I’m sharing two health-related posts in hopes of helping someone who may be in a similar situation — or who is caring for someone who is. This first post is about my path to finding a solution to my healthcare that actually transformed my life. The second is about a medical situation that occurred to someone living in rural Maine.

Please note: This post reflects my own personal health experience and is not medical advice or personalized guidance. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for your own health decisions.

When Something Feels Wrong

In 2022, during my annual physical with a doctor at a medical group practice here in Maine, the nurse who handled the first part of the appointment asked the standard questions. I mentioned that the migraines I’d been experiencing were getting worse — I was waking up almost daily to full-blown migraine attacks.

As anyone who has suffered from migraines knows, you don’t just lose the hours during the attack. There’s also the migraine hangover to get through. The rescue medication I had been prescribed often left me with full-body pain — it may have helped the migraine, but the aftermath came with its own recovery.

When the doctor entered the room, there wasn’t much of a hello or how are you. She was giddy and said, “Let’s start you on Gabapentin for those headaches.” These weren’t headaches — but when you’re in that kind of pain, you’ll take whatever is offered. Especially when it’s pushed on you with enthusiasm. Of course I was willing to try it. But there wasn’t much discussion about what the medication actually was or what it meant to take it — just a thin layer of excitement that this was going to solve my problem and give me my life back.

I remember leaving that appointment and calling my parents. I said, “I feel like I just left the cartel of America.” There was something that didn’t sit right. I did try the medication, and when it didn’t work, the recommendation was simply to take more. When that also didn’t work, the implication was that things could be worse without it. At that point, it didn’t feel like there were other options.

The Moment I Knew

Then, during my 2024 annual physical, I asked a question about my thyroid. I had nodules that had previously required biopsies, and no one had brought it up, so I asked. The doctor — the same one from 2022 — said, “Oh, we’re waiting on lab results.” I said, from more than a decade ago? The last biopsy was in 2012.

That was the moment I knew I had to find something else.

None of it made sense. I was paying for insurance that covered the appointment, but because I asked that one question, I received a bill for hundreds of dollars — because it was considered outside the scope of an annual visit. When I questioned these charges, I was sent a flyer explaining this could happen. Information that had never once been presented to me.

This wasn’t care. This was a bad relationship.

Discovering Direct Primary Care

I began researching and stumbled upon Direct Primary Care (DPC). There were limited options near me, with long waiting lists. I kept it on my radar. Then one day I saw that a new practice was opening in Windham, Maine: 4Health Family Medicine.

I requested a consultation with Dr. Su-Anne Hammond, DO to see if it would be a good fit — and I ended that meeting telling the doctor that I loved her. For the first time in a long time — let’s face it, maybe ever in healthcare — I felt safe and heard. That is not a small thing. I immediately proceeded to become a member and this began my new beginning in better healthcare.

During my first appointment, we talked through my medications. One I had been put on around 2010 was birth control — prescribed by a different doctor from that same medical group, in part, because I told a doctor that I felt rage when I vacuumed. I know it sounds like a strange thing to say, but it was completely real — and if you’ve ever felt inexplicably overwhelmed by ordinary tasks, you might know exactly what I mean. 

Dr. Hammond didn’t miss a beat. She said, “Oh, that’s sensory issues.” 

She nailed it immediately.

I also experience this with things like putting dishes away. Now I wear noise-canceling headphones and have found so much peace with certain tasks that I actually do not mind doing those mundane things — I can’t fully explain what a difference it has made.

The Turning Point

During my first year as a patient with Dr. Hammond, she prescribed a migraine rescue medication that actually worked. I’m talking about a miracle. Then, we began removing medications. Gabapentin was the first to go — the only change I felt was full-body pain for a bit, which she explained had likely been masked by the medication.

Then birth control was removed.

The migraines faded. The migraines that shifted my career away from doing something I loved, limited me in countless ways — that I’d been dealing with for over a decade. I still get one or so a month, but they are essentially gone. I’m at the point where I no longer need a rescue medication. That is life-changing.

The difference is actual care. 

It’s like leaving a terrible relationship. When you find a good one, you are astonished at how different it can be — and it almost takes time to believe it. It allows for true gratitude.

She follows up. She checks in. She does — not a different person you’ve never met. When you’re part of a large medical group, the patient portal often connects you with someone new each time. This is not that.

The Cost Reality

One thing I didn’t fully anticipate was how DPC would change the cost of my care. A standard lab I needed annually — one that cost me hundreds of dollars even with insurance — now costs under $10. Medications that ran nearly the same price with insurance are now comparably affordable through the practice. 

When I sat down to review my health insurance options for 2026, the numbers told a story I couldn’t ignore. Health insurance had shifted into a range I could no longer afford. I made the decision to go without health insurance this year.

I won’t pretend that it isn’t a gamble. It is. But here’s what I know: with DPC, I have care. I have access to the best care I have ever had — better than anything I experienced with insurance. 

Reading through Dr. Hammond’s own words for this post, I noticed that her exit from the traditional system mirrors my patient experience in its own way — knowing something wasn’t right, and choosing to build something better. Anyone in her care is fortunate.

In Her Own Words: Dr. Su-Anne Hammond, DO — 4Health Family Medicine, Windham, Maine

The following is written by Dr. Hammond.

In 2023, like many other physicians, I was feeling overwhelmed — overwhelmed by the volume of patients in and out each day, by the tasks that built up in my inbox, by the boxes that needed to be checked to get credit for our work. The pressure was always on to do more, and I had reached a point where I was spending so much time apologizing to my patients that I knew something had to change.

After more than a decade in leadership trying to improve the system for patients and healthcare workers alike, I felt that the change needed to come from a different direction. I spent more than a year researching options — concierge medicine, academic medicine, and Direct Primary Care (DPC).

DPC sparked my interest right away, especially after I toured a colleague’s office and got that feeling of being in an old-school doctor’s office. It was warm and welcoming, with magazines on the table, toys, and even a couple of dogs walking around. That visit convinced me: the change would be to go back to what I wanted to do in the beginning — take care of people.

DPC is growing by leaps and bounds across our state and our country. There’s a saying in DPC: “If you’ve seen one DPC, you’ve seen one DPC.” We’re each a little different. Having our own practices lets each physician practice within their comfort zone and incorporate the type of care they’re most passionate about.

In my DPC, I see patients of all ages. I love being part of growing families with newborn care, and I take pride in the time I spend with families working through the challenges of end-of-life care. 4Health Family Medicine embodies old-school medicine — physicals, medication management, sick visits, joint injections, skin procedures, and much more. Variety is the spice of family medicine, and I get to do it all.

How it works: Patients at 4Health Family Medicine pay a monthly or annual fee. The fee is not based on the number of visits — it’s about having direct access to me. Most patients have a one-hour annual exam, routine testing, and are seen for acute illnesses, medication management, and lifestyle management. Patients also have access to very affordable medications and labs, which allows me to make informed decisions about their care without needing insurance approval.

Many patients at 4Health still carry regular insurance, which they use for referrals or imaging. I work with insurers to get tests approved and obtain prior authorization for medications when needed. DPC doesn’t replace insurance — it gives patients a choice about when to use it and when it’s more affordable not to.

