A while ago, I made a call for images that need some TLC... http://blog.melissatash.com/2010/05/28/restoration-do-you-have-an-image-that-needs-some-tlc.aspx

Finally, I got the images ready for the contest... and posted on Facebook...   You can comment to place your vote on the Facebook Page here:  http://www.facebook.com/MelissaTashStudios

Or you can e-mail me at melissa@melissatash.com with your vote.  I'll tally the votes on Friday, Aug 27th.

#1. Growing up on a tobacco and dairy farm in central Kentucky, my mother-in-law, Connie, rarely saw her parents dressed for any occasion besides farming. She has said that it took a lot for her dad to even get out of his bib overalls! In this picture, she caught a very special event.

The picture was taken in 1963 and her mom and dad, Helen and Blaine Harris, were going out to dinner for their anniversary. Her dad had given her mom the coat she is wearing proudly as her anniversary gift. This was the very first picture Connie- a high school student at the time- had ever taken with the family’s Brownie Kodak camera.
Through the years, the picture has faded, stuck to the glass and was dropped in the frame and broken. Although her parents were married for over 55 years, she doesn’t have any other pictures of them dressed up and going out on a date! I would be thrilled to honor their marriage and legacy of love with a restored version of this picture as a gift to my mother-in-law.

#2. This is a picture of me from 1971. I was two years old, and my mother had a friend at the time who was an eager photographer trying to establish herself in New York City in a male-dominated field. So the story goes, a friend of a friend of a friend opened a children’s clothing boutique in Oceanside, Long Island, and needed some cute pictures of a little ‘diva’. Long story short, my mother was contacted, took me to a studio, slapped some feather boa’s on me, and a Diva (not really) was born.

Nowadays, after a slight shopping spree, I whip out this photo and say to my husband, “I was ‘Born to Shop’! It was my mother’s fault, she started it at 2 years old!”

The sad part of the story is, 22 years ago, my mother succumbed to Lymphoma and Septicemia and passed away. My father became estranged from the family. Family treasures were lost, confiscated or thrown away, which meant I didn’t really have many photographic memories of my childhood. By the grace of God, I found this picture in some of my grandmother’s belongings when she passed 10 years ago.

#3. This is a picture of my great grandfather. This is the only picture I have of him. It was presented to my dad when my grandfather died along with a Bible engraved with his name on it and a memorial of his life and funeral. I was chosen to receive this because I was the first great grand child born of my father. I was born in October of 1975 and he died in November of 1975. This picture is printed on a post card and over the years has started to breakdown. I would love to have this picture for my children and grandchildren to see one day but in better condition. Thanks for considering my photo!!

#4. This is a photo of Gladys, my grandmother. She was born in 1906. Her mother, Margaret, was a one-room schoolhouse teacher and her father, David, was an also a teacher in Warren County, Georgia. Unfortunately, her mother died in childbirth giving birth to Gladys, leaving Gladys and her sister Dorothy motherless. Their father was unable to care for them and they were given to relatives to raise. The sisters were separated. Dorothy was sent to live with her maternal grandmother and baby Gladys was taken in by a cousin in Atlanta whose wife was barren. Because of this, there are very few photos of my grandmother before she was married. I would love to have this photo restored since it is the only one we have of her as a baby.

I look forward to hearing from everyone on this contest!  Happy voting!

Last week, one of best friends from our years at JO Johnson High visited... brought his sweet family.  Back in the day, James, Kelly and I were pretty much inseparable in high school.  We were on the rifle team, JROTC, Key Club/Key Club Sweethearts, Explorers, ZZZ (any other former Zeta Zeta Zeta members out there?), and every lunch and break were together, usually standing at "our" shelf in the common area (which was also an open library), and we spent our summers hanging out and practicing at the rifle range.  And then there was THE senior trip of all time- our favorite teacher did a trip to the Bahama's every year where we were the crew on a small sail boat.  Anyway, I went looking for an old picture, and found this one of us 3 when we were in the Bahamas...  That's James on the end, Me in the middle and Kelly on the right. 

