I haven’t said this to many people but I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be a part of the photography community in the Twin Cities. I really do. I constantly find myself in awe of the talent of my friends and colleagues but more so I also find myself in awe of their humility and eagerness to encourage.

There has been a lot of chatter lately about what community in the photography industry means and how to live it. Well, this is me raising my hand in support of the environment that has flourished in the Twin Cities. It is a community that really is about community and being there for each other through good times and bad. We’re a community that takes silly photos of each other just because we can. We’re a community that pushes each other to succeed. There are very few times in life where I can remember feeling so swept up by a community of like minded peeps. (And before I sound too much like a cult member – onto the photos. Oh dear. Just…keep reading.)

One of the best parts of this community is the people and one of my favorites would have to be Callie Chappell. (For reals.) Callie is sweet, gorgeous and hilarious; pretty much the definition of a triple threat. Callie is also a Wedding & Lifestyle Photographer in the Twin Cities and when she emailed me asking if I would be willing to do some quick headshots for her, I literally jumped at the opportunity. And then I turned it into a full-fledge THING and made her go out in the 40 degree weather with her bare arms and legs, but this is what I do. We all know this.

Dear Callie, thanks for making my job easy. I adore you.

i’m yours,
melissa

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I wish I had photographed their wedding.

There, I said it. Nevermind that it was 7 years ago and at that point I was still in college persuing my dreams of psychology architecture interior design undecided communications. Nevermind all that. I still wish I had. You see, Jen & Casey have the type of love that invites people in; the type of love that is equal to a night of board games with your best friends. Comfortable, silly and over-the-top fun.

Jen & Casey, thank you for everything. Thank you for making me laugh (a lot) and THANK YOU for letting me in and see what you guys are all about. I’m so grateful to have met you.

i’m yours,
melissa

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I’ve sat down to write this post 3 or 4 times this week. It’s not unusual for me to take some time to write the story for but this story has been the hardest for me to write. Cinnamon contacted me about getting her extended family together for a lifestyle session; she explained that instead of purchasing individual gifts for each other at Christmastime, her family chooses to get out and do things as a family as their gift to each other. Yes! I’m in! But then the next line hit my heart; she told me that her father was sick and under hospice care and that really, they wanted family photos to look back on and remember.

I almost emailed her back and told her I could do it. Almost. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to, or I didn’t care enough about Cinnamon, Steve and Cece to want to do this for them; the opposite in fact. I didn’t know if I could do this. I love to invest in my clients; I love to get to know them and connect with them and on that level, I didn’t know if I could be strong enough to do this for them without turning into a puddly mess of tears. But I realized my fears of being connected were the exact opposite of what I have based my business on. I knew that if the tables were turned, Cinnamon would go out of her way to help me and I knew I wanted nothing more than to do the same for her.

We met the weekend before Christmas and this family blew me out of the water with their laughter and kindness. I showed up expecting nothing and they gave me such a beautiful example of the love of a family.

i’m yours,
melissa

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I want to tell you a story. There once was a girl who believed so much in a fundraiser for cancer that she offered to shave her head if donations were to reach a certain level. Well, they did and she did. And she is fabulous.

i’m yours,
melissa

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The fabulous Fossey family found me through a recommendation from the equally fabulous Glassbrenner’s and trust me, they are truly fab. I met them at their house for a little Sunday afternoon lifestyle photo shoot with Rowan and his adorable baby sister Addison. Little did I know that little Rowan is a model; his photo was recently in an ad circular for Target. I might have asked him for an autograph and he might have ran away from me when I asked; clearly he is not a fan of fame.

I’m usually not big on black & whites for my photos but there was just something about this image that made me love a little b&w action.

So, there’s a story. While brainstorming shots Ben asked if I would be willing to photograph Rowan in front of the house with the family cars and, of course, I was all about it. He set the little guy up in his ‘hood outfit and Rowan gave me his best tough moves. Pure awesomeness.

i’m yours,
melissa

my portfolio | email me