Brazen House Studios

The truth will set you free.

Your relationships are precious. Tell someone you love them today. ❤️

Gimme summer all day, every day. ☀️

Please and thank you.

Random thoughts of the day:

➡️ The most free you will ever feel is when speaking your truth.

➡️ You will always look back and wish you were in more photos or took more videos. Just do it.

➡️ That thing that you want in life? It’s already yours. It’s just time to get out of your own way.

xoxo😘, M

Heading into the week like… ✨

Anyone else curious what it would feel like to be photographed as your “free-est” self? No expectations, just play. Email me if you’re ready to explore what it feels like to completely let go in front of a camera (Spoiler alert: it feels AMAZING).

Brazenhousestudiosgmail.com

Hi. It’s me. :)

My frieeeeends. This month I officially turn *15* years old as a professional photographer, which still just kind of blows my mind. And I have been digging DEEP since moving away from my studio about what direction I want to steer my photography business in. And I am so so SO excited to have finally wrapped my brain around the things that inspire me, which should be no surprise to any one…

At the end of the day, it’s always about L O V E … Loving yourself, loving your partner, loving your family, loving your job. It has always been about creating an experience in front of the camera where you feel seen, at ease, and in good hands. An experience where your guard around having your picture taken can finally come down, and at the day you have an image that mirrors back to you just how beautiful you are (for real though, you are STUNNING). It’s about creating a space for you to B R A Z E N L Y show up in the world, holding your head high, because you know just how magical and powerful you are. It’s about creating an image where you can look back and say “that was ME.” And “that was US.”

You’ll be seeing a lot more pictures posted coming up that aren’t in a studio setting, because I want to continue to tell your stories in all the multi-faceted ways. I’ll be sharing images from the course of my career that still ping my heart- in the various ways you have shared your lives with me, your homes, and your love stories (with yourself and with others).

So come take off your shoes, pull up a seat, while I share with you 15 years of my joy.
📸: (edited by me)

I continue to be amazed and grateful after 15 years as a professional photographer that I get to spend time with all of you. That I get to know you as families, that I get to know you in your profession, and that I get to know you individually as you navigate the human experience of being *YOU*. And that for a brief moment, we get to stop time. That you can have an image to look back on and remember “YES! That is who we were back then.”

That is the beauty of photography. You take photos every day of your daily lives- the dog, the view, the celebrations... And then every once in a while I get to step in so you can put your camera down. So you can be remembered in this moment also.

And for that, I thank you for the privilege.

Shooting in places outside of the studio is giving me LIFE these days! Want to be photographed in your home, business, or somewhere in the community? Let’s tell a story that is 100% *YOU*.

Photographing my dear friend (and POWERHOUSE) is always one of my favorites!

Who else is ready for headshots that don’t look like everyone else’s? 🙋‍♀️Your personality is your biggest asset, so let’s create some images that reflect who you are and what you bring to the table!

Book your next session with for 50% off through the end of April!

DM or email at brazenhousestudiosgmail.com! 📸

This is for the one who has had to work past the doubters, the naysayers, the people who never thought you could.

“WATCH ME.”

I love these ladies at . They are so good at what they do (and I have the eyebrows to prove it 😜)!

And creating group images for teams that don’t feel boring… next favorite thing. 😍

“Kids these days, am I right?”

Kids these days are incredible. They are growing up in a world that is nothing like the one I knew. They are full of big ideas, big feelings, and an unwavering desire to make this world better.

As a mom to 5 kids/adults ages 14-21, I see it every day. But I also see it in your kids who get in front of my camera. I see it in the way they show up, with their stake in the ground. I see it in their willingness to play and have fun. I see it in how they not only are witnessing so many challenging parts of the world, but they are choosing to see the beauty in all of it too.

The future is bright, and I love all of them for it. ✨

I’ve got some news that I have been DYING to share with you!

My family is moving. ie, I’m closing the studio doors (because it’s connected to the house haha). But don’t worry, I’m not going too far and it’s not the end of the road, it’s just the start of a new adventure!

