photos that tell the Whole Dang Story

for those who want the good stuff — the laughter, the blur, the in between moments that feel like home.

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Books open for 2026 + 2027

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Books open for 2026 + 2027 ✱

A bride in a lace wedding dress with long gloves and a veil, wiping tears during her wedding.

A woman in a white skirt and beige cardigan holds a young girl in a rust-colored sweater, while a man in a dark jacket with a child in yellow pants is partially visible.

What it felt like, not just what it looked like.

quiet moments. honest emotion. the in-between stuff that ends up meaning the most. memories that feel just as honest years from now.

see the stories

A family of four walking across a grassy field at sunset, holding hands, with trees in the background.

BASED IN joplin missouri

Hi — I’m melissa ann

I shoot like your story depends on it.

A black and white photo of a woman with long hair holding a camera and smiling. She has a tattoo on her arm and is wearing a sleeveless shirt that says "Do It, Anyway".

meet melissa

I photograph the moments you don’t plan for —
the ones that happen when no one’s paying attention.

Film-toned, honest, and full of feeling.

If you love cozy chaos and storytelling that feels real,
you’re in the right place.

Love shows up in a million ways.
All of it matters.

A woman with long blonde hair wearing a blue coat and white shoes standing on green grass, with chickens near her, in an open field during dusk or dawn sky.

THE EXPERIENCE

What it’s like to work together

( 01 )

Before the day

we’ll talk through what you care about most, so nothing feels rushed, posed or over thought.

( 02 )

The day itself

you stay present. I'll capture it as it felt — honest.

( 03 )

Afterward

the moments come back to you — thoughtfully edited and ready to be remembered.

The proof is in the praise

A woman helping a young boy in a small pool during playtime. The boy has blonde hair and is sitting in the water, holding a beach ball.

"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

A black and white photo of a couple sharing a close moment, their foreheads touching, with a beach in the background.

"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

A woman and a young boy lying on grass, smiling and playing with bubbles, while a child in yellow rain boots plays nearby.

“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!!