I always say yes. Fur babies are part of the family, they are loved just like our own people babies and loved-ones.

Weather we are shooting out at our Brazeau County acreage, on location in and around Drayton Vallley or at the families property I love taking the time to focus on the pets interacting with their humans. I am offering Pet Portraits because after all they are just like kids in every family I know. Contact me to book your pet photography session. We will enjoy a fun and relaxed session of playing outside where I will capture some amazing character shots, and of course some action while we enjoy the great outdoors. After your session we will get together for a coffee and visit I will share with you your amazing images and this is when you will choose your favorites to order and display in your home. There is no minimum order required and you will only purchase the photos you love.

Protraits of our Fur Baby Copper

A few images of how we have incorporated pets in family photo sessions

Collaboration Blakes Cakes | Drayton Valley, AB | Food Photography

Sun, 16 Apr 2017 02:03:56 GMT

Oh I just cant contain my self. We had an amazing day celebrating our children's birthday party today. blakes cakes cupcakes raspberry icing

Knowing that a some of our family and friends are gluten free I planned on having some cupcakes there to make celebrating easy for everyone.

I contacted Krystal at Blakes Cakes and she was amazing, she is the mom of our girls friends. I asked her a few questions to share with you all a bit about her and I am so happy to share with you a bit of her story. Please follow her on her FB page

From our family she gets great reviews the cupcakes were gobbled up and they were so tasty, moist and of course safe for everyone who attended. Not to mention they were beautiful!

Me: How long have you been baking cakes for others?

Krystal: I've been baking for Drayton and area for 7 years now

Me: How did you get started with specialty cakes, and what occasions do you bake for?

Krystal: I started getting into special dietary orders when Julia was diagnosed with celiac disease 5 years ago. I have all separate equipment I use for those with special dietary needs. I cater to gluten free, dairy free, and sugar free as well as regular cake, cheesecake and cupcake orders for all occasions.

Me: What are the flavors customers can chose from for their cake order?

Krystal:

Cake Flavors: Marble, Golden Vanilla, Classic Chocolate, Lemon pound, Coffee, Red or Blue Velvet, Carrot, Spice (Seasonal), Gingerbread (Seasonal)

Filling Flavors: Peanut Butter chocolate, Cream Cheese, Raspberry, Orange, Strawberry, Chocolate, Lemon Curd, Mint chocolate, Mocha, Dark Callebaut, Chocolate Ganache, Cookies n cream, Bailey's Irish Cream, Amaretto

Thank you so Much Krystal!

blakes cakes drayton valley cake artist blakes cakes drayton valley cake artist blakes cakes drayton valley cake artist blakes cakes drayton valley cake artist blakes cakes drayton valley cake artist blakes cakes drayton valley cake artist blakes cakes drayton valley cake artist blakes cakes drayton valley cake artist blakes cakes drayton valley cake artist blakes cakes drayton valley cake artist blakes cakes drayton valley cake artist blakes cakes drayton valley cake artist

Client Testimony | Melanie Eckel Photography | Drayton Valley

Thu, 23 Mar 2017 19:20:45 GMT

Lacey an amazing mother of 2 great boys and supportive wife to a strong and loving husband. During our time together I learned more about a woman that I thought I knew for many years. In our chats, she felt comfortable to share with me about how things have been for her family. Some people may concentrate on the ups and downs as just that, but something I learned from this amazing woman is positivity can be seen in every experience . This family is a great asset to our community and I am so proud to call them friends.