Opening my own office has been even better than I imagined. I now have the time to truly hear each patient and go over diagnoses, treatment options, risks, and benefits together. But the biggest surprise has been the communication. Every day, I’m in constant contact with patients via phone, text, and email. The ability to check in with a patient and ask if they’re feeling better is invaluable. That direct communication is a major key to patients feeling supported — and to getting better with their doctor by their side every step of the way.

The story behind the “memorial wall”.  Dr. John Painter and his wife Joanne Painter, gave those items to me. Dr. Painter was a primary care family doctor I met in Raymond, Maine, when I was in medical school and he was an amazing, kind, caring physician who I immediately connected with. The photo is one he took at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in the 1970s.

4Health Family Medicine is located in Windham, Maine. [website] At the time of this post, there is a waiting list and if you’d like to explore working with Dr. Hammond, please visit this link: https://www.4healthfamilymedicine.com/wait-list

A note on process: I used AI as an editing partner on this piece — to help shape the language and structure. The story, the people, the photographs, and the reason this exists are entirely my own.

The post What Is Direct Primary Care? A Maine Patient’s Story of Better Health appeared first on Melissa Mullen Photography.

Please note: This post reflects one person’s personal health experience and is not medical advice or personalized guidance. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for your own health decisions.

What I knew going in was small: he had been on the verge of retirement when life handed him something entirely different — a diagnosis that stopped everything and forced him to reimagine what came next. What I didn’t fully know yet was how much of their story was really about rural Maine healthcare access, and a system that doesn’t account for how far some people have to travel just to get answers.

This couple lives in rural Maine — and I know what that means. I’ve watched it up close. There’s a medical center in their town, which matters. But for anything specialized, the miles add up fast — and they add up in both directions. In this family’s case, a visit to the hematologist means at least 250 miles round trip. A consultation with a specialist in Boston is roughly 540 miles round trip. And appointments with their integrative medicine provider in Falmouth, Maine clock in at 320 miles round trip. These aren’t occasional inconveniences — they become the rhythm of your life when you’re managing something serious. Every appointment is a half-day or a full day, factoring in the drive, the wait, the appointment itself, and the drive home. In winter in Maine, that calculation gets harder and sometimes requires an overnight stay.

Their story touches on all of it: a diagnosis delivered in pieces, numbers no one thought to explain, a long drive toward Boston for answers, a brush with alternative medicine rooted in a family member’s experience on a battlefield far from home, and ultimately, the quiet recalibration of what daily life looks like when the future you planned is no longer the future you have.

One day he was planning his retirement. The next day he was forced into it.

It all started with a yearly exam and routine blood work. When the results came back, he was told his potassium was dangerously high. More tests followed, and they discovered that a lot more was going on.

His primary care doctor ran additional blood tests — ones that aren’t normally ordered — and found that his platelet count was extremely elevated. They were told the normal range is 150 to 450. His were at 770. The PCP scheduled him with a hematologist in Brewer, Maine, 250 miles round trip from home.

The specialist explained that a high platelet count can cause strokes or blood clots. The only medication available to bring the count down is Hydroxyurea, also known as Hydrea, which the doctor prescribed. He started taking it on May 1st. The doctor also ordered a bone marrow biopsy to get a clearer picture of what was happening.

When those results came in, he was referred to a cancer specialist in Boston — a 540-mile round trip. During that consultation, the specialist told him that in addition to the high platelets, he also carries chromosome 5 and TP53 mutations. He was instructed to stop taking Hydrea immediately — it could activate the TP53, which is associated with blood cancer — and that with chromosome 5, there is no cure for the type of blood cancer that could develop. His platelet count at that point was 772. The specialist said he wouldn’t be concerned until the count reached one million.

They left that appointment feeling relieved. They were only at 772 — one million felt like a long way off. They came home, carried on with their planned vacation, and just enjoyed life.

Then in January, another blood test. His wife had gone to church when their primary care doctor pulled her aside. She said she knew they had an appointment coming up the following week and didn’t want them to be blindsided — the numbers were up. His wife asked how high. She was told 992. His wife didn’t panic. She thought, that’s still far from one million. The doctor stopped her and said, “That is 992,000.”

Her heart dropped.

In the ten months they had been going through testing and appointments, not one doctor had ever told them that when they say 150, they mean 150,000. They were both shaken – and frustrated.

When they went to their appointment in Brewer that week, they told the specialist how upset they were. They explained that no one had ever clarified that blood counts are expressed in thousands, and that they couldn’t possibly be the only patients who had been kept in the dark. The specialist acknowledged it — yes, all blood counts are in the thousands — but that didn’t bring much comfort. How many other people are sitting in those same chairs, not knowing?

That week, they called their family together to explain what was really going on. His sister-in-law, who works in the medical field, was the one who put it plainly: with counts that high, he could clot or bleed out from an injury at work. It was the kind of clear-eyed perspective that could only come from someone who understood what the numbers actually meant. The next day, he gave his boss the news that he could no longer work. His boss was incredibly supportive. It wasn’t the retirement he had imagined — no timeline, no send-off on his own terms. It was a decision made not by choice, but by necessity, to keep himself safe.

When they began exploring alternatives to Hydroxyurea, the decision to try medical cannabis wasn’t made lightly — it was made from a place of personal witness. A family member who had been wounded in Iraq had found life-changing relief through medical marijuana, results that were hard to argue with. That experience gave them the courage to look into it seriously.

They turned to Dr. Dustin Sulak, D.O., of Integr8 Health in Falmouth, Maine — a 320-mile round trip from home. I’ll admit that when I heard his name, I lit up a little. I had photographed Dr. Sulak for his business portraits and product line, and knowing this couple had found their way to him felt like an unexpected and welcome connection. Dr. Sulak is an osteopathic physician, the founder of both Integr8 Health and Healer, and one of the leading voices in cannabinoid medicine in the country.  He excels in treating patients whose conditions have not responded well through conventional medicine.

The treatment was working. His platelet numbers came down. But the side effects were taking their own toll — he was sleeping most of the day, unable to function at the capacity he was used to, with no quality of life to speak of. It was working on the numbers, but it wasn’t working for his life. So he made the decision to stop.

Once he stopped taking THC and CBD, his numbers began climbing again. His blood pressure went out of control, dizziness set in, and he simply didn’t feel right. When his count crossed one million, there was no longer a choice to make. He went back on the Hydrea and began testing every two weeks. His count came back down and at the time of meeting them was sitting at 513.

They don’t take life for granted anymore. They treasure each day and try to fill it with things they enjoy, rather than sitting around worrying.

What he most wants people to take away from all of this is simple: ask questions. Especially about your numbers. Be your own best advocate. Always bring someone with you to appointments — someone who can ask the questions you might forget and hear what you might miss. No question is a stupid question, because the answers can change everything about how you live and how you think.

He didn’t know that 150 meant 150,000. Now he does. And he wants to make sure you do too.

What stays with me after hearing their story. They had insurance and they have each other. They had a car and the means to make those drives — 242 miles to Brewer, 540 to Boston, 320 to Falmouth. No amount of advocating for yourself closes the gap if you can’t afford the gas, can’t miss work, or don’t have coverage that follows you across state lines. Their story is one of resilience, but it is also a reminder that access to care in this country is not equal — and that for every person who can make the drive, there are others who cannot.

This is not a problem unique to one family or one town. Ten out of Maine’s 24 rural hospitals are at risk of closing — 42 percent — with four listed at immediate risk of closure.

