Wife | Mother | Photographer | Educator
About Melissa Shearer
photography
Hey, I'm Melissa
Melissa Shearer Photography was founded nearly a decade ago because I wanted to capture the moments that matter.
When I’m not capturing your family’s stories, I’m making memories with my husband, our two wild boys and our Rottweiler-Mastiff.
Storytelling and preserving memories has been ingrained in me for as long as I can remember. It motivated me to obtain my BA in Film Studies from Brock University, work in television for a handful of years, and was a driving force behind my decade-long career as a professional travel writer. Ultimately, collecting photographs of all the people, places and things that I never wanted to forget is something I’ve done since my uncle gifted me my first camera at the tender age of 8- and I’ve never looked back!
It took becoming a mom to realize how important it was to prioritize photographing our memories because these are the photographs that future generations will hold in their hands and they are the tangible proof of your family’s legacy.
The most important photos are without a doubt meeting your child for the first time – and it was after having my second son’s birth professionally documented that I knew I had to help parents preserve the unforgettable moment of first holding their baby in their arms. I am now a member of the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers and Melissa Shearer Photography has expanded to offer education to newly established photographers through one-to-one mentorship, workshops, content days and community-building events.
From meeting your baby for the first time to the laughter of your growing children, let me preserve your family’s story in photographs - book now for memories that will last a lifetime.
What makes me different
At Melissa Shearer Photography, I capture the heart and soul of your family’s most precious moments.
Let me help you create timeless memories that you’ll cherish forever.
Emotive Storytelling:
I capture the in-between moments—the laughter, the quiet touches, the way your family feels like yours. No stiff poses, just real connection and fleeting memories made timeless.
Personalized Experience:
Clients get personalized support with virtual planning sessions, in-person styling sessions, an extensive client closet, and comprehensive prep guides to ensure each photo session is fun and relaxed, allowing true personalities to shine through.
Mentorship & growth:
I’m passionate about mentoring photographers with real, no-BS guidance. Through mentorship, workshops, masterminds and community events, I help photographers build confidence, refine their craft, and create a sustainable business—without all the trial and error.
Features & accolades
I’ve had the honour of having my work featured in VOGUE, Best Version Media, and Travel Massive, as well as showcased by the City of Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market, Toronto Tourism, Jamaica Tourism Board, and Nomad Adventure Tours Africa.
I’ve had the joy of collaborating with award-winning artists like the James Barker Band and Leah Daniels. I’m proud to be a member of the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers, where I continue to grow and share my passion for capturing one of life’s most intimate and transformative moments.
testimonials from our happy families
"Melissa is extremely professional, personable and delivers high quality!
Melissa took newborn photos of my son and our growing family when he was a couple weeks old. The pictures she took were amazing, they were exactly what I wanted and we couldn’t be happier with them! Melissa is extremely professional, personable and delivers high quality!! Can’t wait to use Melissa again in the future!
- Sarah W.
testimonials from our happy families
"I am absolutely blown away by the outstanding talent of Melissa. Her skills are second to none.
She truly knows how to work with the lighting and location. She makes you feel comfortable and at ease knowing it can be a little awkward to have a camera following you around. She’s great at giving direction when there are certain shots she wants to get, but is amazing at capturing the best candid moments. Melissa gets right down on the ground and isn’t afraid to get dirty to ensure you get the best pictures possible. Her editing skills are phenomenal. I just want to print all of the pictures! I would use Melissa’s services again and again and again.
- Jen P.
testimonials from our happy families
"Melissa is the perfect photographer to capture these special moments.
Before my husband and I had our little one, we knew that we would want someone special to capture one of the greatest moments you could experience. We contacted Melissa a couple months before our girl was born and we connected immediately! Not only did her photography capture the moments Kyle and I would cherish forever, but she was unbelievably flexible and accommodating in her schedule, extremely supportive and understanding and made the whole process full of enjoyment and love. Melissa is the perfect photographer to capture these special moments and we have been complimented by many of the amazing pictures we have of our daughter’s birth.
- Alanna & Kyle T.
testimonials from our happy families
"Melissa captured my body transitioning during the second trimester with such beauty and realness combined.
It was the perfect tribute to the miraculous changes I was going through. Melissa was very easy to work with and gave great direction throughout the shoot. Her turnaround time for providing the edited gallery was so quick and when I saw the proofs I was speechless. These photos are the most precious captures of me and my body which has become the vessel of life for my baby. Melissa has a wonderful way of capturing the maternal love and inner glow which shines through in her finished photos. I highly recommend Melissa for all your family photo needs.
- Rebecca M.