"Dear Melanie Eckel Photography and Michelle Lynn

I just wanted to pop a little note up for you two wonderful ladies
When I first contacted Mae about the photo session she was offering I was nervous NOT going to lie. After all I had just lost 40+ lbs and was not quite comfortable in my new body yet. As the day approached I started panicking about my outfits, how could I possibly choose?? I eventually did, had my fresh clothes hung and ready to rock!
The day of I drove out to the studio, sat in the car an extra minimum trying to not be a sweaty nervous mess, grabbed my composure and walked to the door. There I was met by Melanie, her vibe INSTANTLY came to me with so much excitement, she was as excited and nervous as I! This is good I can do this! She offered me a coffee and we got straight to work! She showed me around her studio and just a few minutes later out make up artist showed up, Michelle Lynn, this was my first time ever meeting her and my FIRST time ever having my makeup done professionally, hell it was my first photo session! Michelle got right to work doing her magic, about 25-30 minutes later they let me look in a mirror, OH MY GOODNESS. I couldn't believe the transformation, I never ever wore concealer and there I was ROCKING it! Next Melanie did my hair in curls, my hair is stick straight, these curls were so beautiful and natural I considered learning how to curl it on my own lol!! It was now picture time, during the shoot we tried so many different poses, different lighting, and of course different outfits. During the shoot i felt so empowered, beautiful and most of all worthy! My entire week went on like this, once the sneak peak was up online the feedback I got was so wonderful and it continues the feeling of empowerment. This is the highlight of my year thus far, so thank you Melanie and Michelle for the wonderful empowering experience
Lacey Hook"

Thank you Lacey for trusting in us and sharing this amazing testimony

I challenge all women to book a session, bring a friend or your mum and let your inner beauty shine.

Check out my giveaway where you and a guest could win your dream shoot and shine.

Here are some of Lacey's stunning photos from her session.

Beautiful Women - Drayton Valley Glamour Photography - Melanie Eckel

Sun, 05 Feb 2017 05:58:58 GMT

Feeling so blessed, humbled, and so thankful for these lovely ladies to trust in me to photograph them. I am building my portfolio in women's modern portraits. Some call it glamour some just portraits I am speechless, we laughed, had fun goofing around, blushed a little and shared an amazing day together. I must say these beautiful women really are stunning, both inside and out. Huge shout out to Michelle Harley for being for your knowledge and being such a talented makeup artist, you are amazing. I have a couple more portfolio sessions and will be add their images here. If you want to experience your very own glamour day, am booking full makeover sessions into March, please message me we are going to have so much fun together.

Not Just portraits | Drayton Valley Event and Commercial Photographer

Fri, 06 Jan 2017 19:21:58 GMT

Not Just portraits | Drayton Valley Event and Commercial Photographer

Equipment and business profile image

Having a great eye for the details in an image doesn't just make a good portrait it also comes in handy for event photography and other commercial work. Weather you are hosting an event, showing off a new product or wanting to update your business profile Images. If you are a big or small company, non-profit organization or community coordinator I can help you capture the best images you will want to showcase.

Some of the companies and organizations I have worked with:

Rage'n Oilfield Services

Brazeau County

Western Review

Telus Future Home - Marketing Magazine Canada - Van City Buzz - tour of Telus Future Home

Humans Helping Humans

Cause for Critters Animal Shelter

Rotary Club of Drayton Valley Alberta

Range Helicopter

Classroom Champions Organisation

Rebel Energy

Daylight Energy

Drayton Valley Health Services Foundation

If you are interested in Event coverage, Business Profile image, product or equipment Photography Lets connect!

Melanie Eckel

780-898-2421

Drayton Valley H Family Fall Photography Session | Mélanie Eckel Photography

Thu, 05 Jan 2017 23:36:46 GMT

Living in rural Alberta sets the stage for endless creations when it comes to shooting outdoors. I LOVE collecting and building random photo nooks to play in or around with families. I had a great time with the H family, the boys are amazing! Oh we had some good laughs. Allowing the kids to goof, play and choose their favorite spot to be photographed is very enjoyable for me and them. Just a short drive out of Drayton Valley I often host families and couples for their sessions. The light is stunning and we always have a great time together.

Book your unique session with Mélanie Eckel to day by clicking on the image.

I look forward to hearing from you

School day session | Drayton Valley Family Photographer | Melanie Eckel

Wed, 04 Jan 2017 02:14:16 GMT

Not your ordinary school photos.

With the day's getting shorter into the fall and winter I am using my off camera flash a bit more these days.

I had a wonderful pair of siblings out for "school photos" and we played around a lot.

But mum was super happy with the photos we created. These kiddos had some great ideas; posing with an old fence, climbing a tree, out in the field even in the old bus house. Oh my we ended up with wet feet and sore cheeks from all the laughing.

