Silhouettes of five children playing and laughing outdoors against a cloudy sky, viewed from a low angle.
A young ballet dancer in a black skirt and ballet slippers standing at a ballet barre in a dance studio, with other dancers and an instructor in the background.
A woman in a swimsuit raising her arms in a pool with children swimming around her. Black and white image.
Two children running on a foggy, dark street at night illuminated by a bright streetlight, with trees and buildings in the background.
A child holding a sparkler with an adult, and another child watching in the dark.
A newborn baby wrapped in a blanket being held by an adult
Close-up of elderly hands kneading dough on a dark patterned surface.
Silhouette of children playing on a carnival amusement park ride at sunset, including a slide and a climbing net structure with towers.

Tulsa Family Photographer Capturing Real Life

You’re giving it your all — loving hard, showing up every day, trying to hold onto it — and still, it feels like it’s all moving too fast.

Somewhere along the way, remembering started to feel like pressure. Photos became performances. Moments turned into content. And the simple act of capturing your life began to feel anything but simple.

Documentary photography offers a quieter way.
An analog approach to remembering, rooted in presence, not perfection.

There’s no posing. No pressure. No expectation that your life should look a certain way. Just real life, unfolding as it is — the in-between moments, the routines you don’t think twice about, the connection you’ll miss when this season has passed.

These photographs aren’t made for the algorithm.
They’re made for you — and for the generations who will one day look back and say, this is who we were.

Because your life doesn’t need to be staged to be worth remembering.

A woman with long wavy hair smiling and laughing, holding a small plush Santa Claus toy, standing in front of a decorated Christmas tree with curtains in the background.

Hi, I'm Melissa Payne

A documentary family photographer in Tulsa

I’m a family photographer who preserves real life as it unfolds, capturing honest, unposed moments so families can remember not just how this season looked, but how it truly felt. My work is about legacy: creating meaningful photographs that grow more valuable with time.

As a documentary photographer, I don't pose you, I see you.

About Melissa >

I document real life—whether that’s the story of your family, your creative identity, or your connection with an audience.

Choose your path below

  • Children playing in a foam-covered black inflatable pool on a sunny day, with a woman in a floral swimsuit helping them

    Documentary

    I’m someone who is wanting to document real life as it is right now

    Find Out More

  • Profile of a woman with long brown hair in a braid, wearing an orange blouse with gathered sleeves and white teardrop-shaped earrings with a floral design, against a black background.

    Portraits

    I need natural portraits that reflect who I am

    See Examples

  • A musician playing guitar on stage, seen from below with stage lights in the background.

    Music

    I’m an artist looking for concert photography

    What’s This About

It’s easy to get started:

  • Get in Touch

    Just fill out my contact form and share what type of session you’re looking for. We’ll connect and chat about the perfect session to bring your vision to life.

    Contact Me

  • The Session

    We’ll spend time together while I photograph you, your family or even your pets, just being yourselves. Relaxed, natural, and completely stress-free.

    Check out my Work

  • The Reveal

    We’ll sit down and view your gallery and select your products. From albums to fine art prints, we’ll choose the perfect way for you to enjoy your photos every day.

    Let's Do It

Whatever your story is- now is the time to tell it.

The days fly by. The seasons change. But your story? That’s worth preserving.
Let’s create something honest, beautiful, and lasting.

Book Your Session