hey there, I'm melanie
Tulsa OK Photographer for families and seniors
Meet Melanie
Hi, I’m Melanie! I'm a Texas girl turned Oklahoman with a heart for faith, family, femininity, and building a legacy. I’m married to my best friend, Jonathan, and together we’re raising our two little girls, "Ritter" and "Tiny". Our days are filled with princess dresses, reading marathons, and snuggles with beloved Jellycats. Most of my free time is spent in our very orange (but very cozy) 1990s kitchen and doing my best to keep everyone fueled amidst endless snack requests! If you know, you know :)
My faith in Christ and the blessing of family are at the heart of everything I do. That same love inspires my work as a photographer. To me, photography is about pausing to celebrate the love, connection, and grace that shape our lives, even in the messy, imperfect days. I call it “polishing the monuments” - taking time to reflect on the seasons and stages of life with thankfulness for how the Lord has guided and blessed us through them. Photos allow us to revisit those moments often, grounding us in gratitude and preserving a legacy for future generations.
When you work with me, my hope is that your session feels easy, natural, and meaningful. You do not have to show up perfect. I want to know and capture the real you! The roughhousing, the giggles, and of course a few camera-ready smiles, too! These are the people and gifts that matter most, and it’s my joy and honor as a trusted Tulsa OK photographer to help you preserve them.
- Melanie
Always a friend,
2011
Melanie Foster Photography officially launched during my freshman year at the University of Oklahoma.
2013 - 2015
Began booking OU senior photos -- I've since photographed 200 graduates and counting!
2017
The next evolution in my business came with investments in education and formalizing my systems.
2021
A year of growth in more ways than one - we had our first daughter, and I re-launched family photography!
2020
Jonathan and I were married, and I moved from Norman to Bartlesville.
2023
We welcomed another Russell baby girl into the world!
color analysis consultant
I'm an autumn! 10/10 recommend for young moms or before your session!
if i never found photography,
I might have become a...
My second love is cooking and feeding people!
if i never found photography,
I might have become a...
Personal chef
if i never found photography,
I might have become a...
sideline reporter
my childhood dream growing up as a huge college football fan!
if i never found photography,
I might have become a...
rodeo cowgirl
sign me up to be a flag girl!
if i never found photography,
I might have become a...
Nick JOnas FANGIRL
I've been a jonas brothers die hard since 2005 - the same year they became a band!
300+
Oklahoma Families
Photographed
14+
Years in business
250+
College and High School Seniors Photographed
You won’t find weddings, headshots, or events in my portfolio - and that’s on purpose. I’ve built my business around two seasons of life that matter deeply to me: the full, fleeting days of family, and the unique milestone of senior year.
Because I specialize exclusively in families and seniors, I bring a level of focus, calm, and experience that you won’t get from someone trying to do it all. This isn’t just a niche, but a choice to go deep instead of wide. To serve differently and to see opportunities and moments that others might miss.
My sessions aren’t rushed. They’re not cookie-cutter. And they’re never about just ‘getting a few good photos.’ They’re about telling the story of this season with heart and giving you images and keepsakes that live well beyond their digital footprint.
Why I Don’t Photograph Everything - And Why That Matters for You
Weekly momfits, slow weekends with my family, steak date nights, hospitality with church family, thrift store treasure hunting (and finding a place for it all!) Here's a peek into our everyday life!
A GLIMPSE AT OUR EVERYDAY
What matters most deserves more than a download
This isn’t just about capturing pretty pictures. It’s about stewarding the legacy God’s given you with care, intention, and joy.
If you’re a mama who wants to pass down more than just memories, but also the feeling of this season and the love in your home, I’m here to make that possible. I take the emotional labor off your plate and turn fleeting moments into tangible heirlooms you’ll actually hold, display, and pass down.
You don’t have to do it all. You just have to choose someone who sees what matters, and handles it with heart.
What if this could feel easy and still be everything you hoped for?
©2021 - 2025 Melanie Foster Photography | All rights reserved
Brand + Website by: The Kate Collective