I am a photographer based in the high country of Arizona. I am also a retired teacher, a genealogist, a mother of two adult children, and a devoted grandma of three adorable little boys.
I bought my very first DSLR camera, a Nikon D5000, when I retired in 2010 and challenged myself to learn how to use it by taking a picture every single day of 2011! I completed another Project 365 (actually 366) in 2012, learning a little more about photography each day. I now use a Nikon D750 with the usual lenses, plus some Lensbabies, which are so much fun and a challenge for me. And I’m still publishing my blog- usually 3 to 4 times a week.
Through taking photos, I’ve re-discovered the beauty in the world around me. Despite sometimes being a head-in-the-clouds kind of person, I SEE things now and appreciate the beauty present in every moment. For that, I am especially grateful. I enjoy taking all kinds of photos, but, almost from the beginning, I have been attracted to images with an element of blur or abstraction. I use wide apertures, slow shutter speed, intentional camera movement, or multiple exposures (or combinations of some or all) to try to convey my impressions or feelings about my subject. I also love Photoshop; editing with textures and brushes is a passion!
The pandemic has affected my photography obviously. I haven’t traveled since early 2020, and, as the number of cases has risen dramatically in recent weeks/months, I scarcely leave the house. I am editing older photos and mostly photographing the moon and birds at our local lakes..
I am a member of the Yavapai Digital Arts and Photo Club and the Alumni Photo Group. My photos have been displayed locally at Prescott Center for the Arts, Yavapai College, ‘Tis Gallery, and the Raven Cafe. You can see some of my favorite photos here.
If you would like more information about my photographs, please feel free to contact me.
melinda anderson photography 
I love your self portrait!
I love your new header. Very nice. Did you change themes? It’s similar to the previous one you had but seems a little different.
Melinda,
I saw one of your posts on ClickinMoms (also trying to learn as much as I can) and checked out your site. I can’t believe you’ve only had your DSLR for a short period. You must have had another SLRs first!
I love the bird on the beach photo.
I’m wondering where you live – as you mentioned both Stinson Beach and Walnut Creek in your recent posts. I’m in Orinda.
Really cool stuff, Mel! How nice to have time for a hobby besides grading papers!
Nice head shot! 😉 I love the “in my camera bag” info. I’m going to have to figure out how to get my “About” info to show up on my blog. And, add a headshot as well. Nice job.
Hi Melinda! I came across an image on your website, and would love to use it for a church website I am building! I was wondering if you could email me, so we can discuss any options I may have in using it! Thanks Melinda! Beautiful images.
So enjoyed browsing your website! Beautiful work… thanks for sharing your talent!
Melinda,
I’m the Art Director for the Montana Office of Tourism. I’m working on a campaign in Seattle. We’re taking over the West Lake Train station in downtown Seattle with a photo gallery of MT. We trying to feature Seattle photographers who have shot in MT or Yellowstone.I found some of your images online. I’m presenting your photo of Elk walking through Roosevelt Arch to my client this week. I plan on putting your name along with where the image was taken. I’d love to get hi-res version asap.
The show will be up for up to 2 months. If approved by my client I have a budget for buying the photo.
Please send me the attached images as well as locations of where they were taken as soon as you can.
once you email me we can talk about the price.
Best, Mike
Hi Melinda,
I live in London in the UK, and have just bought a little flat (apartment!) with a friend, which we have been looking for some art work for. We found your beautiful ‘sunflowers triptych’ online, and would love to have it as a canvas on our living room wall if possible! Is there any way to purchase the pictures from you? We have looked at your online store but it isn’t listed there.
I couldn’t see your email address anywhere, so am leaving this message on your site – please feel free to email on the address provided if you’d like to get in touch.
All best wishes,
Fiona
I hope you enjoyed retirement years. Your photos are wonderful to look at. I am senior citizen also.
Photographing is great hobby. What is the best is to share photos in blog. Happy weekend!