About melissa

Melissa Agnese is a retired lawyer turned mother of two. When she isn't busy raising her gifted & talented young tots, she enjoys prettifying her new Austin home and plotting ways to become Kate Middleton's BFF.

Birthing Photography Austin TX || Seventh Heaven

Birthing photography of a precious new one presents a special challenge for photographers. First & foremost, just getting to the shoot in time for baby’s delivery isn’t a given. Ziem was packed and ready to go when she received mama Jenna’s text from the hospital. However, baby decided to make an early appearance. Baby and Jenna’s epidural dose arrived simultaneously! birthing photography austin tx

birthing photography austin tx ziem photography

In addition to the uncertain timing, the setting of most birthing photography provides another test for photographers. Between the harsh hospital lighting, the small spaces of the average room, and the private nature of many newborn moments, it takes a special photographer to get shots both flattering to mom and new baby. Luckily Ziem was more than up to the task, though this sweet bunch made it as easy as could be for her. Jenna, glammed up for this special occasion complete with hairdo & makeup, glowed!

birthing photography austin tx ziem photography

Ziem’s birthing photography philosophy is to emphasize the beautiful parts of the birthing process while recognizing that some moments are private. She captures those exciting moments of early life, including baby getting weighed, measured, nursing, and meeting siblings.

birthing photography austin tx ziem photography
The older Simpson kids proved to be incredibly sweet and well behaved. This is no surprise given their equally sweet parents, but it made for an extra-special shoot nevertheless.

birthing photography austin tx ziem photography

Ziem loved capturing these fleeting moments for Jenna! These first shots as a family of seven are particularly priceless and will make timeless family keepsakes. Seventh heaven indeed!

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Contact z@ziemphotography today about birthing photography and follow on Instagram!

 What to Wear Fall 2016 ziem photography | contributor | austin photographers
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Austin Baby Photography || Cake Smash Cuteness

One of the perks of working with an Austin baby photographer over the years is the relationship that develops. Starting with a engagement session to a wedding to baby Chandler’s newborn photos, Ziem has worked with the Beahm family from the get-go and really gets their fun-loving and stylish flair for life. When it came time for the Beahms’ most recent milestone – Chandler’s first birthday party – Ziem knew just how to capture the smashing festivities. (Apologies for the bad joke, the first of many to come.)

austin baby photography Beahm
The party was full of mama Kifany’s signature style, including Chandler’s “One” onesie, fur vest, and moccasins. The coordinating banner and cake topper were the icing on the proverbial cake (“
cake“, get it? Told you there were more awful bits to come.)

austin baby photography Beahm

Dainty Chandler didn’t take to the cake smashing at first, but after an icing assist she quickly caught on. Kifany removed the decor details and Chandler’s onesie to allow for more messy fun. Ziem made sure to snap photos of both the picture perfect “before” and “after”, sensing the latter would be a family favorite snap for years to come.

austin baby photography Beahm

The party setting provided that ample natural light Ziem loves to chase. Between the light and the genuine looks of surprise by the family, who had no idea the cake smash photo debut was on the agenda, it made for a sweet (“sweet“, haha! Last one, I promise) setting.

austin baby photographyr

What a joy it was for Ziem to see the hearts Chandler melted with her cake smash cuteness. Thanks to the Beahms for years of support – here’s to the next big milestone!

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Check out more Austin baby photography here: Austin Newborn Photographer : The Beahm Family || Best Photographers in Austin : Beahm

 What to Wear Fall 2016 ziem photography | contributor | austin photographers

Austin family photographers seems like maybe, probably, almost, most of all, most noteworthy, especially relevant
austin child photographer

Austin Child Photographer || First Time’s the Charm

Interested in booking an Austin child photographer or styled mini-sessions? Contact z@ziemphotography.com for details!

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There are so many first in the life of a new parent – for starters, baby’s first smile, first photoshoot, and Mom’s first text in the middle of the night when she’s up for a feeding (again). For the Aseron family, these firsts came doubled in the form of adorable boy twins.

Austin Child Photographer Family Lifestyle Aseron Mini Sessions Ziem PhotographyIt was actually one of those late night mom texts that resulted in Tara and Ziem connecting. Tara is the sister-in-law of dear friends and clients of Ziem’s. The twins were just over one year old, so Ziem was particularly happy to capture that sweet, special time in their lives. This shoot marked the first time any of the family had done a photo session. Ziem was honored to be involved with their initial one!

Austin Child Photographer Family Lifestyle Aseron Mini Sessions Ziem Photography

The Aserons’ love of art, style, and family came across in every frame. Tara requested an urban shoot setting, including striking Austin architecture, to complement their preferences. Their casual, neutral outfits, punctuated by Dad’s red plaid, looked timeless yet contemporary against the industrial backdrop.

Austin Child Photographer Family Lifestyle Aseron Mini Sessions Ziem PhotographyTheir preference for candid photography worked perfectly with the reality of working with toddlers. While Twin L was happy to quietly observe the goings on, adventurous Twin T ran like the wind. Ziem got her cardio for the day keeping up, and the entire bunch was in tears laughing by the end.

Austin Child Photographer Family Lifestyle Aseron Mini Sessions Ziem Photography

The joy of this family really struck Ziem. This shoot was largely unscripted, with the happy Aserons just loving on their boys for most of the time. This candid, carefree approach allowed Ziem to capture some totally organic, very “them” moments.

