651.238.0652

melissa@melissajcollins.com

Everyone is a masterpiece. What can I create for you?

About Melissa

Hi! I’m Melissa Collins, a studio and on-location photographer based in the little town of North Branch, MN – 50 minutes from the Twin Cities.

Photograph of Melissa J Collins seated
Melissa J. Collins Photography

Melissa J Collins

As far as my photographic style is concerned, I favor bright, bold and true colors. I love a timeless & classic portrait – where the subject traditionally faces the camera or looks just off to the side. Sitters tend to be gently posed.

I have taken thousands of hours in classes to direct people into flattering positions that will reflect beautifully on camera and give you an instant confidence boost.

Capturing Life's Moments

Photography is my way of turning ideas into visuals, dreams into art. Got an idea brewing? A story itching to be told? Hit me up—let’s see if we can turn your spark into something epic.

Melissa J. Collins Photography
Melissa J. Collins

What Inspires My Photography

As we step into 2025, my art is redefining itself in minimalistic, black-and-white vibes that hit hard and leave a mark. I’m letting go of obsessing over technical perfection (unless it is called for!) & shedding self-imposed rules. We’re ditching the masks, inhibitions, facades, and embracing, unfiltered authenticity. Especially in boudoir sessions, where beauty shines brightest in its most real and vulnerable form. Oh, and grain? Film-style photography? Consider me obsessed.

Melissa

Want to know more about Melissa?

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Some people from the outside assume I “just take pictures”, but for me, it’s about giving you an experience that transforms you into a work of art.

Hi! That’s me on the far right with my mom, daughter and 92-year-old grandma. Gosh I love these ladies ♥

I fell in love with pictures by spending hours upon hours poring through my mom’s photo albums, memorizing each detail on the pages, in the living room as a little girl. To this day, sometimes you will find me still getting lost in the memories of those pictures. They remind me where I belong in this world. And who I belong to.

2008 – the year social media really took off and also the year we bought our first digital camera off of Ebay. Up until then, my husband – affectionately called Mr. MJCP, was the primary picture-taker in the family. But I started to be very intrigued with capturing artistic photos, like what I have been seeing online. So, I started playing because it was so easy to just delete a klunker.

In 2012, I photographed my first family and official “client”. Shortly after, I found myself photographing more and more people. The wee bit of money I received went towards camera gear to improve each photograph until I was able to upgrade to a professional camera body and lenses by 2015 that have become important tools in my arsenal. By now I was taking on regular clients in addition to working fulltime as a child care teacher and director.

In 2017, something had to give. I was busy being a mom, working often more than 40 hours a week, shooting on the weekends and editing at night.

I took a giant leap and left my job of 18 years to pursue photography and launched an official business. I have taken thousands of class hours to educate myself in all areas of business and photography. My goal is to provide a premier experience and quality products and to set myself apart from every photographer in my community.

The first 2 years were a little rocky as I fledged along and then…COVID. But I opened up a studio in 2020 and have so many ideas that excite me and keep me up at night thinking about as I expand and grow.

My sessions are designed celebrate who you are at this very moment. You won’t regret having that photograph taken. In fact, you might find you enjoyed it quite a bit.

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Besides my work, you’ll probably hear me talking about spiritual wellness. My children are my happy place. I had my 3 children young, and my husband and I are adjusting to empty nesting. Closing in on 50, I’m channeling my inner 20-year-old—only wiser, bolder, and way more fun. It’s my time to embrace the self-expression I couldn’t quite swing as a young mom. In 2020, I ditched the dye and let my grays run wild. Society can suck it!

I love to travel—and am always up for an adventure (and hey, if you’ve got a dream photography destination in mind, let’s make it happen…hint, hint).

Six is my favorite number and I use parentheses & ellipses … in run on sentences with reckless abandonment.

One thing about me: I legitimately love helping. So please, if you’re struggling with something photo related (or really, just life related), even if you’ve never purchased a thing from me…reach out!

Now that you know all that, we’re basically friends — and hopefully one day I can sit and listen to what’s going on in your life.

Oh, and I’m a hugger, let me know if you’re not cool with that.

What Clients Are Saying

I was not expecting to enjoy the shoot, but I was really surprised that I did. {Melissa} is an artist! I enjoyed her excitement, confidence, her encouragement and her preparedness. I have gotten so many compliments on my photos. God gifted you an amazing talent.

Marie P. - Personal Branding Session

I wasn’t so nervous about my session as I was that I would like any of myself in the photos. I now have a confidence that I didn’t have before. I look at my photos and see a strong, sexy, beautiful woman and say “Damn! That’s me!” You will feel so at ease and confortable in front of her camera

Stephanie W - Boudoir Session

Melissa does an amazing job with our photos. She is kind an patient with our kids and knows how to get a grumpy toddler to smile. We treasure the beautiful photos she captures every year!

Erin C - Family Session

Capture Your Moments with MJ Collins

Ready to create unforgettable memories? Reach out to MJ Collins today to book a personalized photography session or to learn more about our services. Let us help you capture the essence of your story with stunning visuals.