ABOUT Melissa Officer Photography
I am a fine art photographer and I specialize in painterly portraits. I’m passionate about printing my images as archival quality artwork so they are not lost to time and technology.
My portrait sessions are fully customized to each client, and can be reserved as studio sessions, outdoor sessions, or both. As we plan your session, I will ask you questions to learn more about you and your story, your loved ones, how you envision your portraits, and your personal aesthetic. I guide my clients through every detail: colors, props, and objects to include; wardrobe and styling; choosing from a selection of beautiful locations; and more.
We will plan for and photograph the number of images that are pre-booked as 8 x 12 prints, with a minimum of three. The day of your session you can plan to spend at least an hour or two with me, or more, depending on how many people, children, pets, and props are involved.
A few weeks after your session you’ll come to my studio and we’ll review your portraits before they are printed, at which time you may upgrade to larger-sized wall art. All of your images will be printed on archival-grade paper and come with their respective digital files for sharing on social media.
We also deliver and install the artwork in your home complimentary if you live in Napa Valley.
ABOUT Melissa
I earned my BA degree from San Francisco State University in English-Creative Writing with a concentration in Language Studies, and have been a student of literature, art, and photography since I was a teenager. I've been fortunate to have learned from or been mentored by some incredible artists, including Cheryl Strayed, Steve Almond, Matthew Clark Davison, Donna de la Perrière, Lisa Occhipinti, Louise Glendon, Sarah Petty, and most recently, Cass Jones.
My passion is in storytelling, ultimately. That is why photography and writing have always called to me. Both art forms tell a story, and I work tirelessly to tell compelling stories, especially about people.
My studio is in the 100 Coombs Creative Collective in downtown Napa, where I also have a marketing consultancy and brand photography business, Atlas Peak Studio.
I was born and raised in Napa, but moved away in 1999. I didn't move back to Napa until 2016, to be with my now-husband. I feel incredibly fortunate to be living here again, and raising my children in this beautiful part of the world.
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Education
2009-2011
San Francisco State University
Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature & Creative Writing, with a concentration in Language Studies
Teacher's Assistant for Matthew Clark Davison and Donna de la Perrière.
2021
Studied with Louise Glendon
CLG Community
Enthusiast Photography Course
2023 - present
Studied with Sarah Petty
Photography Business Institute
Boutique Photography Business Course
Peak Performers
2024
Studied with Cass Jones
Noelle Mirabella Photography
Four Seasons Portrait Workshop