fade, a photograph can instantly take you back to that moment. It's up to you to make sure future generations know your family's story. Even though I loved photography, to be honest, the self-conscious part of me didn't really love being in photos. Then, my amazing nephews came along. I found myself so crazy for those boys that wanting to have photos of us together overpowered my hang ups about being in front of the camera. And boy am I glad, because those moments go by so fast! So whether you're a selfie superstar, or are a little hesitant about getting in front of the camera, my mission is to offer a relaxed, stress-free and fun session for you. Looking forward to working together soon!
Your Fine Art Prescott Photographer
Hi, I'm Melissa
hank you so much for taking the time to learn more about me! I am passionate about the need for all of us to have photographs of the people, pets and places we love. Long after a memory starts to
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Even though I came kicking and screaming as a 10 year old from Dallas, I have to admit now that my parents chose well when settling here. It’s the perfect place for photographers!
Starting as a nature/landscape photographer has helped me so much in the portrait side of my work. There's nothing like being out in the field to study lighting and learn how to adapt to conditions that can change moment to moment. Knowing how to shape light to benefit my portrait clients is key whether we're out in nature or in my studio.
Opening my Prescott photography studio has given me so much flexibility. It could be set up for a fine art maternity session one day and a jungle with dinosaurs for a milestone session the next. You might find cheerleaders and gymnasts jumping through the air or a soon-to-be graduate getting ready to make their mark on the world!
Whether it’s a studio session designed from my collection of over 250 backdrops and room full of props, or an outdoor session at any of our amazing Arizona locations, we’ll have fun as I capture who you are, not just what you look like!
Living in beautiful Prescott, Arizona
My background story
’ve been lucky enough to spend most of my life right here in beautiful Prescott, Arizona.
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A Look into my
Life
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Yes, I am unapologetically one of THOSE pet people. My pets are my family. I spoil them rotten in the best possible way. I practice what I preach - I can't even tell you how many photos I have of my dogs because I take more each and every day. And I make sure to get them in the studio a few times a year for their professional images!
I mean, isn't he adorable?
doggies
My Favorite Things
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I love the feeling when I step out of my day-to-day routine and travel to new locations. There's something about putting yourself in the middle of new surroundings, different people and unique customs that really grounds me. I guess sometimes you just have to step away to see things more clearly. I made the decision to leave the safety of my 25 year radio career to follow my passion as a full time photographer on a trip to Hawaii. In my "normal" life, I would never have been in an open door helicopter over an actively erupting volcano to get this image. Traveling helps you tap into your inner superpowers!
Exploring new places
Traveling
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Hummingbirds are amazing creatures and one of my absolutely favorite subjects to photograph. I've designed my backyard to create a hummingbird paradise. When I'm not working in the studio, I spend a lot of time with these little guys. I love the challenge of photographing them. First, I just wanted to catch them in focus! Now, I try to show their personalities.
Small but mighty!
Hummingbirds
Absolutely amazing! So much fun and the photos turned out beyond my expectations! The possibilities are endless and Melissa makes it all so easy and comfortable and most importantly FUN! We have so many more ideas and can’t wait for our next session together! Many more memories to hang on the wall! Highly recommend! -Lindsay D.
Melissa is AMAZING! She was so patient with my girls and really let them relax and have fun in the pictures and captured some of those amazing “In the Moment” pictures, I am so happy with the results and can’t get enough of how amazing they look! Loved her studio set up with all the different options for our session, it was great working with her and I can’t wait until next time! -Ashley L.
Melissa was so accommodating with our schedule, but most importantly, she was so fun & creative to work with! She captured the true essence of the our happy couple: the future Mr & Mrs Johnson! Thank you Melissa, it is an absolute joy working with you! We love so many of the photos, it’s hard to choose from! -Dian T. Melissa is the best! Such a talented photographer and beyond kind! -Kendyll T.
We had an amazing experience. My girls had so much fun. They felt very comfortable. My oldest has autism and has a hard time with new places and new people. She was safe and at home at her studio and for the first time we got beautiful shots of her smiling and enjoying herself. Pictures came out amazing. We are so thankful. Thank you. We will cherish these photos for years. -Erica R.
Melissa took our family photos this summer and we were so pleased with how the pictures turned out! She photographed all 11 of us and took the time to do couples pictures as well as grandparent shots. She caught the real smiles of our children and captured the beauty of Granite Mountain as well! Her work is the perfect blend of professionalism and personality. I highly recommend Melissa to anyone! -Staci B.
Melissa is amazing! My daughter's session was so much fun, and the photographs are beautiful! Melissa did such a great job pulling out her personality and made it such an enjoyable experience! -Julie M.
We had family photos taken and Melissa was so wonderful to work with. She made the photo session comfortable and was great at engaging the kids to participate. Her themed photos are so fun with so many to choose from. -Jill P.
Absolutely amazed with my pictures. Melissa spent a lot of time with us working to get the best pictures with my two silly kids and captured a lot of gorgeous moments as well as hints of their personalities. -Janelle D.
Words
Kind
Your family legacy
Invest in preserving your family's legacy. What could be more important? I'm excited to help you design your family's living history.
