A visual tribute to the people who serve—and the ones who stand beside them
For the Moments That Matter the Most
Washington, D.C. Military Event Photography
- Jane, Air Force Spouse
"Melissa did an excellent job for my husband's promotion. She is so warm, but also professional and kind. Our images turned out amazing! I'm so glad we have these to look back on."
Client love
You don’t have to perform or pretend here. These sessions are about more than uniforms and formalities—they’re about legacy, connection, and the people who’ve stood by your side through it all. The way your spouse looks at you with pride. The way your kids cling to your hand during the ceremony. We’ll keep it simple, heartfelt, and true to your story—so you walk away with more than just photos. You walk away with a reminder: this is what honor, sacrifice, and love look like.
The Story of Your Service, Captured with Heart
I'm Melissa, your
Washington, D.C. Military Event photographer
The best photos often happen in the quiet after. The handshakes. The kids running toward a parent in uniform. The tears you didn’t plan for. I’ll capture those, too—with the same reverence and restraint. This isn’t just documentation. It’s your legacy, held with care.
REAL LIFE, NOT JUST RANK
From location logistics to ceremony etiquette, I’ve got you covered. This isn’t just about standing at attention—it’s about the in-between glances, the family pride, the weight of the moment. I’ll move with discretion and purpose, so you can stay present.
A SESSION BUILT ON RESPECT AND EASE
Military ceremonies are rich with tradition—but they’re also deeply personal. Before your event, we’ll talk about what this moment means to you: the people, the legacy, the story behind the uniform. Whether it’s a promotion, retirement, or homecoming, I’ll document it with intention and care.
WE BEGIN WITH WHAT MATTERS MOST
Your service,
captured with care
Washington, D.C. Military Events
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washington, D.C. military event Photographer
Military portfolio
The Complete Experience
From one military family to another - this isn’t just a job to me. It’s personal.
I’ll guide when needed, but mostly I’ll be quietly present—watching for the moments that matter most, so you don't have to. These events go by in the blink of an eye, but I'll capture every detail for you to remember.
A DOCUMENTARY APPROACH, WITH HEART
I know what it’s like to move every year, to count down deployment days, to always live far away from family and your best friend, to find the moving stickers on literally everything. This season is hard, but worth it. It holds pride, pressure, transition—and I carry all of that with me when I photograph your event. You don’t have to explain the emotion. I’m already paying attention to it.
I’M AN AIR FORCE SPOUSE OF 13 YEARS - SO I UNDERSTAND THIS LIFE
- Valerie & Mike
Melissa was everything I could have asked for in a photographer for the ceremony! She has so much experience so she knows exactly what to look for and what to shoot during a military ceremony. Her communication before hand was clear, concise and organized and helped me feel confident that she would capture the details and people that were most important to us. I highly recommend and trust her!
"Melissa was everything I could have asked for in a photographer for the ceremony!"
What's included:
Perfect for retirement and promotion ceremonies, change of commands, homecomings, & more. This package includes time to capture a ceremony and family photos before or after the ceremony.
Northern Virginia & D.C. Military Event Photography
the Military Event Experience
Your investment: $725
- Up to 90 minutes of ceremony + portrait coverage
- Full digital gallery (50+ professionally edited images)
- Guidance for family groupings + portrait flow
- Coverage of arrivals, pinning, speeches & candid moments
- Portraits of honoree + immediate family
- Experience at Pentagon, local bases, National Mall, & more
- Travel within Northern VA + Washington, D.C. included
- Option to add additional hours ($250/hr)
I recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks in advance to ensure your preferred date. During busy seasons (spring and fall), I am often booked up 2-3 months in advance. However, feel free to reach out even if it's last-minute, as I may have space!
1-3 months in advance
You’ll receive a sneak peek within a week of your event. Your full gallery of 40+ images will be ready within two to three weeks of your session.
3 weeks or less!
As an active duty spouse, you don't have to worry about whether or not I can get on base/post. I've also been to the Pentagon, DHS, & other installations that require a little extra work to get civilians on - and it's no problem.
i sure do
Since each military event is unique, so I don't guarantee an exact number of images. The image estimations in the packages above are on the low end. Many galleries have 150-200 images for a 2 hour event. I promise you'll walk away with the best moments.
It varies - but a lot!
Yes! Your gallery includes access to a professional print lab with beautiful, high-quality prints and products. I also offer custom-designed heirloom albums.
yes! Let's print your photos
