Asheville Documentary Family Photography

Exploring the hidden depths of normal, decent lives.
Mesmerizing, cinematic, and surprising images. Easy and enjoyable sessions.

Melina Coogan Photography is moving away from providing only digital files. In a glorious return to analog, your session will result in fine art prints, photo books, and framed images, all available for order after your session.

Documenting the sublime absurdities of raising children in this era

Even when it’s good, parenthood is relentless, and in the ceaseless cycle of days we lose the ability to recognize how haunting, funny and pretty it all is. I am the fresh eyes you have been searching for without knowing exactly what you’ve been searching for. These images will reflect back to you all the beauty that exists in your life right now, exactly as it is.

Photography Services

Documentary Sessions

Make It
Mountaintop Sessions

Make It
Weddings

Make It

Book a Session

About Melina

Melina Coogan is an international award winning family photographer and photography mentor based in Asheville, North Carolina. She has shot Day in the Life family sessions across the US, Europe and Ireland. Her work has hung in gallery exhibits, museums and private collections.

In addition two her two biggest passions (photography and her magnificent daughters, Olive & Ivy) Melina loves singing sea chanties, New England, climbing, the history of Northern Ireland and learning the Irish Language, which is ridiculously hard. Slainte!

Photo Credit: Little Wild Things Photography

About Melina

Philosophy

“Melina is a quiet genius. Her eye, skill, and style make her unique in a sea of family photographers. She is funny, brilliant, and approachable, and makes you feel at ease. The documentary style turns everyday life into art you'll cherish for generations.”

SOPHIE | FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY ASHEVILLE
“Her enthusiasm for making amazing images is contagious and makes it feel incredibly fun and collaborative to work together. She has an intuitive eye for beautiful light and capturing small moments of beauty that most people would probably overlook. Even if she’s in your home photographing the things you see everyday I guarantee you will be surprised by the images.”

JULIA
"The raw emotion that Melina embodies in her artwork demonstrates her bright and energetic love of life’s intricacies. Her art of depicting the variety of lifestyle in modern family life is not only revolutionary but a true gift to the onlooker and a treasure to the seeker. She is a rarity in lifestyle documentary photography."

KIM