Behind the Scenes / 2021

February 4, 2022 — Behind the Scenes

I finally got around to pulling some behind the scenes photos together from this past year, (how is it February already??)

2021 was another interesting year...but business picked up quite a bit, which was a huge blessing after 2020. We had so much fun looking back through the year, at all of the good, the awkward, and hilarious moments. :) We hope you enjoy getting to see some of them too!

If you are reading this blog, you probably know that for our wedding photography, I, (Bri), am the lead photographer while Holly second shoots & assists, and for our newborn photography, Holly is the lead photographer and I assist ... Here are some behind the scenes shots of Holly doing what she loves. <3

Caregiver wearing protective mask holds infant in white room with wood panels.

snuggling the babies

Photographer working with infant during indoor photo session on white carpet.

swaddling the babies

Behind-the-scenes photographer setting up newborn portrait on white wooden floor.

shooting the babies

Two infant car seats with babies sit beside wooden bench with decor on wall.

Holly getting selfies with all the babies

Baby wrapped in pink blanket rests in car seat with cozy winter accessories.

Family members sitting together on a dark couch sharing a special moment.

Holly's daughter, Sam, even got to get some baby snuggles in! The perks of working from home!

And lucky me, I'm all hands on baby during newborn sessions!

Overhead view of photographer working with newborn on wooden floor.

Baby with pacifier resting on gray couch with hand reaching into frame.

tiny little fingers <3 <3 <3

A masked caregiver wearing a blue shirt holds a newborn infant in an indoor setting.

me posing with someone else's baby

A playful family moment with children and parents laughing while holding a bright green toy.

using a squeaky dog toy to try to get the newborn's attention...not sure why I thought that would actually work.

A newborn baby being held while someone wearing a mask stands nearby in a studio setting.

you don't mind me in the photo, right?

Multiple hands reaching to comfort a crying newborn baby during a photo session.

there are a LOT of hands on that baby, haha!

A family scene with a baby being cared for while others sit nearby on a couch.

Sam is not too sure about me holding his baby brother

A person in a black mask and pink top holds a newborn while standing on tile flooring.

Getting peed & pooped on frequently is part of the job

We practice safety first during our newborn sessions and always have hands on baby, (or babies!)

Two sleeping newborns nestled in a wooden basket with fringe trim and evergreen branches.

Behind-the-scenes newborn photography session with red and white holiday props.

Parent and child sitting on wooden floor during indoor play session.

helping babies hold babies <3 <3 <3

Professional photographer adjusts infant during pink-themed portrait session.

THOSE CHEEKS!

In fact, here are some behind the scenes of what photos actually look like before Holly edits them...I never take my hands off baby, but I change the position of where I am holding the baby so that Holly can make a composite of the several photos taken.

A crying baby wrapped in white sits on a wooden rocking horse while being comforted.

A newborn baby in white clothing placed on a wooden rocking horse toy.

A sleeping newborn wrapped in green blanket positioned on wooden rocking horse for photos.

A newborn baby bundled in green fabric rests on a wooden rocking horse against white backdrop.

Artistic newborn photography poses captured on neutral backdrop.

Hands photographing a small subject on rustic wooden background with vintage styling.

Shout out to Heather, one of Holly's besties, for assisting during a newborn session when I was not able to be there!

Some things we can't go without in the studio are heat, pacifiers, and the "baby shusher," - you can download the app on your cell phone ;)

Hands adjusting newborn with pacifier during photo session on gray fur backdrop.

Sleeping newborn wrapped in yellow on fluffy cream backdrop during photo session.

Newborn laying on pink blanket holding small plush toy with small floral crown and phone visible in corner.

Swaddled infant resting on burlap material on white wooden floor with pacifier.

she's not too sure about all of this...

Wrapped infant resting in rustic basket on wooden floor with orange pumpkin nearby.

we also can provide snacks to bribe siblings to pose with the new baby :)

We love kids!

Cake smash photo session with festive decorations including pink balloons and black tassels.

Person wearing face mask and grey shirt holding white board while standing indoors.

We love when Cake Smashes get messy!

Winter scene with snowy trees, glowing lights, and plaid dress against white backdrop.

