Melinda Lilley Fine Art Photography

Sarasota!

2012-01-07T10:38:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking lately about a brief visit that I made to Sarasota about a month ago on my way back from Sanibel Island. When we left Sanibel, my friend, Maureen, and I decided that, instead of hitting the major highway, we would meander liesurely up the coast from Ft. Myers back home to Clearwater -- and that we would stop whenever and wherever we wanted to. It was so much fun! Our route took us through gorgeous, artsy Sarasota. A friend had told me about St. Armand's Circle, which is at the entrance to Lido Key across Sarasota Bay. It's a large circle of fine shops and restaurants with a European feel, in the middle of ... well... paradise! I've read that the circle is named after Charles St. Armand, a Frenchman and first island inhabitant. There are several courtyards and patios with lush plants and these beautiful, graceful statues based on Greek and Roman art. I was fascinated with the statutes. I loved them. The sight of these beautiful works of art set against the blue sky was inspiring.

Of course, my love for black and white takes over... when you strip away the color, all you see is the subjects. I like the simplicity of this elegant lady and the coconut palm behind her.

A few more of my favorites...

We only had a few minutes to explore that day, and I was only able to quickly get these few shots. I can't wait to return with my camera, when I have more time to wander aimlessly (one of my favorite things to do!), soak in the atmosphere and capture more of the beauty of that place.

Sanibel Island, Photography, and Surroundings by Melinda

2011-12-10T10:39:00.000-08:00

I recently went to Sanibel Island and something unexpected happened....

I rediscovered my love of photography.

It's not that I stopped loving it really, but what I didn't realize was that the passion that I first had for photography -- just for photography's sake -- had faded a little over time. Photography for no other reason than having a feeling about a place, and wanting to capture that feeling forever.

I wanted to capture a perfect Saturday spent in Sanibel.

Sanibel is famous for its seashells, and I brought plenty home with me to remind me of that perfect day. A day that started on the beach by the 120-year-old lighthouse located on the eastern tip of the island. I could have stayed there forever. The lighthouse is on a nature preserve, so there's not another building in sight other than the lighthouse and the caregiver's cottage.

So many things converge to make it a treat for the senses -- a constant seabreeze, the sound of the ocean waves, seagulls and pelicans flying overhead, the wind in the trees, majestic pieces of driftwood - and, of course, seashells as far as the eye can see.

Another place I visited during my perfect day in Sanibel was Surroundings by Melinda, which is a home decor shop that I've been visiting for 15 years or so - ever since it was located in Morgantown, West Virginia, where I used to live. I worked one block away, and I remember it was the perfect place to relax on my lunch hour - especially after a particularly stressful morning :-) I still treasure some things that I purchased at the shop all those years ago. In 2008, Surroundings moved to Sanibel Island. It is owned by Interior Designer Melinda Graham, who has appeared on national television shows, and whose home and shop have appeared in various magazines - and was most recently photographed for Romantic Homes Magazine. It is truly a showcase. Here's a peak at the "new" Surroundings by Melinda.

Surroundings is off the beaten path, tucked in among art galleries, and is just a short walk to the Gulf of Mexico.

Inside, it's filled with all sorts of treasures...

When you walk in, the air is filled with beautiful music, sea air and the scent of fresh flowers and potpourri. Old is mixed with new to create lovely vingettes.

Melinda's signature style is various shades of white, which is very light, airy and restful.

I love the arrangement below. The gentle curve of the pottery against the detail of the gold framed mirror that reflects the muted colors of the boutique ... the ornate shelf ...

this arrangement is like a work of art!

There are crocheted pillows and blankets in rustic cabinets...

Lovely flowers spilling out of baskets...

Paper umbrellas and watering cans...

Crisp white packages and sparkly accents...

Iron bird cages and candles...

Bits of lace and pottery...

Loving attention is given to each little detail...

Gorgeous blooms...

Custom cards and starfish...

An antique bed with an inviting table setting ...

Birds eggs and china cups...

Ornate pottery...

Sweet little heart pillows in a vintage picnic basket...

Intricate china and lavendar soaps...

Even little butterflies made of sheet music hang from the ceiling...

Melinda will also make custom wreaths, home decor and gifts. We went around the shop and picked out a few things, which she arranged to perfection within minutes into a unique gift.

My purchase, tied up with ribbon in a charming little bag...

Oh, and I can't forget to show you sweet little Peanut, who wandered into the shop one day and decided he was home. You'll find him either sunning himself on the deck or climbing around the shop trying to get your attention.

There are certain places you visit and you can just tell that someone has put their heart and soul into it. Surroundings by Melinda is one of those places.

