Welcome to Melissa Neal Photography

Hello and welcome! I am Melissa, a self-taught, passionate photographer.

As a child, I often found myself playing with my mom’s film camera in the back yard. Taking photos of frogs and trees and everything inbetween, I loved the sound of the shutter when I captured that exact moment of time in a photograph.

Fast forward many years, my journey has taken many paths. From studying Fine Arts at Plymouth State University, Business Management at Lakes Region Community College, 8 years in the healthcare industry, to working remotely as a Medical Coder, photography has been on the sideline as a hobby.

In 2018, shortly after my 2nd daughter was born, I decided to dive a little deeper in the photography world and start photgraphing people. This road fueled the fire to my creative passion. In the past 6 years I have photographed many families, newborns, weddings, cake smashes, graduations, sports portraits, professional headshots, businesses, lifesyle photos, and everything inbetween.

Through my experience I have learned the importance of capturing the essence of family bonds and the unique identity of each brand. In my brand photography sessions, I work closely with businesses to visually communicate their values and story. Each photo is composed to reflect the brand's personality and connect with their target audience. Similarly, family photography sessions are crafted to freeze moments in time, from the joy of playful interactions to the quiet intimacy of shared glances. I strive to create a relaxed and comfortable environment where families can be themselves, ensuring authentic and heartfelt images. Whether celebrating milestones with loved ones or elevating a brand's image, every photograph tells a story worth remembering.