Portrait of someone with blonde hair smiling outdoors in a black shirt.

Hi, I'm Melissa

(but most people call me Mel)

I'm a full time photographer born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, wife to the best guy on the planet, lifelong dancer, and cat mom to a sassy 21 year old fluff named Tinkerbell. Fun fact: I shot my own wedding (shown above)!

I've been passionate about photography for as long as I can remember, long before I started doing it professionally over a decade ago. I am committed to always learning, growing, and improving so I can deliver the best possible experience (and photos) to my clients!

A couple walks along a sandy beach at sunset leaving footprints in the sand as ocean waves crash nearby.

story-telling photos

great photos have the power to transport you back to cherished moments, familiar feelings, and favorite places. MY GOAL IS TO TELL YOUR STORY IN A WAY THAT FEELS NATURAL, BEAUTIFUL, AND TRUE TO YOU, SO YOU CAN RELIVE IT ALL exactly AS IT FELT in the moment.
A couple embraces on a sandy beach during a romantic sunset by the ocean.
A romantic wedding moment with a double rainbow arching over rolling countryside hills during golden hour.

embracing the unpredictable

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a photographer in the Pacific Northwest, it’s to always expect the unexpected when it comes to weather! But don’t worry.. I’ve shot in every lighting and weather condition and know how to make the best out of whatever the day brings. So, you can relax knowing that even if it rains on your wedding day, I’ve got your back.
Woman in white dress lies in golden sunlit grass during outdoor portrait session.

timeless style

 

Trends come and go, but I focus on making photos that feel genuine and lasting. I love true-to-life colors, clean edits, and a balanced style that enhances the moment without ever taking away from it.
A person in a white dress stands in a sunlit meadow with wildflowers at golden hour.

services I offer

CLIENTS, FEATURES + PUBLICATIONS

A minimal black circular logo design with abstract geometric elements.
under armour
Handwritten Hanna Andersson brand logo in black with company tagline underneath.
hanna andersson
Vineyard Vines logo featuring a simple gray whale illustration above black text.
vineyard vines
Portland Business Journal logo in white text on a gray striped background.
portland business journal
ESPN 2 network logo in gray metallic lettering on black background.
espn2
Black imbibe typography logo design on white background.
imbibe magazine
Professional seamstress working with industrial sewing machine in a bright workshop.

Shot at Under Armour - Featured in Portland Business Journal in 2024

Person lying on grass with red azalea bushes in a garden setting.

Shot at RFA World Championships - Featured on ESPN2 in 2024

Cream being poured into a tall glass of iced coffee drink on a floral tablecloth.

Shot at Roseline Coffee - Featured in Imbibe Magazine in 2023

Family gathered around piano keys during a musical moment at home.

Featured in Hanna Andersson's 'Soft is Strong' National Campaign Commercial in 2020

A person in a yellow top walks their small orange dog on a leash past a storefront with colorful signage.
Testimonial

“We hired Melissa to update our website images for our business rebrand. One of the core pillars of our brand is "playful", but we weren't fully sure how to convey that to our customers. Melissa nailed it with her photography! She really brought to life the playfulness we were trying to achieve. Well executed, and two years later we still love what she produced for us.“



becky grosse
president, roseline coffee
People participating in a high energy fitness dance class in a bright studio space.
Testimonial

“Melissa has been photographing our brand for the past 10 years, and we couldn't be happier with her work. When shooting our classes and workshops, she somehow manages to capture every angle without ever disturbing the class. She brings a calm presence that just puts everyone at ease (even those who are nervous to be in front of the camera), and she also has a strong attention to detail in her edits. I highly recommend Melissa!“



lisa buchmiller
co-creator, the ellové technique
@mellymelpdxphotography

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