Karen Melrose Photography

@juliana_melrose asked me to take a new headshot image of her for her acting/modeling endeavors when she saw my new camera gear arrive. Of course I was happy to oblige, as she is the cutest & sweetest little girl I know, and my favorite tiny muse. #KarenMelrosePhotography #SayCheese

It’s not every day you meet a friendly T-Rex while playing in the snow!!! Two weeks ago, the Mr. and I took Siblings Melrose to the Eastwood Visitor’s Center inside the Sierra National Forest (about 20 miles past Shaver Lake, CA) for a family fun day. We hadn’t been there long, and were eating lunch off the tailgate of our truck when an even bigger truck rolled up. We gave a friendly wave, as there was only one other car in the whole parking lot, and went back to our s...andwiches and putting on our snow clothes. After a moment, the female passenger emerged from the vehicle and something seemed up. VERY UP as she appeared to have a costume of some sort in her hands . Being the curious person I am, I was whispering to my husband as I'm hiding behind my sandwich, I don’t know what is about to go down right now, or what they are up to, but I am here for ALL. OF. IT!!! A few more minutes go by and the passenger came out from the front of the truck in an awesome inflatable T-REX costume and was holding a small sign which read Be Kind And Courteous. Still not knowing what is going on, but not wanting to miss a minute of it, I grabbed my camera as the gentleman began guiding the T-REX around the SNO Park as he was about to begin taking photos of her. At this point, I’m ‘bout to burst outta my skin, wanting to know what was happening, so I asked them. Turns out, they are THE NICEST couple from the Fresno/Clovis area and go all over town, and even travel around the US, taking pictures, while wearing those costumes, for their granddaughter. They even borrowed our shovel so Tessa The T-Rex could be kind and courteous and clear a walkway . As these are more behind-the-scene photos, you can follow them on Tessa The T-Rex on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Tessa-The-T-Rex-112476370141010/ and @tessathetrex_ on Instagram to see firsthand all the fun they are having and the smiles they are putting on peoples' faces. You both made my afternoon and I can’t wait to run into you again around town...maybe back at Sam's Club (see their post from 09/14/19 )?? See more

It was an honor to be able to photograph this awesome and classy event at Fort Washington Country Club in Fresno, CA. If you would like to learn more about this wonderful Vet-based organization, purchase tickets for the Nov 7, 2020 Star Spangled Ball & Casino Night, or to donate to their cause you can click here: www.centralvalleyveterans.org #centralvalleyveterans #cvvball19

I didn't want the year to end before I had a chance to share that two of my images placed in the photography competition of the The Big Fresno Fair this year . As any artist or maker can tell you, it's always nice when fellow creatives recognize you for your work and see your vision. Thank you to the judges and the staff of the Fresno Fair and I look forward to competing again in 2020!

Celebrating these heroes in my family this Veterans's Day. Thank you, gentlemen, for your service to our country First picture- My Grandpa Ralph. US Army. Second picture- My Uncle Gene. US Army. Third picture- My Uncle Ernie. US Air Force. So proud and grateful for their service to our country

Thank you to Fresno’s 144th Fighter Wing for sharing some of the fun we had at last weekend’s on-base Trunk Or Treat in their monthly Afterburner newsletter! #TrunkOrTreat #144thFW #Halloween #KarenMelrosePhotography

Had the privilege of hanging out with some of the awesome families of the 144th Fighter Wing during their on-base Trunk Or Treat yesterday. So many rad trunk decorations and fun costumes on both the kids and adults!