And yet, within all of that, there is gratitude. Having the means to access care, to make those drives, to have a sister-in-law in the medical field who cut through the uncertainty with clarity, and a primary care doctor who cared enough to seek his wife out and make sure they truly understood what those numbers meant — it didn’t make the diagnosis easier to live with. It didn’t return the retirement he had planned or erase the weight of what they now carry every day. But it gave them something not everyone gets: the full picture. 

Information doesn’t remove what you are living with — but it changes how you live with it. It sharpens your awareness of what each day actually is. And for this couple, that awareness hasn’t translated into fear. It has translated into gratitude — a quiet, deliberate choice to recognize how lucky each ordinary day really is.

The post When 150 Means 150,000: Healthcare in Rural Maine appeared first on Melissa Mullen Photography.

In the same soft light and the same field of blooms, we get to witness the beauty of her growing up – wrapped in the love of her mom.

This special place is Gilsland Farm Audubon Center in Falmouth, Maine—so beautifully cared for, and so deeply appreciated.

This mother-daughter session has become a summer tradition. We met again this June, right as the peonies were in full bloom, just like we did last year.

But what stood out most wasn’t just the flowers or the golden evening light—it was the change in this little girl in just a year.

She’s grown so much, and still—completely—a little peanut. Truly the definition of a doll. Her expressions, the way her hair has changed, her wonder and joy, the way she reaches for her mom’s hand… all of it reminds us just how quickly childhood moves.

What a gift to live so near this location. What a gift to have this time together.

When we photograph children year after year, we’re capturing more than just how they look—we’re freezing tiny moments of connection, personality, and growth. These images become a visual time capsule, something tangible to look back on and remember who they were then.

Gilsland Farm is the perfect backdrop for these sessions. With its wide open fields, stunning peony garden, and views of the Presumpscot River, it offers both natural beauty and a sense of calm. It’s a place where kids can run barefoot through the grass and where moms can slow down, even for just a moment, to be fully present.

If you’ve ever thought about scheduling a mother-daughter portrait session in Maine, there’s no better time than when the peonies bloom—and no better place than this gem in Falmouth.

The peonies will bloom again next June—just for a moment.
If this kind of yearly tradition speaks to you, I’d love to help you create something meaningful of your own.

The post Mother-Daughter Portraits Among the Peonies | Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, Falmouth ME appeared first on Melissa Mullen Photography.

Each session is unique, just like the students I photograph. Whether it’s a coastal vibe at Higgins Beach, a classic Maine barn in the background like Caswell Farm, or golden-hour light in a quiet field, I love finding locations that reflect each senior’s style and personality.

What to Expect When You Book Your Senior Session With Me

Personalized Sessions and Package Options: I take the time to get to know each senior before the session through a questionnaire. That way, their personality shines through in every photo. I offer three levels of senior portrait services to fit your needs, style, and budget. Whether you’re just looking for a quick yearbook photo or want a more personalized session with keepsakes and printed products, there’s a package for you. Every session includes the option for a complimentary Google Meet planning consultation, so we can talk through your ideas, locations, and wardrobe ahead of time.
Natural Posing & Editing: Only true to life color processing, no over-editing or stiff poses. Just you, at your best.
Beautiful Locations: I know the perfect hidden gems and popular backdrops across Southern Maine for unforgettable photos.
Quick Turnaround: Your finished gallery is delivered fast, so you’re ready for senior yearbook deadlines, graduation announcements and social sharing.

Senior Portraits That Tell Your Story

Every senior is different – and your session should reflect that. Whether you’re a beach lover, a city explorer, or simply want to include your dog in a few photos, together we can create a session that feels personal and meaningful.

Here are a few ways recent seniors have made their portrait their own:

• Vacationing in Your Favorite Place
  • Visiting Southern Maine or Lakes Region for the summer? Let’s schedule your session while you’re here – relaxed, sun-kissed, and in your happy place.
• Bring Your Pets
  • Your four-legged best friend is always welcome.
• Urban Vibes in Portland’s Old Port
  • Love city textures and historic charm? The cobblestone streets and brick backdrops in Portland offer a more editorial, urban feel.
• Golden Hour in Wells
  • The beaches of Wells provide the perfect stretches of sand and dunes especially at sunset.
• Coastal Beauty in Cape Elizabeth
  • With rocky coastlines, ocean views, and lush greenery, Cape Elizabeth is high up on the list for timeless outdoor photos.
• Nature and Nostalgia in the Lakes Region
  • This is where I call home so I’m a big fan! Lakeside docks, pine forests, and peaceful water views make the Lakes Region an ideal backdrop for senior portraits with a serene, rustic vibe. It’s perfect for students who love the outdoors or have strong ties to this scenic area.

Let’s Create Something That Feels Like You

No pressure. Just real, beautiful photography that celebrates your personality and style. From classic portrait looks to candid, lifestyle images — I will create a collection of photographs you’ll be proud to look back on.

Booking for the Class of 2026 is Now Open!

If you’re a rising senior — or the parent of one — now’s the perfect time to book your senior photo session. Summer and early fall are ideal for lighting and scenery, and session availability fills up quickly (especially for golden hour and weekend sessions.) Check out the latest galleries, past blog posts or scroll through the photographs below to get a sense of what I can do for you.

Serving Southern Maine. Contact me to receive instant pricing for my services and more information.

The post Senior Year in Focus – Timeless Portraits in Southern Maine appeared first on Melissa Mullen Photography.

On the night of January 5th, right before I went to sleep, I sent an email out to a group of ladies who all run their own businesses and have made an impact in my life.  I had some questions. I knew not everyone would participate because it’s not easy making time and sometimes you’re just not in the right place to put words to things.  One main point in the email was : “Now that 2020 is behind us, I got to thinking about how massive life has changed in so many ways (good and let’s be real, shockingly bad) and how there is such an overwhelming amount of noise online that it feels like I’m often saying WHAT IS HAPPENING?!?!”

Little did I know that not 24 hours later, I’d be sitting at my desk and the editor of the paper I work for would come flying in saying, “Have you heard – they have stormed the Capital.”  so that question of WHAT IS HAPPENING got even stranger.  The Capitol being rioted was nothing near as tragic as 9.11 but it was that same scene for me where I was sitting at my desk at work and a man came in to tell me something that my brain couldn’t all the way grasp.  A plane has hit the towers.  That was a whole different scenario as I was sitting in a studio on 37th & 10th on the island of Manhattan as a 21 year old but one I’d similarly not forget.

In my email to the ladies I went on to say, “But if I shut down connection to the online world, I feel perfectly fine in my little house in Maine with my pal, Rocco. Spooky because I also now realize what privilege that is so there is JUST SO MUCH TO UNPACK about this entire situation.  The most comforting part is, I know I’m not alone.  I got to thinking about all of the lovely women who have touched my life in some way.  It can make ya teary when you realize how fortunate you are to have a long list of amazing women in your life.  Women who are all going through this major thing.  Women who are all absolute rock stars that come from various walks of life.  Women I want to hear from and I know others need it too.  

So I asked some questions and I let them know that not all of the questions need to be answered.  Answer what is best for you.  Some time has passed since we did this however, I think this is all still so relevant and important.  This can become a place we come back to and reflect on – a time capsule.

