A Little Something about me...

 

My love for the outdoors began with family hikes in local metro parks & spending quality time with my dad Ralph while hunting and fishing. When Dad became Scout Master of my brother's boy scout troop, I was able to go on their backpacking trips always with camera in hand. I spent many weekends during high school hiking places such as Laurel Highlands in Pennsylvania and the Great Smokey Mountains. 

 

I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from Columbus College of Art & Design in 2006 majoring in Media Studies

(Video and Photography). My focus was to make documentaries & photography for side projects.

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When Dad passed away in 2007  My mom and I hiked up Mount Le Conte in Tennessee to sprinkle some of his ashes. This location was where we spend the last night of our Smokey trip in 1999. I photographed the journey and made a book called "From Ashes to Dust." These photographs can be seen by clicking on the link: From Ashes to Dust. 

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My first video project was editing weekly masses for my church to be broadcast on public access television in 2006. In 2007 I edit the pilot for an outdoor television show.  MelissA marie Images was created in 2009 when I edited a performance video for a baton twirling company. In 2010, I edit a demo reel for a comedian. I co-wrote, directed, and edited a short film for Cleveland's 48 hr film project in 2012 and in 2015 edit movie footage for a director of photography's demo reel.

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I photographed weddings,celebrations, & portraits since 2007. Lifebanc is one of the many non-profit organizations that I volunteered my services to help their cause. Nature photography in the beginning was more of a hobby & I would sell prints at community festivals. 

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I am still taking portrait and event requests, but have decided to dedicate more time to my passion of nature photography. I will share photographs on my blog & all are available for purchase.

 

I currently live in the Cleveland area to provide products that will tell a personalized story.

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