As a small child, I was given a 110mm camera and there began my love for photography. I was raised in the suburbs of Kansas City and attended the University of Kansas, starting out in business, only to return to my love of the arts and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1996. While in college, I freelanced for a local music magazine, the Renaissance Festival and worked with several local musicians in creating album covers. I then moved to Wichita and worked in pharmaceutical sales. But after 10 long years and overcoming a life threatening illness, I have come back to my love of photography and a slower pace lifestyle focusing on my family, friends and God. I love to spend time with my family and friends, travel and capture beautiful images for people to enjoy.
XOXO,
Melissa
Melissa Kelly became a Certified Professional Photographer in November 2015.
Earning this designation for the Professional Photographers of America after completing an intensive program that measures artistic and technical competence that included a written exam and image evaluation and adhere to a strict code of conduct. Melissa is the only female CPP in the Wichita area.
Most recently Melissa earned Grand Image Finalist for High School Seniors with Professional Photographers of America, out of thousands of photographers from around the world. In 2019, Melissa earned 1st Place at Shutterfest for High School Seniors and 3rd Place for Illustrative. She also earned 1st Place and 3rd Place at Professional Photographers of America District Print Competition, where over 4,000 photographers submitted images. Melissa has been awarded the Kansas Top Ten Photographers (2017, 2018, 2019), 1st Place for General Exhibit for Women (2017, 2018, 2019), and Overall Highest Score in Portfolio for a 1st time entrant by the Kansas Professional Photographers Association in 2017.
In 2013-14, Melissa was a contribuing fashion photographer for SPLURGE! Magazine, which can be found at local businesses in Wichita, KS. She is a member of the Professional Photographers Association and the Kansas Professional Photographers Association. In addition, she has been recognized by OnOne Software for her portraiture work as well as celebrity and fashion photographer, Michelle Moore for her work with teens. Her work has also been recognized by the International Model & Talent Association (IMTA) in New York in 2013 for fashion print and theatrical headshot. And has been recognized over 4,500 times by the online photograhy community, View Bug. Melissa Kelly has had the opportunity to work with internationally renowned photographers, John Gladman, Julie Klassmeyer, Lindsay Adler, and Beth Forrester, gaining an invaluable education inposing, lighting and post production.
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