Fast forward 20+ years... here is my friend and his sweet family... Both James and his wife Kathy are serving our country in the Air Force.  I can not tell you how proud I am of them, and grateful to them for serving our great country.  

His newest addition E- is a spitting image of her big brother.  I am in love with this sweet image!

I take that back, maybe she is a perfect copy of her Dad.  At least in expression!

E is so beautiful here, she's giving her sweet little smile for mom and dad.

I couldn't resist posting this one... I am a sucker for a thumb sucker (from a girl who went to kindergarten still with that habit).

It was awesome to catch up with you guys again, and I look forward to seeing you next time you come "home".

Lately, it seems as if I have been doing a lot of professional head-shots... and wanted to share some with you.  Many thanks to all my clients.  It's awesome that my small business can help your business put forth it's best image!

One of my very favorite Huntsville Businesses (and my kid's) The Little Gym!  Caroline has been taking lessons there every since they opened in Providence.  It is a wonderfully loving non-competitive atmosphere- just what we need!  Meet the owner (Angel) and some of her awesome crew... (look for awesome staff pictures soon at both her gyms ).

Are you an entrepreneur?  These women are the face of the Women's Business Center of North Alabama (WBCNA).  This amazing organization's mission is: help women and men start and grow a business and generate economic growth for the region.  Check out their website for the many services they offer.  I was a business coach for a 10 week entrepreneur course... If you are interested in starting your own business... this is an amazing resource to get you started.

Here is one of the students of the WBCNA's Fast TRAC course... I give each of the attendees a professional head-shot during their 10 week course. 

Meet my friend and neighbor, Denise, of Cline-Morin Associates.  CMA works with federal government agencies and programs in meeting their goals and objectives by assisting them with their acquisition, contracts, human capital, workforce needs, and business process issues.   

And Dennis also of CMA...

Meet Lauren Bailey, who is in the commercial real estate business.  Her headshot was so pretty, we even did one for her hubby's desk. 

Hello Scott... I have taken your children's and family's picture for years... his company Summit 7 Systems is growing and I was lucky enough to photograph this lively group.

These next two have a family business - Farmer's insurance... and before we did this georgous family picture...

We did their headshots... here is the beautiful, kind and tallented, Jessica...

And her oh so nice husband (and camera guy too...)  Matt...

Meet my friend, Christian Author and Speaker, Jennifer Devlin.  Check out her website, she is an amazing person and very inspirational!

And I can't leave out... one of my very best friends who happens to also be my talented Dentist... Dr. Rebecca Howell.   If you need a dentist, she's the one to get.  I think I am her top refferer... I can think of about 15 close friends who also are patients of her's too!

Shout outs to all my executive headshot clients!  It is a priveldege working with you!

Who would have thought that an old swing could make such a compelling place for portraits.  It is back in commission (Jamie re-inforced it this time).  It is our family's most favorite spot to sit, eat ice cream, say hello to the passing neighbors, and it is one of my favorite spots to photograph as well.   J and S, you guys have a beautiful family!  I love the way K and T are so snuggled up to you.. easy to see how much you adore each other.

This sweet big brother...  the kiss is super sweet, but what I love is how he is gently holding his sister's hand. 

And this one, full of smiles for me... This is the 3rd time I've photographed her, and each time, I'm not sure she could get any sweeter... she does!

and T- so full of life.  Always willing to give me a high five and a grin.

They had to climb for me to get this shot... totally worth it!  Just a little extra bonus when you schedule a session with me, a work-out!   Take a close look at T's mouth.... wide open - full of delight! 

And delight is a good word to use to describe this family... so easy going, loving to each other, and even in the 100 degree heat, delightful.

