Goals and Philosophy
Everyone can create a snapshot. A portrait created by a professional photographer is different. It will show the character of the subject and not just the facial likeness. The portrait will have meaning and invoke thoughts and memories about the subject months and even years after it is created. Often it will tell a story. Thus it becomes a treasure that future generations will want to own. The skills required to create such a portrait are developed through many years studying and experience to develop. Both Mel and Gail invest several weeks each year studying under nationally known instructors in various locations around the country. While our photography often receives awards in professional competition, we enjoy creating meaningful portraits and storybooks for our clients. We will take time to listen to your thoughts and interests to create those portraits.

When a couple's wedding photographs are truly important to them, then only an experienced and professional "wedding" specialist will do. We have photographed weddings in the Charlotte area for over 25 years. Our goal is to capture the essential moments of your wedding day in a quiet, gentle and unobtrusive manner. Its the bride and groom's special day and we will work with you in every way to insure your day is all you desire it to be. We truly believe that if you and your family and guests are enjoying themselves, your photographs will be better and more meaningful.

Professional Associations and Awards
Membership in professional associations offers many rewards. We are able to learn and enhance our skills. It also keeps us up to date of new developments and technology advances. We are active members of the following associations:

            Metrolina Photographic Society (MPS)
            Professional Photographers of North Carolina (PPNC)
            Southeastern Professional Photographers Association (SEPPA)
            Professional Photographers of America (PPA)
            Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI)
As members of these associations, we have the opportunity to submit our best work for competition with other professional photographers. We are fortunate and thankful as our works have received many awards from local, regional and national competitions. Some of these awards include:

            State Court of Honor Awards and Loan Collections
            National Merit Awards
            Wedding Storybook Best of Show and First Place Awards
            Kodak Gallery Awards
            Art Leather Awards
            Fuji Masterpiece Awards
The various professional associations offer a number of professional degrees and certifications. These attest to the photographer's competence in his field and his attitude toward professionalism. Both Mel and Gail are actively pursuing these accreditations. Mel has received the Fellowship of Photography from the PPNC, PPA's Master of Photography degree and is a PPA Certified Professional Photographer. Gail has received the Fellowship of Photography from the PPNC and is pursuing her PPA's Master of Photography degree.

Thank you for visiting with us
The images in our portfolios will be updated frequently, so please visit often. Should you have any questions, please contact the studio.