About the Photographs

Inspired by nature’s beauty and the quote from John Muir, Before It Gets Dark is a collection of photographs dedicated to exposing the world in it’s most authentic state and remind us what is important. It is easy to get lost in work, technology, and even relationships, so much that we are oblivious to the little wonders happening all around us. Before It Gets Dark is meant to inspire all of us to look up on occasion and see what the light can uncover in the world, and to never take moments, friends, and family for granted. With enough patience we may all be privileged enough to have a good look at it before it gets dark.

About the Photographer

Nature Portfolio: My love for photography began here. All photographs on this site are taken by me, Melissa Tetreau. I grew up in Massachusetts as an active kid, and spent a lot of time outside exploring or enchanted by the discovery channel. As I got older, that enchantment was replaced with indifference - there was simply no time for enchantment. When I stumbled into photography about 5 years ago, I was reunited with the ultimate discovery. The world is just one big ball of “this is life”. Some things are scary, some gross, some uncomfortable, but most of it is beautiful. And as long as you can see the beauty in the mundane the possibilities for enchantment are endless.

Family and Pet Portraits: My love for nature photography came from the idea that beauty in an image comes from a naturally occurring moment - nothing is staged, posed, or planted. For that reason I opted to stay away from standard family portraits. That all changed after a request for pet portraits. Sure you can keep an animal still long enough to pose, but what is more spontaneous than following a dog around for a hour? I quickly learned that my love for naturally occurring moments can happen with people and animals too, it just required a bit more attention. Don’t get me wrong, I love a great coordinated photo, and I understand the need for posed family photos, but because I believe that the most authentic emotions are captured with candid shots it is a personal goal to provide my clients with as many candid photos as I can put together.