For Me, It’s Always Been About More Than the Photograph

I’m Melanie, the photographer behind Roaming Vaquera Photography. My connection to western life runs deeper than the photographs I take. It’s a part of who I am and it’s taught me to appreciate the people, places and everyday moments that make this life so meaningful. 

I’ve always known this work was about more than taking photographs. It’s about getting to know the people in front of my camera and documenting the pieces of their lives that make them who they are, in a way that feels genuine and gives them something to hold onto long after the moment has passed.

THE HEART BEHIND ROAMING VAQUERA

This Way of Life Has Always Felt Like Home

my story

At the heart of what I do is a genuine love for this life and the people who live it.

Growing up around the western lifestyle taught me that some of the most meaningful parts of life aren’t always the big, picture-perfect moments. They’re found in the everyday. Sometimes it’s at the end of a long day when your boots are covered in dust. Other times, it’s simply being with your people or carrying on something that’s been part of your family for years. So much of it can feel ordinary while you’re living it, until one day you realize just how much you miss it.

I’m a self-taught photographer based in Central Alberta, Canada and a twin mama to a little cowboy and cowgirl. Most days, I’m in jeans with my hair up and a camera never too far away. There’s usually a Yeti somewhere nearby, too. I love a good coffee and will happily stay out for the last bit of light at the end of the day.

When I’m not behind the camera or editing, I’m usually outside with my family. Our days might take us out with the horses or have us working around home. We spend a lot of time ranching and you can often find us at a rodeo. It’s a life we’ve worked hard to build and one I don’t take for granted.

Photography has given me a reason to slow down and appreciate these moments. That’s what I hope to give the people in front of my camera too. A reason to be present while it’s happening, with photographs that let you return to it long after the moment has passed.

The Best Photographs Happen When You’re Free to Be Yourself

my approach

When it’s time to photograph your story I’ll offer guidance when you need it without making the experience feel overly directed. I’m also paying attention to what’s happening beyond the obvious. Sometimes it’s a familiar gesture between two people. Sometimes it’s an expression that changes in an instant or something unfolding nearby while your attention is somewhere else.

The result is a collection of photographs that doesn’t simply show you what happened. It brings you back to how it felt and holds onto the character that made the experience yours.

You don’t need to know what to do in front of my camera. That’s my job. What matters to me is creating the kind of trust that lets you settle in and feel like yourself. That’s where the photographs that mean something begin.

That trust starts long before I pick up my camera. I want to get to know you and understand what makes your story yours. I’ll help you prepare for our time together too, from choosing outfits that photograph well to planning around the best light for your location. By the time we meet I want you to feel like you can simply show up knowing I’ve got you.

I am a lover of sunrises, sunsets, thunder storms, warm summer nights, dusty corrals, adventures, good coffee, the cowboy way of life and rodeo arenas under the bright lights. I’ve always been drawn to photographs that feel like there’s more to them than what you see in the frame. I feel incredibly fortunate to do what I love while documenting your stories.

BEYOND THE CAMERA

When I’m Not Behind the Camera...

Outside of photography, most of my life is spent right where I love it...outside. Surrounded by my people and immersed in the ranch life that means so much to me.

We spend our summers riding, at rodeos and taking part in brandings. We have a few young horses we’re excited to bring along into the breakaway and team roping pen in the near future. Our kids are a big part of that life, too. We love bringing them along for the everyday moments, getting them involved in sports and letting them grow up experiencing the kind of life that keeps you outside, surrounded by good people and always doing something together.

I love travelling the world, spending time with friends and making the most of each season we’re in. More than anything, I’ve learned to really cherish the ordinary moments in between. Life moves incredibly fast and I think that’s a big part of why photography means so much to me. Not just to preserve the big milestones, but to remember what this season of life actually felt like. You can find me with a coffee or yeti in hand always, hair up & jeans on ready for any task that comes my way. I’m in such a busy season of life and I’m soaking up each moment! 

Stories Worth Staying Around For

from the road

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