Welcome

Hello! Thank you for visiting! I’m Melissa, a lifestyle family and maternity photographer serving Charleston, SC, and surrounding areas. To me, a photo session is more than just smiling at the camera. I want to capture the personalities and playfulness of each member of your family: the way your daughter grabs her daddy’s pinkie while walking, the way your son plays with your necklace when you hold him close, the way you and your husband giggle at each other when your child does that goofy, toothless smile. Those are the timeless moments I aim to capture! One day, those memories will fade, but the photos will endure.

A little bit about my work… If you take a look, you’ll notice how I capture the scenery. I was a landscape photographer for years before I became a portrait photographer. I discovered that incorporating the two has become my passion. My goal is to give you works of art, whether it be our marshy beaches, big oaks with moss, or our beautiful cypress trees on the lakes and rivers.

Charleston Family Photographer & Maternity Photographer

"You have a lot of options when it comes to photographers in the Charleston area, but Melissa really stands out in a lot of ways! From start to finish, Melissa was very prompt with her correspondence and was also willing to do whatever it took to make our somewhat last minute photo shoot work. She made the photo shoot so much fun and really made our vision come to life, I loved how directive she could be to get the perfect shot. Most importantly, the photos were absolutely gorgeous and we could not be more pleased! We have gotten so many compliments and we know we will treasure the photos for years to come! If you are in the Charleston area, give Melissa a call, you will not be disappointed!" - Samantha Price

Family Photographer, a family of five stands in beach sands at sunset
Family Photographer, a mother holds her baby girl close to her near a lake at sunset

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”
-Theodor Seuss Geisel

Family Photographer, a couple, husband and wife, hold hands in a dry field
Family Photographer, a father sits in the grass, mom lays beside him as their young boys play on top of them

Melissa was fabulous! Our photos definitely exceeded any expectation that we had! The process was easy and she even provided me with a maternity dress that looked amazing! Even had our pup in our photos! Can't wait to have family photos for years to come! - April Leary

About Me

A little bit about me… I am a mama to two wild boys, aged 13 and 8, and a wife to my high school sweetheart, a retired military husband. We love the Lord, and I have always felt drawn to God’s creation and the beauty in every sunrise and sunset. I love traveling with my family to Asheville and anywhere that has mountains. I love Billy Joel, The Beatles, and Pink Floyd (great combination, thanks Dad!). The reason I named my business Oakley Photography is that around the time I was trying to decide on a business name, my dad told me he loved having two girls, but he did wish that he had a son to carry on the family name. After that conversation with my dad, I named my business Oakley Photography.

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”
- Edgar Degas

For Photographers

I recently decided to become a photography mentor to other photographers coming into this business, I really love teaching and watching others grow in their business or hobby. 

Family & Maternity Photography in the Charleston Area

“A picture paints a thousand words”

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If you are looking for a session with a little something more than just smiles for the camera you came to the right place

I shoot on location and serve all of the lowcountry including Charleston, Summerville, Folly Beach, Edisto Island, Kiawah Island, Goose Creek and Mt Pleasant.