I would definitely go on an adventure with these two any day. So much fun.

Drayton Valley - Baby Plan - Mr. L 6 Months

Wed, 04 Jan 2017 02:03:36 GMT

Its an absolute joy when I have the privilege to photograph a baby from birth to the first year.

I had this handsome little man in my home studio yesterday, what a cutie I am sure you will agree.

His babbles and little giggles just melt my heart. Mr. L turned 6 months yesterday and he sure was in the mood to have is photos taken.

Melanie Eckel - Drayton Valley - Beauty, Family, Event photographer - Social media LOVE

Tue, 20 Dec 2016 20:26:00 GMT

My clients rave about their sessions to their friends about how much fun they have, how empowering they feel and how beautiful their images are.

I enjoy meeting and getting to know each of my clients and bringing out their true beauty in who they are today. Rejoice and embrace today its all we really have.

Here are some images from past sessions I cant wait to get to know you better during your session.

Mélanie Eckel

banana bread baking | Drayton Valley Life Style Photography |Melanie Eckel Photography

Thu, 06 Oct 2016 03:04:54 GMT

Lifestyle session with my boy baking banana bread was a hit.

Mommy helped measure all ingredients and pick out some egg shells. Our little mister had a great time. He was so proud of the doughnut shaped loaf when it was complete he raved about it in the afternoon to his sisters.

I am so glad I captured this for him, he will treasure these photos and look back on them as he grows. PS I am printing them and putting them in his album. We made just a small loaf so everything was easy for him to smash pour and stir.

If you want to bake a small loaf with your child here is the recipe we used.

Ingredients:

Soft butter (with or without toast crumbs) - 1/4 cup

white sugar - 1/3 cup

large egg (pick out shells after if needed) - 1

Mashed ripe banana - 2

2% Milk - 2 tbsp

All purpose four - 1-1/4 cups

Baking soda - 1/2 tsp

Course Sea Salt - 1/4 tsp

Chocolate chips (before we ate some) - 1 cup

Cream butter and sugar, add milk and banana. add dry ingredients Mix well add chocolate chips

Pour into bunt pan for doughnut shape pan ( faster baking time as well)

Bake at 350 c until edges are golden and toothpick comes out clean. aprox 20 min

Book your session and I will capture the memories you are baking

Mud Trucks in the Fall - September Family Photography Session - Drayton Valley Alberta

Mon, 18 Jan 2016 19:28:32 GMT

Mud Trucks in the Fall - September Family Photography Session - Drayton Valley Alberta

I love this family’s enthusiasm and love for the outdoors.

Our session started with a trip off road in the mud trucks ( washed and shiny for pictures) down to our local North Saskatchewan River just outside of Drayton Valley.

Some stone throwing and then a bit of posing and rock crawling, then back in the trucks up to the families lovely acreage for some more extended family pictures.

Through the tickles and laughs for the big and little kids we were able to get some really genuine moments of fun and character.

Sports loving kids - Fall Family Photography Session - Drayton Valley Alberta

Mon, 18 Jan 2016 18:31:24 GMT

Big kids bring so much to the session especially when we get to showcase their love of sports.

Full of fun at our acreage property with full time prop lot. This great family took my request seriously when I had asked if the kids would bring along something that represented a hobby, talent or interest. I found this a great strategy this fall with a lot of my family sessions for all ages. I loved the discussions we had about their sports and most of all they were able to "show" off their talent. Soccer, basket ball and hockey great sports for kids, they truly enjoyed telling me about their team and how well they are doing.

Here are a few pics from their session just out side Drayton Valley Alberta on this beautiful fall day.

Dusty Rocker Boots - Model Session - Drayton Valley Alberta

Tue, 02 Jun 2015 18:03:55 GMT

As part of offering my clients an awesome photography experience I also offer great wardrobe options and now Women’s Western Boots, but not just any boots... DUSTY ROCKER BOOTS

They are the 1st ever women’s boots with interchangeable inlay color options for the front and back of your boots. Check them out on my other website http://m-m-eckel-fashions.ca

Last night I had some great ladies model just a few pairs of the boots and a couple of my dresses as part of a great casting call I put out on my FB page. https://www.facebook.com/mmeckelfashions

We had so much fun and all my girls looked fabulous! Check them out!

