you want to know what makes me
KICK?
About Me
I'm a wife, mom, creative, friend & much more, but the thing that puts the most pep in my step is creating art that makes you feel something.
Originally a SoCal girl, I’ve happily rooted myself in the South—Marietta, GA to be exact—and wouldn’t have it any other way. When I’m not behind the camera, I’m 30,000 feet in the air working my other full-time job: helping people cram oversized bags into tiny compartments, reminding grown adults how to buckle a seatbelt, and gently suggesting you wear shoes in the airplane bathroom. (Spoiler: that’s not water on the floor.)
I like to think of myself as the ringleader of this traveling circus I call life—guiding my crazy caravan through a whirlwind of adventure, laughter, and meaning. I’m here to squeeze every bit of joy and experience out of this ride, and to make sure no one takes themselves too seriously along the way. Life’s too short not to make it fun!
I'm an extroverted introvert with a love for people, travel, and families.
MEET MELANIE
On top of being your local Marietta, GA family photographer, I’m a busy mom to three amazing kids, wife to one of the coolest humans I know (hi, Jeff), and the proud owner of a quirky little creative space called das Hinterhaus—a studio for artists, dreamers, and makers in Marietta. For the past 28 years, I’ve also worked thousands of feet in the air as a flight attendant for one of the best airlines in the industry. That job has been a true gift and has shaped so much of who I am. But even more than flying, my greatest passion is seeing life through the viewfinder of my camera. I believe in storytelling through images—the kind that capture connection in life’s quiet, beautiful, unscripted moments. And while I take my art seriously, I believe life’s way too short to be stuffy or overly serious. So around here, you can expect deep feeling, meaningful imagery, and always—always—a good time.
MY "WHY"
MY PHILOSOPHY
WHO I HELP
I realized how quickly time flies when I blinked and my kids were tweens.... how did that happen?!
MEET MELANIE
People always say the years will fly, and while it gets old hearing it, nothing could be more true. These three humans have taught me more in the past 15 years than I ever imagined learning in a lifetime. They've made me stronger than I ever thought I could be, pushed me to ask the hard questions, to fight fiercely for what matters, and to never take no for an answer. They’ve forgiven me through every imperfect moment and somehow still tell me I’m beautiful—sometimes hourly. They’re my greatest teachers, my why, and the reason I pour so much heart into everything I do. I will always work hard for them, because I know just how lucky I am.
MY "WHY"
MY PHILOSOPHY
WHO I HELP
I blend down to earth settings with artistic & thoughtful posing + captures to give you something unique.
MEET MELANIE
I believe photography should feel—not just look beautiful, but stir something inside you. My work is rooted in truth, connection, and the fleeting nature of everyday moments. I’m not here to pose you into perfection or chase trends. I’m here to witness your story as it unfolds—messy, magical, and entirely your own.
MY "WHY"
MY PHILOSOPHY
WHO I HELP
Moms, families, seniors, business owners, and anyone in between who wants unique imagery in metro atlanta, ga
MEET JODIE
Whether it’s a family wrapped in the chaos of parenthood, a mother soaking in the last days of babyhood, or a senior discovering who they are, I create space for you to simply be. From there, I guide gently, shoot intentionally, and capture the emotion that lives in the in-between. Because time doesn’t wait—and what matters most is worth remembering in a way that feels real.
MY "WHY"
MY PHILOSOPHY
WHO I HELP
My Mission // My Mission // My Mission // My Mission // My Mission // My Mission // My Mission // My Mission // My Mission // My Mission // My Mission // My Mission //
TO SHOW YOU JUST HOW
MAGICAL LIFE CAN BE WHEN WE TAKE A MINUTE TO find the kind of beauty that lives in real, imperfect moments.
I started this business to create artistic, dreamy, and deeply emotive images for everyday people who crave something real.
For the ones who want to be, not perform. Who are willing to slow down, feel the moment, and let life unfold naturally. I’m here to capture the quiet wonder, the raw beauty, and the in-between moments that stir something in your soul—imagery you’ll return to again and again, not just to remember what it looked like, but to feel what it was.
HERE'S THE FACTS
up in the air, but down to earth
Being a flight attendant for the past 28 years, I’ve mastered the art of staying calm in chaos and packing snacks like a pro. It also means I love people and their stories, wherever they’re from.
i don't glisten- i straight up sweat!
It's fine. I'm used to it. Great art demands a little sacrifice—and usually a shower and change of clothes afterward.
i love to laugh- especially at myself!
Whether I trip over my camera bag (again) or say something weird mid-shoot, I promise you’ll feel more at ease because I never take myself too seriously. What would be the fun in that?
I just honestly want you to have imagery that doesn't look like everyone else's... don't you?
Sure, anyone can snap a picture (well… maybe not my husband), but crafting an image that’s full of emotion, depth, and soul? That takes more than just knowing how to press a shutter. It’s about knowing people. Knowing how to gently prompt, guide, encourage, and hold space for them to show up fully. It’s in the way I help you feel calm, seen, and free to let your guard down—that’s where the magic lives. Without that trust, that connection, a photo is just a picture. But when it’s done right, it becomes something you can feel every time you see it.
You deserve more than posed smiles and copy-paste photos. I want to create something that feels like you—images full of soul, honesty, and the kind of beauty that lives in real, imperfect moments.
I'VE BEEN THERE BEFORE....
THE WORD AROUND TOWN IS:
DON'T JUST TAKE IT FROM ME
"Never felt as comfortable taking pictures as I did with Melanie. "
"And my pictures turned out BEAUTIFUL. I am so glad she helped me capture such an important time in my life."
-Marisol Morales
"I was not looking for stiff, cheesy headshots and I couldn't be happier with the beautiful images she delivered!"
" I felt so confident and cool, and have never loved images of myself more. I would highly recommend Melanie for anyone looking for artistic, creative branding."
-Alex Questo
"We LOVE working with Melanie! "
"She has boundless energy, superhuman patience, and her photos are absolutely beautiful. No matter how crazy the session may feel with 3 little kids, she somehow never fails to take amazing pictures of our family."
-Erin Baker
