Happy Halloween!

I have had the craziest day today! This morning, I had the privilege of doing portraits for some adorable preschool students. Later in the evening, I met these sweet sisters at their house. We did some pictures in "regular" clothes, too. But I am wiped out, people, so let's just start with these 3 for a sneaky-trick-or-treaty-peek!





You gotta love her stunning blue eyes! I just couldn't wait to get my lens on them :-)



Did I mention my website is now live? I am so happy with how it turned out. I hope you'll check it out often because I'm getting pretty busy with fall sessions, so the gallery will be changing!

Melissa Trcka Photography

Another Sweet 2 Year Old

You never know what is going to happen when it's time for 2 year old portraits, and this little lady didn't disappoint. I had so much fun looking at all of her different expressions, and I think you will too! About a year ago, I "borrowed" her to see if I actually had what it took to photograph someone to whom I am not related, and it's been really cool seeing how much she's grown since then. She is quite eloquent for a 2 year old, and you should hear her talk all about Veggie Tales!

Her Tutorial on How to Smell a Flower

When I first met this little girl's mommy almost 13 years ago (freshmen at Harding), I thought she was full of herself and snobby. You should hear what she thought about me. Well, God has a way of surprising you, and by the time we were juniors, we were forever friends. This summer, we reunited for the first time in 6 years. We met each other's daughters and enjoyed every minute of watching them have fun together. If that isn't cool enough, I got to take some pictures of her precious daughter!

I have many other images to edit, but I couldn't resist posting this series as my first official photography blog post.

About Me

I am a mom who grew tired of taking her children to a chain studio for portraits only to wait 45 minutes past our appointment time.  I was tired of the standard poses.  Of course, I thought the pictures were cute, but I always left feeling like they hadn’t captured the true essence of my children. 

And then there’s brown eyes.  I was tired of my childrens’ beautiful brown eyes looking like black holes.  Their eyes are full of light and life!  I wanted pictures that showed this.  So I asked my husband to buy me a nice camera.  Then, I took a class, read a ton, talked to other professional photographers, and drove my children nuts while I practiced. 

Ultimately, I learned how to use natural lighting to create images that showcase my children.  And I learned how to make their amazing brown eyes look just as amazing in portraits.  Most importantly, I learned that I can’t stop learning about photography.  I am constantly trying to improve or try a new technique.

I know oh-so-well how being a mommy changes your life forever.  When holding a sweet new life in your arms, you want to remember those lazy yawns, innocent expressions, and sweet smiles forever.  You blink your eyes, and your baby is suddenly walking, running, climbing, and jumping.  Each stage is precious in its own way.  Preserving these fleeting moments is what I love to do.  And if I have the privilege of working with you, it is a responsibility that I do not take lightly.