Here’s the deal though, until I find the next perfect permanent space, I will be shooting in different locations between Port Orchard and Tacoma (and further with a travel fee) that are unique to YOU. ie, your business, your home, your favorite park. etc. (and can I still bring a backdrop and studio lighting if the location allows? Absolutely). I am beyond excited to shoot in new places and create content and art that is more custom to you than ever! I am open to portraits, engagement shoots, business content, family shoots, seniors, etc.

With this exciting shift, I am extending a limited-time offer. For the months of March and April, I will be offering 50% off portrait shoot prices (photo shoot availability starting April 15th)! Swipe to see the package options! 💁🏻‍♀️

I’m excited to bring back my former 14 years of outdoor portrait experience with and combine it with Brazen House to create some beautiful things together. ❤️

DM or email me at [email protected] to snag your spot!

I read this idea recently about the concept of growth and expansion… what if growth is merely an undoing of all the things that the world/others/our parents taught us that isn’t true about ourselves. What if we were born perfectly whole and connected to who we are, and as time goes on we absorb thoughts/ideas/beliefs from others that disconnects us from that alignment. What if at our core, we already are everything we need to be, and expansion is just peeling away all of the untruths that get in the way?

I have been processing this idea for days, and in the universe’s perfect timing, this sweet little nugget came into the studio with her family. As you know, my time behind the camera usually consists of portraits of adults and supporting entrepreneurs in their businesses, so this was a pretty rare and special occurrence.

Charlotte was so excited to be there and came ready with posing ideas, enthusiasm, and a general desire to be captured in a photo. We put on the Frozen soundtrack, and this sweet girl twirled and skipped and unabashedly did whatever the heck she felt like (in the best way ever). She wasn’t worried about what we thought of her dancing skills or whether or not her bellybutton was showing, she was just 100% unapologetically herself. It brought tears to my eyes in the moment because I could see 3 year old Melissa in her (matching bangs and all). I could remember that feeling of absolute freedom of moving through the world, self-assured and marching to the beat of my own drum without fear of what others would think. And all I could think about is THIS is what I want going into the New Year. To peel away all of the stories that I believed about myself that were never true, and to fully trust that who we all are and who we have always been as humans, is 100% whole. Never lacking. Full of abundant inspiration. And maybe needing to dance more.

For 2024, may we all be a little more like Charlotte.

This entire month I have been pinching myself. I truly cannot believe the people I have had the privilege of documenting, and the scope of projects that have pushed my creativity to the limits. I haven’t posted much as I’ve been truly been trying my best to be present in all of it, but I just had to take a minute to express some shear gratitude. When I started this studio a little over a year ago, I never imagined a year later… the stories I would get to witness and the beautiful humans that tell them, the businesses I would support with photography as well as graphic design, and ummm, seeing my work in US Weekly magazine. HELLO? WHAT?!?! 2023 has been such a gift, and I cannot WAIT to see what twists and turns 2024 brings. If you are seeing this post, it’s because you have played a part in supporting me, just by liking this page. And for that, I am so grateful.

Cheers my loves, to following your dreams, even when they scare the hell out of you. 🤍

Sometimes there is nothing better than capturing a simple moment with a kind human.

Most asked question of all time: What should I wear to a photo shoot?

HERE'S THE TEA- Whatever feels honest. If you're the kind of person that hates getting dressed up, this is not the time to experiment with a tuxedo. In my opinion, unless you are in a fashion spread trying to sell clothing, a photoshoot isn't going to be about your outfit. I know, I know, all of the years of childhood trauma of our moms getting our family portrait outfits ready may have you thinking otherwise. But the best kind of portrait is going to be 100% YOU. T-shirt? Great. Hoodie? Awesome.

Keep it simple. At the end of the day, an image is merely a way to pause time, and it's important that you recognize yourself. 😘

Agree or Disagree?

There is something that is so special about being photographed in a way where you see a mirror of yourself. Not a photo of perfection- every limb placed just so, or an expression so carefully curated that you couldn't replicate it in real life if you tried (in an outfit you would never wear). But a moment that you can look at and see how others see you.

