The Blog

Just wanted to officially update my blog with the info that no portrait sessions will be available for the next few months.  I am not sure exactly when I will open my calendar again but stay tuned.  My focus will be on my baby girl above who will be undergoing a major surgery.  This is where your prayers on her behalf are appreciated. 

Did you know that Congential Heart Defects (CHD) affects 1 in 100 babies!  It is the #1 birth defect in the world!  Have you heard of it before?  Neither had I.  It’s time to change that.  Thank you again for your prayers and understanding.  

As many may have noticed I’ve been on a photography hiatus for a while.  I will be posting some recent sessions I have done.  This session is a preview for mommy Genny.  Your pics came out beautiful!  Here a sneak peek for you, should have them all up for you by Monday.  This little princess was a complete doll and her parents as well very sweet!  Thanks for allowing me to photograph your beautiful family!

Hello everyone!  Just wanted to introduce our new little warrior princess.  She and our family have been through quite a journey.  Here is our adorable princessa!

Hello all!  Well here are some images from the last session I did before giving birth.  It is the very adorable baby, er, big boy Iago, at the ripe age of 1 year old!  He is the famous baby in my galleries on the black and white plate.  Here is all grown up, cute as ever and completely and utterly attached in love with his teddy bear. He was a little shy with me at first but quickly warmed up to me, and by the end of the shoot he wanted me to carry him around and cried when I left.  How sweet is that.  Love when the kiddies warm up to me.  =)

Thank you to the many that have inquired about scheduling sessions!  Well, I don’t think I had announced anything official on this site yet, but we are excited to be expecting baby #3 in early September!  It was originally my hope to continue taking sessions during the months of June and July, however, since I was recently transferred to high risk care I have decided to take the rest of the summer off.  If I have yet to get back to you I apologize, this is why I decided to post an update here on the blog for everyone to hopefully see and read.  I will most definatley miss meeting and photographing your beautiful babies and families but having a family of your own, however, I’m sure you will understand me taking time to care for mine.  I am not sure if I will be scheduling again for November so keep checking back periodically for updates.  Thanks and have a happy and safe summer!  Here is one last one of me and my belly.  =)   

Hi everyone!  Sorry for the delay in getting back to everyones calls and emails.  Our vacation was both great and stressful.  My daughter ended up in the hospital and was sick for about a week then I got sick and then we were both sick for another week after we got back.  Not exactly what we had in mind as far as our vacation is concerned but we are glad to be back and we did have some fun. Not to mention the joys of traveling when you are 6 months pregnant on top of everything else.   I was very sad however, that I did not get to take all the fantastic pictures I had envisioned.  With the worries of my daughter me having a fever and sinus infection I barely managed to take out my camera.  But here are few shots from the trip. 

I will be on vacation for two weeks in Mexico!  I will not be able to take any calls or answer emails until my return.  Thanks for your understanding.  =) 

I recently had the opportunity of photographing a beautiful girl named Sunny.  She had the most adorable redish brown curls and was just a super happy baby.  Her parents are such sweet hearts and were up for anything I wanted to do, let me say I just love when parents trust me and let me be creative.  The whole session turned out really well and we all had a great time.  By the end of the session Sunny was ready for her well deserved bottle and a nap after a hards day of work.

I had the opportunity to photograph baby Armani.  He was a such a good baby through out his whole session.  He even let me put him in a book case and didn’t fuss about it at all.  I was pretty impressed with this little guy to say the least as he was such a little trooper.  His parents are so naturally in love with him and for good reason. 

I love love love when I get to back to the families I’ve met with their little ones and now those little ones aren’t so little plus they have become big brothers or sisters!  Wow!  It truly is a joy to see the children and families grow.  This is the case with the Eslick family.  It is the third time I’ve had the priviledge of photographing their family.  Their first son was still a little one and now he is a big brother and has gotten even cuter, (how is that possible?) check out is red hair full of curls.  His lil brother is also super adorable.  I also love the image of the families silhouette by the window and mom holding baby so serene … the treasured moments of mom with a new baby in moment of peace that makes all the spit up and lack of sleep worth while.  

Well to those who check and read my blog I just want to apologize for not posting in a while.  Seems like I’ve been sick off and on this whole year and being sick one of the first things to go is my blog attentiveness.  But anyway I’m back and I will be posting images of the families I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and photographing in the past couple of months.  

Here are few from a session with the Morgan family.   They kept me on my toes taking lots of pics in different settings around the area.  I love taking family portraits, especially those with such cute kids as these!  We had a fun morning! 

Finally did a session with my own kidlets.  We had a good time, even dad came along.  It’s funny because people often think I have tons of images of my own kids but that it is a photographers curse, we must make the time to photograph our own family and not to mention ourselves, but anyway happy I got it done.  =)

I recently had the opportunity to photograph a darling little girl named Grace.  Mom was excited we got to do the session on exactly the same day Grace turned six months old.  Also seemed like Grace discovered her tongue that day, so we had less smiles and more tongue.  =)  But these are faces as parents we live for, the real moments, the moments and faces that will fade with time.  I love capturing these babies and families at all different stages.  I am blessed to have the best clients with the cutest kids! 

