Melissa Hatcher Photography – Photo Blog » Children and Family Portrait Photographer in Parker, CO

Retail Therapy

Friday, February 19, 2010 Posted in Uncategorized

So, I’ve been wanting some cute boots for a while now. Not just any boot….but ya know, the cute ones that look adorable with your jeans all tucked in and also make that cool new cardigan, look even more adorable. Yup. Those boots.

Well, I say I’ve been wanting, but really I’ve just been waiting for an amazing deal and well, you know….that green stuff does help. So, I decided today was the day to do my long-awaited “walk through” at the mall. I rarely do this. But, today just felt right. I strolled into Macy’s not really expecting too much. I don’t normally shop at Macy’s. But, like everything else about this day, I was stretching myself, experiencing new things, taking my time…..you get the picture. So….into Macy’s.

After seeing the perfect, long-awaited pair of boots taken off the 50% off rack in someone’s hands besides my own, I kinda started freaking out. THOSE were THE boots I’ve been wanting. I pulled myself together and decided to stroll around the rack to browse other boots, all the while keeping my eyes on the other ones. Finally, the lady decided she couldn’t squeeze her size 8 foot into the size 7 1/2 boot comfortably enough and I just pretended to suddenly find them and look at them like, “yeah, these will do”. I tried them on, and I couldn’t contain my excitement. It was love at first sight.

My heart is happy. Don’t they just look toasty warm?

And……because they were 50% off as well……

Don’t you just love my “Lands Endish” outdoor shot.

by melhatcher

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Project “No More Thumbsucking” commencing today

Wednesday, February 17, 2010 Posted in Uncategorized

What is it about thumbsucking that is so cute and sweet when they’re young? My son, the youngest started sucking his thumb when he was about 5 months old. I remember saying, “Awww, look at that, he’s sucking his thumb”. At the time I didn’t even consider how attached he would come to it or that it wouldn’t be as easy to break him of it by cutting a slit in it like I did with his sister’s pacifier. No, I just thought it was the sweetest most precious thing ever. Well, those are not my feelings today. No way.

Here we are almost 5 years later and what used to be so endearing has got me sweating over how much possible money I’m going to have to spend to fix those cute little buck teeth. No more, “aww, look at that”. Now, it’s more like, “boy, you better get that thumb out of your mouth” (threatening some sort of horrible outcome). Poor kid.

We’ve wanted to break him of it for a while now. I was hoping that it wouldn’t take too much effort on my part actually. I was hoping that by sending him to preschool this year some awful kid would tease him and he would become self conscious, and that would be the end of it. Yes, I know what you’re thinking…..I’m a horrible mother for thinking these things, but you know we mothers….we have these thoughts. So far though, there don’t seem to be any “horrible” children in his class this year.

So, today we go to his dentist appointment. The hygenist is great with him and tells him how fantastic he is doing with his brushing. (At least I’ve got that mothering skill down) She then comments on his teeth and asks him if he sucks his thumb. She mentions it to the dentist when she comes in to check on things. This is how this conversation goes:

Dentist to me: “So he sucks his thumb?”
Me: “Yes.”
Dentist to Andy: “Andy, do you want to stop sucking your thumb?”
Andy: “Yes.”
Dentist to me: “Well, that is the first step.”

What is this, Thumbsucking Anonymous? My four-year old….”Hello, my name is Andy and I’m an addict.” Apparently, if he wouldn’t have admitted he had a problem then we would have had to just leave it alone. Thank goodness my sweet boy wants to quit!

She then procedes to tell me how to go about making him stop. I’m all ears at this point. “It’s all about positive reinforcement” she says. No wonder my threatening wasn’t working. She explains how to make a chart, bandage up his hands (yup, plural….the boy loves both thumbs) and to come up with some fun prizes.

Luckily, we were already planning on going to walmart for a new blender. Ace bandages, stickers and small prizes have been added to the list.

Tags: Personal

by melhatcher

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“We Heart Kisses” Photo Contest

Monday, February 8, 2010 Posted in Uncategorized

I’m entering another photo contest. This is my entry for the “I HEART FACES” contest. This week is all about “KISSES”.

I love this picture. These are my 3 precious children, showing their love for each other.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Kiss that someone precious in your life!

by melhatcher

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Snow Session? Book NOW!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010 Posted in Business, Promotional

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Coming up for air

Sunday, January 31, 2010 Posted in Uncategorized

Whew! What a month January has been! I’m just now coming up for air. Let’s all cross our fingers that February will be all hearts and lovey dovey moments, cause I don’t think I can handle another month of crazy!

