Okay, not literally. And it's not quite a superpower — it's something I learned how to do when I was a little kid (one of 22 grandchildren.)

I know how to fold into a large group of people, how to be there and make it feel like I'm not. It gives me a unique perspective when photographing people and documenting life. 

It's not a superpower, but when I have a camera strapped to my neck, it feels like one. It gives me the ability to capture connections that happen within a split second, to create a safe space for vulnerability, to amplify the energy in a room, and to step in when you truly need it most. 

I sort of have a superpower

What if you could see yourself the way the rest of the world sees you?

I can be everywhere and nowhere all at once

Sounds pretty super to me!

Maybe you're the friend who makes everyone laugh without even trying. Or the family member who listens better than anyone else, who radiates empathy. Maybe you mystify your partner every time you walk into a room.

You bring things to the world that no one else can. Those are the things the people you love notice when they look at you. When I look through my lens, I can see them, too.

Film hits different

Maybe it’s the grit, rawness, and soul. Maybe it’s the way it connects us to our history by bridging the gap between how our childhood photos looked and present day. Maybe it’s because one single frame will never look like the next, perfectly mirroring life’s forward, everchanging motion. Whatever the reason, I love feeling rolls of film in my pocket and infusing perfectly intact, unedited moments into your gallery. 

Come feel the nostalgia, take a peek at the film portfolio

Quick Facts

for the skimmers

Defined as

Ambivert + Type 1, Wing 2

Always Baking

Brown Butter Banana Bread

Pour Me Some

Tequila + Gin Cocktails

Comfort Show

Mad Men + Schitt's Creek

take my money

Madewell + Revolve

The Future

Retire to NYC living

playing on repeat

90's hip-hop/pop

current hobby

Learning Spanish

weekend plans

Hanging with my boys

weekend plans

Hanging with my boys

current Hobby

Learning French

FAVORITE SHOW

Mad Men + Schitt's Creek

take my money

Madewell + Revolve

Tequila + Gin Cocktails

Pour Me Some

Defined as

Ambivert + Type 1, Wing 2

The Future

Retire to NYC living

playing on repeat

90's hip-hop/pop

In Life I value

No 1

Family. Chosen & Made.

It’s no surprise that I fell in love with Chris. Everyone does. He's an incredible husband, badass Dad and awesome 2nd shooter (yes, he comes along for nearly every wedding with me!).

Eight years ago, we made a really cute human and named him Oliver. He's a very curious and sensitive soul and the greatest thing I've ever done in my life.

no 2

RESCUING & GIVING BACK

I’m not a dog person or a cat person, I’m an animal person. I’m a firm believer that adopting is the best thing you can do for a pet in need. 

Just look at my Penny! She's a rescue from Mexico and honestly the best damn dog you've ever met. She's a real gem inside and out and she has never met a human she didn't love. Everyone deserves a Penny and every Penny deserves someone who will give every ounce of love right back to her.

In 2024 2% of every wedding package booked will be donated to the Humane Society of Sonoma County

no 3

Good F&*king Food

If you offer me a shot at your wedding I probably won’t turn it down and I’ll be chasing it with a slice of wedding cake. 

When I get home from a shoot, you can find me scarfing down a burrito like my life depends on it. And on my time off, you can catch me hunting down the best cocktails during a girl's night out or hitting up go-to soft serve shop with my dudes.

What can I say? It's who I am. Life is too short to not eat bomb-ass food.

If you’re nodding "yes" while reading this right now we’re totally going to be friends.

Heck yeah we are!

Let’s Make Magic Together

For more photography + life musings

email hello@melissaalte.com