Special thank you to Make-A-Wish Northeastern & Central California and Northern Nevada for the opportunity to photograph this event last month, and what a treat to see all the beautiful Ferraris from the members of FOG Rally . It was a very special day!!!! #MakeAWish #WishKids #NECANNV #2019FOGRally #Ferrari #KarenMelrosePhotography

This airman returned from his second deployment to be welcomed home by his wife and two children. They were joined by the families of hundreds of other returning airmen of Fresno’s 144th Fighter Wing, after being deployed for just over 90 days. Twelve F-15C jets from the 194th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron Griffins and over 225 of the ANG personnel from all the wing's groups were sent to work in support roles as part of a Theater Security Package with the U.S. Indo-Pacific C...ommand. To say he was missed on the Homefront is an understatement, according to his wife. Speaking of his return, in her own words she says, I don't know how else to explain it but to say that there is this huge sigh of relief, and it feels like my security blanket that was taken away, is now back. It feels like I don't have to always be the ‘strong one’ that's holding up the fort and I'm allowed to break down (if need be). Furthermore, she says his being home has lightened the load she carried in his absence as he is back to being able to help referee sibling wars, assist with homework, and participate in the bedtime kisses and nightly tuck-ins, along with so many of their other daily responsibilities. During his deployment he missed the end-of-school-year programs both of his kids had, watching the Game of Thrones finale with his wife (which they’d hoped to be able to enjoy together!), and the Easter holiday. The family wanted him to be able to share a piece of what he missed, as he’d never missed a holiday before, so his son saved some confetti eggs to share with his dad upon his return. This airman was able to bridge the distance and keep in contact with his family via video phone calls, and he was able to send home a care package with various Korean snack foods, which the kids had fun tasting and trying. In closing she says, Things have definitely returned to a normal routine and we feel so blessed to have him back home. On a personal note, it's nice to have someone else do the dishes for change. Bless you, Sir, and your beautiful family. It’s not always seen or known how much a military family sacrifices and serves along with their loved one, and this family is an example of that. Welcome home! #karenmelrosephotography #fresno #airforce #usaf #nationalguard #airnationalguard #airman #deployment #reunion #ANG #144th #144thFW #194th #griffins #194thfightersquadron #military #militarylife #militaryfamliy #militaryhomecoming #supportourtroops #USA #preciousmoment #realmoment #welcomehome #thankyouforyourservice #redwhiteandblue #freedom #militaryboots #militaryphotography #militaryphoto See more

This fun group was beyond excited to welcome back their airman, as you can clearly see!! They were joined by the families of hundreds of other returning airmen of Fresno’s 144th Fighter Wing, after being deployed for just over 90 days. Twelve F-15C jets from the 194th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron Griffins and over 225 of the ANG personnel from all the wing's groups were sent to work in support roles as part of a Theater Security Package with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.... This airman’s welcoming committee consisted of her mother, her sisters, her grandmother, and her nephew. They tell me she missed some birthday parties and the Easter holiday during her absence, but her family helped her feel connected by sending a care package at that time with her favorite treats and a set of Easter Bunny ears! She’s been on several deployments over the years, and each time, she and her family rely on video chats and exchanging photos to keep in touch. We appreciate your service, Bell, and are glad you are home with your awesome family! #karenmelrosephotography #fresno #airforce #usaf #nationalguard #airnationalguard #airman #deployment #reunion #ANG #144th #144thFW #194th #griffins #194thfightersquadron #military #militarylife #militaryfamliy #militaryhomecoming #supportourtroops #USA #preciousmoment #realmoment #welcomehome #thankyouforyourservice #redwhiteandblue #freedom #militaryboots #militaryphotography #militaryphoto See more