The kids FINALLY went back to school on the 26th, after a 5 week break. Boy was I ready! We managed to get their science fair projects finished and 1 out of 2 display boards are ready. Both would be ready if I didn’t get distracted by a kidney stone last week and severe abdominal pain this week. Doctor visits, ct scans, blood work and a “Everything looks fine!” reply from my doctor can make just about anyone go crazy! Plus, on top of all that, my car decided it was not going to start. Can’t a girl get a break?

On the bright side of January….I did get ALOT of marketing done! I’ve been working alot with a local children’s resale shop called, Children’s Orchard to get my name out there a bit. They have been fantastic and very generous by allowing me to have a promotional display in their store and by letting me participate in their own “Fill A Bag” event last saturday! If you’re in the Parker area and want to find some great deals on children’s clothes and accessories, you should definitely check them out!

After spending the last two months preparing for the new year and getting business things JUST as I want them, I am so excited to start booking more sessions. I’m itching to get out of the office and get out there to do what it is I truly love….capturing precious moments!

Here is a recent shot of my sweet nephew. This is him as his true self. Serious, nothing flashy, just JT.

by melhatcher

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Merging

Wednesday, January 6, 2010 Posted in Uncategorized

To merge or not to merge? That is the question.

I’m so excited to have launched my new blog. Although it is not yet completed, I’m blown away at the versatility and numerous options I can create. I still have my website up and running, but more and more I’m contemplating the merging of the two worlds. Blog = Website, Website = Blog.

I understand that everyone has an opinion on the matter. Some feel that a website is like a portfolio so to speak. It shows off your work in a very professional manner and gives information to the consumer upon request. The blog is more for the photographer to show off their personality and style, in a very relaxed and fun way. It allows the client and all of those surfing the net to keep up with the photographer and get to know them on a more personal level.

So……because I can see both sides, I’m having a very difficult time deciding which direction I want to go. Honestly, the idea of having a “one-stop-shop” totally appeals to me. I would love to have just ONE address. It just seems so much more functional and easy to have them merge.

hmmmm? thoughts?

by melhatcher

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Hello 2010!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010 Posted in Children, Random

Can you believe it? Not only do we have a brand new year to start fresh, but a whole new DECADE to accomplish all our goals and maybe even some of our long-awaited dreams!

I can honestly say that I am right in the midst of my “long-awaited” dream and loving every minute of it! There are so many ideas in my head, not to mention all those creative juices flowing. I may need to get my own tap dispenser installed.

I know that we all think about resolutions for the new year. I’ve pretty much given up the “I’m gonna lose 10 (really 20 ) pounds” thing. That has needed to be resolved for years now, and it just never sticks. I think I’m going to resolve to do something more fun and something that doesn’t involve giving up my beloved Hostess cupcakes! So, because my crazy, type A brain loves lists here are my 2010 resolutions in no particuliar order.

1. Learn to balance job and homelife so that I can continue to enjoy my husband and kids. This one is non-negotiable!

2. Devour marketing strategies and ways to promote my business so that my clients and soon-to-be clients continue to come back wanting more, but also benefit greater than me.

3. Get my hands on a Nikon 50mm 1.4lens (unless they decide to make a 1.2 this year)!

4. Take a romantic/fun getaway to NYC with the love of my life!

5. Blog more!

6. Capture even fewer posed images and more “heart-following” images.

7. Attend more workshops by inspiring photographers.

8. Design and print my very first album!

9. Laugh more (clutter free or not) !

10. Love on my family and friends! I’ve got the best ones in the world!

I’m excited to come back in a year and check off all ten of these resolutions! I’ve heard that if you write things down, they are more likely to come true! I hope this is the case!

I don’t like posting without a picture, soooo……..here’s a shot of my kids and their cousins a few months ago. I got this printed big for my parents for Christmas as a surprise. Aren’t they the cutest?

Love to all and dream big in 2010!!!!

by melhatcher

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Start 2010 With a Bang!

Sunday, January 3, 2010 Posted in Business, Promotional

Big Bang Deal

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{ A Family }

Friday, November 27, 2009 Posted in Children, Family

This was such a fun session! I was at home in Louisiana for the Thanksgiving holidays and I was able to schedule a shoot with an old friend. She and I were teammates on my highschool softball team. It had been FOREVER since we had seen each other, so it was so great getting to reconnect and get to meet her family. What a beautiful family they are!

I had such a fun time! The whole session was on my parent’s land out in the country. The light was great and the boys had a blast exploring. Sorry, I got them a little dirty……boys will be boys though, right?

by melhatcher

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Look who is ONE!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 Posted in Baby's 1st Year, Children, Family

I have no idea where the year went, but it sure went by fast! I can’t believe this little man is ONE! He’s already walking…fast! Mom and Dad certainly have their hands full. I have so enjoyed watching this little guy grow up this year. He was my very first “Baby’s 1st Year” client and I’ve had such a great time being a part of each milestone.

Happy Birthday Skyler!!!