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Mel - MShirley Photography
MEET THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Hi! I'm Mel!

I was born and raised in Brandon, Florida, and have been living here for over 30 years. You can usually find me in my leggings with my hair in a mom bun, jamming out to the same music I listened to when I was 13 years old in my living room. Taking Back Sunday and The Used fans, where ya at?

(I'm not going to say N'Sync and BSB don't sneak in there more than they should...)

I'm a true lover of...

The things that make life beautiful (besides photography!)

My Family!

My Family!

My wonderful Husband of 11 years, and my Two beautiful Kiddos

Romance & Wine

Romance & Wine

Reading romance books with a glass (or two) of wine - happily ever afters are my thing

Coffee Addict

Coffee Addict

Drinking WAY too much coffee (no regrets!)

Football Fan

Football Fan

Game day is sacred around here, and we ALL say SKOL Vikings!

Emo & Boy Bands

Emo & Boy Bands

Taking Back Sunday to N'Sync - all the early 2000s vibes forever

Brandon Local

Brandon Local

30+ years in sunny Florida - born and raised!

I love, LOVE.

Always have, always will.

In fact I will probably be crying harder than your mom at your candle lighting ceremony and shedding more tears then your Dad during his wedding speech.

I love meeting new people who welcome me into their lives to photograph their big, and little moments. The way I view souls through my camera is the way I see life: beautiful, raw, and full of potential.

To be a part of someone's milestone and capture their memories has been the greatest experience of my life. What an amazing exchange I get to be part of every time I use my camera.

Mel behind the camera at a session

Behind the Camera

My approach to photography is simple: I'm here to capture YOU. Not some Pinterest-perfect version of you, but the real, authentic, beautifully imperfect you.

Whether it's your wedding day, a family session, or welcoming your newborn, I bring the same energy to every shoot - genuine excitement, patient guidance, and probably way too much coffee.

I'll make you laugh (sometimes at my terrible jokes), help you feel comfortable in front of the camera, and capture those in-between moments that become your favorite photos.

What Clients Are Saying

Mitzvahs

One of the warmest people you will meet

Melanie is such a great photographer and person. She captured our daughter's Bat Mitzvah, both formal temple photos as well as night reception...

Kim Miller
Mitzvahs

Loved our experience working with Mel!

Talented, professional, responsive, detailed, creative, energetic, sweet, and kind. Loved our experience working with Mel!

Pamela Cohen Behar
FamilyNewborn

A photographer who truly lives up to being an ally

Melanie has been our family photographer for years now. Even when I’m convinced my kid didn’t smile at all, somehow we get back the most...

Randi Allenger-Hall

Let's be friends

I'd love to hear about your big day, your growing family, or whatever milestone you're celebrating. Let's create something beautiful together!