Melissa Lucci Photography

I’m in my own season of “nobody warned me”.

So I can only imagine that nobody truly prepares parents for the parking lot.

The dorm room is busy, full of boxes and logistics and excited smiles.

It’s the walk back to the car that gets you, I imagine.

Parents feel it when the car is finally empty. When the hug lasts a beat longer than expected. When you walk back to the parking lot and don’t say much, because there aren’t really words for this part.

For college freshman, it’s the beginning of everything. For the people who raised them, it’s the first day of a life they won’t get to witness up close anymore.

Sending all kinds of love and support from a distance to the families in “drop-off season”

🤍

Getting to document senior portraits and help families hold onto the version of them before drop-off… that is exactly the kind of work I’m here for.

If you have a 2027 senior at home, I still have a few spots left. Reach out through the contact form on my site, link in bio.

There’s not enough space in a caption for me to go on about all the ways this kid is amazing. So I will leave you with this:

Watch out, world. What Lily puts her mind to, it’s happening. And it’s going to be fun to watch. 🤍

I’ve been photographing her since before she was born, so to shoot her first headshos was such an honor. 🥹

Perfect was never the goal.

The photos people actually keep, the ones that end up framed on a hallway wall ten years later, aren’t typically the ones where everyone is looking at the camera. They’re the ones where someone is mid-laugh. Where the light is doing something strange. Where the youngest is barefoot and the oldest is leaning in. They take you to a season you wanted to remember.

I’ve been thinking about this a lot as I rebuild some of what I offer. The work that lasts is the work that tells the truth. That’s true for a family and a senior. It’s also true for a business.

More on that soon...

Mamas:
Celebrate all the ways you hold it together for everyone. Let them spoil you.

You are the biggest part of their story.

I’m so thankful for the families, the mamas, that let me show their seasons in galleries.

Love that I get to work with awesome people doing big things—impacting the people in their circles—at home, at school, at work.

Excited for you JG! 💪🏻

🍋 DM if you’re free and want to jump on my calendar!!

Had THE BEST experience finally getting to shoot at with new to

The studio was so perfect. Rachel clearly poured her everything into this project.

The subject (in front of the camera for a change) was a complete joy. She loves film and brings a French cowgirl vibe. 👋 I’m here for it.

A big warm welcome to Clare. Adding her to the list of talented photographers in my circle.

— you nailed it lady, and I can’t wait to rent again.

Delicious memories are made in messy kitchens. Honored to be invited back to tell another story for this beautiful family.