The Ladies

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Shelley, Meg, Kristin, Nicki & Me

Shelley Nicholson – In 2000 she was my financial advisor at Hallmark Institute of Photography who then became my life advisor – simply all because my first day on the job in New York the photographer I worked for was photographing Julia Roberts.  Shelley lives in Bernardston, MA with her three cats – she runs her own business called : Nicholson Business Solutions.  

Meg Simone – Filmmaker, Speaker & Educator.  One of the nicest, kindest souls I have met.  Aside from being super talented she’s teamed up in life with this amazing guy named Dave.  They’re both vegans, grow their food, have a super cool van and travel the country in the off season to ski.  Kind of the coolest ever.  She runs her own business called : Meg Simone Wedding Films.

Kristin Thalheimer Bingham – we met when I still lived in Portland.  She led this wonderful fitness class called Strong Women which was a group of women of all ages who got together three days a week to work out for an hour.  For me, this was a life changing experience and I simply fell in love with her.  Her and her husband Dean own Dean’sSweets – they have two locations in Portland, Maine, create hand-dipped chocolates that will cause you to pause when you taste – I call it, “having a moment.”  They will impress you with their chocolates but also their kindness and ability to ride their bikes across the country.

Nicki Fenderson – holy crow without this woman I do not know what, where, who I’d be.  I would build a tiny home and move onto her property if I could.  She gets me like only two others on earth have gotten me.  She has also been the woman behind bringing all of my raw captured images to life – she has been the MMP production goddess since 2009.  She is SugarJets Studio – if you need design, she will blow your mind.

So here we go – thank you to these ladies for being brave . . . 

The Questions

How’s it really going?

Shelley: I’ve always kind of considered myself a “Jack of all trades, master of none.” But I mean that in a positive way, not the negative connotation it can have. I’ve always been envious of people that have that one true passion in terms of their career or desire to be a parent, and do everything to be the BEST at whatever that passion is. For me, I’ve kind of naturally fallen into this path of being pretty darn good at certain things, not so good at others and I guess just remaining flexible to whatever comes along. It has served me well during the pandemic as I have shifted my schedule and abilities multiple times in order to continue to support myself financially. I’m fortunate to still run my business (albeit at less than half capacity of pre-COVID). But as I lost marketing clients (mostly in the creative world), I gained bookkeeping clients from numerous industries (carpentry, truck driving, landscaping etc.) I also became a first grade “teacher” remotely to 6-year old twins two days a week, with an offer to sign up as a substitute at their elementary school when they switch to hybrid. It was terrifying, but has also become gratifying as I watch them grow and learn. 

Meg: Honestly, I feel very very very fortunate. We have been super socially distanced based on where we live in NH and where we are now in Montana. Our garden sustained us with a lot of food this year, which eliminated trips to the grocery store for almost the entire summer. Our family has been safe and healthy (which the exception of a few relatives that did pass from non-covid ailments) but otherwise, we were able to get super creative real fast and take on a lot of safe work both with elopements (the couple, the JP and me in a field) or with Dave’s carpentry and window cleaning businesses.  Even though financially I made 1/3 or what I originally had on the books, it was a very fulfilling year, filled with major hustling and frustrations, but also a lot of satisfaction and gratitude for what I was able to accomplish during this tumultuous time. I think everyone’s Covid years will be different, ie those that worked from home anyway vs those who were front line or school teachers. Those who had kids to navigate vs those of us who don’t. Everyone’s 2020 is going to look so different. 

Kristin: When asked “how are you,” my short answer these days is a shrug, smirk, and a reply, “mostly fine.” It’s as close to the truth as I can get when the situation isn’t right for a more in-depth response. The longer answer is that I am alternately wracked with anxiety (covid) and sadness for the world (our racial inequities and political partisanship) in one minute, and then overwhelmed with gratitude for all that I have in the next minute. Holding these two truths at once is downright confusing and exhausting. That’s how it’s really going.

Nicki: Honestly I’m existing in survival mode – I have been for quite some time. My nerves are shot, my liver is on life support and I had no idea it was possible for a body to hold this much anxiety. I. AM. EXHAUSTED. Physically. Mentally. Galactically. In ways and to an extent I never thought possible. Considering starting a weed farm. Currently settling for chickens. Thank God for antidepressants.

Me: it’s been a trip.  A solo one.  One I wouldn’t change in any way.  In February, I begged for a break.  By mid-March, I woke up in the middle of the night and it hit me. . . every single event, wedding that I had on the books for 2020 wasn’t going to happen.  I’ve had a very full schedule as a photographer for 20 whole years.  That income was gone.

Luckily, in 2018 I got a day job which was my first job outside of photography since 1998.  A day job was exactly what I didn’t realize I needed to ease up on my hustle to financially survive off of photography.  I was resistant to it but the universe gave me no choice.  I’ve had a day job ever since and that has been so good for me mentally, physically and emotionally.  I had a place to go everyday, specific tasks to fulfill and constantly learning new things.  In the beginning of the pandemic, I had an essential day job so work never went remote for me.  I just kept going and that phrase – just keep going has been a huge part of this last year for me.  Just keep going.  

The essential day job was very eye opening because if I didn’t have that particular job, I would have never experienced first hand the other side of the spectrum aka the hoax people.  They would have just been the countless videos of people losing their minds in stores for being asked to wear a mask. At this job, there were many times where I felt the “I’m in the wrong place” feeling you can get.  That feeling was finally loud enough in August and one day after work, I looked for another job.  I found one.  Almost immediately.  A good one and I got it.  That was a lot to go through during what’s already going on.

What have you had to face?

Shelley: Mostly just financial concerns, especially in those first 8 weeks when there was no money coming in and bills were due. 

Meg:  Financial uncertainty, work uncertainty, personal motivation issues, a lot of ethical and moral decision making, a lot of questioning what I would normally do vs what I should to for the betterment of my fellow friends and neighbors. An example of this is that hiking and outside time is my world, but during covid I shut down and didn’t hit the trails or do my normal routine of hiking /skiing in the spring because I knew I was not only putting myself at risk, but the pressure from my friends in healthcare, search and rescue to not be “that person” they have to go rescue, putting them all at risk of exposure of each other and whoever else is on the trials. And of course “should I take on this job” how we navigated weddings and all the decisions around that.

Kristin: Uncertainty, loneliness, sadness, anxiety, stress; and then also freedom, joy, openness, calm, and clarity. I’ve been incredibly fortunate throughout the pandemic. No one I know has gotten seriously ill. I’ve had work that has not just survived but thrived due to the quirk of sheer good luck of selling a product a lot of people want in a way that’s accessible for most. 

Nicki: You mean other than grappling with the fact that murder hornets are an actual thing and they’re already here? Incredibly little, compared to so many. My experience is unremarkable at best in the heartbreaking grand scheme of things – so many have sacrificed and lost so much. 

Me: I’ve had to face doing everything on my own.  I own a home and I also had up to 4 different jobs at one time so things like house cleaning, yard work were outsourced.  I could no longer afford to have those kinds of privileges.  I had to find a way to do it all and have a full time job + a business and take care of myself.  I have a good support system so I got through it and I’m better for it.  

I’ve also had to face my career shifting.  I was busy being busy, I never really, really had time to look at it.  OR I avoided asking myself what parts of it I truly enjoy.  I’m still working through this but there have been some changes on how I do things and what jobs I’ll take on.

