photos that tell the Whole Dang Story
raw, real photography for those who would rather capture belly laughs and chaos than forced grins and cheesy cake cutting shots.
Books open for 2025 + 2026
✱
Books open for 2025 + 2026 ✱
What it felt like, not just what it looked like.
Pretty photos are easy. I’m after the soul stuff — shaky hands, quiet glances, and the kid who refused to smile but gave me gold anyway. Real, unposed, unrehearsed moments you’ll actually feel when you look back.
BASED IN joplin missouriHi — I’m melissa ann
I shoot like your story depends on it.
I’m not here to just tick off some boring shot list. My job? To tell the unfiltered story of your people, your connection, your beautiful chaos - with edge, intention, and zero cheese. These aren’t just photos, they are the kind of photos you’ll feel in your chest a decade from now.
If you're into nostalgic edits, anti-cringe vibes, and photographers who actually see you (awkwardness, snack bribes, feelings and all) — we might just be a perfect match. So whether you’re marrying your person, wrangling kids for a family session, or celebrating your senior year like the main character you are, I got you.
PS - I love love in all it’s forms - chosen family, messy family, just-you-and-your-dog family, the kind that cries during golden hour, the kind that dances in the kitchen. all of it.
THE EXPERIENCE
What it’s like to work together
( 01 )Before the day
We’ll chat before the day, nail down the vibe, and make sure your photos feel like you - not like you borrowed someone else’s idea of “perfect.”
( 02 )The day itself
On the day, i’m everywhere and nowhere — capturing all the good stuff without shouting “say cheese” every five minutes.
( 03 )After the chaos
You’ll get sneak peeks fast, and your full gallery before the warm fuzzies fade into “wait…..what even happened?”
The proof is in the praise
"Melissa is beyond talented and her photos show it! she is intentional, creative and kind. her photographs bring you right back to the exact moment…to the sound of their laugh, to the emotion that lives within it. I will forever treasure every single photograph Melissa has captured for us, we cannot thank her enough! she has become a genuine friend of mine, and I am so grateful for her!!!
— gracie
"I’m absolutely obsessed with the photos Melissa captured for us - they’re nothing short of magical. from the dreamy tones to the raw emotion she brings out, every image feels like a moment pulled straight from a movie. I know i’ll be treasuring these for a lifetime. beyond the beautiful results, the entire session was so relaxed and effortless. she has a gift for capturing natural connection in a way that feels both authentic and deeply personal - not stiff or over posed.
— faith
“To say i’m thankful for Melissa and her talent would be a major understatement! she is truly gifted when it comes to photography. Somehow she always manages to capture those in-between, candid moments - the ones that feel so cozy and like home. her photos are pure art and magic, and i’m constantly amazed at how beautifully and quickly she works. getting my gallery feels like christmas morning!! every session feels easy, relaxed and so much fun (which says a lot when you’re wrangling a toddler!) i’ll forever be grateful for her!!
— Courtney
Let’s make some magic
I only take on a limited number of sessions each month to make sure each one gets my full creative energy.
you deserve more than rushed edits and “that"‘ll do” energy.
If you’re after honest, artistic, goosebump-y photos — let’s talk.