This airman returned home to a hero’s welcome from both his own family, and the families of hundreds of the airmen of Fresno’s 144th Fighter Wing, after being deployed for just over 90 days. Twelve F-15C jets from the 194th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron Griffins and over 225 of the ANG personnel from all the wing's groups were sent to work in support roles as part of a Theater Security Package with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. His family says it has been really amazing to... have him back home and they’ve spent his time off reconnecting by taking their jet ski to the lake, going camping, visiting the the water park nearly every weekend, and taking their daughter to swim lessonsand just getting back into the swing of things as they are used to doing. This Air Force wife says their almost-3-year-old didn’t really grasp the length of time her daddy was gone, but loved being able to FaceTime and talk over the telephone when possible. He actually missed his and his wife’s 3rd wedding anniversary and a few family gatherings in his absence. But again, technology kept him connected and he was able to be with them during those events if even just a couple of minutes here and there via video chats so he could say hello to everyone and let them know he was well and missed them. His family has become accustomed to having him away as he’s had temporary assignments in at least a half dozen states in the US over the last couple of years. Upon his return he was thrilled to be able to have his favorite spicy hot snack chips (which he was unable to find while he deployed) and In-N-Out Burger again!! His family’s favorite souvenir from this deployment was a stamp with his daughter’s face on it. Welcome home, and thank you for your service! #karenmelrosephotography #fresno #airforce #usaf #nationalguard #airnationalguard #airman #deployment #reunion #ANG #144th #144thFW #194th #griffins #194thfightersquadron #military #militarylife #militaryfamliy #militaryhomecoming #supportourtroops #USA #preciousmoment #realmoment #welcomehome #thankyouforyourservice #redwhiteandblue #freedom #militaryboots #militaryphotography #militaryphoto #indopacom See more

Sixty-eight Vietnam Veterans from 7 Central California Counties returned to Fresno Yosemite International Airport after experiencing a trip of a lifetime to the East Coast with @Central Valley Honor Flight. While there, they were able to visit the World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and other significant memorials which pay tribute to their service and country. They were warmly welcomed home by hundreds of fri...ends, family, other Veterans, and members of the community... in addition to the Clovis Community Band, sailers from Naval Air Station Lemoore, members of the VFW Post 1981 Corp. Herbert E. Macon, @VoicesUnitedChorus, @FresnoStagandThistlePipes&Drums, @CentralValleyBlueStarMoms, cheerleaders from @Selma High School, Miss Clovis Jacqueline Trafton (herself a member of Fresno's 144th Fighter Wing), and local cadets. It was extremely heartwarming to see these Veterans received back home to their families surrounded by countless American flags, beautiful signs and banners, and LOTS of cheers and hugs. One of this flight's Veterans is a special one to me as he is the father of my lifelong best friend. Rey Rodriquez served in the U.S.Army with the 101st Airborne Division and fought in the Vietnam War from 1967-1968. I'm very proud to know you, Rey, and very thankful for your service! This was the 19th flight the group has organized since its inaugural flight in 2013. Central Valley Honor Flight is a non-profit organization, and their trips are paid for by donations from individuals in the community, local companies, and fundraising by area service/civic groups. If you would like information about Central Valley Honor Flight, or to donate towards the cost of a trip for a Veteran, you can connect with them here: http://cvhonorflight.org. #cvhonorflight #cvhonorflight19 #CentralValleyHonorFlight #KarenMelrosePhotography #Military #ThankYouForYourService #USA #WelcomeHome #Veterans #Heros #HeroesWelcome #VietnamVeterans #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #ArmedForces #Soldiers #NeverForget #History #Sacrifice

These adorable cousins were all visiting grandma at the same time, and she wanted to commemorate the occasion, so we organized a photo shoot. The numbers on their plaques denote their birth order. From last to first, and first to last, they were all such cutie pies with the sweetest smiles!

This lil' pumpkin saw that her brother was having so much fun in front of my camera that she wanted a turn as well! How could I not oblige her and not capture all those sweet expressions? This adorable cowgirl is ready for the rodeo and the runway!! #KarenMelrosePhotography #Fresno #Giddyup #Cowgirl #Rodeo #Western #CutiePie #Saddle #Babies #SayCheese

This lil cowpoke is about to celebrate his 1st birthday!! His family loved the idea of a Western look to send his infant years riding off into the sunset. Giddyup lil guy and Happy Birthday!! #KarenMelrosePhotography #Fresno #HappyBirthday #Giddyup #CowboyHat #Saddle #CutiePie #Turning1 #Rodeo #Western #Babies #SayCheese