One thing I know for sure is that I do not enjoy creating beautiful photographs for people who just want the digital files. I no longer have time for that in my life.

What has been the most prominent

struggle for you through the pandemic?

Shelley: Not being able to socialize like normal. I’m a people person, typically spending lots of time with family and friends. I feel like the summer was a little reprieve as the good weather made distancing and outdoor gatherings more feasible. But it’s really tough not being able to see the people you care about in person. 

Black Birch Vineyard

Meg: Early on it was routine and motivation. My routine used to be my world – early to wake, group workouts and then home to dive in head first to work. I really lacked structure and without yoga or workout I started to drown in self pity and frustration that I couldn’t get out of my own way and couldn’t get anything done. Eventually with warmer days and summer it was navigating how to best spend time outside without putting myself at risk. This my friend, I fully understand is all a first world problem. 

Kristin: My most prominent struggle is to differentiate between perceived threats and real ones. Is this person coughing into his mask on the other side of the plexiglass partition a threat to my health? Maybe. Probably not. Is this homeless person walking toward me without a mask a threat? No. When the phone at work rings 18 times and each time it’s a customer wondering where their shipment is because USPS – through no fault of the hard-working USPS employees – is all messed up and hasn’t delivered any of the orders we sent out two weeks ago, is that a threat to the reputation or existence of my business? It’s a huge pain, but not a threat. If I can’t go to an exercise class or sit in a coffee shop to be with others (two things I miss most right now) and let my sympathetic nervous system come back into balance, is that a threat? Meh, well, only a threat to my privileged little world of habits and preferences. But yet, I feel a huge uptick in my alert system as if it’s on code red all the time, to always be vigilant while anywhere outside of my home (and I’m a white woman who does not need to fear the police or Karens or racial microaggressions). And while living inside my home is comforting, getting out is a necessity. My nervous system can’t figure out how to respond to everyday life anymore. 

Nicki: Whoo – there’s a lot to unpack here. 

Self care and grace. self care is such a buzzword these days and it means something different for everyone – even from day to day or minute to minute. The thing a majority of people struggled with – isolation – is easy for me because I’m an introvert by nature who strives for quiet solitude as a means of daily survival. I’m used to it. I love it. I find peace and comfort in it. The outside world and all its people doing people things give me anxiety and quite frankly, the behavior I’ve seen out of people over the last year doesn’t make me want to associate with a whole lot of them anyway. I’m happy at home hugging a dog or my husband. Or, as it turns out, a chicken. 

Steve, the chicken

My exhaustion meant I struggled to move at times – napping was a necessary requirement on many days. I’m so grateful I had the luxury and privilege of being able to work from home and survive on my husband’s income as I watched my own evaporate. I knew we’d be ok. I worried relentlessly about my clients and friends and family. I tried to find ways to help – only to feel at the end that I’d failed everyone, including myself. Turns out perimenopausal exhaustion, depression and brain fog don’t pair well with insurrection and a global pandemic. i didn’t handle a lot of things well. It’s actually a very good thing I had such a small amount of work this year – because I found myself unable to function. 

That my most prominent struggles are what I just described reveals the incredible amount of privilege I enjoy in general – and that in itself has become a struggle for me to wrestle with. I have every risk factor that has been floated as being high risk for ending up dead from COVID – blood that clots aggressively when it feels like it, nearly negative amounts of vitamin D, type A blood, autoimmune issues. you name it. It’s terrifying to know that if I contract this virus, odds are good that I’ll end up in the hospital, if not dead. But I’m incredibly lucky to be able to stay home. So many other people don’t have that luxury – and have paid with their lives because of it. I feel a daily range of emotions from overwhelm to gratitude to fear to shame and guilt to rage. And trying to practice grace at a time when so little is being shown anywhere has not been easy. I’ve failed a lot. Shame spirals are the rip currents of emotions – once you’re sucked into one, it’s hard to get out. I try to remind myself that nobody else knows what they’re doing or how to handle this situation, either – we’re all on this big spinning blue rock together, just hurtling through space one day at a time and trying to figure shit out. 

Me: I struggled A LOT with WHY I had that other day job.  WHY those people were brought into my life.  I witnessed conversations that shook me to the core.  I would go home and just rake my yard for hours. Trying to process what I was witnessing so close up. It pushed me to really get to know myself and educate myself.  My Mom went through every single thought process I had throughout this and she was 100% supportive.  I do not think I would have made it without her.

I also ate my feelings BIG TIME.  Like had every snack I haven’t allowed myself to have and I now know with certainty what snacks I really love. 

these aren’t my favorite

What have you learned about yourself

and the world?

Shelley: We are typically pretty resilient people. I honestly see this more in my 17 year old niece than myself. My heart aches for all the coming-of-age things she’s missed the end of her junior year, and this year, her senior year. But she just handles the disappointments with such grace. 

I’ve also learned that just at the moment I’ve lost faith in humanity, something beautiful and amazing happens to restore that faith. 

Meg:  Ooooh golly, this is a big one. I think I’m more resilient than I anticipated going into this. Don’t get me wrong, I had my daily struggles, and ate my way through the summer with ice cream and cookies, but overall we maintained as optimistic outlook as we could and took all the negative energy and loss of work and “struggles” and turned that energy around on itself to make a life that worked for us in this new normal.

Kristin: I’ve learned that even though I have read histories and biographies and memoirs and studied some of the darkest parts of our nation’s and the world’s past, I didn’t know how much racism was still happening, here at home, in me, and in people I love. White supremacy is not “just” skin heads and men in stupid white cone hats (that’s white nationalism anyway). I thought white supremacy was elsewhere and in other people. My silence about it also makes me complicit, and I’m still so so silent. 

And for all other less heart-piercing areas of life outside of the racial awakening we desperately need to work for, I have learned a mantra this year (Buddhist, I think) that has served me well so far in all sorts of situations. Here’s the mantra: It’s not perfect (nothing ever is); it’s not personal (whatever it is, it’s not about me); it’s not permanent (nothing is, not happy moments, difficult moments, nor life itself).

Nicki: Antidepressants are no match for perimenopausal anxiety and depression during an autocratic takeover and global pandemic, but I’m grateful for them anyway because I truly can’t imagine facing the past 12 months unmedicated.

I learned that a lot of people I know are either not who I thought they were, or exactly who I thought they were – myself included. The vast majority of us are leading predominantly unexamined lives, careening through days and weeks and years on autopilot, devoid of self-reflection – and we have a lot of work to do. Perhaps the heaviness and darkness of the last year will be a blessing – it has pulled back the curtain on our worst demons and exposed the monsters among us (and inside us). When we finally pull ourselves out of this clusterfuck of a mess and the light returns, maybe we’ll appreciate what we have, work to make meaningful changes, and fight harder to keep them. Maybe. Wherever we go from here, I still think we’re in for a Hell of a ride.

Me: All along I’ve felt there are two pandemics happening at once – one was new for us and one is hundreds of years old. Like so many of us, George Floyds murder changed my life.  The day it happened, I told a co-worker what I had just watched and their immediate reaction was, “Well there is always two sides to the story.”  I knew I was in the wrong place.  Working through that and being around people daily that weren’t seeing the bigger picture or through their white privilege was something I still do not understand. 

