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. How your hand rests instinctually on your belly as your little one kicks and rolls from inside.
The way your wife's hand fits so well in yours. Boy mom to three wild children, wife to one very patient man. You can find me re-heating my coffee and dancing along to the chaotic soundtrack of our life.
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. How your hand rests instinctually on your belly as your little one kicks and rolls from inside.
The way your wife's hand fits so well in yours. Boy mom to three wild children, wife to one very patient man. You can find me re-heating my coffee and dancing along to the chaotic soundtrack of our life.
Services
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.
They are mine.
I walk through this life with this man here.
We've stood next to one another for 18 years and said yes to a life together 13 years ago.
We make a pretty great team.
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.
They are mine.
I walk through this life with this man here.
We've stood next to one another for 18 years and said yes to a life together 13 years ago.
We make a pretty great team.
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.
It's the same thing I do every time I go out with my boys.
So when I tell you I understand how you're feeling when you show up to your session, trust me, I do.
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.
It's the same thing I do every time I go out with my boys.
So when I tell you I understand how you're feeling when you show up to your session, trust me, I do.
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.
Melissa was well recommended by a family member and was very easy to work with over the phone.
She was flexible and gave good suggestions for the time and place of our session.
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.
Melissa was well recommended by a family member and was very easy to work with over the phone.
She was flexible and gave good suggestions for the time and place of our session.
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 also only hold mini sessions twice a year, so the availability is limited.
A standard session is something I am always going to recommend.
It allows us time to settle into a rhythm, to lower the stress level, to give your family a few breaks (like letting the kids run off and snapping some shots of the two of you), it's just a slower pace that I really enjoy.
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 also only hold mini sessions twice a year, so the availability is limited.
A standard session is something I am always going to recommend.
It allows us time to settle into a rhythm, to lower the stress level, to give your family a few breaks (like letting the kids run off and snapping some shots of the two of you), it's just a slower pace that I really enjoy.
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.
A place to ask your questions, without judgement.
A person who's been where you've been and is willing to share what she's learned, with you.
An opportunity to put theory into practice, with someone there to support and gently guide you.
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.
A place to ask your questions, without judgement.
A person who's been where you've been and is willing to share what she's learned, with you.
An opportunity to put theory into practice, with someone there to support and gently guide you.
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