Zailey Star - Utah Newborn Portrait Photographer

Zailey Star - Newborn Photographer, Salt Lake City, UT

Smits Family - Layton Park, Utah

Meet the Smits Family. I have known them since these three boys were ages four, three and two...crazy. Kids grow so fast. One of my favorite memories was one day when they were over at my house playing, one of the boys saw a picture of me from way back in my pre-children days when I was competing in pageants and he said "Who is that?" I said "That's me" and he turned to his dad and said "Dad, what happened? She was so pretty then..." I still think about that day often :) You guys hold a special place in my heart and made a lot of days a lot of fun. Thank you.

To view more of Melissa Papaj Photography's work view her Salt Lake City, Utah Wedding and portrait photography website here.

Smits Sneak Peek - Layton, UT

Good Cause - 2010 Bike MS Tour - Utah State Chapter

Hey everyone, I don't typically do this, but my friend Marc is riding for the MS tour - and needs more sponsors in order to reach his goal by the end of the week. My Aunt Debbie has been diagnosed with MS, so this cause is very near and dear to my heart. So, if any of you can help, in any way, please sponsor him at this link. So we can find a cure to MS and support the victims affected by this debilitating disease.

Jesse and Rachelle's Wedding in South Jordan, Utah - Sneak Peek

This shot was taken while she wrote a letter to her new husband...When I took it, I was thinking of what I wanted to add to it...this is what I came up with...very vintage I thought. One of my favs...

Plumber vs. Photographer - My Thoughts

I was recently reading a forum entry on a photography website and it came up in the forum about a plumber being compared to a photographer saying there was no comparison and I thought I would expound on this a bit further.

The quote was “You can’t really compare a photographer’s work to a plumber’s work, since they come in, do the job and they are done.”

At first, this statement might seem true, but looking further – I would have to disagree. They also have to carry expensive insurance and licensing fees, specialize in marketing, have a good education/knowledge of what they are doing, carry around expensive specialized equipment. Along with drawing up and fussing over contracts, replacing old outdated expensive equipment, dealing with customers. People don’t really think about what they are paying a plumber to do – be available, with the knowledge, equipped for everything (including insurance) and ready to go to work in who knows what circumstances.

The same as a client not knowing everything they pay me as a wedding and portrait photographer to do. To say just “unclogging the toilet” is like saying as a photographer we just “take pictures with a camera”. And wouldn’t you want the plumber who carries the insurance, uses the right equipment, has the knowledge and experience and knows how to get the job done over a plumber working on his first toilet or even his fifth toilet without insurance using only consumer grade equipment?

I have no idea where I am heading with this other than to make a point that in any service industry job, it is so easy to say that something someone does is just that job but in reality there is so much more to it – or at least there should be when doing it right. :)

Hailey

So the other day, I was sitting here with Hailey as she was lying on the floor playing with her blankie and thought she looked so cute so I pulled out the camera and took a few pics. This is why I love when my subject is comfortable with me. I couldn't ask for more candid shots of her. I can't believe that in less then two weeks, my little Hailey will be three years old.

New House or at least a hole :)

I am always wondering and debating on if I should post personal things on my blog or not. I know some people like the idea of only having to read one blog with everything in one place, but then again, I know some people who come here only to view my photography. I would love some feedback if you want the personal stuff here or not as much :) It also sometimes concerns me because everything is out in the open for anyone to know.

So today was a great day! We FINALLY after six long months of planning started digging a hole for our new house. We are so excited for the day to finally come when we can stop dreaming of being there and make it a reality :) Kenyon is riding in the tractor here.

He was taking his job very seriously!

And Hailey, not quite as serious, but she was definitely all about digging!

Matt supervising...
The hole in the ground, because it is in the mountains, the sewer line is a lot deeper to keep from freezing. It was 17 feet deep!!!
Hailey holding our VERY EXPENSIVE dirt :)
Kenyon standing on top of our VERY expensive pile of dirt :)
Hailey not only played in the dirt, but she also ate it. Crazy girl!