01/10/2026
Hi, Iām Melissa;
I wanted to take some time to tell you about one of the things in my life I love most and my journey with it, taking photos.
Photography has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. When I was six - maybe even younger. I begged for disposable cameras every time my family went to the store, and then for them to be developed as soon as I was done. Not long after, I got my first model from my parents ā my little sister ā and eventually her friends, too.
My dad recognized my passion early on and gifted me my first digital camera when I was nine years old. A few years later, he surprised me with a Canon DSLR, and from that moment on, there was no turning back. I photographed anyone who would let me ā friends, family, neighbors, and even photogenic strangers a couple of towns over online ā just for the love of creating.
Once I got my driver's license, Melissa Norris Photography was born. I charged small fees, made mistakes, had bad shoots, and great shoots. I failed as a 16-year-old running a business at times, but I learned a lot and photographed everything from high school sporting events to senior portraits (before I even joined yearbook ā lol). I loved every second of it.
Iāve collected so many memories ā even photos from my very first shoots that Iād love to share with you. Some of them are awkward, some are sweet, some are bad, some are corny, and all of them remind me how far Iāve come. I hope you enjoy scrolling through the photos I took as a teenager, because I really enjoyed taking them. I canāt wait to share my favorites from the past 10 years soon.
This isnāt just what I do; itās who Iāve always been. This year, 2026, Iām making a big leap by taking steps to turn my passion into a full-time business. If youāve ever dreamed of turning your hobby into something bigger, you know the mix of excitement and nerves that comes with it. Iām ready for the challenge, and Iām excited to see where this year takes me!
Thank you for being here and supporting me. Thank you to those who allowed me learn and grow and were part of my journey.
Thank You for taking the time to read my story, I hope to document yours soon.
Melissa Norris ā¤ļø