Meet the Price family!  This is the second time I get to photograph this beautiful and fun family!  I really enjoy photographing them as they have such a free spirit.   Here are just a few faves from our recent session - it was very hard to try and narrow these down.  =)

I recently had the pleasure of photographing a dynamic mother ~ daughter duo, Angel and her daughter Italys.  We had fun capturing different looks ranging from vintage to modern.  Congratulations to Angel who will be graduating from ASU’s Nursing program next month! 

Been kind of negleting my blog lately but didn’t want to pass up the opportunity for you to see Paris!  Super cute little girl with a beautiful head full of curls and some girly ‘tude. 

Meet Henry!  He is adorable, sweet, calm and lovable even for his big sister.  Gotta love that!  Here are a few from his session. 

Hello everyone!  Well, it’s over thank goodness!  My appearance on Channel 3’s Your Life A to Z! was fun!  But like I said, glad it’s over with.  It was neat to see how things happen behind the scenes.  The staff was really nice to work with, but after the tragic loss of their colleagues and friends the mood in the studio was understandibly somber.  I was amazed when I walked into the station and saw the overabundance of flowers and balloons they had received.  It was a moving experience to say the least.  

Some of you that were not able to watch the segment have asked if I will be uploading a clip.  I am working on it and it should be up sometime within the next couple of days.  The last few weeks have been non-stop.  Things have been crazy busy.  Things are "sord-of" winding down even though I know it’s really only the calm before the storm (meaning the soon to be holiday rush).  I have finally gotten to many of your emails and phone calls.  Thanks for patience - hope to get caught up with everything soon!  Also, thanks for your congratulatory messages to me, I’m glad many of you had the opportunity to watch! 

I also wanted to share a recent newborn session.  Meet baby Colton and his beautiful parents!  He’s just super cute and tiny - only about a week old!  I love, love, love photographing babies at this stage.  Here are a few from their session.  Be sure to scroll to the last image, I think that one is great and funny!  Can you sense their dog is need of some serious attention?!  Poor doggies I’ve seen it over and over again in my line of work, they and rightfully so, get dethroned by baby.  But of course it takes them a while to adjust to the fact they are no longer number one in the household - for this poor pup it has only been a week, he needs a little more time.  =)  Seems to me like he’s saying:  "Will someone pleeeeeeaaaaasssse play ball with me, I’m begging!"  

I was invited to appear on Channel 3’s morning show called Your Life A to Z!!!  Well, I was first shocked but then very honored and excited for the opportunity.  The show will air on Tuesday, July 31st at 9 a.m. and for those night owls or nursing moms you can watch on Wednesday, August 1st at 2 a.m.  They have asked me to provide them some of my images so they can air them during the segment.  Please be sure to watch as your portrait may have been selected to appear on the show!!!  Don’t forget to tell your family and friends to be watching.  Okay that’s if for now folks!  Just wanted to share my joy!  Hope all of you, my beautiful ~ wonderful clients are doing well!  =)

Meel little man Ilan.  He was such a good baby for all of his session.  Here are a few of my faves.  You can just see how he gushes in mom and dad’s love and affection.  Too cute!!!

Congratulations to the Madrigal family on the arrival of their sweet baby girl, Isabella!  Here are a few of my favorite images from their sessions both before and after the princess arrived.  =) 

I had the priviledge of photographing the Hernandez Family at their recent family reunion.  Everybody lives scattered across the country so they don’t have the chance to be together very often.  Here are a couple from their session.   It was really nice meeting you all!  And kids, you guys were great - I added one just for you!  =)

I recently had the opportunity to photograph little Kai.  I’ve never met a baby so excited to be having his portriat taken!  Made me feel great to have such an attentive little subject!  From the moment I literally started clicking my shutter he was just super happy.  He has a very contagious smile and sweet personality.  Thanks to mom and baby Kai for a fun and wonderful session!   

Meet my latest Baby In Bloom Collection graduate.  I’ve had the opportunity to photograph Julia as a newborn, at six months and now here she is at one year old.  What a cutie!!  As I proofed this session I couldn’t help but giggle at her determination to not part ways with her favorite yellow duck!  =)   

Michelle Morales Photography will be closed between Tuesday, July 3rd and Sunday, July 8th as Michelle will be enjoying sometime with her family.  All inquires received during this time will be responded to beginning Monday, July 9th.  Thanks for your understanding. 

He is the star of the image everybody loves on my website with the newborn on the black and white plate.  Well he is now 7 months old, very handsome and no longer fits on the plate!  Here are a few from his recent session.

Meet sweet baby Caroline.  She is such a doll!  This is the second time I’ve had the pleasure to photograph her.  Even though she was tired and due for a nap - she did an amazing job staying awake and in good spirits.  The session was held at a beautiful resort in North Scottsdale where her family was staying.   

