About Me

Hello! I'm Melissa — the heart and lens behind Melissa Atkinson Photography.

My love affair with photography started in high school, when my dad handed down his Nikon camera my sophomore year. I learned photography on film, experiencing the darkroom firsthand, and that foundation never left me — it's a big part of why I include black and white portraits in every gallery I deliver. Later my sophomore year (way back in 1998), my parents surprised me with my first camera, and something clicked — literally and figuratively. Though I went on to earn an English degree in Creative Writing and Poetry from CSUSB, and built a career as a general manager, photography never really left me. After becoming a mother, I found my way back to it, and I haven't looked back since.

I live in Poway with the people who mean everything to me — my daughter Payton, my son Brayden, and my husband James, who I've had the joy of doing life with for 18+ years. They are my PB+J: my biggest supporters and the loves of my life. They've long accepted that wherever we go, my camera goes too. Our family also includes Delilah, my dachshund/corgi mix and self-proclaimed firstborn, a flock of chickens whose fluffy little runs toward me never get old, and a deep, unwavering obsession with Disney and Disneyland treats.

5:00 AM gym go-er, plenty of caffeine, little sleep, a packed schedule, and a good audiobook — that's basically my love language. When I'm not behind the camera, you'll likely find me volunteering at my kids' schools — I've served as PTA President (2020–2022) and PTSA President at the middle school level (2023–2025), across numerous committees and board positions. In 2022, I was honored to receive PUSD's Volunteer of the Year award. I also volunteer with the Rady Children's Hospital Auxiliary – Poway Unit and several booster clubs at the high school. And between all of it? I'm probably sprinting to or from a field or court cheering on my kids.

Why I Do This

I know what it feels like to be on the other side of the lens. As a mother, I also know how easy it is to be the one always behind the camera — present in every moment, but missing from every photo. That's exactly why I show up to every session with one goal: to make you feel relaxed, seen, and genuinely yourself.

Not every session goes perfectly, and that's completely okay. Cranky toddlers happen. Teenagers would rather be anywhere else — I get it. But within that beautiful, imperfect reality are the real moments, the ones worth keeping. My clients consistently tell me I'm "so calm" and that I made the whole experience feel "effortless and easy." That's exactly what I'm going for.

When you book a session with me, you're not just getting photographs. You're getting memories that will last for generations.

My Gear

I shoot with: Nikon Z6III, Sony a7III, and Nikon D750, primarily paired with 85mm, 35mm, 50mm, 28–70mm, and 70–200mm lenses. I use Westcott FJ400's for my sportraits photography. I work on a Mac and hand-edit every single image. All sessions are delivered digitally — your gallery is yours to download and print wherever you love. I also offer a professional print store if you'd like archival-quality prints directly through me.