So, when Melissa came into town last week for her "just because" photos, honestly I was a little nervous going into her session 1) just because she's a photographer which means I'm always a little leary about what they're thinking as I'm shooting (I know she's thinking I'm a crackhead and wondering why I'm taking this photo... Oh, crap, I forgot to white balance before those last 5 shots...), and 2) she mentioned a couple times in advance how nervous she gets on the other side of the lens.  In fact, I think she said "I'm sorry" more than once before we even got started.  I started thinking... Uh-oh... I wish I woulda paid more attention in my college Psych 101 class so I could play some Jedi mind tricks on her to get her relaxed.  When it was all said and done, though, if Melissa was nervous, I wish all my clients would get that nervous for their sessions.  She was fantastic and a breeze to photograph, not to mention funny and sweet.  Melissa just wanted something very casual, so we went down to the Deep Ellum Arts District, and the urban backdrops were a perfect compliment for her images.  Here's some of my favorites from our time together. Tell me, does she look nervous here?

And these next three images are just. plain. saucy.

I love the "casual-ness" and the beautiful light in this photo.

One of my favorites from our play time in Deep Ellum.

It was right after this image that we got kicked outta the parking garage for photographing on private property.  Whateva... we still got this cool image, so take that professional-but-overly-authoritative parking garage police lady.

Last one of the night.  I think we were all a little beat down at this point, but Melissa was a trooper to accommodate another "just one more" request.

Thanks to my friend Tina for helping me out during this session.  We used a lot of off-camera flash for this session, so I know her arms were burning by the end of the night from holding the light above her head. And thanks, Melissa, for making this such a fantastic session.  I had a blast and loved that you were willing to do whatever.  You're the best!