Austin Family Lifestyle Photographer Aseron Mini Sessions Ziem Photography

There’s no time like the first time, and Ziem is thrilled she was part of the Aserons’ first photo experience! Here’s to more fun shoots (or, to Twin T, track meets) to come! Check out a few of my recent sessions in this same location below.

1. Austin Family Portrait Photographers || Never Say Never

2. Austin Family Photography || Just One Good Shot

3. Austin Family Photography || A Perfectly Imperfect Shoot

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Austin Mini Sessions Mommy and Me

Interested in booking an Austin child photographer or styled mini-sessions? Contact z@ziemphotography.com for details!

 What to Wear Fall 2016 ziem photography | contributor | austin photographers

seems like maybe, probably, almost, most of all, most noteworthy, especially relevant

Austin Family Portrait Photographers || Never Say Never

Looking for Austin family portrait photographers or styled mini sessions? Contact z@ziemphotography.com for details!

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When the Cho family texted our photographer-in-chief for a last-minute holiday shoot, Ziem gladly worked them into her insanely busy schedule. With this stylish & sweet set, can you blame her? Austin Family Portrait PhotographersAustin Family Portrait Photographers Cho Austin Photography Mini Session Lifestyle Newborn Ziem Photography

The fun-loving family had previously worked with another photographer at Zilker Park, so Ziem suggested a more industrial, urban locale. It’s just one of many examples of how Ziem looks at every angle of a session, from photography wardrobe to diversifying one’s photo portfolio. They worked at sunrise, ensuring they had the space to themselves (and gorgeous start-of-day light) and made an appearance two subsequent events!

Austin Family Portrait Photographers Cho Austin Photography Mini Session Lifestyle Newborn Ziem Photography
Mama Cho requested one good family shot, a shot of the boys, and individual shots for each boy. Ziem delivered that & much more!

Austin Family Portrait Photographers Cho Austin Photography Mini Session Lifestyle Newborn Ziem Photography

Not only were the Chos dressed impeccably – yet comfortably, most importantly – they came prepared for every weather eventuality. True to form, Austin’s famously fickle winter weather delivered a light drizzle. The well-prepared Chos had blankets for sitting, towels for drying, and sweets for smiles, though, so the shoot went on.

Austin Family Portrait Photographers Cho Ziem Lifestyle Newborn Ziem Photography

The children were in full little boy form, bringing their beloved dinosaur toys to the shoot. Their love of dinos & animals alike was on full display – check out those “RAWR!” faces!

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The Chos’ colorful, chic look perfectly complemented the urban shoot setting. Ziem particularly loved Dad’s “casual Friday” look – we should all be so lucky to look this fashionable on any Friday or early morning! – as well as the boys’s knit sweaters and Mom’s boots. And of course no stylish ensemble would be complete without a dinosaur as accessory and organic smiles.

Austin Family Portrait Photographers Cho Ziem Lifestyle Newborn Ziem Photography
Despite the end-of-year time crunch, Ziem is thrilled she was able to squeeze the Chos in. They were able to get New Year’s cards out *and* have a gorgeous portfolio of photos to treasure beyond the holiday season. Never say never to a last-minute shoot!

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Interested in a styled mini session? Contact z@ziemphotography.com for details!

 What to Wear Fall 2016 ziem photography | contributor | austin photographers

Family Lifestyle Photographers Austin TX || A Divine Style Session

***Now booking family lifestyle photography sessions today! Email z@ziemphotography.com for details.***

Photographers ask clients to prioritize two things above all – to dress comfortably and act like their true selves. It helps, of course, if your best selves look like they walked out of a fashion ad. This family, for example, made for one divine style session.

family lifestyle photographers austin tx divine Austin Photography Mini Session

The Divine family (“divine“, get it???), recent transplants from Kansas, managed just that. This family of six, with four kids under five, were not only as sweet as could be, they looked every inch their “Divine” name. Ziem particularly loved their use of warm, fall clothing colors and florals, as well Mama Divine’s stylish ‘do.

family lifestyle photographers austin tx divine Austin Photography Mini Session

Did we mention there are four Divines under five, including one set of twins? It’s a setup that would strike fear in the heart of the bravest photographer (or parent!). Nevertheless, these kids were the picture of good behavior. (“Picture“, get it??? Just a little more photographer’s humor . . .)

family lifestyle photographers austin tx divine Austin Photography Mini Session
The Divines proved that a family session can actually be a blast. They danced to Kidz Bop, the twins ran what must have been a half-marathon, Daddy & baby sister danced, and Ziem captured everything in between. Without a set agenda from Mom to achieve a certain photo, the Divines were free to be their playful, loving selves.

family lifestyle photographers austin tx divine Austin Photography Mini Session

In the end, a fashionable, fun-loving group like this is a family lifestyle photographer’s Austin, TX dream. Ziem looks forward to many more dancing, running, style-setting sessions to come!

***Now booking family lifestyle photography sessions today! Email z@ziemphotography.com for details.***

 What to Wear Fall 2016 ziem photography | contributor | austin photographers
Austin family photographers seems like
, maybe, probably, almost, most of all, most noteworthy, especially relevant
family lifestyle photographers austin tx
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