My friend G, had a baby boy...  of course, I was hon0red to do his very first photo-shoot.... but let me tell you, I have NEVER in my life seen such a smiley baby!  Yes, sometimes you catch the newborn smile... and it is a catch- you giggle and go "I got it!" Well, I can't tell you how many smiling pictures we got of sweet new H.  His mom says he's smiling because he has such an awesome Mom... and I agree.  Here is one of the many grins we got....

And don't tell Dad if you know him... but he has an Old Miss Man Cave... so G is going to surprise him with baby H in a Manning jersey.  

We had so much fun... H was an angel, and just went right along with where ever we wanted to put him... see him here in one of his grandmother's antique dough bowles.

And in his great-grandmohter's chest.

No problem even posing with the 1st baby of the family...

But I think his favorite spot- in the arms of his adoring mom.

H, you are just an angel.  I look forward to seeing you grow and photographing your contagious smile again.

This sweet family has been waiting FOREVER for a blog post!  C called me several months ago to inquire about a custom session.  After considering the investment, we decided to wait until next spring to schedule her session... but then, for mother's day, I got a call from her sweet husband... he came to the studio and purchased a gift certificate for her mother's day gift.  Amazing present. Amazing Husband... Amazing family.

There are so many precious things about this family.  You see mom, I think, is a Saint.  She rolls with all the punches with these two 4 year olds!   We had so much fun, playing in the creek, running on the green way, playing on the playground.   So many parents (me included... which is another story about my family portrait session from last week) are so very concerned with how their children behave, how well they pose for me, or follow directions.  C just wanted to capture their spirits.  She said if they got a great family portrait that would be amazing.  I think it is amazing, how about you?

This next image just makes me smile.  These boys are loved beyond belief.  I can see the joy on their sweet faces as they squeeze their mom.

Meet A.  A sweet, curious, talkative one.  Who, let's just face it is adorable!  He was adopted from Guatemala as a baby.  He is such a helper for his mom too... and I think God must have sent him- because he is such an amazing brother for J.  Even at this early age, you could see his love, patience, and acceptance of his brother. 

And meet J.  We did most of our portrait session planning around J.  I'm going to tell you this, and from their pictures, it would be impossible to see, but J is autistic.  He is non-verbal and his mom was very concerned that his spirit show through in these portraits- that we didn't see any anxiety, no nervousness and no signs of stress.   Our portrait planning included bringing him to this very site for him to be familiar with it before the session.  Making sure that we had him doing comfortable things, and we knew that we definitely could not constrain him to the studio, if we wanted him to be relaxed.  How do you think we did?  What I see here is a bright, handsome, energetic 4 year old- with an amazing smile.

I have worked with many autistic children through the Riley center and ABC, and every time, I know how important a great portrait is of these special children- so we work hard to give their parents a portraits they adore.  I'll admit, it makes you feel amazing to be able to give them portraits like these.

We decided on a collage to capture all of their sweet expressions... I am personally in love with this piece.  The affection between all of them, is just heartwarming.

C tells me that she's considering opening a pre-school for special needs children.  I couldn't think of a better person to take on such an inportant task.  C thank you for allowing me to capture you family... It was an amazing experience for me and I feel privileged to have just a little part of your family.

Read below to see how you could win a restoration or enhancement of your image.....

A sweet neighbor of mine asked me about an old picture she had of her oldest son.  He is 50 now, and she only had one photograph of him when he was a baby.  She is such a dear lady, so full of life... and I really have no idea how old she is... but I'd guess she's younger than I'll be at her age.  She said she really had no idea why now that she is "an old lady" why she wants a baby picture of her grown son, but she wants it displayed in her home.  So this is the photograph she gave me:

What a dear expression!  I love the way you can see his 4 teeth, his chubby little fingers that turn in to big people hands too soon.  If you only have one picutre of your child, this is a great one to have!  She did also tell me that he was the perfect baby, perfect student... and now a skilled medical doctor, wonderful father and husband.   Here is the final restored image:

I used photoshop to bring this beautiful little boy back to near perfect condition. 