We have several "attention getters" that we use...she does not seem amused HAHA

Holiday portrait with snowy trees and twinkling lights in background.

sometimes there's nothing better than having your mom pose in the photo with you while watching your favorite show

A tender moment captured outdoors on a residential street.

someone fell asleep during their photoshoot

A child in denim overalls exploring a sunlit forest trail with an adult.

Wedding party with bridesmaids in burgundy dresses and groomsmen in grey suits posing outdoors.

Beautiful lace wedding dress hangs in hotel room as preparations are made.

Person in black mask holding green dinosaur inflatables against white paneled wall.

let's read a dinosaur story!

Healthcare worker in teal mask examining young child in purple outfit on wooden bench.

let's not eat that...

Indoor scene with infant in woven basket being touched by two people on wooden floor.

let's not pull your sister's headband off...

Two children sitting on a white wooden floor, one wearing a green sweater and another in a white dress.

Holly's son, Lucas, helping us out during a sitter session ;)

We even have stickers to give out to kids after their session!

The stickers are for kids, Jason, but sure...you can have one too

Here are some essentials for non-studio sessions...

Step ladder with cleaning supplies and scissors placed outdoors near a shoreline.

stool/ladder, clippers, & fabric spray

Walkie Talkies

Friends enjoying Coca-Cola together in rustic wooden setting.

Coke! During this wedding the Bride's mom made sure that there was Coke in the fridge for us to the wedding day - how thoughtful is that?!

Silhouettes of people posing against snowy mountain backdrop at dusk while being photographed.

So many times I will set up my stool and then not even use it...there's my stool hanging out by itself on the right side.

We're full service here at Mellonberry....

Caregiver wearing a face mask bottle feeds infant in home setting.

we'll feed your babies

Person sweeping hardwood floor in elegant room with white curtains and dark furniture.

clean

Person wearing formal attire adjusts shoe while standing among white chairs in bright room.

set up chairs at your wedding

Close-up of wedding dress details being adjusted to show white cowboy boots underneath.

help you with your shoes

Photographer captures formal portrait of couple under crystal chandelier in elegant room.

take photos with your dad's cell phone

Illuminated rustic barn wedding venue at dusk with warm glowing lights.

carry your coat

There are so many things that Holly helps me out with on wedding days and I don't know what I would do without her...

Her veil throwing and dress fluffing are on point!

A photographer captures candid moments during an outdoor wedding photoshoot among trees.

Holly takes this job very seriously...see her concentration?

Wedding photographers create playful shots near a stone building with blooming rose garden.

and check out that form!

A couple shares an intimate moment under a wooden gazebo with rolling hills in the background.

Sometimes the Bride's veil falls off...

A photographer captures a wedding moment under a white pergola as the veil flows in the wind.

or Holly pulls it right off...

A romantic wedding moment is captured under an elegant white pergola on a spring day.

but don't worry, she always helps put it back on

Behind the scenes of wedding preparation as stylists make final adjustments outdoors.

Sometimes we use each other to check our lighting...

A person in a red dress and pink cardigan stands under twinkle lights in an outdoor venue setting.

A photographer walks down an aisle between rows of chairs in a bright indoor venue space.

A person in a hooded jacket stands in a misty forest during winter.

I think that's a little overexposed

Church interior with arched windows and wooden pews decorated with floral arrangements for a ceremony.

Check out the expressions of the people in the pews on the left side, hahaha

Here are a series of photos of Holly cheesin' it up...

A casual portrait against a wooded backdrop showing someone sitting on a fallen log by a stream.

Someone in a green jacket and jeans sits casually on a fallen tree trunk holding a book in a forest setting.

A professional portrait near a grain silo with vibrant pink flowers in the foreground at sunset.

Someone wearing a face mask makes a peace sign while standing among green foliage against a white background.

A photographer is framed through window panes with autumn trees visible in the background.

A photographer in a navy dress poses against a red metal wall with camera equipment.

Someone in a navy dress sits playfully on a porch swing against a stone wall backdrop.

A photographer stands under stone archways along old train tracks in a wooded area.

Two friends wearing 3D glasses pose together for a fun selfie.

Heart diffraction glasses! So fun!

String lights creating heart-shaped bokeh effect against dark background.

Photographer in black dress poses under tunnel of twinkling fairy lights.

Take notice that Holly and I weirdly posed the EXACT same way in this photo, and I only realized it now looking back on these photos.

Professional photographer posing under illuminated arch tunnel with fairy lights.

