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Hello there - my name is Melissa!
So what's my story?
Well, the basics:
I grew up in Arvada and it will always be my home. Within the course of two different moves my husband, kids, and I have lived in Seattle for a total of 8 years. My daughter just turned 17 and my son is 13 and looks like he's 17! I'm now the second shortest in my family. We have two goldendoodles and one diva of a male cat, and my son wants the 8 of us in a photo one day. :) We'll see how the cat feels about that...
I love dolphins and was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of being in the water with one years ago. It was so magical! I played the clarinet throughout school and have picked up the flute since then as well. I'd really love to learn piano and can currently play the beginning and end of a song I love, but that's it. I love musicals although I am not well versed in them.
When I was growing up I was always the one in the family with a camera in my hand. My mom would get annoyed with me because I'd use up all of the film before she had a chance to take any pictures. (The digital age is glorious!). When I had my babies I was the mom with the camera capturing each and every special moment so I could look back and enjoy them. (And also remember them, as I feel like early parenthood is hard to remember due to lack of sleep and tons chaos! Am I right?).
It was while living in Seattle I became obsessed with Landscape and Nature photography. Sunsets, mountain scenes, bees on flowers, spring, fall -- you name I loved it and still do. It was how I connected with nature and it helped me through some very difficult times.
When my daughter started into her tween years I realized we had never done family photos. Ever. Why, you ask? Honestly? I didn't like the way I looked. I imagined photos of a delightful family with me critiquing everything about myself and why I ruined the picture. I regret that, because I know my kids will want photos of me when they're older. I am happy to say as of last year we have done our first professional family photo session and it was so very sweet to be with my family in our eclectic outfit choices!
You know what else I didn't know? A photographer with a vision who sets out to capture our authentic family connection could make me feel beautiful, because that's part of their natural talent. Not to mention, my love for my family is also what's beautiful. The way we laugh and play together. The way we cuddle. I missed out.
I said it once and I'll say it again, I don't want you to miss out on the stages of your family's life. I want you to be able to look back and say "I remember when..." and also feel what it is you remember. Whatever it is holding you back, be it time, fear of kids not cooperating, or like with me your own darn self -- you should preserve the memories of your family as it is right now.
That's my goal. I want to provide you with a stress-free, comfortable experience that results in a treasure trove of authentic memories for you.
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