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THE MelMarie BLOG

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I'm a West Bend, Wisconsin photographer who specializes in photographing families and seniors in their element while creating true-to-color lasting memories for them.

Brunette high school senior sitting in wildflower patch and smiling at the camera

I Remember How Awkward Senior Photos Can Be I may have graduated from Sussex Hamilton over 10 years ago (no way am I really that old 🫠….also shoutout to my Chargers), but I promise you that although I am now a West Bend, Wisconsin senior photographer — I still remember exactly how awkward senior photos […]

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West Bend Wisconsin high school senior walking with her horse during a photography session

Ellie’s mom first reached out to me because she was looking for a senior photographer and wanted to know if I was comfortable working with animals — specifically Ellie’s horse, Sonny. The answer was an easy yes. We talked through what they were hoping for and decided to split the session between two locations: photos […]

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Senior girl sitting on wooden fence at Menomonee Park during a relaxed Menomonee Falls senior session

It’s always so fun when I get to photograph families I’ve worked with before. I hadn’t seen this family in a few years, and I couldn’t believe how big their girls had gotten! Kira, now a senior, was ready for her session, and it ended up being such a fun day. While I was taking […]

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What to Expect From Your Maternity Session Being pregnant is such a unique season — exciting, exhausting, and sometimes a little overwhelming all at once. I remember trying to plan my own maternity session and realizing how much goes into just feeling comfortable and looking good in photos. That’s why I make sure maternity sessions […]

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Hey mamas, I get it—fall and summer were busy. Between soccer games, school activities, birthdays, and all the little things that fill up your calendar, maybe your family photos didn’t happen. But here’s the thing: milestones don’t wait, and neither should your photos. Even if you missed summer and fall sessions, milestone family photos in […]

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Parents sitting in rocking chair in living room with their swaddled newborn baby

What to Expect From Your Newborn Session I remember those early newborn days so clearly. I was beyond exhausted — the kind of tired where you barely know what day it is, let alone remember your own name. But I also remember sitting on the couch with a beautiful baby in my arms… my baby. […]

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I debated writing this because I never want to take away from another photographer or their client experience. There are so many talented photographers out there, and everyone runs their business differently. But there is something really important about feeling comfortable with your photographer—and knowing you’re fully taken care of from start to finish. That’s […]

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Young girl holding a professionally printed family photography album in West Bend Wisconsin

Picture this. You’re sitting at work, checking your email, and you see it — your gallery is ready. You open it immediately, scroll through the photos, feel all the feelings, and send me a message telling me how much you love them. You tell yourself you’ll show your family later when everyone’s home and settled. […]

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Young senior girl in flower print dress walking on a paved walking path between blooming flowers

Choosing what to wear for your senior photos can feel overwhelming. You want to look like yourself, feel confident, and still love your photos years from now. The good news? The best senior photo outfits are simple, timeless, and comfortable — and they keep the focus exactly where it belongs: on you. As a high […]

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Senior photos should feel fun, natural, and true to who you are — but I also know how nerve-wracking it can be to step in front of the camera, especially when you’re meeting your photographer for the first time. As a senior photographer serving West Bend, Jackson, Slinger, Kewaskum, Cedarburg, Hartford, and surrounding Wisconsin areas, […]

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