I would let Rocco out at night and stand out on the deck, looking up at the sky full of amazing stars and just think – we’re collectively doing this all so wrong. How are we doing this so wrong.  Life is such an opportunity and even if you’re doing good in the world, it feels sometimes there is just too much overwhelming bad.

All you can do is keep going.  Be brave and be kind. 

What surprises have you experienced

from this?

Shelley: Can’t really think of any.

Meg: We managed to still pull off buying a 75×100’ land in Montana in a pandemic. I still had a fulfilling work career in 2020 despite the lack of financial compensation. 

Kristin: I’ve learned that I can be adaptable. After the initial shock of the pandemic and all the hand-wringing and disruptions it brought to my personal and business life, I adapted – relatively quickly – much to my surprise. 

Another surprise is that I need people. Isn’t that a shocker? I am such a dyed-in-the-wool introvert that in the first few months of the pandemic, when all my social and business obligations got wiped off the calendar, I was in heaven. Then around June 15^th (three months in), I suddenly realized how much I missed everyone. That’s my fickle, not-always-adaptable brain.

Nicki : I usually consider myself to be pretty jaded in general – but to see the way healthcare workers have been treated is genuinely astounding. The blatant disregard of their dire warnings, protesting them in the streets when they’re giving everything they have to fight this disease, people arguing with them from their death beds that they can’t possibly have COVID because it “isn’t real” – that was not only shocking, it was heartbreaking. And enraging. And eye-opening. It was so many things – and none of them good.

WEAR A F*^#ING MASK.

Me: I’m a strong ass independent woman. 

What have you found that brings you joy?

Shelley: Gardening, trying new recipes, trying new WINES! Warm, sunshiny days when I can be outside. 

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Meg: Just being at home. Being in the garden. Taking small walks, appreciating each day and the beauty in each day. Simpler work, close to home work, not traveling for work as much, smaller events, not the larger blow out weddings. 

Kristin: Podcasts! Does that sound like the middle-age white woman answer you’d expect? Well, they are a revelation to me. Since their discovery, I can do three things I love at once: 1) walk/jog, 2) be outside in almost any weather, 3) listen to interesting/entertaining things. It makes me happy just writing about it! My three favorite podcasts are (because I know you’re wondering):

·      Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris

·      Unlocking us with Brené Brown

·      Dare to Lead with Brené Brown

The best parts of listening to a good podcast is that I 1) learn new things and 2) get a reprieve from the loop of nonstop tedious recycled thoughts twirling in my head. A major two-fer!

Nicki: Joy is a difficult word for me. It’s something I haven’t felt in a long time. Medication and shadow work have helped – but joy is not an emotion I identify with. I have punctuated moments of happiness, sure – but to me, “joy” is… unadulterated, ecstatic and overwhelming. And that’s simply not in my emotional stockpile. I find happiness, peace and contentment in the outdoors – and in learning new things. Building and tending to a garden kept us busy through the warmer months (WE SUCCESSFULLY GREW CARROTS!) and tapping trees and making maple syrup will get us through the Dark Months, which are difficult for me in the best years. I love that Mark (my husband) and I share so many of the same interests and have been able to work together (mostly because he has the patience of a saint) to create this little What The Farm we’ve got. It’s a work in progress, like things usually are. I’m currently learning how to make soap – and learning that I love it. These things all make us happy. And that’s enough. 

(Also : COBRA KAI. Who knew Johnny Lawrence was the unsung hero we all desperately needed)? 

Nicki’s husband Mark

Me: I really liked having time.  I haven’t had time since I was a teenager.  I know this was really hard for so many people but I fully embraced this lifestyle. 

My pal, Rocco.  

I had to put Leo to sleep May 2019 and Rocco came into my life not even a month later.  It was a miracle.  Rocco is such a good dog.  He saved my heart and I try to make every single day amazing for him.

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What has been your saving grace?

Shelley: I’ve always been accused of being a “crazy cat lady”, but it’s gotten worse. After losing one of my two cats in November 2019, I adopted 2 kittens in January 2020, to keep us company. I look at the now 1-year old Cooper and Casey, as well as “Grandma Kitty” Gracie, and I can’t imagine the pandemic months, or any months for that matter, without them. The unconditional love of pets is irreplaceable. 

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The Grandma Kitty – Gracie

Meg: Zoom workouts with my friends, hiking Cranmore Mountain’s access road – a nice wide trail – with my workout friends on Fridays at 6AM  

Kristin: Being outside and exercising, often with the excellent companionship of my husband. I would be a depressed, angry puddle on the floor without exercise and Maine nature. My husband – who is my anchor – would have to divorce me if I couldn’t get my fix of both exercise and trees.

Kristin & Dean started making THE BEST Happy Birthday video messages.

Nicki: Self care for me has meant immersing myself in the care of other things. The animals we’ve gathered at our tiny homestead keep us going, and a good sheep snuggle or goat cuddle or chicken hug or a cat nap next to a snoozing dog are about as close to joy as we can get. They rely on us for their survival, and though our physical survival doesn’t rely on them, our mental survival certainly does. If they weren’t here, I can’t imagine the black hole I’d be in right now. The upkeep of the homestead forces us to be active – nothing can be ignored for long. So my general slothitude notwithstanding, the animals are truly the only thing that’s gotten me up and moving every day. They’re more than a mere daily motivation, though – they’re family. And having them around is entertaining, and uplifting, and rewarding. I’m happier around animals than I am around most people. 

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Meditation and breath work has also been incredibly helpful. I’m not so good at the sitting-still-in-one-place-every-day kind – but I fall asleep every night to a guided sleep meditation. Religiously. It helps occupy my mind and keeps the crazy out.

And I’ve been trolling airbnb like a Russian bot for gorgeous places in faraway lands that maybe we’ll one day be welcomed back to – I miss my friends, and I miss traveling with them. I don’t have many friends nearby, and my inner circle is small – so when I travel, it’s usually with them, or to see them. I miss seeing the world and celebrating the special days and the everydays and the whatthef*cks with the special people in my life. It’s possible for even introverts to get lonely once in awhile – and planning a Bucket Lister to a sunny island or a bustling medieval city full of history and bone churches or a fire festival in the north Atlantic or a Maasai safari in Africa – even if they’re just wishful thinking – is a way to still feel connected (and somewhat normal).

Did I mention Cobra Kai? Oh – and peanut M&Ms. 

ME : Perk to having a day job meant I had benefits.  So, I thank my 2018 self who decided to get one. I had a week’s paid vacation and I spent the time up north with my parents in July.  The woods, the quiet, the nothing on the schedule and the lake swimming is absolutely needed for me to be OK. 

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I also bought myself a Peloton in the fall of 2019.  Thank God I allowed myself to purchase that amazing gift of wellness.  A habit that I started is to fall asleep every night (going on 385 days) to guided meditation. It’s helped shut off anxious thoughts.

Also, I second the podcasts Kristin mentioned + of course My Favorite Murder.  Holy mind-blowing, life changing content.

What are you wishing for?

Shelley: Probably what most people are wishing for; health, safety, a way to knock down this virus. Unity, bipartisanship, HEALTHY debate and compromise in our government. Wine with zero calories.