I loved my visit to little Sanibel, which ended with a fabulous sunset...

I'll definitely be back...

Surroundings by Melinda main website: http://www.melindagraham.com/

Online shop: http://www.surroundingsbymelinda.com/
Blog: http://www.surroundingsbymelinda.blogspot.com/

Last Minute Deal - Orlando mini-sessions - Thanksgiving Weekend!

2011-11-24T13:06:00.001-08:00

I'm having last-minute mini-sessions in Orlando on Thanksgiving weekend! It's a perfect time (and perfect weather!) to have photographs created of your children or the whole family.

Sessions are being scheduled on Saturday, November 26th starting at 3:30 pm, at Lake Eola. A mini-session is only $30 (for up to four people or pets), and includes a 15-20 minute session and two images of your choice on CD to be used any way you like -- for printing, on-line posting, or for cards to send to friends and family.

Call, e-mail me or send me a private message on Facebook to schedule your session. Hope to see you there!

~Because you want to remember forever ... how beautiful your life is now~

Ph: 727-768-5796
Email: Lilleyphoto@gmail.com

Booking sessions...

2011-08-19T06:36:00.000-07:00

I'm now booking sessions in the Tampa Bay area - for residents and vacationers! If you know anyone who's planning a trip here, please let them know! There are so many great places for portraits here - there is downtown Tampa, Clearwater or Safety Harbor -- there are funky, trendy neighborhoods, quaint little seaside towns, marinas, parks and, of course, the beach! I'm also in Orlando frequently, so contact me if you're going to be in that area and would like to schedule a session!

To book a session, or for more information, please call (727) 768-5796 or e-mail Lilleyphoto@gmail.com.

More of Amber's Senior Session

2011-08-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

Here are some more of my favorites from Amber's senior session!

Jaynie's Two-Year Session

2011-07-24T19:11:00.001-07:00

Sneak peak - Jaynie's two-year session...

2011-07-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

... merry go round...

... love ...

Sneak peak - Amber's senior photos!

2011-07-21T19:57:00.000-07:00

My lovely niece Amber! More to come...

Brayden's fun session in the park

2011-06-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

I had to share some photos from my session at the park with 16-month-old Brayden. He's such a cutie!!! Brayden is very bright and energetic, and he has an insatiable curiousity about the world around him. Here are a few of my favorites.

Brayden took a special interest in a very sandy area of the park. Maybe it reminded him of his recent trip to the beach :-)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gavin's one year session - Cypress Grove Park, Orlando.

2011-03-05T11:29:00.000-08:00

Gavin's now one year old, and I can't believe it's been that long since I took his newborn photographs! He's become quite a little character - and, typical of one-year olds, he doesn't sit still for more than two seconds at a time. He gamely allowed me to chase him around the Cypress Grove mansion and rose garden until he decided he was sick of me, as you can see in the last photograph, lol.

Hugging teddy...

Sweetly contemplating an acorn...

That was it, he was done!!!

Main website: http://www.melindalilleyphotography.com/

Facebook Page - Melinda Lilley Photography

2011-01-29T10:16:00.000-08:00

So... Melinda Lilley Photography finally has a Facebook page! Please take a minute to check it out (either through this link or the Facebook button on this page) and "like" my page. Let's stay connected!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Melinda-Lilley-Photography/130248030944?v=wall

The Williamson Family - Morgantown, WV

2010-11-16T10:41:00.000-08:00

I spent a beautiful fall afternoon in downtown Morgantown with Josh and Tamara Williamson, and their two gorgeous children, Nate and Grace. The Monongalia Arts Center and Cafe Baccus served as backdrops, as well as some charming out-of-the-way side streets. Here are some of my favorite shots.

Main website: http://www.melindalilleyphotography.com/

Old Hollywood - Adrian & Laura

2010-11-07T19:06:00.000-08:00

Adrian and Laura went to an Old Hollywood ball to benefit WVU Hospital, and got all dolled up for the occasion - complete with a victory roll hair-do! We got a few double takes from passersby on the streets of Morgantown, but it was so much fun!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Classic old Hollywood portraits
~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~

We even got into the lobby of the historic Warner Theater, which is closed. It's such a beautiful theater, it's sad that it's not in use any more. I'm hoping an investor with vision will snap it up and open it again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

What a fun day in old Hollywood!
~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gavin's newborn session

2010-06-04T07:34:00.000-07:00

Precious little Gavin was 7 days old in these photos! I wanted to capture the emotions of this brand new family in a way that Gavin's parents will treasure forever! :-)

Click here for video:

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Connor's six month session

2010-05-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

I took Connor's six-month photographs in his parents' home nestled in the mountains of Morgantown, West Virginia. (Their home had some sweet light!) Connor is a gorgeous blue-eyed little boy with a big personality. I also captured some happy moments with Connor and his beautiful mom, Courtney.

