Sweet newborns
Kiddos
Couples 
Family
Posted on August 31, 2011
We only have 2 more days left to save 20% off additional prints when booking your 2011 Holiday Mini! These are fabulous, short & sweet sessions! They are 20-30 minutes in length, and provide 8-12 images in an password, protected online gallery. We also have fantastic collections built for these mini collections. The mini collections consist of more prints, and even the beautiful press printed greeting cards! You don’t want to miss out on these mini’s.
Contact me today to book you 2011 Holiday Mini Session!
Posted on August 25, 2011
Well, hello there! As you can tell, Talk To Me Thursday took a little break. Summer was absolutely crazy here, and I figured it probably was for everyone else as well. So we took a tiny break from the 2nd week in July until now, and let me tell you, I’m so glad to have a schedule back. School starting again has brought tons of emotions into play. Molly started 3rd grade, yes…3rd grade. I can’t believe how grown up she’s getting, and I’m so incredibly proud of the little girl she is. Also, another big thing for our house…Brett is now in the MBA program. Do all of you remember how excited we were for him to finally be done with school in May? Oh yes, we couldn’t believe the time had finally come for us to have him home all the time (minus work). Well, he decided to apply for the MBA program while everything was fresh on his mind, and he got in. So, now we have another two year journey in front of us. It’s a little crazy around here at night with me being the mom and dad of the house, but we’re doing great. I also have a little sense of relief in the sense that, we now have a schedule again.
So, with that being said…it’s time to bring Talk To Me Thursday back from summer break. The photographer we have featured today e-mailed me and said she would love to be featured, and let me tell you, she’s fabulous! I’m so glad to have her featured today. I love her work, and am glad for all of you to be able to “meet” her as well. So, let’s introduce her, shall we?
Say hello to…
Hilary Camilleri – One for the Wall photography
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada Photographer
www.facebook.com/ONEFORTHEWALL
www.facebook.com/AlongCameBaby
(Image courtesy of Angela Smith Photography)
Where are you from? Where do you currently live?
I was born in London, Ontario, Canada. I was raised in a handful of small communities in Ontario. My father worked for a bank and we moved often. For the last 12 years I call Waterloo home. It’s the longest I have ever lived anywhere in my life. I love the feeling of being rooted. I love that we are in the same home that we brought the girls home to as babies.
What does photography mean to you? What attracted you to photography?
There are two things that drew me to photography. One is people and the second is time. I have always been fascinated by people and the stories that make up their lives. I have been equally fascinated by the passage of time and am very sensitive to how fast life goes. Photos are the one thing that keep us in a moment. Long after we have forgotten the details of our daily lives and the events that have made our history we can rely on photos to trigger those feelings and times in our lives. Whether they be joyful or sad moments. I enjoy being a part of creating a small piece of someone’s history. Freezing for a moment the toothless grin of a six year old or the smile of a grandmother. All moments that people will someday reflect upon. 
Describe the area of photography you specialize in? Why did you choose this area?
I specialize in children and family photography. I am drawn to the relationships between people in a family. There is nothing better than that one photo I take during a shoot that a family will come back to time and time again because it’s "them". I also do some commercial work and have a newborn business with my photography partner, Along Came Baby photography (www.alongcamebabyphotography.ca)
How long have you been a photographer?
I am at the start of my third year in business as a photographer.
Is it only you with your business, or do you have an assistant?
I, like many photographers, struggle to "do it all". I do outsource my editing and accounting. I recognize I cannot wear all the different hats a photographer must put on. From time to time I will have people come out to assist with me on shoots.
Are you self taught or have you attended formal schooling? What workshops/seminars have you found useful to you?
I do not hold a degree or diploma in photography. I have been extremely fortunate to have had a great mentor when I started out. I also have some very close friends (who happen to be photographers too!) that I have shared and grown with in the last two years. I have taken three courses with gifted photographers that all helped in differing ways to shape who I am becoming as a photographer. I have read a lot, been a member of Clickin’ Moms and the NACAP. And most importantly, I have gone out there and photographed a lot of people!
Morning or night owl?
Complete night owl (it’s well after midnight as I type this!).
If you could describe your style of photography in 4 words, what would they be?
Natural, emotive, warm, real.
Who is your family? Include some pictures of them since we all know that our family is always in our photographs.
My immediate family. My life. Two beautiful and extremely spirited young girls. One supportive husband. And one furry lasapoodle (who makes for a great "night owl" companion).
What is a project that you would like to do this year with your photography?
I have a degree in Film Studies and a post graduate diploma in Journalism. I originally set out to work as a broadcaster on television. I didn’t end up taking that path but I have never lost my love for television. Earlier this year I began a project with a very talented young cinematographer to produce a video about photographs (Jordan Presseault of Cinema Works – Cinema Works (www.cinemaworks.ca). I would continually ask myself "why are we so drawn to photos?". What is it that makes us want to have them and to sit for hours going through old photos? So, Jordan and I put together a video with the help of my clients to explain the importance of photos in our lives. I wanted people to hear the voices of the those behind the photos they see on my blog and on my photography page. I wanted people to not underestimate how important it is to have pictures. And to see that each and every family that I have photographed has their reason for wanting them taken. We are very proud of our project and I am so pleased that we were able to produce it.
How do you balance work, and your family?
When you own a small business it is not easy to balance it all. Family, friends, the children’s activities, the laundry, the groceries, the appointments and the occasional shower. We do the best we can as a family to juggle it all so that we have our time together and that we also have time for our goals in life. I work very hard at my business and I like setting a positive example for our girls around working hard and achieving what we put our minds too. I think that is important. The girls are getting older and they are able to participate in my business by coming out to a photoshoot once in awhile, helping to pick up print orders and delivering them. I have to make sacrifices to be here for my family and to have a photography business. But it’s worth it to me. It makes me happy.
