Hi there! I'm so glad you're interested in getting portraits done. My name is Melina, and I hope to be your photographer! A little about me: My name is Melina Ojibway, and I’m the owner/photographer at Melina Rain Photo.

I was born and raised here in La Crosse, WI. I was lucky enough to marry my childhood best friend, Jon, who you may have met as my second shooter at weddings or the guy that helps hold all the things occasionally on busier shoots. Together, we have two ridiculously handsome sons, Kayden and Hank, and one black lab, Koda, who is always in a serious state of FOMO but is widely regarded as the goodest boy.

I’m a member of the Ho Chunk nation- hoocąk raašra wakąjapįįga hįįgaire. My grandparents were LaVerne and Lorraine (Snowball) Carrimon, and I was very lucky to be raised in our traditional ways. While it’s not something I’ll often photograph, it’s something that is a big part of who I am and my daily life. You can see the influence of all my relatives that raised me in not only the way that I carry myself, but my humor and big laugh, all of which I unintentionally bring to every shoot.

When I’m not behind a camera or in front of a computer, you can find me most likely at my son’s baseball or basketball games- I’m the one who cheers too loud and never really knows the score for sure. If we’re not at his games or events, we’re probably showing up for one of my nieces or nephews instead. In my downtime, you’ll usually find me in my craft room sewing or beading, baking something cozy, trying a new recipe, or deep in an audio book or true crime podcast.

As your photographer, my whole goal is to give you portraits that you’ll cherish, while making things as easy and accessible as I can for you. Your session shouldn’t be something you’re dreading or overthinking. I love working with families, energetic kids, pets, and I’m always up for trying something new. I want you to be as comfortable as you can in front of a camera, and I say that as someone who genuinely never knows what to do with her own hands as soon as I’m on the other side of that lens.

Everyone deserves to feel beautiful, seen, and celebrated and I’m here to make sure you do.

Xx, Melina