I have tread through many creative pathways in my life that have greatly influenced my love for photography. Starting with playing the clarinet from 4th grade through high school, to working with clay, oil painting, & sketching, I have developed an appreciation for people's expression of themselves & life through art. But, the first time I got behind the lens, I knew photography was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. When I look through the lens I don't just see people and props. I see moments passing quickly by, babies growing at lightning speeds & I am driven to capture that and freeze it in time.

 

I began studying photography through college placement AP courses in 1999 while living in New York. I spent 3 years in the darkroom & behind the lens capturing moments with my vintage Minolta. I have spent the last 23 years dedicating my life to photography and am currently in my 12th year of business.

 

I also spend a significant amount of time as the area coordinator and volunteer photographer for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (NILMDTS). NILMDTS is a non-profit organization that provides free bereavement photography for families that have recently suffered the loss of their baby. Another volunteer venture of mine is being a photographer for Red Thread Sessions. See the link below to find out more about adoption family sessions.

 

I am a lover of vintage, whimsical things. A frequenter of antique stores and thrift shops. My name is Melissa and I am addicted to buying props! I am more personal than business-like. I will include LOLs and :) in my emails to you.

I spend a good percentage of my days raising 3 awesome children.

 

I live in Bloomington, IL with my amazing family tucked into a serene neighborhood of trees behind a little wooden picket fence.