Photographer wearing mask and dark blazer stands in front of white doors.

The front of Holly...

A person in dark clothing stands near white doors in indoor setting.

the back of Holly

A person wearing yellow shirt and navy jacket stands outdoors with gardens in background.

Anxious Holly

Person in quilted green winter coat standing in front of illuminated Christmas tree with bokeh lights.

Holly from the hood with her hood...

Person wearing green winter coat and boots holds a gift in front of evergreen tree by lake.

Large illuminated hanging light columns create dramatic ambiance in an event space.

Holly here...

Elegant cylindrical crystal chandeliers hang from ceiling with dramatic lighting effects.

Holly there...

Tall glowing light pillars hang from ceiling in modern architectural space.

Holly everywhere

Illuminated vertical light columns create dramatic atmosphere in modern interior space.

Wedding cake decorator in mask making final adjustments to tiered white cake.

This photo makes me uncomfortable for some reason

Don't know what to do when the time comes to cut your cake? No fear, Holly will guide you!

When it comes to posing, we'll take care of you! ...Hopefully we don't look like this all the time when we are posing clients, haha

Wedding party poses for photos outside brick church while photographer captures the moment.

the bridal party is not too thrilled about whatever Holly is asking them to do

Wedding party members gather for photos outside near garden foliage.

Holly is pointing and nobody is listening

Photographer documenting intimate gathering on outdoor deck at sunset.

Am I dancing?

Two photographers working together on wooden dock by reflective lake.

We'll do whatever to get the perfect shot

Standing on a bench to adjust window curtains in a bright modern room.

A wedding couple in formal attire stands on grass with a white gazebo in background.

Lay on the ground

Photographer captures a couple during sunset in a parking lot with purple flowers in the foreground.

Shoot in a parking lot

Behind-the-scenes shot of a photographer working at a rustic metal silo venue.

stand out in the rain

Wedding photographer with umbrella capturing couple by a lake on a cloudy day.

Three photographers wading in a creek surrounded by autumn forest.

Cross the river with my giant camera bag. Next time, I'll try to remember to take my backpack instead and wear proper shoes LOL

Photographer capturing a scenic wedding photo shoot on rocky terrain at sunset.

Stand on top of cliffs

A yellow vintage Volkswagen Beetle parked in a snowy lot at dusk.

I'm literally sitting in a pile of snow

A photographer lying on forest ground to capture a unique angle.

There I am laying on the ground again

Two people photographing white turkeys through a farm fence.

I got attacked by chickens for this one

A photographer capturing a sunset photoshoot on a white salt flat terrain.

You can't tell, but there were SO many BUG SWARMS on the cliffs during this session, it was so gross!!

Couple laying in grass on hillside during wedding photoshoot with flowing white dress.

This is my favorite and makes me laugh so hard - we weren't allowed to fly a drone over top of the Bride & Groom at the venue we were at, but I really wanted a photo of them laying in the field from up above...so Holly suggested that I climb on her shoulders and take the photo...we couldn't stop laughing and we never made it up the whole way, but I got this shot of the couple with Holly's bun head in it hahahaha we must have looked SO ridiculous!!

Holly is extremely helpful when it comes to family photos during weddings

Large wedding party gathered on outdoor steps for formal group photo.

Photographer captures wedding party group photo on steps of white building with stone columns.

Outdoor wedding ceremony with party members holding colorful bouquets in garden setting.

Wait, come back!

But sometimes Holly gets distracted by animals...

Several white folding chairs are arranged in a room with a decorative red carpet and indoor plants.

Person in green dress leans over a white fence to look at grazing livestock in a pastoral setting.

Sometimes Holly likes to play with smoke bombs...

A casual family photo session against a blue metal wall with playful poses.

A romantic couple embraces while smoke drifts by near a blue wall.

A couple shares an intimate moment against a blue industrial backdrop with wisps of smoke.

A romantic portrait of a couple embracing against a blue industrial wall.

Sometimes Holly makes friends, (other than animal friends)...

A parent and child lean over to look at ducks in a pond on a peaceful afternoon.

A tender moment of comfort and connection in a cozy indoor setting.

A photographer with a camera stands near a young child sitting on carpeted floor.

Two photographers look down from a wooden balcony while taking pictures.

Sometimes Holly has trouble with trees...

Close up portrait of someone with a hair bun making an exaggerated frown expression outdoors.