Classroom Champions Program - Event Photography - Dayton Valley

Tue, 02 Jun 2015 17:17:14 GMT

I was honored to be asked to covert the presentation event for the Classroom Champions program here in Drayton Valley. http://www.classroomchampions.org/

I learned so many great things about the program that 3 of our local classroom were able to participate in. Penn West was the sponsor of the local Program and the teachers and students had a great time interacting with the Olympian that was assigned to their classroom Brittany Webster Canadian Olympic Cross-Country Skier. Check out her page at http://www.brittanywebster.net/#!who-i-am/c139r

Although Brittany was unable to attend the event she had a great connection with the student s and teachers that she interacted with through the program. The students and teachers were so enthusiastic about their connection with Brittany and it was very apparent during the presentation that this program made a huge impact of the students that participated.

In Brittany’s absents CEO and Olympic Gold medalist Steve Mesler was there to enlighten and share the story of the program with parents and fellow community members. Steve has a great passion for this program and its benefits to the kids; he is full of energy and a great role model as well. He shared with the community about this triumphs and tribulations of training for the Olympics going from track to Bobsled and kept the students engaged. Passing his Gold medal around and being photographed with the participants after and during the event showed the true emotions and impacts of the program.

Good Foggy Morning | Alberta | Family Photographer

Tue, 29 Jul 2014 15:11:44 GMT

Have a great day!

Fireflies at sunset | My children | Children Photographer | Drayton Valley

Wed, 23 Jul 2014 04:14:41 GMT

Our girls love fairies, fireflies and princesses.

I just love it when it all comes together so mommy gets to play paparazzi while the little’s play imaginary games. I surprised them with a little game of discovery with a few firefly mason jars and some mini lights. Oh the fun we had pretending that evening, even Mr. W got into the fun a little.

Lensbaby fun | Drayton Valley Family Photographer | Melanie Eckel

Sun, 29 Jun 2014 04:56:28 GMT

So one of the things that photographers are known for and we often joke about is the gear and gadgets that we accumulate. Although I think that scrapbookers are much like photographers in the sense of gathering items that are useful now or later but we know we will get around to using them for one project or another.

My latest purchase was a used Lensbaby Muse I must say I love the creative look to the images I can create. It will, for sure take some time to master and will definitely expand your creativity when shooting.

Here are a few of my first experimental shots with my new gadget. I absolutely love this lens and hope you will follow along on my journey in creating some really interesting shots with it.

Black and white rainy day | Outdoor Photography | Melanie Eckel

Thu, 29 May 2014 20:04:44 GMT

Super rainy couple of days here in Drayton Valley AB.

Took out a unique toy for a test drive today as the rain let up for a few minutes.

I had a Eye-Fi card for a while and never really gave it a true try. Well today I wanted to play but quickly while my babies were having a nap.

It took a bit for me to figure out all the settings (eye-fi program and updates, computer, light room, camera) all had to be set up to allow transfer and import images.

I set light room up to auto import the images transferred to my computer and process them on import with my preset to BW edit the images. So fun and quick .

Here are some images from my rainy day play time.

Day 2 rodeo image showcase | Event Photography | Melanie Eckel

Fri, 23 May 2014 17:19:50 GMT

I just have to showcase some of the great athletes that put on an awesome show of horsemanship, competition and community.

covering this 2 day event was a real treat. The Rodeo community is powered by wonderful volunteers and dedicated families. The event could not be put on without all the hand who's helped out.

The gallery is live click here to view. Place your orders within the gallery before June 20, 2014

Rodeo Action Alberta Highschool Rodeo | Drayton Valley | Event Photography

Sun, 04 May 2014 13:32:53 GMT

What an amazing day for the first of 2 days here in Drayton Valley. So much action to take in and everyone was so awesome! More images of the rodeo action to be posted in the gallery soon.

The gallery is live!

