Hey, I’m Melissa.

I’m the owner and lead picture taker (and only picture taker) at little x little photography ("little by little").

Most days you can find me carting my kids around the city (I’m officially a soccer mom), drinking green tea, and attempting to fit in a yoga class or DIY project!

I’m always looking for new ways to be creative, whether it’s through art, interior design, or building a fort in the living room with my kids.

I go all in with most things I do and won’t finish something until it’s done. Then I’ll usually come up with 10 more new ideas, add them to my iPhone list, and won’t stop til I’ve completed them all.

I’m intensely loyal to the people I love. I rarely give up on anyone or anything.

I believe in kindness and surrounding myself with people who I know believe the same.

Being a mom has been the most fulfilling [yet terrifying - let’s be real] thing that has ever happened to me. It has completely changed the way I look at the world and the things I know about love. I’m forever grateful for that.

My hope is that I can make my mark in this world by spreading some kindness, being a great mama, and taking a few awesome photos along the way.

A few of my favorites.

Yoga.

Green tea (w honey).

Chocolate (+ caramel). Preferably frozen.

A quiet house.

Bay View.

Taco trucks.

My macbook.

75 degrees outside.

People who go out of their way just to be kind.

The tall window table at Anodyne (there’s just something about it).

Sunsets + Wildflowers.

Earthy tones. Muted tones.

The Office.

natural light.

Rainy days.

Truth.

Knitting things.

Monday mornings.

Thai food.

Retro Sneakers.

Turquoise stones.

sleeping in.

True Crime podcasts/shows (open to new recommendations).

Incense (shout out to URSA).

Making lists (can you tell?).

kind words

“Melissa is a dream to work with! We have used her for our family photos since we moved to Milwaukee 3 years ago. We couldn’t be happier. She is attentive, communicative, flexible, and GREAT with kids. She has the innate ability to make every picture turn out beautifully! She captures the special moments and really brings out everyone’s personality through her lens. Her turnaround is also phenomenal and easy. Each picture is a treasure and piece of art. Look no further if you are looking for a photographer!”

Katie S.

“LOVE LOVE LOVE EVERYTHING about Melissa & little x little photography! The lighting, style and quality is initially what sold me. However, working with Melissa over the past couple of years, the lists of her and her crafts positives just continues to grow. Melissa focuses on us as a family, listens to our thoughts and concerns and adapts, rather quickly, on the fly to our needs. From her website, online booking, location spots to payment options, Melissa makes everything SUPER easy for busy, working families. Her fast and simple yet detailed responses are greatly appreciated. We have had several sessions with her and often times cannot choose just 10 or even 20 photos because there are TOO MANY GREAT shots! THANK YOU, Melissa, for your effort, creativity, attention to detail and precision (+ patience)! We look forward to many more years with you as our superstar photographer.”

Brianna F.

“We have worked with Melissa for the last 3 years and she is absolutely magical. She has an innate ability to capture special moments and all of the beautiful details and personalities of my kids and family. She is incredibly patient and makes what can be a stressful experience a breeze because of her go-with-the flow nature and talent, especially in wrangling kids! Additionally, she is super flexible, communicative and just a delightful person all around. Thank you, Melissa for these beautiful photos- they will be treasured always!”

Michelle B.

“Working with Melissa of little x little photography has been nothing short of magical. She has been capturing our big family milestones and the small moments between for the past 4 years. She makes our family feel comfortable and relaxed which always results in the most natural and "un-staged" look which I appreciate. Investing in family photos (be it 1 person or 15 - both of which she's done for us) has become a priority for our family. The photos have become cherished keepsakes for ourselves and our extended family. I can't imagine not having them to look back on in future years. If you've been thinking about pulling the trigger this is your sign to do it - it is beyond worth it!”

Samantha N.

“I hired Melissa to capture our maternity photos - she was communicative, flexible and timely. She had great ideas for our shoot and made us feel very comfortable being in front of the camera. We had our images back quickly and they turned out beautifully! I am looking forward to working with her again in the future to capture our family photos!”

Sara S.

“Melissa is the most talented photographer I have EVER worked with. She is an absolute expert at her art and captures moments like no one else can. On top of that, she truly is one of the kindest human beings I have ever met in my entire life. She brings amazing energy-- so easy to work with and makes you feel welcome and comfortable.

My family and I have worked with Melissa for 5+ years. We first worked with her for engagement photos, we hired her for our small intimate wedding. She's captured our maternity photos, newborn photos, and family photos since. She offers amazing packages and turns her work around promptly. She's always professional, on time, communicative and of course, super talented.

There is NO NEED to search for anyone else to capture your family moments. Melissa is your gal.”

Jillian B.