Family photography that feels like playtime, not a chore.

For families in Tacoma & JBLM who want to remember the beautiful, chaotic, and unposed reality of this season.

“Melanie was fantastic to work with for our first family photos!! She instantly made us feel comfortable in front of the camera and created a beautiful gallery we will treasure forever. She was organized, communicative, and a joy to work with from start to finish.”

— Evie Griffin

AVAILABLE NEAR OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON

Hey! I’m Melanie—a mom of four, former RN, and for the last 8 years, I’ve wrangled, styled, and photographed more than 300 families.

The Process and How it Works

01 | Say Hello

Reach out via my contact form to start dreaming up your session. We'll chat about your family's dynamic, what kind of backdrop you prefer, and any concerns about getting everyone in front of the lens. I want to hear your vision so I can tailor the experience to fit your real life.

02 | Plan & Prep

Don't stress about where to go. We can shoot at your favorite outdoor spot, rent a beautiful indoor studio, or even keep it cozy at your house. Then, I’ll help coordinate your wardrobe so you feel totally prepared.

03 | Play & Document

We meet up, let the kids run wild, and capture your real dynamic. I offer two straightforward packages, and both include your full digital gallery to download and print. No per-image pricing, no hidden fees, and absolutely no gatekeeping your memories.

Real life, Documented

Family photographer serving JBLM, Lacey, Olympia, and Tacoma

Lifestyle family portraits near Puyallup, Seattle, and JBLM

A man lifting a young girl into the air outdoors against a sky, with a tree on the left side of the image.

Three people standing outdoors by a lake with cherry blossom trees in bloom. The man in the middle is smiling, with his arms around a woman on each side. The woman on the left has long light brown hair and a necklace, while the person on the right ha

Authentic family photographer for South Puget Sound military families

Documentary family sessions in South Puget Sound homes and parks

A family of three sharing a kiss outdoors, with a woman, man, and a young girl on a grassy area with trees in the background.

Family of seven sitting and lying on a fallen log against a rocky hillside with sparse vegetation.

Two women hugging in front of the reflecting pool with the Washington Monument in the background.

Young girl with curly blonde hair playing with colorful translucent dominoes inside

A woman hugging a young boy in an embrace indoors.

Family of five holding hands and walking along a lakeside trail with blooming cherry blossom trees in spring.

A young girl in a white lace dress holds hands with an adult woman in a green patterned dress, both barefoot, standing between two arrangements of flowers and rocks against a plain background.

Four children sitting on a log near a river with trees showing autumn colors in the background.

A child reaching up to hold an adult's hand outdoors with a cloudy sky and tree branches in the background.

A woman with three children sitting by a rainy window, playing and cuddling with each other.

A man and a young boy walking along a rocky beach near a body of water, with trees and a clear sky in the background, reflecting in the water.

A woman with curly hair sitting on a couch with four children, all three boys and one girl, smiling and laughing together.

A woman and two children dancing in a living room with a fur rug, a brown sofa, and potted plants.

“My family had such a wonderful experience with Melanie. She was calm, professional, and so kind while photographing a big group of us, which included 9 energetic grandkids and 4 adults. She made everyone feel comfortable and managed the chaos with such grace.”

— Renee Gocek

Inquire About A Session

Explore my blog for recent family sessions to see what a full, authentic gallery looks like from start to finish.

See My Family Blog

Absolutely. I will never leave you hanging! I will always guide you into the most flattering light and then give you a cozy starting pose. From there, instead of telling you to "say cheese," I'll give you prompts to get you interacting with each other. I set the stage, but the genuine laughs and magic that happen next are all you!
I always keep a very close eye on the forecast leading up to your session! If it is actively down pouring or unsafe, we will absolutely reschedule. But if it’s just a standard overcast day, we will embrace it, those clouds actually act as a giant natural soft box and create beautifully even, flattering light.
Please don't worry about this at all! As a mom of four, I know exactly how impossible it is to expect kids to sit perfectly still. My sessions are designed to feel like playtime. We will play games, run around, and embrace the beautiful chaos of whatever stage your kids are in right now.
Yes! Figuring out what to wear is usually the most stressful part, so I am here to help. Once you book, we will collaborate on your wardrobe so you feel comfortable, confident, and perfectly coordinated with our location.