Michelle Morales Photography was featured this week on the front page of the My Sweet Connection website!  My Sweet Connection is a website owned by KTVK Arizona News Channel 3 "Arizona’s News Family".  It is a great resource guide and gathering place for Arizona women.   Here are a couple screen shots and the a link to the featured article: http://www.mysweetconnection.com/shoparizona/gallerytour/062507.html

I had the pleasure to recently photograph baby Reese.  Totally cute little guy with the most amazing blue eyes.  Mamma said he was being a little fussy due to teething but he still did great!  Here are a few faves of mine.

Meet Scarlett beauty!  A truly adorable one year old, with thanks to her mamma, an equally adorable bedroom!  During our shoot I could sense her great zest for life and passion for exploring her new home.  She was so full of life she had no time to waste sitting still for the girl with the camera.  =)  

I had the priviledge of photographing the Van Zuidams for the second time.  I had first photographed their newborn son and now he is one year old!  They called me to photograph  them one last time in their beautiful home and amazing back yard before their move out of state. 

Wish you well in your new home!

Well after nearly a year I decided to revive my photo blog.  Things got way too crazy to continue it after I started but I’m hoping to do better this time. 

Just wanted to say I’m back up and running.   And hello world - yet again!

I hope everybody had a great labor day weekend!  I spent the extended weekend with my family at a beach front home in Oceanside.  It was beautiful and so relaxing.  I have always loved the ocean and being able to live right in front of it for a few glorious days was amazing.  I love feeling the gentle rays of the sun warm my body, the feel of the fresh ocean breeze caressing my skin, the grindy soft sand between my toes and listening to the awesome pounding of the waves.  For me it is a sacred place.  A place I love to meditate on Gods creation, His awesome power, wisdom and love.  A place where I fall in love with our Earth all over again and thank God for our beautiful home.  I included an image from one of the beautiful sunsets we were able to enjoy while there.  I discovered I loved every moment at the beach from sunrise to midnight - it always has something special going on.  I enjoyed taking a walk along the shore at night, admiring the moons silvery smooth reflection off the ocean water and watching these fun little birds that seemed to glide across the water as they searched for their midnight snack.  I enjoyed sharing stories with my family everynight by a bonfire, learing more about my parents lives, who they admire and why, about my siblings most memorable childhood memories, and more fun and interesting details.  It was our first vacation as a family together again after siblings have all been married (okay the baby is engaged but you know what I mean).  It was nice.  Nice is an understatement.  A moment forever ingrained in my heart and mind.  As a mother, I also had the pleasure of watching my children play and enjoy themselves.  Hearing their laughter as they jumped the waves, building castles in the sand and searching for seashells was an adventure and will be a forever treasured memory that fills my heart with joy.  I hope that all of you also had a fantastic time spent in the company of those you love and cherish.   

And talking about those you love, while away, I decided I wanted to do something special for my customers.  I know many of you love sharing your images with family and friends so as a thank you gift from me I will be offering those that call before September 30 to schedule their portrait session 25 4x6 portraits of your favorite image from the session.  Sessions can be take place anytime this year (my calendar permitting) but you must call before September 30th to receive the complimentary images.  I hope you enjoy sharing your special portraits with those you love and those that love you!

Meet Julia Grace - doesn’t she just have a beautiful name?  Very classic and timeless.  Julia here is a little over a month and half.  She is also part of my Baby in Bloom Collection (are you getting tired of me saying that yet?)  so I will have the pleasure of photographing her again soon.  She gave me great eye contact and was very happy after she was fed. =)  Her parents, grandma’s and I chuckled as she displayed her determination of not letting go of her bottle.  She held on to that thing tight till the very end and then … she slept. 

I had a recent session with baby Carter.  He is also part of my Baby in Bloom collection so I’m looking forward to photographing him again when he turns the big 1!  He is such an adorable little boy.  He has the cutest little smile and chunky little feet that make you just want to bite his little toes.  I love photographing 6 month olds.  They are so happy, bubbly and in love with the world plus they can’t run away!  Here are few from the session.  Plus check out his beautiful mom - totally resembles the famous Jennifer Garner (Afleck) don’t you think?  Lucky dad! 

Plus check out this one with their dog peeking through the window and if you look closely you can see the baby’s happy reflection in the window.  I thought it was cute!

Summer is almost over!  We will soon be able to go outside again during the day, let our kids go out and play and actually be at the park while the sun is out (gasp) what a concept!  With the weather getting nicer and the end of the year fast approaching my calendar is filling up fast.  The last session I will take this year to guarantee delivery by December 15 is Saturday, November 11.  Please be sure to book your session soon to get the best selection of dates and times. 

Meet Noah!  Noah is darling baby with a head full silky blonde hair.  I had fun photographing Noah in lots of interesting places through out his home.  Thanks to Mom and Dad for being good sports! 

I recently had the pleasure of photographing Brynn.  She is the sweetest mellowest newborn.  Her parents are also very sweet.  You can completely see the love they have for their new baby girl. Brynn is a part of my Baby In Bloom Collection so I am looking forward to watching her blossome.  Welcome to the world baby Brynn!

"and then the day came when the risk to remain tight inside a bud became more painful than the risk it took to blossom." - Anais Nin