Meg:  That everyone could have a pandemic experience as “effortless” as what I’ve experienced. I say “effortless” in air quotes because all of my problems have been first world problems. I’m not navigating childcare issues while trying to get to a job where I can’t work from home. I’m not trying to navigate home schooling while also working from home. I mean, we did have a foster kid in our care for part of October, but that’s NOTHING compared to what parents, front line workers, those who suffer depression, anxiety, people out of work, etc, had to deal with. 

Kristin: I’m wishing for the Biden/Harris administration to bring healing to the country (I can wish for miracles, right?!). I’m wishing for a change to how we’re destroying the planet (I think the NFL should make global warming their platform, and then we’d really see some change!). I’m wishing that all the people who see other people as a threat to their perceived status would wake up and see that we’re better off helping each other, rather than hurting each other. I’m wishing for a quick rollout of the vaccine so that I can travel again. I am wishing for my older cat to settle in with our two new kittens(!) so that he can enjoy their warmth and company. I am wishing for a great sushi dinner in a restaurant with no masks needed. 

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Nicki: Justice and accountability on every level. And a recalibration of daily life back into the 21st century so we can attempt to move forward instead of backward. A return to science, and logic, and reason. A light at the end of this motherf*cking tunnel. 

full blown menopause – enough is enough already. A warm sunny, bug-free day on the other side of this pandemic that will involve a barbecue and good friends and laughter and hugs. 

Me: I wish for easy going, no pressure dinner gatherings.

Secretly and selfishly wishing that my parents lived closer.  Because they’re 3 hours away it made it hard to see them socially distanced.  Seeing each other requires a sleepover and it wasn’t safe to do that.

I wish for the daylight savings time change thing to stop because I learned that I do not do well between November-February when we turn the clocks back in terms of motivation.  I have plenty of motivation to eat things and go to bed at 7pm but I’d much prefer not living that way ever again.

The good news is one of my wishes came true and that was for our country to have better leadership.  Social justice, accountability and awakening is also big on the list.

What will or have you changed?

Shelley: I hope that I can take some of the silver lining stuff with me when we get back to a faster pace of life. I hope I continue to make time to garden. I hope sometimes just sitting on the porch with a friend is more enticing than going to a big event.

Meg: Everything about my business regarding client communication, sales, and on boarding, that all went out the window. I like having to reinvent the wheel here because I never liked that part of my business anyway! Now I have covid to blame and can much easier get people on the phone haha! 

Kristin: ·      My brown hair is mostly all gray now.

·      I am trying to connect with my parasympathetic nervous system more – breathing more slowly occasionally, meditating (like 30 seconds a day), noticing bluebirds and contrails.

·      I have changed my view that everyone else has it figured out except me. I now know that no one has it figured out, including me.

Nicki: I’m much more conscious of those in my social media circle who are mental and emotional poison for me – and I’m removing them. There’s a difference between being challenging and being toxic, and I can’t allow toxic in my life anymore. I can’t get out of my own way most of the time, so I don’t need to be battling my own demons as well as somebody else’s. The last year has really exposed a lot of ugliness and we won’t resolve any of it without working on the ugliness in ourselves first. And we can’t do that if we’re constantly dealing with Other People’s Ugly. I’m focusing on cleaning up my own mess, and on surrounding myself with the people who have been there for me, who’ve understood, who’ve listened and given me space but not given up on me – and holding them in my heart with so much love and gratitude. From an appropriate social distance, of course.

To brighter days. 

Me:  I don’t think I’d ever go back to having 3 jobs + the business and working 7 days a week.  I need two consecutive days off each week or I’m not ok long term.  I have to do everything in my power to make that work going forward.  I enjoy and need structure.  I’m my best self with time to recover each week and a structured routine.  

I thoroughly enjoyed reading these responses and weaving them together. Thank you ladies!!

xoxo . . .

The post Questions for Women in My Life appeared first on Melissa Mullen Photography.

There is not a better compliment than having a repeat client. I recently received an inquiry to work with Pam Erickson again and it made my day/week/month. It was an inquiry I needed just coming out of winter . . .in a global pandemic. . . in a very confusing time. It was an absolute sign that I have and continue to attract really, really extraordinary woman who are often doing great work in the world.

A handful of years ago, I created a portrait of Pam that she’s used for her bio and now alongside Sherri Parks, they’ve created Her Voice Rising. It’s time for new portraits which is so exciting and coming up this spring!

I’m sharing a snippet of their website because it happened to be just what I needed to see, read and know is happening in the world. So, I’m coming out of a blog hiatus to share this because maybe it’ll help you too. Looks like they’re hosting a workshop starting March 22nd.

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Most importantly: For family portraits, you should choose a location that means something to your family, such as a place you’ve vacationed, where you have memories, or a location that means something to past generations. Plus, don’t forget to coordinate outfits!

Over the years, I’ve kept track of the most popular locations in Maine where I often photograph family photos. Here are a few of my all-time favorites {along with a reason why!}.

Drakes Island Beach {Wells, Maine}

In York County, there’s a long stretch of sandy beach and a jetty that photographs so beautifully at Drakes Island Beach.

I find that these make gorgeous backdrops for seaside family photos. Drakes Island Beach is large enough to offer different locations, too, such as the sand dunes with beach grass, and families can have privacy during a portrait session.

This adorable little blonde had such a personality. She definitely wins the award for my favorite kid to photograph last summer. She was a natural comedian — priceless!

Perkins Cove/Marginal Way {Ogunquit, Maine}

Just a short walk from the parking lot for Perkins Cove {and lots of shopping!}, this location offers a lovely ocean backdrop {but luckily without the sand}. Marginal Way and Perkins Cove are great spots for small groups or families.

As you can see from these group photos, the couples coordinated and worked together as a cohesive whole, complimenting the blue ocean behind them.

Long Lake {Harrison, Maine}

I’m definitely a lake person, and there are so many vacationers who travel to the lakes of Maine to relax and soak up the beauty. Long Lake is a lovely 11-mile lake that has many coves and rocks.

These family photos were taken at their family camp, with a focus on the six month-old baby enjoying her first summer at Long Lake.

Sebago Lake {Cumberland County, Maine}

Northwest of Portland, and Maine’s second largest lake, Sebago Lake offers plenty of water activities and relaxation for families.

These adorable photos were taken during a family celebration for the gentleman’s 70th birthday, when the whole family rented a house on Sebago Lake for the party. Here he is pictured with his granddaughter — what a special connection between the two!

Fort Williams Park {Cape Elizabeth, Maine}

Fort Williams Park is huge — over 90 acres of natural space, great for picnics, kite-flying, and exploring. If you’re visiting Maine for the first time, it’s a must-see spot.

The park offers lush backgrounds of greenery, the forts, fun pathways, and of course the iconic Portland Head Light {the most photographed lighthouse in America}.

Plus, if you’re visiting Fort Williams for a photo session, afterward you can stop by one of their food vendors in the park for a lobster roll, sandwich, or gelato {or all three!}.

No matter which Maine location you pick for your family portraits, don’t forget: When you’re taking photos by water in the summertime near sunset, you’ll want to bring bug spray. Plus, photos can take a while, so bring a few snacks … and even in the summer, always have a rain plan.

Did I miss your go-to spot for photos in Maine? Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo. . .

The post Popular Maine Locations for Family Portraits appeared first on Melissa Mullen Photography.