1. Scanned the image and saved as a jpg.

2. Made a copy of the image to work on, so I would always have the original image if needed.

3.  I wanted this image to be more centered and plus, because he was looking to the left, I wanted to give him some space to look into.  This is a compositional element that I see a lot of photographers not paying attention to... if the person is not looking off the image... give them some space to look into.    So, I made a new canvas in photoshop and added the original image in as a layer and moved it to where I wanted it.

4.  Now that I had the image where I wanted it- I had to re-constuct the left side of the image.   For most of the image, I could use the clone tool and clone the background from the right side- the tricky part was his shoe and his pants were there were very discolored.   Usually you see the edges of an old photograph being much darker- as they are usually framed and protected from uvlight... I can only suspect that this image was covered with something, and only the left side of the image was exposed to uv rays or it could have been printed that way in the first place... any of you have any ideas?   The tricky part was the pants leg and the tip of his shoe.   I selected the good pants leg (from the right side of the image), then copied it, then flipped it (Edit, Transform, Flip Horizontal).  Then I had to move it into position, skewing it where necessary, and masked out any parts that didn't line up.  I did the same for the front of the shoe.

5.  Now I had the image centered and the backdrop, pants and shoes fixed.  Now to restoring the image.  I used a powerful tool called dust and scratches (Filter, Noise, Dust & Scratches).  I have found the best way to use this tool is to make a copy of the layer you want to remove the dust and scratches of, run the filter- play with the settings until you get a desired effect- the only problem is - you will probably affect areas of the image you didn't want to, and your image will be muddy and not clear.... this is where the layer comes into play...  I made a black mask over the dust and scratches layer (shortcut happy- Hold down the Alt Key and then click the layer mask button at the bottom of the layers pallet- this gives you a back layer mask automatically).  Then paint back white on the black mask to only reveal the places you want the dust & scratches layer to show.  This image had a TON of dust and scratches. Using dust & scratches gets a majority of them taken care of.

6.  For the large scatchesand for detailed places where you need to be exact, I used the clone tool (make sure to zoom in very close to see every detail) and cloned the bad spots with the good ones.  Remember to Alt Click on the area that you wish to sample from.  Another shortcut happy- you can make your photoshop brush bigger or smaller by pressing the left or right bracket [ or ].

7. A couple other things to improve the image:   I did an overall contrast adjustment.  Used a filter called Lucis Art to bring back some detail and give it a little sharpening, and then used a filter called Portrature to smooth the skin (used a mask here to make sure that only the skin was altered).  I'm sure I did other things to it that I just can't remember.  It took me about 2.5 hours to get it the way I wanted.

I know if you don't know Photoshop- this is just a bunch of greek to you!  But if you know some, I hope it was helpful. 

Another client had a picture taken of he and his georgous wife....  here it is:

I'm not going to go through the steps as in detail... but you can see all the changes!  Next time I do one of these, I'll make sure to take notes when I'm doing it to show the steps taken to take this snapshot and make it into a piece of art. 

Ok, wow- you made it to the end of the post... I'll giving away a restoration or edit for ONE lucky person... so if you have an image that needs work... dig it up... get an high resolution scan of it (or dig up the digital file) and here's how to enter:

1. E-mail me the image that needs help to Melissa@MelissaTash.com.

2. Tell me the story behind the image, what it means to you, and what you want to do with the newly restored or edited photograph.  

3.  Send me your images and stories by June 4th.  By entering, you give me permission to use your image and story on my blog/facebook page.

4. I'm going to post them on my facebook page for everyone to vote for their favorite. 

I look forward to seeing your images!!!

So many things have been happening... blogging is the first to go... but I'm going to try to catch up now!  If you are on the Melissa Tash Studios Page... you've seen these.  I tend to post there first, just becasue it is easier. 

