Lake Norman Photographer - Little Warrior

Another of my favorites from my action session with Kinchen Martial Arts!  Love this girl!  She rocks!!!

Lake Norman Action Photography - Kinchen Martial Arts in Cornelius

A 2026 Update: Some Stories Really Do Come Full Circle!

Wow. It's hard to believe this post below is from 2013!

The little girl you see in these photos? That's Payton — and she isn't so little anymore!

I've had the absolute joy of photographing the Kinchen family for years, and they are truly one of those families who have become so much more than clients to me. Their family owns Kinchen Martial Arts, and I've had the privilege of watching their children grow up in front of my camera over the years. (and NOW grandchildren too!  Gasp!)

And this year, I got to photograph Payton's senior graduation portraits!

Talk about a full-circle moment. ❤️

One of my favorite things about being a photographer is getting to work with the same families again and again — from childhood adventures and family sessions to senior portraits and all of the chapters in between. There is something pretty special about getting to watch these kids grow up and then photograph who they become.

I've added Payton's 2026 senior session to my newer blog, and you can see that story here:

[LINK TO PAYTON'S 2026 SENIOR BLOG POST]

And if you're looking for a photographer who will be there for more than just one chapter, I hope you will consider me!

Thank you, Kinchen family, for trusting me with so many of your memories over the years!

Here's to all the chapters still to come!

Original 2013 Post: 

About a month ago I began a kickboxing class at Kinchen Martial Arts.  I knew that many of my neighbors had been taking classes there for some time now and each and every one of them absolutely sang their praises.   I LOVED my class!  It was hard, and it kicked my butt, but I LOVED it.  Most of all I really loved working with the family that owned the dojo, so much so that I brought my husband and oldest daughter in to meet them.  They have both begun Taekwondo, and my littlest will do so also as soon as she is old enough.  I would highly recommend Kinchen Martial Arts to anyone interested in learning self-defense or simply interested in a great program to get in shape.  Their programs for both children and adults are top-notch.  This morning I had the pleasure of taking three of the Kinchen family members to "my secret garden location" to capture some action shots in the Asian Garden.  We had lots of fun and captured TONS of great images that I can not wait to share with them.  Below are just a few of my favorites.  

They are in Cornelius on Old Statesville Rd. Right next to The Funco
www.kinchenmartialarts.com https://www.facebook.com/KinchenMartialArts 704.237.0015 

Concord Maternity Portraits - Twins on the way!

This Super sweet Family was sent to me by a current client/very good friend of mine.  They are an adorable Family of Five that will be a Family of Seven next month.  I absolutely adore getting to photograph twins and was of course beyond thrilled when mama contacted me.  After speaking with Mandy (mom) just once on the phone I knew that she would be a blast to work with.  I was definitely right and the rest of the family were equally awesome.  "U" Family, I had such a wonderful time getting to meet and spend time with you tonight!  I am so looking forward to showing you the rest of our maternity/family session and to meeting your two new additions once they arrive!  Thank you for choosing me to help create these special memories for you.  I could not be happier!!  

XOXO

~ Melody

Mini Session Tips from SnookySmiles Photography

Its that time of year again!  Time for our fall mini sessions!  Here are a few tips for a successful Mini Photo shoot...

Number one and most important…   Relax & have fun!   If you are stressed your little one can feel it and it will affect them so please remember to be patient and remain calm. This should be fun!

Please make sure we have scheduled a time that is good for your little one's schedule.  A well rested child with a full tummy will give us a great advantage.

Before your shoot please pay close attention to details (nails are cut and clean, well fitting clothing, clean face, etc.)

Due to our time restrictions, just one outfit please.

IMPORTANT:  In order to get the most natural expressions from your child(ren) I like to let them do their own thing as much as possible with minimal instruction.  Please, please, please do not prompt them by telling them to "smile!" or "say cheese"  

I have found that being able to interact directly with your little one(s) myself with minimal distraction usually produces the best results however, if I do need a little help getting their attention please stand as close to me as possible so that we can get them looking towards the camera.

