Authentic, details focused images that capture the true essence and personality of your family. Melissa provides an experience that is based in play and being present with the ones you love. Melissa Ortendahl Photography creates portraits of your family, your children and you and your partner that showcase the connection and emotion you have for one another.
I want to tell your story. The story of your love, of your growing family; of you. My passion is creating portraits that evoke emotion. Showcasing connection. Capturing all the details you don't want to forget from this time in your life. Your son's crazy long eyelashes. Your daughter's dimple. The chubby little ankle rolls your baby has.
I want to tell your story. The story of your love, of your growing family; of you. My passion is creating portraits that evoke emotion. Showcasing connection. Capturing all the details you don't want to forget from this time in your life. Your son's crazy long eyelashes. Your daughter's dimple. The chubby little ankle rolls your baby has.
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Of all the names I'm called, Mom is the one that is most important to me. I love the absolute chaos of being a boy mom. I had three children in less than three years, which is possible when you end up with - surprise!- twins. Their wild hearts keep me on my toes every day and I love them more than I ever thought I could love anyone.
It's all going to be ok. It really is. Whatever happens at your session, it's an honest reflection of the stage of life you and your family are in at this moment. Because I know what it's like to take your kids out in public. I know what it's like to bring them someplace new, to meet someone new, and the little prayer you say that they'll behave.
As a mom of three boys (which includes a set of twins), I know how stressful the idea of family photos can be. These are the questions that run through my head as I prepare for our annual family session. I imagine similar ones are running through yours. I also know how much you want to just be able to freeze your kids, just as they are, for just a moment longer.
What are the personalities of your kids? Do you have really shy kids that take a while to warm up to someone new? Do you have kids (like mine) that go absolutely bonkers when they meet someone new and it takes them a while to calm down? In either case, a 25 minute session probably isn't the best choice.
I have been on cloud nine at a session one day and felt stuck in a rut the very next day. I have gone a solid month without taking one picture of my own children. I understand the ebbs and flows of being a creative soul. When I have felt this way, I have reached out to someone who inspires me, someone who sparks creativity in me.
Reviews (10)
Megan Yeo
Aug 19, 2021
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Melissa is the best to work with! We have worked with her for both newborn pictures and first birthday pictures. She is so relaxed, fun and goes with the flow, no matter how your kiddo is responding! It made me feel so calm and sure that we would get great photos, despite a teething, active little boy!
She captures your family in such a beautiful and natural way that never looks posed. I will treasure the images we've gotten from her for the rest of our lives! Her images are worth so much more than a thousand words!
She captures your family in such a beautiful and natural way that never looks posed. I will treasure the images we've gotten from her for the rest of our lives! Her images are worth so much more than a thousand words!
Cole Fitzpatrick
Dec 26, 2020
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Theresa Kilburn
Nov 26, 2020
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Melissa's vision is nothing short of pure magic. Also, did we mention that Melissa is hilarious and makes you feel like the best versions of yourselves? Because it definitely helped us loosen up and smile through all of our sessions.
Hiring Melissa was one of the best investments that we could have made for our wedding! Melissa was kind and professional from beginning to end. From the engagement shoot to the wedding day, we knew that we were in good hands.
We cannot thank Melissa enough for all their hard work and would highly recommend Melissa for anyone looking to book their wedding photographer
Hiring Melissa was one of the best investments that we could have made for our wedding! Melissa was kind and professional from beginning to end. From the engagement shoot to the wedding day, we knew that we were in good hands.
We cannot thank Melissa enough for all their hard work and would highly recommend Melissa for anyone looking to book their wedding photographer
Lauryn Luginbuhl
Oct 02, 2020
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My husband and I met Melissa at a wedding expo and instantly fell in love. Sunset pictures were very important to Ryan; Melissa had some phenomenal sunset photos on display at her booth. We talked for a while, meaning Ryan about sunset photos, and I just knew she was the one. As soon as we got in the car, Ryan said to me, "photographer, check!" From there, the communication was always timely. Melissa was very flexible when making our contract. Fast forward to the best day of our lives, where do I begin? It poured all day up until 30 mins before our first look. Melissa got to our hotel room with
Amanda Storie
Sep 24, 2020
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Melissa took my wedding pictures and was fantastic! She is nice, easy to work with, and was so flexible when our plans changed. It was a wonderful experience and we could not be happier with our pictures! Would definitely recommend Melissa to anyone and we will be reaching out to her in the future if we ever need a photographer for anything else.
Emily Muri
Aug 17, 2020
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We used Melissa to capture our wedding day, and she has such amazing talent! Her photos were stunning, she was able to capture moments that most other photographers would miss, and has an affordable price. She is so kind, professional, and cares for you as a client in every way. Even when a pandemic threatened to ruin our wedding, Melissa was by our side through the whole journey, ready to sacrifice her time for us in any way.
We will be using Melissa for all our future photography needs! I can't recommend her enough!
We will be using Melissa for all our future photography needs! I can't recommend her enough!
Lisa Barry
Jun 03, 2020
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From the very first interaction with Melissa I knew she was the photographer we wanted for our wedding. Melissa was enthusiastic and professional. She took a personal interest in us and asked out our history together. On the day of our wedding she walked around the yard to find the best background for our photos. Melissa possesses the creativity and caring about her work and subjects that made our wedding photos works of art. She didn’t just snap photos but made suggestions on the tilt of a head, the positioning of a hand. We couldn’t be happier with the results. It has been
delightful working
delightful working
Shelby Chodubski
Sep 19, 2019
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Our experience with Melissa as our wedding photographer was phenomenal. To this day, three weeks after our wedding, we are still getting compliments on how great Melissa was. I was impatient to get our wedding photos and Melissa had our whole gallery ready in three weeks. She is amazing at what she does and her interaction with all of us throughout our wedding day truly shows photography is her passion. I will forever recommend her!!
Angelica Beerbaum
Sep 12, 2019
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Melissa is THE most amazing photographer. Hands down. Not only is she extremely professional, hard working, and talented, she is a truly incredible person. We had the pleasure of having her photograph our engagement photos and wedding and BOTH times she made the experiences feel easy, carefree, and fun. I cannot recommend Melissa enough and am excited to share more of our experiences with her in the future. <3
Kelsey Pini
May 26, 2019
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Melissa recently shot my wedding and is SO amazing! I was comfortable and calm from the moment I met her. You can tell from speaking with her that she knows exactly what she's doing and she is able to capture moments that you didn't even know were happening. She was able to give wonderful suggestions for the best way to fully capture the day and worked so well and patiently with all my family and friends. Not to mention the photos are beautiful! I would recommend her 1000% and I know who to call when I need a family photo shoot
