MILITARY WORK

As an active duty army spouse for over ten years, I understand the significance of military events. These occasions, such as promotions and retirement ceremonies, hold deep emotional value to me. I strive to capture the essence of these moments through my photography, focusing on the emotions and all the details that make each event unique. I photograph:

  • promotions

  • retirements

  • military homecomings

A person in a U.S. military dress uniform with several ribbons and badges stands outdoors, looking to the side. The background features a brick building.
Man in military uniform with badges and medals standing near a window.

Now based near JBLM and serving South Puget Sound.

Three uniformed military personnel stand on marble steps in front of large columns, with one holding a flagpole displaying the American flag.
Military ceremony with people in uniform, American flags, and a podium in a decorated room.
A military officer being sworn in at George Washington's Mount Vernon, with an American flag and blue flag in the background, and a podium with microphones in the foreground.
A young boy in a blue shirt sits on a wooden chair, holding a woman's hand, looking thoughtful. The woman, wearing a floral dress, is seated next to him, showing a slight smile. A girl is blurred in the background.
Two uniformed military personnel performing a salute in front of marble columns, American flag beside them, on marble steps.
Military ceremony with two men shaking hands in front of an American flag, one in uniform. A small audience watches, with applause from a woman in the foreground. Large windows and columns suggest a formal indoor setting.
A group of people in uniform and civilians gathered for a ceremony at the National World War II Memorial with the Washington Monument and American flag in the background.
Woman in military uniform being pinned by a girl with a boy standing beside them, American and blue flags in the background.
Military personnel in uniform, awarding a medal, with ribbons and badges displayed on the chest.
Indoor military ceremony with two officers in uniform standing before an American flag, surrounded by people on a red carpet.
Military officer in dress uniform beside American and blue flags
Air Force officer in blue uniform with ribbons, standing in front of a brick wall.
Interior of the National Archives Rotunda with people viewing historical documents, flanked by large American flags, with classical architecture and paintings on the walls.
Two military personnel in dress uniforms stand next to an American flag on marble steps, in front of a large columned building.
Group of military personnel socializing at an event in uniform.
Two military personnel in uniform, one speaking at a podium and the other saluting, in front of a fountain at a memorial site.
Coast Guard personnel saluting during a formal ceremony with a flag display and attendees seated in the background.
Person in a military uniform with name tag "Rogers," being pinned with an insignia on the shoulder by another individual. A third person is visible holding a patch.
Military personnel standing during a ceremony, with two officers in dress uniforms in focus.
A uniformed individual in military attire, with glasses, identified by a name tag labeled "Castillo." The person is being assisted with their shoulder insignia as an American flag is visible in the background.
A military officer in dress uniform speaking at a podium, with an American flag and a framed photo in the background.
Military ceremony with individuals in uniform and civilians gathered near a river, American flag present, Washington Monument visible in the background.
A person in military uniform with ribbons and medals, seated outdoors near a fountain.

“Melanie did my promotion ceremony and she is wonderful! She captured big and small moments of family and friends throughout and after the ceremony that are memories I will always cherish.” -Katie B.

Melanie Lopez Photography Military Event Promotion Ceremony Army Navy Marines Air Force Colonel US Navy Memorial

Sites Where I’ve had the Honor of Documenting Promotions and Ceremonies:

  • The White House

  • The Pentagon

  • Defense Health Agency Headquarters

  • Military Womens Memorial

  • The National Archives

  • US Navy Memorial

  • Mount Vernon

  • World War II Memorial

  • National War College

  • The Jefferson Memorial

Don’t see your location on the list?

No worries, I can’t wait to add it!

Booking Your Military Event: A Step-by-Step Guide

  • 1. Inquire

    Please complete the contact form with all the details to your event. I'll review your information and respond within 48 hours with an additional questions.

  • Military personnel in uniform saluting outdoors

    2. Communication

    Many military events are once-in-a-lifetime moments, so I strive to ensure that I can serve you well and meet your expectations. We will narrow down all the details before I make your detailed contract and invoice.

  • Close-up of a smiling person in a military uniform having a badge pinned on their shoulder.

    3. Booking

    If were a good fit, we'll finalize your booking, and the excitement begins! Whether through a quick call or emails, we will go over the details to ensure everything is perfectly planned for your special day.

  • A military officer in uniform taking an oath at a ceremony in George Washington's Mount Vernon, with an American flag and an official behind a podium.

    4. Event & Gallery

    It’s your big day and I will capture all the details for you. Within 3-5 weeks you'll receive an email with a link to a password protected complete gallery of hand-edited, high-resolution images. You can easily download these images and share with family and friends.

“100% recommend Melanie Lopez!!! She captured all the amazing moments of my promotion ceremony and even ones that I didn’t know I needed. She caught so many different angles too, I LOVE her work!!!” — Tiffanie K.

Click on each photo title below to see the full featured gallery.