Group of people standing near colorful canoes stacked by a lake in autumn.

Silhouette of wedding couple and photographer against golden sunset through trees.

Sometimes Holly sleeps on the job...

A plush grey velvet chaise lounge sits in an elegant room with white wainscoting and decorative topiary.

Navy dress contrasts against luxurious grey velvet chaise in a bright modern room with minimalist decor.

Relaxed pose on a plush grey velvet chaise lounge in a bright, contemporary room setting.

Peaceful moment captured on a comfortable grey velvet chaise in a sunlit room.

Rustic wooden interior with small table display and chalkboard sign near wooden doors.

Interior of wood-paneled room with rustic furniture and warm lighting.

Cozy scene on a tufted grey velvet chaise with decorative pillows and side table.

Okay, the Bridal Suite at Stoneybrooke IS really comfy....

Relaxed pose on grey tufted chaise lounge with decorative pillows in bright modern room.

We just love being silly!

A motorcycle rider poses on a sleek dark motorcycle against a white industrial building with grain silos.

Me posing with the Bride & Groom's bike and then adding it into their wedding photos without them knowing. ***Don't worry this was a friend's bike and I knew they wouldn't mind me touching it

A motorcyclist enthusiastically poses on a parked sports bike near a white farm building.

A black motorcycle is parked outside a white building during a special event.

A silhouetted couple stands in front of an ornate mirror under romantic string lights.

Green hydrangea plants frame a pathway leading to a rustic farm building.

White barn-style building with elegant draped openings and a metal roof.

Holly was trying to get a photo of the full barn at the reception and I kept getting in the picture and was laughing hysterically - I can't remember why

Someone poses playfully on dark stairs with a handrail in a dimly lit hallway.

Me falling. Whenever I fall or hurt myself, Holly always decides that taking photos of me embarrassing myself takes priority over helping me.

People approach a black SUV in a parking lot during an overcast day.

trying to sneak into the limo with the bridal party

These next set of photos are....I don't even know

A casual pose against old stone arches along railroad tracks surrounded by brush.

Wedding party posed on stone steps in front of white building with elegant railings on a sunny day.

White wedding dress and purple skirt contrasting against rustic wooden barn doors.

Rustic wooden sign with carved text against stone wall backdrop.

Person in mask gesturing while speaking near decorative lights and chandelier at evening event.

Elegant white bridal gown against white barn doors with stone accents.

Outdoor wedding photo session with red barn and white silo in background.

Casual outdoor portrait in wooded setting with person playfully jumping in background.

Indoor candid shot of person in dark clothing speaking on phone in dim lighting.

Figure in blue dress twirling near white sliding barn doors indoors.

Joyful wedding party in blue dresses posing under large tree on sunny day.

A photographer in black takes photos outside a red barn building at dusk.

karate chop

Professional photographer working in a bright interior space with glass doors and windows.

Point that toe!

Wedding guests gather on an outdoor patio during a reception celebration.

one of my least favorite things to do is try to get the bride or groom's attention while they are trying to talk with their guests

Wedding party with golf cart near a white barn on a hilltop.

what is Holly even doing?

Photographer in black dress and face mask shoots with professional camera in wooden interior.

stretching while shooting

A candlelit wedding reception table setting reflected in a window at night.

oh heeeeeeyyy

Crystal chandelier illuminates an elegant dining room setting with reflective mirrors and warm ambient lighting.

Sometimes we get in each other's way...

"GET OUT OF THE WAY, BRI!"

A couple stands along a lakeside path at sunset with bare trees and golden light.

A light tunnel decorated with twinkling fairy lights creates a magical photo opportunity.

A wedding ceremony under a floral arch with attendants lined up on both sides in an indoor venue.

A wedding reception venue with guests seated at round tables and twinkle lights in the background.

"GET OUT OF THE WAY, HOLLY!"

A group of firefighters in uniform pose together in front of their red fire truck outside a residential home.

A wedding reception scene showing guests dancing and embracing in a rustic stone-walled venue.

A wedding photographer captures a couple posing under a white pergola in a garden setting.

A white lace wedding dress hangs elegantly against wooden barn walls with rustic stairs in the background.

Run, Holly, RUN!

A wedding ceremony takes place under a white archway surrounded by vibrant fall foliage and white picket fence.

