Melissa Shelby Photography » Anchorage

Boys | Anchorage Portrait Photographer

Mel — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 22:11:40 +0000

Two handsome boys braved the snow and sun for a few photos with their brand spanking new addition to the family — a labradoodle! We had a quick shoot because of some cold wet feet! Hopefully I can talk them into another shoot when the leaves come out!

Married! | Anchorage Weddings

Mel — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:36:06 +0000

In March of this year I had the opportunity to photograph Connie and Mark’s wedding at the Anchorage Museum. I’ve known Connie over the years by way of “the Christmas Parties” and “the Halloween Parties” from back at the Railway Depot. It’s been several years now since I’ve photographed a wedding where I knew any of the attendees so this was quite a treat! There were old friends all over the place! Following are a few of my favorites from Connie and Mark’s winter wedding. Congratulations you two and thank you for letting me be a part of your wedding day!

Almost Christmas Baby | Anchorage Portrait Studio

Mel — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 01:39:43 +0000

A big surprise showed up a few weeks early just in time to sport a Santa Claus hat and booties! Included are a few photos of his beautiful older sister, as well, from an earlier maternity shoot! He was just a few days old and as sweet and patient as anyone that young can possibly be with a crazy photographer trying to snap photos and make him pose!

Welcome to the world and Happy New Year!

Cheeks! | Anchorage Portrait Studio

Mel — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:30:05 +0000

I met this baby girl at a wedding recently and had the opportunity to capture her one year portraits as well. The title says it all. She has the best cheeks ever! Such a cutie and a great sport as long as there was “Pirate Booty” — a fun kids snack– hidden in strategic locations.

My favorite shot is the one of her looking studious reading the book she brought along to play with.

Our New Fur Beast | Anchorage Portrait Photographer

Mel — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:21:50 +0000

We recently added a new member to our family. He is furry and runs on all fours and sometimes answers to the name of Ivan. On other times he answers to the name Eisen-Howard (when Sid says Ivan it sounds like Izen) and yet other times he chooses not to answer at all. He is a crazy fur beast with a perpetual smile on his face. He looks like a Russian Wolf Hound mixed with an Alaskan Husky then crossed with a Golden Retriever. He is a a nut (did I mention that already?) The best part, however, is that he adores Solomon and Sid and they love him!

Ivan came from the Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue from up in Wasilla. It is a great organization of volunteers who house the dogs themselves until a permanent home can be found for them. It was great for us, too, because we were able to meet with him in a home environment to really get a better impression of his personality. We were looking for a love sponge who would entirely tolerate two little boys and this silly puppy completely fits the bill. He is a non-stop barker and the fastest thing on four feet that I have ever seen. He loves to sleep upsidedown with his paws in the air and he has two ice blue eyes with a hint of brown in one.

This past weekend we took him out for a walk around the lake which is now pretty solidly frozen. We’ve been dog sitting Mookie for the past week and had him join us for the jaunt. The boys careened around the lake in the sled and the dogs just played and played and played. It was a perfect little family adventure on a cold November day.

Trenchcoats Never Go Out of Style | Engaged in Anchorage

Mel — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 03:06:25 +0000

On a day like today when it is at least 50 or 60 degrees outside, it’s hard to remember what is feels like when you are constantly being hit by arctic gusts of wind. The day we headed out for Michelle and Brian’s engagement shoot was one of those days.

Michelle & Brian had on the coolest set of trench coats– which reminds me I still need to add one of those to my wardrobe! These guys were fun! They didn’t even flinch at the chill in the air. They were so accommodating to all my silly ideas for poses that they even came up with several of their own ideas and locations.

This was the second shoot in a month where water was involved or someone falling into water was involved. This time it was my beloved flash unit taking a digger right after we finished shooting. I was breaking everything down and launched that baby up into the air for a splashdown completely underwater. Brian leapt to my rescue and, of course, landed in the water. He did, however, save my flash from certain death! I am happy to announce it has now made a full recovery and I think Brian survived unscathed as well!

Brian & Michelle, thank you for your patience in the chilling winds of fall! I had no idea how cold it was until the drive home so I know you guys must have been freezing!

Congratulations on your engagement!

Engaged | Anchorage Portrait Photographer

Mel — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 09:03:57 +0000

Amy & Andy are engaged! They will be tying the knot next summer out in the valley. I am excited about photographing their wedding and really enjoyed the opportunity to spend a few hours with them on a gorgeous day prior to the hustle and bustle of the big day!

We traipsed over rocks and outcroppings and played in dirt and water. At one point, Amy even went sliding and splashing into the water as we tried to inch near a waterfall! I fell in a few minutes later as payback for even suggesting such a thing. Luckily it was gorgeous and hot outside. Amy’s jeans never quite dried off but she looked like she was having fun throughout the soak filled latter half of the day.

Congratulations Amy & Andy! I’m looking forward to your wedding next summer.

Fall Family Portraits | Anchorage Portrait Photographer

Mel — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:33:25 +0000

I met Leslie and her brother & nephew out at Bird Creek right before the autumn leaves had really changed. Leslie traveled up from Idaho and wanted to have some family photos to take back home with her. We started out in the rain but just like any other day in Anchorage, if you wait five minutes, the weather will change! We ended up having great weather and stayed dry for the rest of the evening.

The big challenge of the evening was to counter balance her nephew’s “James Bond” posings with a few natural smiles. There were some great lifted eyebrows and expressionless glances but eventually we had him crack a real laugh. I think those are going to be keepers for his grandmother!

Alisa & Casey | Anchorage Wedding Photographer

Mel — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:29:34 +0000

Alisa & Casey are married…finally! At least that’s what their friends and family were saying! They’ve been a couple for a long while and everyone was very happy to help them tie the knot and celebrate.

They were married downtown and the party quickly moved over to the Hotel Captain Cook. Alisa is also a photographer so she made sure she had a beautiful suite at the hotel for all her “getting ready” shots. Yay! (okay, I just have to say that one more time. Yay!) She also had a surprise bouquet that was absolutely gorgeous even if there was a bit of a stressful moment involved!

The reception was a definite party. The ambiance at the hotel was crazy dark and gave us some good opportunities for tricked out lighting styles. Too much fun!

Congratulations Alisa & Casey!

Sweet, Sweet Baby | Anchorage Portrait Photographer

Mel — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 22:25:47 +0000

Twelve days old! I can’t even imagine how shocking life is when you’ve only been alive for a few days. This little man was a real trooper. He tried very hard to keep one eye on me at all times! I have several shots of him with just the one eye opened! He finally drifted off to sleep after at least a good hour of fighting and snuggled in for some cozy shots. Too sweet.