Serving Santa Cruz, CA capturing your family's milestones in each season of life.
Hi there! I'm Melody, the one behind the camera at Melody MacDonald Photography, specializing in family photography.
Any good photographer can capture moments in time that you will cherish for a lifetime. I do that too. But what sets me apart and what I love most is making family photoshoots easy, quick and fun.
So excited you stopped by
Welcome Friend!
I know your time is precious and you may only have one chance to get the photo you really want.
I realize kids are unpredictable and can be fussy (maybe not just the kids?) which is why I spend time getting to know you and your family dynamics prior to our session.
And then while at the session I engage with each of your family members helping to relax them allowing them to be their truest version of their current selves.
I understand what you really want is a stress-free photoshoot that captures genuine smiles from everyone and I know how to create that experience. I've worked with all kinds of families in all kinds of settings and I like a challenge.
What if, instead of groaning, your family actually looked forward to the next photo shoot. It's possible!
I'll work with you to find that special moment, whether it's posed or candid. My goal is to make your next family photo shoot a quick, easy, and FUN experience.
learn more about me
- Nicole O.
"Melody has been taking our family photos for at least a decade. She's the only one who can get us all looking at the camera with a genuine smile ... at the same time. My kids (who range from preteens to twenties) actually get excited when it's family photo time. That tells you something about how fun Melody is to work with."
- Alyssa
"Melody has done our maternity, newborn and family photos over the last couple of years and every session has been amazing! She makes every session a lot fo fun and very relaxed feeling which has given us some of our favorite photographs. Doesn't feel like posing for a picture at all. Melody is open to our ideas and brings great ideas to the session as well. She is amazing with kids and is patient and skillful in getting the best pictures of the kids. Absolutely love her work!"
- Jen L.
"Melody came recommended to us by a friend and she did a fabulous job. She took our family photos two years ago and then our daughter's senior portraits this last year. She is creative and easy to work with."
love notes from past clients
book your session
Our goal is to make your life easier when it comes to capturing your special moments, and have fun while doing so!
"...she catches the light and love that is our family. I always say to Melody, "I just need 1 good photo of us all." What I get is an album full of riches."
Ready to get started?
