The Gallery
photographing families, newborns, headshots & branding around northeast ohio & in my cleveland hts studio
Families
To all my families, my number one message is that you never have to worry about making your kids pose or behave. My sessions are designed around play & connection, so that you can actually relax and enjoy this special time with the most important project you've ever created.
Our time together is a celebration of the family that you've built, whichever season you are in. You could show up in PJs and yesterday's hair, and we will still make beautiful photos together, because everything is designed around you guys doing what you do best- being you.
Newborns
Oh, what I would give to go back to those newborn days! Just kidding. I remember all too well how exhausted and depleted I felt at times.
What I do wish I had done was schedule photos before my babies were born. I wish someone had documented me in the picture, too (because let’s face it, husband pics are not usually the best). I wish I had a snapshot to show my kids now of what it looked like when I snuggled them close before bed, or sniffed their heads to double check that baby smell hadn’t gone away.
I can’t rewind time for myself, but I can be there to hold your hand through it and make beautiful photos of this very intense, very special season you’re in. And I want the whole thing to feel as simple and low-stress as possible, because this time should be about you and your family.
Branding
From headshots to branding, it is TIME to be seen.
I have photographed indivduals from their twenties to their nineties, and every single person has inspired my mission to change the way we feel about being photographed.
You do not need to be “photogenic.” You don't even need to know what to do in front of the camera. You just need to show up as yourself, and I will guide you in a way that leaves you feeling confident instead of self-conscious.
Because whether you're building a business, starting something new, or simply ready to take up a little more space in your own story, you deserve photographs that look like you — and make you really glad you finally did this.
Kind Words
“Melissa is a gem! She makes the whole process of taking photos feel like taking a walk with a good friend. She has a naturally gifted eye that creates naturally beautiful photos. We couldn’t be happier with the how she has captured our family time and time again.”
Aviva V.
"Melissa did a great job of keeping things feeling casual and not stuffy and formal. She got great pictures of an enthusiastic 8 year old diva and a less than enthusiastic 13 year old teenager!"
— Katie S.
"Melissa did a beautiful job capturing my son and his preschool class. She is incredibly talented, communicative, and kind. Highly recommend!"
— Paige C
"Thank you SO MUCH... These are BEAUTIFUL! You do such gorgeous work, and I am so excited to use these for our Thanksgiving cards."
— Nerissa T.
