Melissa E. Johnson

I've never been one to carry around a camera.  And I never really understood those who did.  I mean, why not live the moment instead of trying to freeze it in time?

Even when traveling abroad, I carried a cheap digital camera, at best; sometimes, a plastic, disposable one, feeling obligated to return with proof of my journey.  Often the pictures were grainy or out of focus, and sometimes the subject was so far away that, when printed, it made no sense.  Still, good camera equipment seemed to me just another thing to keep up with.  And how could a one-dimensional photograph ever capture the magic and beauty of my multi-dimensional experience?  At least that's what I thought . . .

Then a fabulous holiday in Bali and a little monkey business changed everything. 

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They came from the Ayung River Valley--from behind bushes, swinging from trees--wild monkeys running toward  me from the dense tropical vegetation surrounding my mountain villa.  One-by-one they came, more than a dozen in the clan, and as they played on the terrace railing I photographed them.  As curious about me as I was about them, we definitely had some moments--me and those monkeys--moments that fed my zoological curiosity and forever changed my mind about photography. 

Within six months of returning from Bali, I had rearranged my entire life.  I began phasing out my full-time law practice in favor of a more part-time gig that would give me the freedom to explore my creative passions.  I relocated to the mountains of Colorado.  And the animals came out to play. 

Who knew that I would share this magical place with so many amazing four-legged and winged friends?  I love my neighbors.  They are patient,  fascinating creatures, and they teach me the secrets of the land.

It didn't take long to abandon my apathy toward photography and invest in some quality equipment, including a professional camera with an extra-zoomy lens.  And soon, I found myself engaging in paparazzi-like behavior as I followed my new friends around in the yard--hiding behind big Spruce trees, lying in wait behind rock outcroppings, patiently surveying the land at dusk and dawn--all in the name of the ungettable-photo-get.  (Don't try this at home kids.)

My love of nature and photography didn't stop there.  As spring turned to summer, I found my land to be a virtual garden of homegrown flora—Peonies, Black-eyed Susans, and Iris in bloom, to name a few.  As the seasons changed, new flowers emerged, in whites and yellows and vibrant purples and pinks.  I could hardly believe my good fortune.

And they, too, shared their secrets of the land.  For instance, consider how incredibly tough they are, blooming year after year even though their bulbs spend harsh winters in the freezing ground covered in snow.  And the way that one bulb can produce so many incredible flowers--who can say how many year after year--demonstrating once again the abundant nature of our Universe. 

And my favorite?  These botanical beauties can, in fact, communicate with us, or at least respond to our requests.  Call me crazy, but after weeks of talking to my budding white peonies--telling them that my birthday was round the corner, asking that they please bloom on the 6th of July--that's exactly what they did.  I woke that morning to their wonderful gift, from which I created my Peony in Love Collection. 

When I ventured out beyond the four corners of my land I found even more amazing adventures in wildlife.  In fact, the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area boasts 50 lakes and 28 trails covering more than 133 miles of backcountry delights.  Nestled among the mountain peaks--around the lakes and streams--are so many beautiful wildflowers, each containing unique properties; some healing, others toxic, but fascinating all the same.  From this, I developed my Colorado Wildflower Collection. 

Click on a flower below to see an enlarged version of that botanical beauty.

Along the way, I took a number of photography classes and workshops, subscribed to professional trade journals and worked on my craft.  I found that my love of nature and wildlife naturally extended to the cycle of life in general.  There's so much excitement around the birth of a child--awe at the process of life--that I find many creative ways to connect with families and children.  Pregnant mothers, families and babies are now part of my portfolio.

Check out some of my sample galleries below (and visit my Philanthropy page to learn more about the work of volunteer photographers and NILMDTS).

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As a traveling photographer, I bring my services to the client in the comfort of their home where I can capture mom (and dad) in the nest preparing for baby's arrival, or work around family schedules once baby has arrived. 

(Click on an image to see an enlarged version of that cutie!)

Working in color and black and white, families can choose from a variety of photography packages, including single sessions or multiple photo shoots that document before and after baby's birth.  Don't forget to include grandparents.  Generational photographs make great gifts!

Have fun with your photo memories . . . there's a costume for every occasion.

(Click on an image to see a slide show or enlarged version of that image.)

(Click here to contact me for project planning and pricing.)  

Family photography would not be complete without including the four-legged and winged friends who add to our family experience.  Dogs, cats, birds . . . name your pet.  I love animals and I know how important they are to the people who love them.  Give your family a professional pet portrait and memoralize your life together.    

Many thanks to the families who granted permission for me to share their photographs online.

My love of Life,  photography and all things handmade led me to create a collection of special event invitations, announcements and thank-you notes, featuring major life themes:  engagements, birth announcements, baby showers and corresponding thank-you notes to send to all of your generous gift-givers.  Be warned, these aren't your everyday, cheaper-by-the-dozen paper greetings.  Friends and family will be impressed by your artistic flare. 

All invitations and thank-you notes are custom made to fit your special event.  Choose invitations pre-printed with the details of your festivities, or purchase them blank inside and add your personal touch.  Thank-you notes may also be purchased with a printed message or blank inside.  You decide. 

I will work with you to design a special event package that fits your needs.  (Click here to view my Artistry page for additional creative ideas.)

All invitations, announcements and thank-you cards are assembled by hand, using Green-Certified cardstock, mailers, decorative papers and acid-free photo adhesive.  Click here to contact me for pricing and project planning.

FLORA & FAUNA:  PHOTO CARD COLLECTIONS

Looking for a unique gift for your favorite nature lover or wildlife enthusiast?  My photo card collections are the perfect solution.

All photo cards are assembled by hand, using Green-Certified cardstock, mailers, decorative papers and acid-free, photo-safe adhesives.  Gift sets are available for order and come wrapped in a decorative box with a writing pen.  Order pre-packaged card collections (artist's pick, choosing from the categories below), or choose your favorite color scheme and mix and match your own.

Click here to Contact Me for project pricing and planning, or click here to visit the Artisan's Boutique to purchase pre-packaged box sets online. 

"Iris in Bloom" and "Peony in Love" Collections are availalbe in living color or in black and white.  Purchase a box set of one flower, or mix and match your favorites by ordering a collection of Homegrown Blooms.

A portion of the proceeds from all photo-card sales will be contributed to various wildlife and environmental conservation organizations.