Don't forget to bring Suntan lotion and /or bug spray if we are shooting in a location where these would be helpful and if your child is old enough to use them.

IMPORTANT: Please do NOT bring sick children to a photo shoot.  They will not enjoy it and perform like their normal selves.

Minimize distractions - Please limit the amount of people present at the shoot to those who are being photographed so that there are less distractions for the child(ren).  Well meaning friends and family can sometimes be a bit overwhelming  for  children and will take their attention away from me and from the camera.


If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to ask me!  
Absolutely NO cameras at shoot besides mine.  It is extremely distracting to both myself and those being photographed.

Payment due upon booking your session
Be sure to bring my cell # to our session 704-930-8402.
You pictures will be ready approx. 2-3 weeks after your shoot

Charlotte Senior Photographer - Fun Flashback to a Favorite session

I had this amazing themed photoshoot with Gabby two years ago.  I love everything about it!  The location, the theme, the clothing, and especially the beautiful model, my cousin.  Quite a bit of time has passed since this session so I thought that it was time to bring it from the archives and share it again.  :)

2013 Fall Mini Photo Shoot with SnookySmiles Photography

Fall Mini Session 2013

Option 1 $200.00 USD Option 2 $275.00 USD Option 3 $350.00 USD

You can access the portrait agreement form HERE.  This along with your paid session fee with guarantee your space.  :)

Back to School Mini Photo Sessions! - September 8 2013

Mini Portrait sessions are a wonderful way to get to try us out for the 1st time or to get a few images in between your bigger sessions.  The one down fall with minis however is that unlike our full private sessions we are at the mercy of the clock.  If you think your child may need a little extra time to get comfortable in front of the camera please consider booking a private session. Not sure what would be best for your family?  Give me a call and we can work it out together.  I can be reached at 704.930.8402 or via email at Melody@SnookySmiles.com  :)

Back to School Minis

1 Child $150.00 USD 2 Children $175.00 USD 3 Children $200.00 USD 4 Children $225.00 USD 5 Children $250.00 USD 6 Children $275.00 USD

Please be sure to complete the portrait agreement form.  You Can access it HERE.  It, along with your session fee will reserve your child(ren)'s space on October 8th.  :)

Charlotte Photographer - Baby's 1st Birthday!

Yesterday I had an amazing photo shoot with my sweet little friend Jake.  I was so excited that I could not wait to get part of our sneak peak up right away and posted just a few.

You can see that post with pictures of the SMASH CAKE finale HERE.  

The rest of his session was equally fantastic, below are a few more from our fun morning.  

You can see his first three sessions by clicking these links:

Newborn
3 months

8 months

1 year!.....

Tega Cay Photographer - Smash Cake Session with One year old cutie

This morning I headed down to Tega Cay S.C.  for a very special photo shoot.  My sweet little friend Jake's "senior session" from his 1st year baby plan.  I always love working with this adorable little guy but today he really rocked it!  It felt like our shoot just flew by as he laughed and smiled and was the most perfect little model.  The best part though of course were the snuggles I got before I left.  I absolutely love him!  The finale of the one year session for my baby planners is the smash cake.  Mommy said he was not to keen on cake at his party so we were not sure what to expect.  We were pleasantly surprised that he LOVED his chocolate cake!  My friend Mandy of Pure Confection creates a smash cake for each of my baby planner babies and wow, are they delicious!!  Jake who didn't have a lot to say through his entire session said "good, good, good, good" as he chowed  down.  His adorable outfit is courtesy of TwoLCreations one of my very favorite children's' clothing creators.  Karen, I had a wonderful time with you Jake and Ramsey today.  I am so thrilled with all of pour pics and can not wait to show you all the rest! Until then... Here is your 1st peak.  I have more that I want to do as a peek but can't wait to show off these cake ones!!!!!

Professional Photographer in Lake Norman - Sweet Summer time

I love all of my "snookybabies"but these to are extra special because they are my babies. Meet my little models Ellie and Sammi.  Im quite lucky that they still enjoy letting mommy take their pictures.  I sure hope that they always do.  Love these sweet girls!  :)