I had the beautiful gift of this experience this past weekend with my dear pal, photographer (you are the best, sweet friend!). I look at this photo she took and I see a moment in time that I can hear my own laughter within the photograph and think about how alive that version of myself is. I look at it and think about how that's how my husband, kids, or friends see me. This is every day Melissa, and getting to photograph her, because she is worthy of being photographed, was truly a soul-filling experience. She's not perfect, but I don't need her to be.

That's what I want for everyone- an image and an experience where not only you can see yourself in a photo, but can feel that *that* version of yourself is even better. No longer striving for something the world wants you to be, but to simply. just. be.

Thanks Nikki for such a special image that I will treasure (and many others!). If you feel ready for a similar experience, click the link in my bio to schedule a consult! 🤩 (And if you're based in Michigan, reach out to Nikki! She's brilliant!)

My favorite quote of all time is "Life begins on the outside of your comfort zone". It's a reminder that the *magic*, the joy, the growth, it doesn't come when we are sitting in our routines, waiting for life to change when we haven't done anything to actually change it.

I hope today you feel a little uncomfortable, a little more alive, and a whole lot of loved.

-Melissa

📢 Hello my friends! I just wanted to toss out a reminder that there are Mini Sessions coming up Saturday, Oct. 21st as well as Sunday, Nov. 12th! These are in-studio, so yay for not having to worry about the weather. It's a great opportunity to update that headshot or celebrate something special in life ( plus have a heck of a good time while doing it).

I have two differently priced packages that you get to choose from when you sign up, based on your unique needs:

$250 - 15 minutes + 3 images
$475- 20 minutes + ALL images

Sign up here: https://calendly.com/brazenhousestudios

Spots are limited and this will be the last mini-session offer for the year!

I can't wait to see you in the studio to create images that are just as unique as you are! 🤩

Heeeey, we're halfway through the week. Let's *d*a*n*c*e*.

Nothing makes me happier than supporting other women in their businesses and leadership roles through powerful headshots. Because lets be real, in the world of business, your personality is your greatest asset. Your quirks, your passions, and your unique perspective set you apart. 🌟💼

I'm here to help entrepreneurs in personality-driven careers showcase who they are through compelling visuals. We start from the beginning and talk through who you are and what you do and figure out *together* the messages you want to convey to your audience. 📷✨ You and your business are unique, and your headshots should reflect that!

Let's celebrate your individuality and translate it into stunning images that tell your story. Join me in the journey of personal branding and watch your business shine. 💪

Every body, every life is a work of art. I hope you go into the weekend feeling all of the beautiful things that you *are*.

🌟 Sign ups are officially open! 🌟

This fall, I wanted to create something special and unique to you, which is why we are doing *custom* Mini Sessions!

What does that even mean?!?

It means when you sign up for your mini-session slot, you'll have an opportunity to choose from two differently priced packages ($250/$475) as well as have some creative input to the look of your shoot. You get to choose the color of backdrop (the signature Brazen House bright white and modern vs. the darker dramatic timeless feel) as well as direct the vibe. For example, do you want images of your family to feel authentic and playful? Or maybe you want to do a solo shoot where you are incredibly empowered and glamorous (there are SO many options). You get to direct the feel, and then I make the magic happen.

(And if you're the kind of person who is overwhelmed by choices and just want to come in and see what happens, we can definitely make some awesome images that way too.)

These are the last mini-sessions for the year, and I am only offering two dates:

Saturday, October 21st, 2023
Sunday, November 12th, 2023

Spots are limited and this will be the last mini-session offer of the year. I can't wait to see you in the studio to create images that are just as unique as you are! 🤩

SIGN UP: https://calendly.com/brazenhousestudios

🚨Mini Session Time!🚨

Information and links to sign up for Mini Sessions are going out this evening at 6:00pm PST to all current Brazen House clients and email subscribers! If you want to make sure you snag a spot (they're limited!), be sure to sign up for the email newsletter though the link in my bio.

Full details for the sessions, as well as the link to sign up will be released tomorrow to the general public!

This is the last time I will be offering mini sessions this year, so if you're needing a more affordable option for a headshot, family picture, maternity session, engagement, of just some self-love, this is your chance!

Can't wait to see you in the studio! 🥳