Pretty in Pink Snow Princesses | Drayton Valley Family photographer

Sat, 19 Apr 2014 02:49:29 GMT

Pretty Princess Dress up photo shoot.

We had so much fun playing outside on this snowy spring day.

The girls love pink sparkles and playing princess dress-up, so I could not resist this great opportunity to photograph them in their element.

Huge tulle skirts flower girl dresses and special mommy's makeup all played a huge part in this fun morning shoot.

outdoor details

Fri, 18 Apr 2014 00:44:09 GMT

Capturing the details in our every day.

Winter Glamour Selfie Session

Sat, 04 Jan 2014 00:43:36 GMT

I had a baby last March and haven't had my pictures taken since my Mat session with Carmen Williams Photography.

With inspiration from CM and my P52 suggestions of a selfie image, I got all dolled up today and set up my camera on a tripod and started posing. it was snowing and the wind picked up a bit bu I am really happy with how they tuned out.

Here are a few from my winter glamor session.

Feeling adventurous and want to book your winter glamour shoot contact me today!

Night Photography and Toddlers

Fri, 03 Jan 2014 04:45:21 GMT

My girls are such great sports. I wanted to do a night image but not my usual long exposure one. I made a Black heart filter for my lens set my flash and voila! Heart bokeh! Love it! The girls were so surprised.

Baby's First Christmas | Family Photographer | Sylvan Lake

Mon, 30 Dec 2013 18:06:18 GMT

I was invited to do a special photo session for Miss. Z's first Christmas. We had such a great time while I captured her mom and dad helping her experience her first Christmas moments; checking out their tree, being part of the presents under the tree and a special visit from Santa him self. Miss. Z had big smiles and her curiosity showed through in many of the images. Thank you for the invitation I'm so happy to have been able to capture these special moments for your family.

Chrismas Card Session | Drayton Valley Family Photographer

Sat, 30 Nov 2013 18:27:45 GMT

Oh my! We had so much fun this morning, I just love this family! You guys were so awesome! You all really love each other, I am so happy that you were able to enjoy some hot chocolate and laughs with me this morning. Your Christmas cards are going to look great with your new winter pictures and I am looking forward to designing your wall displays with you too.

Thank you

Melanie

Fall family session | Drayton Valley Alberta | Family Photography |Photography By M.M.Eckel

Wed, 20 Nov 2013 23:22:59 GMT

I just love outdoor fall family sessions.

This family was so awesome to hang out with. Their two children were so cute and full of happy energy, without them even knowing they were posing for pictures I was able to capture them playing Rock, Paper Scissors. I loved the beautiful late afternoon light and the warmth that was created during this session.

fall familyLovely fall family session in a country field. red and denim color scheme look beautiful with golden hour light. Drayton Valley photographer Melanie Eckel fall familyLovely fall family session in a country field. red and denim color scheme look beautiful with golden hour light. Drayton Valley photographer Melanie Eckel

fall familyLovely fall family session in a country field. red and denim color scheme look beautiful with golden hour light. Drayton Valley photographer Melanie Eckel

Family is this couples first priority, you can see the love in their eyes for their children. From staying healthy and fit to working hard to provide for their family I adore these parents and all they do for their children. I am so happy to be the one who was able to capture them and preserve these moments for them. Thank you so much for allowing me to get to know your family better and supporting the Stollery Children's Hospital in which all proceeds of this session are donated.

Miracle Session | Fall Family Pictures | Drayton Valley Alberta Family Photographer

Thu, 17 Oct 2013 15:03:38 GMT

I had the pleasure of hanging out with this cute family, there son is so handsome! We had a great time this fall evening and with the choice of a miracle session we are making a donation to the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation! I'm so grateful for this.

