Meet Melissa Ann Knoop | Southeast Florida Photographer
We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Ann Knoop and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Melissa Ann, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Moments by Melissa Ann started on a bit of a whim. In 2022, I was sitting at home feeling bored and decided to buy a real camera—a Nikon D3500—from a friend. Once I had it, I began asking friends if I could take their photos or shoot small events we were attending, just for practice. I quickly discovered how much I loved capturing moments and how happy it made people to see themselves in a way they hadn’t before. I became known as “the friend with the camera,” and I realized I could turn that into something more. I wanted to help others feel confident and beautiful in front of the lens, just like I was doing with my loved ones. There’s something incredibly special about taking a photo someone truly loves. Three years later, Moments by Melissa Ann is thriving—and I haven’t looked back since. – I want the legacy of Moments by Melissa Ann to be rooted in kindness and authenticity. In a world where genuine human connection can feel rare, I take pride in treating every client with the same respect, warmth, and grace. Being a photographer is about so much more than just taking pictures—it’s about creating an experience. Every photographer brings something unique to their work, and I hope to be remembered as someone who led with heart, creativity, and sincerity—and who captured beautifully timeless moments that people will treasure for years to come.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Moments by Melissa Ann began from a place of curiosity and spontaneity. When I first picked up a camera, I quickly realized this wasn’t just a hobby—it had the potential to become something meaningful. What sets Moments by Melissa Ann apart is the heart behind the lens. I don’t just take pictures—I create experiences. I treat every client with kindness, grace, and respect, and I take pride in making people feel beautiful, seen, and celebrated in front of the camera. That genuine human connection is at the core of everything I do.
Building this business hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. Photography is a competitive, expensive, and time-consuming industry. There are high and low seasons, and it’s not uncommon to go from four sessions a week to hoping for just one mini shoot. Through it all, I’ve learned that mindset is everything.
What I’m most proud of are the relationships I’ve built—both with my amazing clients and within the photography community. Joining photography groups and connecting with other creatives has been essential to my growth. I’ve learned so much through collaboration and continued education, and I’m excited to keep growing in every aspect of my photography journey.
More than anything, I want the world to know that Moments by Melissa Ann is a photography experience built on authenticity, kindness, and creativity. My mission is to create timeless images that reflect real emotion special to your life, while making every person I photograph feel confident, valued, and truly seen.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting for a week, here’s how I’d show them the best time ever in Delray Beach:
We’d stay at the beautiful Opal Grand Hotel, right across from my favorite beach in all of South Florida—Delray Beach. It’s the perfect home base with its sunny poolside vibes, ocean views, and walkable access to everything fun and delicious.
Our days would be filled with sunshine and ocean air—either lounging at the beach (specifically the north side near the sailboats, where I’ve gone since I was a kid), relaxing by the pool at Opal Grand, or cruising on a boat with our toes in the water and a camera in hand to capture all the memories.
For lunch, we’d head to Pizza Rustica for their amazing square slices and laid-back Delray vibe, followed by a trip to Ben & Jerry’s for ice cream cones as we stroll down Atlantic Ave, popping into the cute shops and soaking up all the charm that’s developed in the area over the years.
For dinner, it’s hard to choose—some nights we’d keep it local with a meal at Elisabetta’s, right on the Ave, while other nights we’d head over to Mizner Park in Boca to check out the scene and grab dinner at Kapow!, one of my favorite Asian fusion spots with great energy and fun vibes.
As for nightlife? We’d definitely go out to Honey or Tin Roof, two of my go-to places in Delray for live music and dancing. And if we’re feeling adventurous, we’d check out Bounce, the new bar in town that’s already buzzing with energy.
Overall, it’d be a week full of sun, great food, beach days, and unforgettable moments—with me behind the lens capturing it all, of course. Just a true South Florida experience, the way I’ve known and loved it my whole life
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my mom, dad, sister, and closest friends – without their unwavering support, I would not have had the courage to branch out and start Moments by Melissa Ann.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentsbymelissaann/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570933914684
Image Credits
all images are property of Melissa Ann Knoop – Moments by Melissa Ann
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