We all want to know…what’s in YOUR bag? What lens could you not live without?
There is a little too much in my bag. Let’s just say I am a Nikon shooter with a d3s and my favorite lenses are the 35 1.4 and the 50 1. 4.
If you could photograph any person in the world, who would it be?
I would love to do a family session for the Jolie-Pitt clan.
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?
I would go into public relations or somewhere in the media world.
What helps keep you motivated with photography?
My motivation for photography is simple. It’s my clients. I love meeting new families and I especially love working with families that have come back to me again for another session. It’s fun to grow with a family.
Tell us about some of your long term goals (with photography or personal life)?
My long term goals as a photographer are to continue to grow my commercial business. I find commercial work to be challenging and highly rewarding. Long term goals in my personal life would be to raise two confident, bright and kind young women.
What blogs do you love to stalk (doesn’t have to be photography related if you don’t want)?
The only blog that I go to on a regular basis is a reality tv blog about the bachelor/ette franchise. (Did I really just admit that?)
When you’re not shooting, what are you doing?
Any number of things. Driving the girls back and forth to the skating rink, working at my computer, reading a People magazine, laundry or attempting to fit in a shower (not really all that glamorous).
Where is one place you would love to travel to?
Italy
If you listen to music during editing, what music just totally keeps you going?
A little Christmas music, Bette Midler, Colbie Caillat, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Hedley…and maybe a few things from the Biebs. My playlist is a crazy array of artists. That being told, I actually edit in silence most days. I enjoy quiet.
What is a quote that means a lot to you?
"It’s not about the journey but the people you take along for the ride"
I coined this phrase. When I reflect on my life and all of the people that I have crossed paths with I feel an enormous sense of good fortune. Things haven’t been easy but I have always had good people around me. The people that have been in my life at all different stages and phases (that includes hair, fashion and boyfriends) have made my life what it is.
If you could pick one photographer in the world to do a session for you, and your family, who would it be and why?
I have great admiration for two family photographers’ in this industry. Mindy Harris of Pastel Photography and Barb Uil of Jinky Art. Both offer a different style and I love their work for very different reasons.
If you could photograph one area of photography for a day, what would it be, why? (Something other than what you photograph, i.e. architecture, food, boudoir, birth, etc.)
Landscape
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting out in photography, what would it be?
Simple. Be yourself, be yourself, be yourself. Every photo I take is inspired by the people that stand in front of me. There was a turning point in my business about a year ago where I surrendered to myself and accepted what I was capable of producing as a photographer. It was liberating. I cannot be anyone else but me and I feel confident that my work is genuine and comes from how I interact with my clients. Trying to be someone else is a tough road and one that is very hard to sustain. Live your own dream. It feels better when you sleep at night. And most importantly, always say thank you when someone has helped you.
What magazine could you not live without?
People
Hilary, you have awesome talent! I love seeing your work, and you can tell the families have a blast during their sessions. Thank you so much for joining us, and letting us get to know you and your work better. You are a fabulous photographer! Your interview was fantastic, and love the advice you give for new photographers. 
Posted on August 23, 2011
My title explains the weather here in Texas. I’m sure everyone has heard the saying: “Everything is bigger and better in Texas!” Well, the heat is one thing a lot of us Texans wish wasn’t so big, or high. 
It’s hot, hot, hot, and did I mention hot? So, since it’s so hot outside, I’ve got something that will help everyone image the nice, cool, crisp weather that is on it’s way. Well, we at least hope it’s on it’s way. What do I have for you, you ask? Well, let me tell you.
I am introducing mini sessions! Oh yes, these sweet, short little sessions, are just that. Short and sweet. They are approximately 20-30 minutes in length, and from the session you will have 8-12 images to view in an protected, online gallery. How much are they you ask? Well, here’s the fun part. They are only $65, AND you get two FREE 5×7 prints (same pose). Okay, so now you’re thinking…”Well, how much is it if I want 3 more 5×7’s for me, and 2 for grandma, then 2 more for another grandma, and well, what if I want wallets, and 8×10’s as well?” Have no fear, I have you covered. I have created special mini collections, specifically to fit all of your gift giving needs. Some of the collections even include the fabulous and oh so beautiful press printed greeting cards. We all love sending those, with our beautiful family on them!
Oh, but wait. We have another awesome thing to tell you. If you book your session by Sept. 1st, you will get 20% off any additional A La Carte purchase. How awesome is that? Absolutely fantastic! Okay, so now you want to know how to get yours booked. Feel free to shoot me a message through the contact section of my website or call me. You can also use the contact tab on my FB page. Check out Melanie Ashcraft Photography’s FB page, go to the “Contact” on the left hand side, enter your info, send, and I’ll contact you soon. Your session has to be paid at time of booking to hold your spot. The catch with these sessions. They’re LIMITED. I’m only shooting on two days, Oct. 22nd, and Nov. 19th. I have a certain number of sessions available each day and that’s it. There are a certain number of morning slots, and a certain number of evening slots. These will be shot in two locations. The morning ones will have one location, and evening will have a different location. Locations are TBA. There won’t be anymore days added. We might be able to add a couple of more times to the days scheduled, but no other days will be available for these LIMITED mini’s. These sessions are geared towards getting you the images you want, without worrying if little Suzy will cooperate, or if you will have enough time for a full session. Like I said, these mini sessions, are SHORT and SWEET!
So, feel free to contact me for more information on how to get your sessions booked for the 2011 Holiday Mini’s!! Information for 2011 full Christmas season will be coming shortly!
I can’t wait to hear from you, and photograph you and your family!