Cause For Critters and the Thunder | Drayton Valley Pet adoption Photography

Sat, 14 Sep 2013 04:11:10 GMT

I've partnered with Cause for Critters again and this time we got to work with the Drayton Valley Thunder hockey team. The Thunder players were so awesome to work with, we had some laughs and they really liked the dogs too. We also had a chance to do a few individual pictures with 5 of the Thunder players and Suzy (one of the guitar case puppies Akita golden retriever cross) and Mac rescues dogs with forever homes. I really enjoy working with such great people and pets. Make sure you get out to the game and cheer the guys on, the Thunder's 2013 season opener game is coming up on Saturday Sept 14 at 7:30pm, Cause for Critters Volunteers will be there auctioning off the awesome team picture featuring Suzy and Mac. 5x7prints of the players with Suzy or Mac will also be available for a donation to the Cause for Critters, stop by and check them out Saturday.

If you are not able to make it out to the game and want to support Cause for Critters by purchasing a Thunder and rescue dog picture go to the gallery and place your order proceeds will go straight to the awesome organization.

Thank you for your support.

Fresh 48 in Hospital Newborn Session | Lifestyle Photography | Drayton Valley Photographer

Sun, 01 Sep 2013 05:30:00 GMT

The first 24 hours after your newborn arrives are so precious. Wether you deliver at home with a midwife or in a hospital the tender moments of meeting your baby for the first time should be preserved. I'll stay on call for you so I can come during visiting hours or when it is convenient for you within the first 24 hours and capture all the fresh details. Mom and Dad's first looks, meeting grandparents, siblings, cuddles with mom and dad, first bath and a few lightly posed newborn swaddled images. I won't take up too much of your time and images are very lifestyle and journalistically captured and tailored to flatter mom, you will know when I will arrive so if you want to freshen up a bit there will be no surprises. I was so lucky to photography my sister in law and her husband shortly after they welcomed their first child into the world. A precious baby boy, their joy and little tender moments truly filled my heart.

Session What to Wear | Maternity Style Guide | Drayton Valley Family Photographer

Thu, 29 Aug 2013 04:50:40 GMT

I truly believe every pregnant woman has a glow. It is the pure bliss that fills her heart, the love she and her partner have for the new life growing within her womb. There are so many wardrobe options for your maternity session. I love neutral tones tops that show off the curves. I have lots of fashion suggestions for your up and coming maternity session on Pinterest here is a handy link if you would like to check it out. http://pinterest.com/photommeckel/photography-session-fashion-inspiration/

Oh my a heart warming testimonial | Pet Adoption Photography

Fri, 26 Jul 2013 04:50:04 GMT

Paris

Akita puppies update... All 7 pups have found forever homes thanks to Cause for Critters. Our community is so wonderful and loving. I received this heart warming testimonial from Lauren the president of Cause for Critters and I just have to share it here. Thank you so much for allowing me to help out with getting these animals seen it was truly my pleasure photographing these little fur friends.

"Cause for Critters would like to thank Melanie Eckel for the generous donation she made to Cause for Critters to help advertise for our famous Akita puppies. These puppies became our most famous rescues because for the first time in Cause for Critters history we rescued orphaned puppies at only 1 week old. Because of their young age, we needed extra support from the community to ensure these little pups survived the traumatic loss of their mother and to ensure they grew up to be social and loving animals. When Melanie heard the story of our Akita pups she immediately wanted to be involved in helping them find their forever homes. She donated a photo shoot and many keepsakes to help our cause. The photo shoot was an amazing success – in a very short amount of time we had each puppy photographed and group shots taken as well. I can honestly say, I was not sure how well we could get perfect puppy poses from little creatures who do not understand “Sit and stay”! But Melanie supplied a host of different props for the puppies to investigate and just enough Puppy treats to keep them happy and interested until she had the shots she was looking for. Her patience and relaxed nature made the photo shoot an enjoyable experience and at the end of the day the photographs turned out perfect. Melanie really captured the personalities of each puppy – she is a fabulous photographer and Cause for Critters cannot wait to work with her again. We used the photos to advertise for our puppies on our website and Facebook page. One of the first items Melanie put together for us to start advertising was a video highlighting the best photos or the pups. The video was such a nice touch. Melanie chose music and organized the photos in just the right way – it was a hit with the public! Once we started advertising it was only 2 weeks before each puppy had found his or her forever home. Without the fabulous photos I don’t think these puppies would have gone so quickly. On top of the photo shoot Melanie provided the Cause for Critters with a canvas print of the puppies for our shelter wall, two five by sevens, and provided sets of individual photos of each puppy to be given to their new owners. The owners were thrilled to have this special keepsake of their new puppy. Once again, Cause for Critters extends a huge thank you to Melanie Eckel for her very generous donation to help animals in need. Your professionalism is valued and your compassion and concern for our animals in need is evident in all that you’ve given and it is appreciated!"-Lauren Schmidt, President