A couple walks along a pond's edge on expansive grassy grounds with bare trees in the background.

Can you spot the photographer in this next set of photos?

Wedding reception dance floor with guests celebrating including wheelchair user and children.

Blurry view through window of someone handling cocktails inside.

Close-up of red and silver striped glass Christmas ornament with glittery detail.

A wedding couple poses outdoors among yellow autumn foliage while the bride holds a burgundy and white bouquet.

A wedding couple shares an intimate moment on a garden path with greenery and a red barn in the background.

A wedding couple poses in an elegant grey and white room with a fireplace and tufted chaise lounge.

Wedding guests dance and celebrate on a dimly lit dance floor at the reception.

A rustic barn wedding venue with exposed wooden beams and string lights illuminating the two-story interior space.

A reflection of a bride in a wedding gown appears in a full-length mirror beside a window.

A traditional white church interior with guests seated in pews during a wedding ceremony.

Wedding guests dancing and celebrating in a rustic wooden reception venue with ambient lighting.

Wedding guests dance in a dimly lit venue with exposed wooden beams and blue lighting accents.

Can you spot Holly's legs in these next two photos?

White wedding dress hanging in modern room with sliding barn door and large windows.

Wedding preparation scene in bright room with photographer capturing moments.

We love when our husbands get to be involved in what we do. My talented husband, Chris, is Mellonberry's videographer <3 <3 <3

Two photographers capture a bride posing in front of a white gazebo and flower garden.

Two photographers with professional cameras capture shots from a rustic wooden balcony railing.

An outdoor wedding ceremony setup with white chairs arranged under a row of tall trees against cloudy skies.

Here are some shots of when Holly's husband, Matt, was invited to the wedding that we were photographing...

Wedding photographer in black dress with camera interacting with guest in suit outdoors.

They look like secret agents

Guest in dark suit and sunglasses poses outside at outdoor wedding venue.

Wedding reception guests seated at table 11 during indoor dinner.

Telling secret agent secrets...

Guests enjoying themselves and being animated during indoor wedding reception.

???

We love weddings!

Dinner guest enjoying a meal at a restaurant with ambient lighting and Coca-Cola.

There is always yummy food!

Person in black dress selecting items from an elegant dessert table covered in white linens.

Of course here I am hanging around the dessert table

A camera lens focused on small colorful objects placed on a concrete sidewalk.

Should I eat those Macarons off the ground with someone else's rings on them after we photograph them?

A person holding a small paper card outside a modern building.

The answer is Yes. They were so good I have no regrets.

Audience members seated in gray upholstered chairs at an indoor event.

We love seeing people we know! These are some of my nieces <3 and my brother is the one beside them looking at the camera with a perplexed expression LOL

Wedding photoshoot with a red fire truck and autumn trees in the background.

Wedding party forms archway tunnel on grass lawn for celebration.

I get bridal parties to cheer for me sometimes

People dancing on wooden floor at party with purple tablecloth visible in background.

One of my favorite parts of the day; when the dancing starts!

College mascot poses with fans at indoor sporting event.

The time SWOOP showed up to Ryan & Jonelle's wedding! So fun!

And we love our clients!!

A photographer captures a couple by a scenic waterfall cascading down rocky cliffs.

They go along with our crazy ideas

A couple walks through a golden field during their wedding photoshoot.

Say what?!

People playing in deep winter snow against a stone wall background.

Photobomb!

A person in a green winter coat enjoying a snowy winter day along a path.

This photo was taken after Holly slipped and literally fell on the ground in front of our clients. I didn't get the photo soon enough!

A couple shares an intimate moment during a photoshoot in a rocky quarry setting.

What a gentlemen helping her with her heels!

Two people laughing while working with buckets and containers outdoors.

Oooooooo the chicken feed feels nice!

A person in wedding attire poses playfully next to a hazardous area warning sign on a wooded trail.

We appreciate them going to dangerous places with us

A wedding ceremony takes place by a scenic waterfall surrounded by autumn foliage in a forest setting.

I think Holly wants in on that fist bump

That's it for 2021! We are excited to see what 2022 has in store for us. Thank you to all of our amazing clients and the people who have supported us as we continue to grow our photography business. Being full time moms and trying to run our business has not always been easy, but we are thankful to be in this together and we appreciate all of YOU so much!

Bye for now!

-Bri

behind the scenes