Surroundings by Melinda

2010-05-23T05:11:00.000-07:00

This is a fantastic interior design boutique on Sanibel Island, Florida. Its owner, Melinda Graham, is an interior designer and lifestyle expert who has been featured in many magazines, such as Woman's Day and Budget Decorating Ideas, and televisions shows including the Discovery Channel and HGTV. I used to go to her shop when it was in Morgantown, West Virginia. Since then, we've both moved to Florida, and her shop is a three hour drive from me... so of course I had to check it out. When I walked in, I was reminded of "home". If you're ever in the Sanibel/Ft. Myers area, make sure to check it out.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Surroundings by Melinda website: http://www.melindagraham.com/

Surroundings by Melinda blog: http://www.surroundingsbymelinda.blogspot.com/

Main website: http://www.melindalilleyphotography.com/

Klickman family

2010-05-23T03:59:00.001-07:00

I spent a chilly morning with the Klickman family at the beautiful Rollins College campus, in Winter Park, Florida. You can tell after spending just a few minutes with them that they are a very close-knit family -- and that they have a zany sense of humor :)

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Gavin's 3-month session

2010-05-23T03:58:00.000-07:00

It always amazes me how fast time flies - and how much babies change in their first three months! Here are some of Gavin's three month photos. He's such a cutie!!! I also made sure to capture some images of his farm-themed nursery. I think all parents need momentos of their child's first room - the wall decorations, toys, their first books, sweet blankets - all the little things that make up their surroundings.

: Gavin was very interested in eating his hands :-)

Main website: www.melindalilleyphotography.com

Remmy's one-year session

2010-05-23T03:57:00.001-07:00

Here are some photographs of one year old Remmy (short for Remington). His parents, Jesse and Marshall, are good friends of mine. They are such fun, cool people to hang out with. They both have a goofy sense of humor, which I think Remmy has inherited, lol!

: Remmy held his hands up because he didn't want to touch the grass :)

: Mom was doing something goofy when this photo was taken. He enjoyed it immensely!

: Having some fun at the playground.

: "Where did the ball go?"

: Another belly laugh!

Main website: www.melindalilleyphotography.com

Main website

2010-05-23T03:56:00.002-07:00

Visit Melinda Lilley Photography's main website:

www.melindalilleyphotography.com

Sisters - Brittanny & Kristin

2010-05-23T03:56:00.001-07:00

I photographed these two sisters a few months ago. They were a lot of fun - not to mention drop dead gorgeous! I think their bond as sisters is obvious. Here are a few of my favorites from the session.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Emma's newborn session

2010-05-23T03:55:00.003-07:00

I photographed 5-week-old Emma as a scrumptious newborn in her home in Winter Park, Florida. So precious!!!

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

John Eric & Sasha's Engagement session

2010-05-23T03:55:00.001-07:00

I photographed John Eric and Sasha at beautiful Langford Park, in Orlando. Here are a few of my favorite images from our session:

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Laura & Adrian's Engagement session

2010-05-23T03:54:00.001-07:00

I had a fun summer session with Laura and Adrian, in the historic downtown district of Morgantown, West Virginia. These two are obviously head over heels in love with each other!

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Amber's session

2010-05-23T03:53:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I spent some time with my sister and her family. They own about 60 acres in rural Morgantown, West Virginia. Their property has a beautiful pond surrounded by trees. Depending on the time of year, the pond is surrounded by various flowers, cat tails and grasses. I was there in November, but even the winter landscape made a great backdrop for a photo session with my gorgeous 15-year-old niece, Amber. I was so happy to get to spend some one-on-one time with Amber. She is a very quiet, generous young lady with a sharp sense of humor that can sometimes take people off guard! She also happens to have the brightest blue eyes I've ever seen. We had some fun with her guitar, and then we took a long walk in the woods. We were even able to get one of Amber's horses, Chris, in on a couple shots, although she seemed more interested in eating grass that day... Thanks for spending time with me, Amber, it meant a lot to me, and I had so much fun! These are some of my favorites photographs:

Sew Divine by Caroline

2010-05-23T03:46:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of photographing several interior rooms designed by Caroline Shay, at Sew Divine by Caroline. Caroline not only offers top notch interior design services, but she sews custom window treatments, accessories and bedding, like you see in this video.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Visit Caroline's website at: www.sewdivinebycaroline.com

Main website: www.melindalilleyphotography.com