 I love this little one... so sweet.  On my front porch swing (well, hard to call it a swing, because it needs repair and is now sitting on the porch- but Jamie promises to fix it this week!)

He was so happy and giggling at his mom through the rails on my front porch.  I adore the way the light falls so softly on his face!  My good friend and artist Cyndi says (and I agree) that this image has wonderful color harmony!

We moved just down the way from my porch - to the green way and the creek!  This one is mobile- and ready to go! 

And ahhhhh, the creek... this is one that my friend has not seen yet.  We were worried about how my little friend would do sitting on the rocks- like a champ!  He did try to eat some rocks- but were were able to keep them out of his stomach for now!

E, it was a delight photographing you and I am so tickled that I am your photographer.

Central Pres.... not exactly a new school for us... but a new one in quite some time... some of you may have been at the school when we photographed you in 2004!  And many of my regular custom photography clients attend here too... so it was so nice to see them for this session!

Oh my golly!  This was a perfect setting for portraits!  This home, next door to, and owned by the church  provided a wonderful backdrop for creating portraits of these beautiful children!  Here are a couple sneak peeks:

I fell in love with the early morning light in the ally!  I want this picture of my kids in this exact spot (expect to see it on my Christmas Card next year!)

Do you love his curls?  He told me, in a matter of fact voice- "I'm cutting them off when they get longer, cutting them all off."  I guess a lot of people comment on them... he had a quick response!  I hope you leave them!  And I hope that YOU don't cut them yourself!

This little face just captivated me!  One of my favorites of the day.

And my very first little client of the day... the son of a custom photography client... they were early, I was ready... and he got a TON of amazing shots.  What a sweet spirit, can you see it?

OH and I can't forget this one..... the director came to say hello... I had to take her portrait too... it is so her!  Easy to see why kids love her so much, I think you can see her warm heart and her contagious smile in this picture.

Central Pres... it was a joy working with you... and THANK YOU for the amazing lunch!  Reene and I enjoyed it so much- what a treat!

There are more sneak peeks of  Central Pres here:  http://www.facebook.com/SpoiledRottenPhotography  

You do not have to be a Facebook member to view the images at the link above.  You do however, have to be a Facebook member and "like" the Spoiled Rotten Photography page to participate in the contest to win a free 8x10. 

CONTEST DEATILS:
Tell your FB friends to "like" the Spoiled Rotten Photography page (I kinda miss having fans  on facebook!)  and then comment on your image... the image with the most unique comments (one per person) by Tues. May 18th will win a free 8x10 of that image!

Look for your galleries to be ready soon!  You'll get an e-mail when they are ready!

This was a new school for us this year.... It is so nice to add new clients and hopefully make them long term friends... here are a couple of my favoite images from the shoot:

This is on of my top ten pics from this years Campus Candids program!  Love the colors and Adore her expression... she went on to smile and giggle- but this was one of the first shots we got!  LOVE IT!

I could NOT resist posting this super pout....

But  see below  ... one for Mom... just cuz she'll want everyone to know that her daughter is really a delight!  That little lip went right back in and this toddler was really a delight!

And who could resist these two... who happen to belong to my good friend Kristi...

Ok, photographers who are reading (you know who you are) What is one of the hardest things to photograph?  Yes.  A young sibling with an infant that is not sitting up!  Not these two!  We were able to get fabulous portraits of these two sweet siblings... Big sister was great with him... and he was all smiles the whole time!

And there are more of these Harvest Baptist cuties here:  http://www.facebook.com/SpoiledRottenPhotography  

You do not have to be a Facebook member to view the images at the link above.  You do however, have to be a Facebook member and "like" the Spoiled Rotten Photography page to participate in the contest to win a free 8x10. 

CONTEST DEATILS:
Tell your FB friends to become a fan of Spoiled Rotten Photography and then comment on your image... the image with the most unique comments (one per person) by Tues. May 18th will win a free 8x10 of that image!