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. View all posts by melissa →

Austin Child Photography – Half-Birthday “Stellabration”

05.20.2016

** Book your session today and make those summer memories last a lifetime. Details below. **

What’s that old expression about the cobbler whose children has no shoes? It’s possible that maxim applies to a certain Austin family photographer whose littles have few photos of themselves *coughs*. Enter two sweet girls and one pony to save the photo day with a backyard shoot.

Indeed, photographer-in-chief Ziem has turned this sad state of photo affairs into an annual shoot tradition with dear friends the Aserons (link here). Lauren & Ziem began this idea when Lauren’s daughter Stella & Ziem’s youngest Zara were a mere six months old, and it has been a cherished “half birthday” occasion ever since. Not only does Ziem and her daughter have an excuse to get together with the Aserons, but Ziem also takes the opportunity to take photos of her own girls, the one time each year she takes “professional” photos of them.

And speaking of truisms, it is a truth universally acknowledged by parents that their respective children behave far better for other people. Sweet Stella does an excellent job keeping mischievous Zara in line, for example; no surprise as these two have been close friends from the get-go, nearly from birth to their recent first sleepover. It helps that Stella is a natural in front of the camera, but the camaraderie between the girls helps too.

When it came to coordinating outfits, Ziem and Lauren were on the same sartorial page per usual, even ordering the same dress for the girls. Alas, Stella’s didn’t arrive in time, but – no surprise – Mama Aseron had plenty of stylish back-up options for her. For her part, Zara contributed a wardrobe malfunction or two, keeping everyone laughing as usual.

Ziem & Zara can’t wait ’til next year’s “Stellabration” with their friends!

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Austin Family Photography – Full Circle to Chicago

05.09.2016

It’s time to book your summer session. Available in Austin, 30-A, or Colorado this summer. Email for details.

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When Ziem works regularly with favorite family clients like the DeMartinos, they develop a sort of shorthand language. Years of collaborating on shoot ideas with such natural joy and ease results in photos that can’t help but shine.

Bridget DeMartino is the heart of the family, and Ziem has loved working with her and her infectious sunny energy over the years. Ziem has worked with the family since daughter G was two, and they’ve shot all over the city, from backyard to bluebonnets on the East Side, twice yearly since. When Bridget recently told Ziem the family was moving back to Chicago, the two of them set to work on doing one last, very “Austin” session, capturing both the spirit of this loving family and the zeitgeist of funky local favorites like South Congress and the downtown skyline. Ziem, being the detail-oriented person she is, even made sure to include the building the DeMartinos had temporarily moved into after selling their Austin home.

When it comes to coordinating wardrobes for a shoot, Bridget works tirelessly with Ziem to come up with just the right mix of outfits. Wardrobe coordination pre-shoot with your photographer – ensuring colors and patterns play nicely together, letting each individual stand out but not more than one another (see how to do this here) – pays off in spades. Ziem particularly loved Miss G’s swingy dress, which allowed G to run freely and express her sweet spirit in photos.

Ziem & the DeMartinos took advantage of an early morning shoot, enjoying the usually bustling South Congress and downtown less the normal crowds. The quiet streets allowed for a livelier, less inhibited shoot too, a priority for the DeMartinos and reflective of their sweet energy – after all, who doesn’t need more dancing in their lives? Ziem particularly enjoyed it when Big Brother took over and instructed her to re-take the running photos – check out the sheer joy on these precious faces.

The DeMartinos are dream clients, and Ziem will truly miss them & the relationship they’ve build over the years. She wishes them all the best in their new adventure – Austin’s loss is Chicago’s gain!

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See more Austin newborn family photography or send a note to book your downtown Austin family session today.

In case you missed it, check out this family’s sneak peek.

Austin Family Photography – Wild at Heart

04.15.2016

EXCITING NEWS: Ziem will be an official photographer for the 2016 Dell Trust Miracle Book.
Now booking summer family sessions in Austin and 30-A!

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This hippie-meets-modern first birthday shoot was a dream come true for photographer-in-chief Ziem. She’s loved collaborating with friend & stylish client Lauren over the years on a half dozen or so family portrait sessions, and this latest one for Lauren’s little warrior prince was filled with this family’s customary style and sunny smiles.

Crafty Lauren ran tirelessly around town before the shoot, carefully assembling the props and family heirlooms which – along with the birthday boy himself – brought this shoot to life.

Speaking of the birthday boy, he’s proven himself quite the warrior over his first year, tackling challenges and overcoming them with the trademark family joy and strength. A happy photo shoot was the perfect way to honor that – and those incredible eyelashes (not that this writer is jealous of those incredible eyelashes. Nope. Not even a little bit.)

Wishing this warrior prince the happiest of first birthdays, with thanks again to the Aseron family for their continued friendship & support. We love you, sweet Jun!

Check out Ziem’s latest austin family photographs and call or email to book your child’s 1st birthday portrait session.

Austin Family Photographer: The Aseron Family

02.04.2016

If you looked up “style” or “family” in the dictionary – ok, or on the internet, as the kids do nowadays – you’d likely see a picture of the Aseron family. It just doesn’t get better than this wonderful bunch.

austin family photographers in austin ziem photography

The universe basically insisted that Austin family photographer Ziem and the Aserons be friends, between two older kids often mistaken for twins, a shared due date for a second child, and a shared class at school. From joint half birthday portraits to countless photo shoots, Ziem is honored to be both friends with and photographer for this happy clan. Z and mama Lauren may or may not be plotting an arranged marriage between their oldest two – and can you blame them?

austin family photographers in austin ziem photography

The world got a lot brighter with the arrival of the Aserons’ third child. The lucky boy appears to have inherited both the trademark family charisma *and* the to-die-for lashes; with any luck, the amazing dance moves are next. Baby Boy is also simply the sweetest, happiest little man, the perfect addition to an already impressive bunch.

Ziem feels honored to not have photographed so many of the Aserons’ important moments throughout the years, but to be great friends with them as well. Sometimes the universe just knows that a partnership – including at least one arranged marriage – is meant to be!

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Austin Kite Festival 2013

Austin Family & Maternity Photographer – The Smiths

09.27.2015

One of Austin photographer Ziem’s greatest joys is working with repeat customers over the years, like the Smith family.

When our favorite Austin family and maternity photographer first worked with the Smiths two years ago, big brother G was just about eight months old. What fun it was this go-round to see him show off his new but not-so-little partner in crime.

Ziem carefully recreated shots she’d done with these doting parents and their charismatic son at their initial shoot, yet another fun advantage of working with the same photographer over time. Check out these side-by-side comparisons, a tangible reminder of how quickly time really does fly.

Ziem adores working with families like the Smiths throughout the years and sharing a relationship that allows her to capture these meaningful shots. How lucky is this little guy to have such fun-loving parents and a brother with a larger-than-life personality and love?

Want to create your own family memories, just in time for holiday card season? Contact Ziem at z@ziemphotography.com today to schedule your fall mini-session.

ziem photography | contributor | austin photographers

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