Happy Belly | Maternty Session | Drayton Valley Maternity Photographer

Mon, 15 Jul 2013 16:50:31 GMT

My Sister and her husband are expecting their first baby. We had so much fun together, shooting with family is always a great time. They came with some great posing ideas and with my creativity we were able to rock a morning shoot for them. My brother-in-law's family is faraway so it is so nice to be able to help in sharing their beautiful maternity pictures. I made natural country arch in our yard with the live trees and branches over a walkway to our creek and it was a great way to subtly frame mom to be in her pictures. I'm so happy for my sister and her husband, congratulations you guys and I know you will be fantastic parents.

Love...

The guitar case puppies | Drayton Valley Pet adoption photography

Tue, 28 May 2013 17:49:27 GMT

Kitten Kitten 1

Animal shelters are ran by volunteers, are non profit and are saving animals lives everyday. I had no idea how many animals in our community were being helped until my friend Lauren; a volunteer with our local shelter "Cause for Critters," told me the remarkable story about a littler of 8 Akita golden retriever cross puppies.

These cute little guys and girls became orphans after only 2 weeks of life when their mother passed away. They nicknamed them the guitar case puppies. The shelter needed to find away to save the lives of these 8 little cuties. The staff of Cause for Critters heard about a breeder in a near by community who had a female Rottweiler who was lactating and had no puppies and was not expecting any puppies either. What a blessing, this Rottweiler was a hope for the little puppies. Within hours of meeting the puppies the female dog was nursing, had counted and watching over the puppies as if they were her own.

After hearing this remarkable story I offered to help get adoption families for these beautiful miracle puppies by photographing them, so they would have beautiful adoption pictures to show potential families. When we were ready to photograph the puppies; Lauren was fostering 4 of the puppies while 3 were still growing with the surrogate mother; one little puppy didn't make it. The puppies were photographed in 2 batches and we were also able to photograph 2 kittens during one of the sessions. With the help of Lauren and Carmen (we are On-The-Spot photo booth services together) who wrangled the little furry friends for their photo shoot, I was able to capture the true personalities of the puppies and kittens now they have beautiful adoption portfolios.

I was so moved by the story and all the efforts made by Cause For Critters that I also had a beautiful Canvas made to be hung at the shelter showcasing the group of 3 puppies that I met at the second session. I am looking forward to working with more of the adoption animals to help them find forever homes. If you are interested in more information about Cause for Critters please follow the link to their website and help out by making a donation, or better yet apply to adopt a pet for your family.

title"Marshmallow

Rosie

Jumping on the blog wagon | Drayton Valley and Brazeau County Family Photographer

Sat, 18 May 2013 14:50:48 GMT

Oh my I can't believe I'm about to start blogging... I know it's all the rage, and really what better way for you to get to know me a bit better. So here goes EEEEK! But seriously I'll tell you why I'm a photographer and hopefully this will help you decide if I'm the right photographer for you.

I'm a people person, I love visiting listening and sharing life's experiences with the people I meet. I can sit in a busy mall and just take in all of what is going on around me. Watching mothers tending to their children while juggling shopping and navigating the busy atmosphere, the couple picking out that special piece of jewellery, the teens giggling and socializing in their own carefree world, the older couple still in love sharing an ice cream at the cafe. I take a picture of each of them and preserve it in my mental gallery, their daily lives are art to me. When I have my camera out; weather during a session or just for me, as soon as I look through the lens it feels as if I'm in the moment with the subject, time stands still and sounds are silenced, it's magical, it's art. No one else sees that moment as I did and now i have that moment preserved forever as photographic art. This brings me such joy and that's why I'm a photographer.

Image by Carmen Williams Photography