Create Memories That Last A Lifetime

A whimsical photography experience for families

in and around Napa Valley and Northern California

CURATED EXPERIENCES

CHERISHED MEMORIES

TIMELESS ARTWORK

Everyone with a smart phone and ChatGPT is a photographer these days.

So why should you hire me to take your portraits?

First, I am not just a photographer. I am an artist and a storyteller. Photography just happens to be one of my favorite mediums.

Second, you probably have tens of thousands of photos on your phone. Of your kids, your pets, your loved ones, pretty flowers you saw on a walk, a day trip to the beach. But are they worthy of being displayed as artwork in your home? Would you invest in a quality piece of heirloom artwork of a photo that was snapped on an iPhone with no thought or planning? Maybe you would, and that's okay! It just might mean I am not the right photographer for you. There are so many photographers in Napa Valley who will take gorgeous images of your family and I'm happy to recommend a few of my favorites.

But if creating portraits as timeless artwork is as important to you as it is to me, I might be the right photographer for you. And if you are looking for a full-service experienced artist who will help you not only create your portraits, but handle the printing, framing, and installation, then I am definitely the photographer you need.

Do you have a strong vision for your portraits or are you just starting to brainstorm?
Interested in higher quality products than Shutterfly or Mixtiles offer, but not sure where to find them?
Concerned your family won't be on board?
Not sure what you want but like what you see so far?

HAPPY CLIENTS

"Did a family portrait photo session with Melissa and it was a wonderful experience. We had my newborn and a 4.5 year old. She did a fantastic job making sure everyone was comfortable. She was engaging and caring which made the experience fun. She had creative ideas for photos. She has a sharp eye and captured the essence of my family. The photos are exceptional and will be treasured for many years to come."

Valentina R.

PORTFOLIO

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HOW IT WORKS

Let's Chat

We'll begin with a brief phone call! This initial conversation helps us get to know one another and figure out if we are a right fit to work together. I love to learn more about my clients so I can create meaningful portraits and artwork customized to your home and style.

Your Portrait Session

You'll experience a pre-planned and well-executed portrait session with no surprises. Everything is decided upon ahead of time—locations, outfits, props, poses, insecurities, concerns, hopes, symbolism, and more—ensuring a relaxed atmosphere where you can truly enjoy the art of creating art.

Ordering Appointment

This is the best part! Join me at the studio for your private viewing and ordering appointment. You'll select your favorite images and we'll explore printing and framing options to showcase the portrait artwork that your family will cherish for generations to come.

Let's Chat

Your future self will thank you.

Too many families stress over getting perfect family photos, so they put it off. They think they can rely on their 20,000 iPhone images, their hard drive, or the cloud to store all their precious memories.

What happens when the technology changes again, and those files are lost?

This is why I am so passionate about helping families ensure they have printed artwork, not just digital images.

I help you with every detail, ensuring a seamless experience to minimize the stress. I want you to enjoy a fun portrait session that is also a precious memory with your loved ones, so it results in artwork you’re excited to display and see every day, and share with the next generations.

What else?

The next common questions are usually about the cost and when we can schedule your session. I completely understand! When you're putting in the effort to gather everyone together, or even if you're doing solo portraits, you want to ensure you have an expectation of what the investment will be, and that you'll receive beautiful images you will love, whether you need them for a special occasion or just because.

We make it a priority to ensure every client walks away with images they adore—framed, artist-signed, and ready to hang, meant to be enjoyed for years.

To discover more about how we can help you get stunning, framed portraits of your loved ones on your walls, click the link below.

Session Guide + Bonus Tips

MEET MELISSA OFFICER

Hi there!

I'm Melissa, a portrait photographer living in beautiful Napa Valley with my husband, our two kids, two cats, and a dog.

I do things a little differently than photographers you may have worked with in the past. A portrait experience with me begins with a phone consultation, followed by an in-person creative session where every detail—wardrobe, styling, theme, props, posing, and location—is thoughtfully planned. After your session I help you select your favorite portraits for printing, and I work with professional printers and framers to ensure your portraits meet my high standards for archival quality. If you are local to Napa Valley, I will also have my team deliver and install your artwork complimentary. In an era of fast throwaway products, we go against the grain and strive to create timeless portraits of exceptional quality that will become a family heirloom to be passed down for generations to come.

Why I do things a little differently

Professional family portraits were not a thing in my family when I was growing up. Sure, we have the occasional haphazard family pictures from holidays (taken on old film point-and-shoot cameras, of course) but nothing that was taken by a professional photographer and printed and framed as artwork. I do cherish those aged, imperfect images dearly, but because I now know that wall portraits in particular have been proven to build self-esteem in kids of all ages and help strengthen family connectedness, I wonder if I would have been a little more confident, and a little less shy seeing artwork of me and my family every day.

I have always been fascinated by portrait art, from Rembrandt to Kehinde Wiley, and Irving Penn to Annie Leibovitz. There is simply something magical that happens when you can capture the essence of a person or family in a specific moment in time. The way light can sculpt a scene and evoke emotion; the ways objects and settings can tell a story and symbolize a lived experience; and how fleeting this life truly is—how fast we all grow up, and grow old, if we're lucky.

This is why legacy portraits are the heart and soul of our studio. And I’ve learned that being more than just a photographer—being a guide, a stylist, a friend, and a storyteller—is what makes each session special. From advising on outfits to capturing your child’s genuine smile, I’m committed to making every portrait a testament to your family’s unique bond. It’s not just about the photos; it’s about the joy and connection you feel every time you look at them.