Pet Parent Reviews
Thankful for how we can connect with one another
through palpable pet photography
"Yes. Do it! Hire Her. I'm not kidding...she's great!
I met Melissa during the Growl-o-ween, Dog Bakery event hosted in OldTown Pasadena. My Aussie, Jake was dressed up as a turtle and enjoying the treats and vibrant, furry atmosphere when we happened to pass by Melissa. She asked if she could take a quick picture of Jake, and since I noticed that Jake really liked her (and he doesn't like everyone), I said sure. We exchanged info because I was thinking about having family photos taken, and then went our separate ways.
A few days later Melissa sent me her additional info, just as I had requested along with the photos that she had taken of Jake that day, which was a kind bonus.
They were STUNNING.
I hired her to take my family photos as soon as I could. The process was pleasantly simple. I visited her website, picked a photo package that I was interested in (the prices are listed...so no surprises), had a thorough and pleasant phone consultation with her to lock in the details, and then one more call to confirm the shooting location and date and time. Easy.
She also offered open communication leading up to the shoot in case I had any additional questions or concerns.The day of the shoot, Melissa was punctual and provided plenty of guidance to make the session flow smoothly. Jake was happy to see her again and wanted hang out with her as much as possible. She has a special connection with pets that makes her really shine when she works. She helped make my husband and I comfortable too (we aren't photogenic usually) and managed to capture incredibly sweet moments with our 9 month old who's sole agenda that day was to eat Jake's fur if possible.Once the session was over she made an appointment with us for photo review and selection. A couple weeks later she meet with us to review our session and give us our digital photos, a present options for the hard copies. There were so many great photos it was hard to choose!We loved working with Melissa. She's a wonderful photographer and an OUTSTANDING pet photographer. She's also a really cool person. Give her a call. Your pets will thank you and you'll love the outcome". (Danielle Jakes Momma)
Jake Family Session
Briley & Willow Tribute Session
It all started one day when my friends and I were doing a wall for the OCSPCA and I believe I just lost my precious Willow Tree and I remembering looking at the booths and seeing Melissa's and another one for special Urns, next to hers. I took both cards, not ready to face what I was still grieving. I stashed them away in a box and then a few years ago I was finally ready to do a tribute and memorial for Willow. I remembered clearly Be Here Now and I remembered how beautifully she photographed and what her purpose was behind what she did.
It was a day in October that one of her events popped up on my Facebook. I wasn't able to attend however I asked if she could do a session for me and Briley and a memory of Willow too and if she had any special packages like that. She gave me some packages and let me choose.
She beautifully and so kindly helped me through what was all these memories I had kept and narrowed them down into what her ideas were with what mine were. I am creative, but she is BEYOND creative and take every moment from the first email, the prepping, the photo session and then the review of your photos with such LOVE and PASSION!
We both know the pain of losing an animal either too soon or when it was their time, and understand that each day is a BLESSING from above and to take each moment, live in it with JOY, PURPOSE and LOVE! Every day is a new day and we cant go back in time... Embrace the good and bad and keep on, keeping on, in memory of those that we have lost (animal or human).
She is so patient, fun loving and an AHHMAZZING Photographer. She captures the moment and just knows how to do it naturally. That's when you know you found a PHOTGRAPHER FOR LIFE! I know and she knows, but fr all that don't know her personally like I do, THIS IS HER HEART AND SOUL and HER PURPOSE in life! You will NOT be disappointed. I will attach the photos I chose, I am sure there were 1000 more Treasured moments that she had captured.
And a side note, Javier is GREAT TOO!!!!
We love you guys!! XOXO
Renee and Briley and Willow
Oso 12th Birthday
The photos made me cry happy tears.
You have no idea what it meant to me. I will forever be grateful.
"OSO. I've been lucky and blessed to have you be my best friend for half of my life. We have played, grown, and loved for the past 12 years together. I have loved you since the minute I laid eyes on you and I know you have loved me too. You were the saddest puppy at the shelter and as soon as we left together, your mood completely changed because you knew we would be in love forever. Even though we do not speak the same language, we have developed this connection that I will never have with anyone else. You have such an amazing personality and I have loved to see you grow into the lazy old man you are now. Your sloppy kisses warm my heart every single day! I pray for many more years with you at my side Oso. Thank you to Melissa Carroll for reminding me to "Be Here Now" and enjoy every moment I have left with this handsome pup. And of course for the awesome photos! Te amo Osito, now and always:) VIVA la VIDA." (Christina Oso Momma)
"I just wanted to thank you once again for giving me such an amazing opportunity to have my sweet boy photographed. You went above and beyond to get good shots of him and you truly cared about the pictures we were getting and not how much time was being spent. The pictures are wonderful and capture him exactly as the goofy, derpy dog that he is. Thank you for being so patient with him, I know he's a little high energy. Toby and I had a perfect photo shoot experience with you from start to finish and will definitely be seeing you again. You have given me something I'll always look back on fondly." (Estafny Toby Momma)
Toby 1st Birthday
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Siouxsie Ice Cream
OMG, They look just beautiful!
Thank you for noticing us be ourselves.
"On Sunday Siouxie and I were on our way from class and stopped at EddiesWorld for some ice cream. Melissa asked if she could take our picture. I said yes and this is one of the three she took. If any of you Pet Mums live here in California, Melissa is who you want to take pictures of your fur babies." (Espy Siouxsie Momma)
Charley Easter Photobooth
"Omg! Thank you so much. We love the pictures. You did such a good job. Charley is a pretty funny girl who likes to dress up, although this is probably the most girly she has been. Charley and I look forward to next time. Thanks again" (Misty Charley Momma)
Kirby Easter Photobooth
"Thank you so much, Melissa & Javier! I love it! My hubby & son will definitely love Kirby's pictures. I'll show them on Sunday. A very special birthday gift to Kirby's Auntie & Babysitter. Kirby loves you!" (Naomi Kirby Momma)
Calo, Missy & Gipsy
Valentine Photobooth
"Love the photos! Thanks. Feel free to share them :)
I tagged you on Instagram. (Andrea Momma)
Luna
Howl-O-Ween Photobooth
"Thank you! I've received the pictures. Thank you for the kind words in your email. I am definitely interested in having more pictures taken in the future. I rarely take pictures and I would love to have special photos of my family with Luna. You are incredibly talented." (Barbara Luna Momma)
Leo
Howl-O-Ween Photobooth
"Thank you so much for your patience with Leo.
We loved the pictures." (Viance Leo Momma)
Mocha Pack
Santa Paws Photobooth
"These are great! Thank you so much for capturing our dogs so well! (Rebecca Mom)
Gimme Shelter Rescue
"Oh, those are just adorable. Wow, thanks a lot! They look great! I really like one close-up of the face plus the 2 full-body shots. These are all so awesome, Melissa, and will help us a lot!
