Senior Experience

Working with melissa

Bright. True-to-color. 100% you.


I'm a senior photographer passionate about capturing your authentic beauty, style, and spirit. My goal isn’t to turn you into someone you’re not—it’s to highlight the best version of who you already are.


Your senior portraits should feel like you—happy, confident, bold, and real. With a clean, vibrant editing style and a fully guided experience, I make sure you walk away with images (and memories) you'll love—at one of the best all-inclusive values around.

How am i different from other senior photographers?

I make the process easy

When you book your session, you'll fill out a quick style + location form so I can get to know your vision. Not sure where you want to shoot yet? No worries—just note that, and I’ll guide you through the best options. After you submit the form, I’ll be in touch to walk through every detail and start planning your dream session.

 

i won't rush your session

 

My most popular session is the Luxe, which includes up to 2 locations and 4 outfit changes—perfect for variety and full-on glam. If you're looking for something a bit more streamlined, the Lite session includes 1 hour and up to 2 outfits and is my second most booked.

No stress about the clock. I never rush your shoot—I keep going until we’ve got the magic. Your gallery will be filled with images that truly reflect your beauty, confidence, and style.

 

professional hair & Makeup

 

Most of my seniors choose to do their own glam, but if you’re looking for professional help, I’ve got you covered. Here are a couple of artists past clients have loved:

Wink Hair and Makeup

Rosa Bella Artistry

These artists know how to enhance your natural beauty while making sure your look shines on camera. Feel free to reach out to them directly—or let me know if you'd like help coordinating!

 

natural posing & Organic Editing

 

I never want you to look like you’re trying too hard—and you won’t. I’ll guide you step by step through poses that are designed to flatter your features, highlight your style, and feel like you.

No stiff, awkward moments here—just natural confidence in every frame. So when you look back on these photos years from now, you’ll say “Wow,” not “What was I thinking with that pose?!”

I pride myself on a clean, timeless editing process that enhances—never hides—what makes you you. I won’t slap on heavy filters or change your skin tone. No trendy Instagram effects here. My editing style highlights beautiful light, rich colors, and your natural texture—so you still look like yourself, just with a little extra glow.

Session Details



  • Sessions can be booked for seniors (my specialty!), as well as families, children, or couples.
  • Each session is gifted professionally edited digital images, with a minimum of 20 edits per outfit.
  • Travel is included to all Franklin County locations, as well as select Wake County areas: Wake Forest, Rolesville, Raleigh, Zebulon, Wendell, and Knightdale. Additional travel fees may apply for locations outside this service area.
  • Cap and Gown Sessions are available for $100 as an add on to your senior session, or for $200 if you don't do a senior session with me. These will be shot in May and I have 2 dates available. I will send out a sign-up email in mid April for those that are interested.
  • These cap and gown minis will be on
  • Monday, May 25th, 2026 at the NC Museum of Art (make-up date on Tues 26th if there is bad weather)

              Or

  • Wednesday, May 27th, 2026 at the Seminary in Wake Forest (make-up date on Thurs 28th if there is bad weather)

 

Packages & Offerings

 

THE MINI

• 1 outfit


• 1 location


• typically 20-30 minutes long


• $250: $125 Due now, $125 due at the session

 

$250

 

Book Now

the lite

• 1-2 outfits


• 1 location


• typically about 1 hour long


• $500: $250 Due now, $250 due at the session

 

$500

 

Book Now

the luxe

•3-4 outfits


•2 locations - must be within 15 minutes of each other


• typically around 2-2.5 hours long


• $650: $325 due now, $325 due at your session

 

$650

 

Book Now

the lavish

•5-6 outfits


•up to 3 locations - must be with 15 minutes of each other


• typically around 3 hours long


• includes a free Cap and Gown mini in May (see details above)


• $800: $400 due now, $400 due at your session

 

$800

 

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the seasons

• 2 Seasons Session


• Summer/Fall & Spring


•2-4 outfits, 1 location per session


• typically around 1.5 - 2 hours long


• includes a free Cap and Gown mini in May (see details above)


•$1000: $300 due now to reserve the date for the Summer/Fall session, $350 due at session #1, $350 due at Session #2 in the Spring

 

$1000

 

Book Now

 

Portfolio Highlights

 

View Portfolio

FAQ

What is your typical timeline?

I try to stay within a two week editing schedule after your session is completed. During the busy season (Sept-Nov and April-May) it will most likely take me 3 weeks to get your edits to you. If you need them rushed, please let me know at the session

What payment methods are available?

A retainer fee is required to hold your session date and can be booked online via my booking site and paid online or via Venmo. Fees vary on this and depend on the type of session you choose. Then the balance is due at the session. The balance can be paid online via cc, through Venmo, or via cash/check. I will send you a invoice one week before the session, but the balance isn't due until your session date.

FAQ

What month should I book my session?

Choosing the right time of year can make all the difference in your senior session. Here’s a quick breakdown of what each season offers to help you decide:


☀️ July–August

Ideal for students with busy schedules during the school year.

Morning or late evening is best for 1-hour sessions.

2-hour sessions should be done in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat and humidity.


🍃 September to Mid-October

The weather begins to cool, and everything is still lush and green.

Early September sunsets: 7:40 PM

Mid-October sunsets: 6:30 PM

Perfect if you love a neutral or warm-toned field look.


🍂 Late October–November

Fall color lovers—this is your time!

Peak color change: Halloween through mid-November

Sunset moves from 6:20 PM in late October to just after 5:00 PM by early November (due to daylight saving time).

Cozy sweaters, rich foliage, and golden light galore.


🌷 March

A hint of spring begins to appear, especially in garden locations.

Duke Gardens starts blooming in late March

Sunset: 7:15–7:30 PM


🌸 April

The azaleas steal the show!

Best bloom: 2nd to 3rd week of April

Sunset: 7:30–8:00 PM


🌹 May

Warmer weather returns — ideal for Cap & Gown sessions

The Raleigh Rose Garden is stunning early to mid-month

Sunset: 8:00–8:25 PM

Are digital images included with your packages?

Yes :-) All edited digitals are gifted to you for each session. There are no extra charges to get your images.



FAQ

What is your refund policy

Retainer fees are not refundable, but can be used towards a credit for another session within 1 year from the session date. I want you to be 100% happy with this experience. If you are not happy, then I haven't done my job. Please message me with any issues.

Do you reschedule for bad weather, sickness, etc?

Yes, I leave spots on my calendar for reschedules. If you suddenly become sick, I definitely want to wait to shoot your session. I will send you open dates if that happens. For weather, our weather tends to be a bit unpredictable at times. I like to make the cancel call around noon on the day of the shoot. If you are booking hair and make-up and need to cancel 24 hrs out please let me know in advance so we can use the best judgement we have on the current conditions.

Not quite ready to book?

Let’s connect and make sure every detail feels just right. I’m here to answer your questions and help you feel fully confident before we plan your dream session.

Contact Me