I took the ferry out of Port Clyde and found myself surrounded by the sights and peacefulness of the island. To make the weekend even better, Emily and Devon invited me to stay at the John Sterling House, and I had a room with a beautiful view of the sunset. {Not to mention, a breakfast made by the kind woman who ran the house!}

Emily and Devon were such a fun couple to work with, and it was such a calm, sweet, and fun wedding. As one of Emily and Devon’s favorite spots in Maine, Monhegan Island was the perfect place for their wedding.

Look at those sparkly details! Emily had a special brooch from her grandmother that she wore on the front of her dress, which matched her glittery shoes.

The guys got ready at the John Sterling House, while the girls got ready at the Island Inn, just across the path from each other.

The group was wonderful to work with, and we had lots of fun in the room where everyone was getting ready. Since I had the chance to stay at the John Sterling House with the bridesmaids, it gave me time to bond with them and learn a bit more about the crew.

Her mom and sister helped put the final touches on Emily, and her close friends {her bridesmaids} were so attentive throughout the day.

The weather that day was gorgeous. The clouds, blue sky, and bright green grass painted a lovely backdrop for the ceremony, which took place at the Lighthouse on Monhegan Island.

Family means everything to Emily and Devon, and they each had both of their parents walk them down the aisle.

For the ceremony, the couple’s vows had a very personalized feel that definitely matched their goofy, light-hearted vibe. They based their vows on a Dr. Seuss quote, ending it with, “Emily, do you take Devon’s weirdness?” {and the same for him!}.

The bay, shipyard, and picturesque houses were a memorable backdrop for the photos with their family and friends — looking back on these photos years later, they’ll always remember Monhegan Island!

We made sure to capture several photos with the iconic Lighthouse, of course.

I love capturing candid moments like this one on the bench. It gives the couples a chance to just relax and be natural, resulting in beautiful photos to reflect on years later.

The story behind this particular image is adorable. Emily loves pickles, so Devon made sure there was one waiting for her at her seat at dinner. So cute!

We were able to sneak the couple away for some photos during their reception at The Trailing Yew. These softer portraits were taken just outside of the reception, near a blooming tree.

I especially love this beautiful sunset photo. We took a ride down to the docks where the ferry comes in and snapped a few there, too.

After the wedding, Emily contacted me about her experience. I was thrilled that she enjoyed the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them!

Thank you, Emily and Devon! I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness. Xoxo…

The post Monhegan Island Maine Wedding appeared first on Melissa Mullen Photography.

Lucie got ready for the big day at her mother’s house with the help of her bridesmaids, her mother, and her twin sister {the matron of honor}. Lucie and her sister have such a strong relationship; her sister was a huge support for her throughout the whole day!

The groom, Ricker, got ready with his groomsmen over at the Eastern Yacht Club, where the reception took place.

I love being able to capture these special pre-ceremony moments with family, especially when the father of the bride gets to see his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time. It was also important to them to capture these moments with her sister and their mother.

The ceremony was held at Lucie’s uncle’s house, providing a lovely waterfront setting. Ricker’s aunt officiated the ceremony!

After their ceremony, we captured several photos with the sea as the backdrop. The colors of the groom’s suit and the bride’s white dress complimented the blue of the sea and the tan rocks.

Specialty cocktails {like this one picked out by the groom himself!} added a fun personal touch to their day.

Once the sun started setting, we snuck the couple away for a few more photos before the party really got started. They even participated in the Marblehead yacht club tradition of firing a cannon at sunset. This tradition is a sign of respect that occurs while taking down the flag at the end of the day.

I have to give a shout-out to the incredible coordinators at the wedding. They helped the entire day run so smoothly and seamlessly. Clearly, everyone {especially Lucie and Ricker} enjoyed the party!

To end the night on a musical note, Lucie and Ricker their band had a fun send-off as they left the reception.

Details to know . . .

Bridal Boutique: Gabriella’s | Dress: Romona Keveza | Wedding Coordinator: Alison McMaster, Gretchen Berg | Hair and Makeup: Lynn Smith | Officiant: Joan Tropp | Caterer: Eastern Yacht Club | Flowers: Tracey Scott of Rose and Thistle | Rings: Govberg Jewelers / AR Morris | Entertainment: Sultans of Swing | Invitations: Over the Rainbows | First Dance Song: “You’re All I Need to Get By” by Marvin Gaye ft. Tammi Terrell | Second Photographer extraordinaire: Kelly Anne Backus and assistance by Kam Mitchell

Thank you, Lucie and Ricker. I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!

xoxo . . .

The post Marblehead, Massachusetts Wedding appeared first on Melissa Mullen Photography.

For starters, senior portraits are taken at a time in a teen’s life when they’re about to embark on life after high school. It’s a major life event to graduate from high school, and it’s more than just a portrait — this moment is part of your life’s history.

I love comparing how senior portraits used to be taken to how they are taken now, as there’s so much value in looking into the past to see where we are now.

Just look at how portraits were taken in 1964 and 1978. The photographers captured the seniors’ classic beauty with the head pose and eye gaze. Often printed in black and white for uniformity and formality, there were also less options for more personalization {or, at least, for the yearbook, that is}.

This uniformity in appearance — required by yearbooks — continued into the ’80s and ’90s {and even the 2000s}, when kids had to take pictures in tuxedos or a black “academic drape.” They had an option to take more casual photos, as you can see by the photos for 1992, but were usually limited to the settings within the photo studio. And the casual photos were almost never included in the yearbook.

While timeless, the serious senior portrait required for the yearbook isn’t necessarily a fun experience.

Once the “Instagram generation” entered high school and prepared for graduation, a trend emerged where seniors wanted to take photos outside of the formal ones required for their yearbook. They wanted to be captured in settings where they felt comfortable and in poses that expressed their individuality, rather than sitting in a chair in a studio in clothes they didn’t pick out themselves.

Seniors now want photos that show the world who they are — something they could share on social media with their friends, even if it means it’s not the photo that goes into the yearbook.

The tradition of capturing life’s moments and recording your life history hasn’t changed — but there’s no denying that there are new, more unique ways to create a time capsule of your senior year.

Above and below are some of the recent senior photos I’ve captured for the graduating class of 2018. Something that is so fun about these portrait sessions is being able to capture each senior’s unique personality. All of them turned out to be very different and beautiful.

Each senior gets to choose their location, and I love working with them to help them feel relaxed in front of the camera.

You can see it in their faces, too — unlike some of the stiff, formal photos found in yearbooks, the seniors in these photos have natural, soft smiles that really show how comfortable they are in that moment. These happy moments are the memories to look back on fondly, and these beautiful portraits are something that parents cherish, too.

This senior chose to take her photo at Forgotten Fields Hopyard in Naples, Maine. Her outfit paired wonderfully with the bright red truck, and the smile on her face really matched the tone of the session.

Senior portraits are taken at such a significant time in a teen’s life, and these photos are important for the parents as well. If parents have their senior portraits available, it’s a fun idea for seniors to take photos with their parents’ photos to show multiple generations in a single frame.

I like to encourage my seniors to ask their family members about their own senior portrait sessions — it can help them feel part of a tradition that all teenagers go through and may open up some nice conversations and stories.

The post Senior Portraits in Maine: A Visual History appeared first on Melissa Mullen Photography.