Picture books

Melinda McIntyre travels beyond the confines of photography to create mixed-media images that tell stories full of emotion and meaning

- Melinda McIntyre

MISSION: Use lighting and composite techniques to create images with compelling narratives PHOTOGRAPHER: Melinda McIntyre LOCATION: Pristina, Kosovo KIT USED: Nikon D850, AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR lens, Lensbaby Edge 35 Optic INSTAGRAM: @melindamaephotography WEBSITE: www.hellostoryteller.com

When I was very young, I saved up cereal box tops for a Where’s Waldo? promotional film camera, and I have been taking pictures ever since.

I got serious when I received my first DSLR, a Nikon D5000, in 2010; I now shoot with a Z 7II. I used to be a family photographer, but I have shifted to mostly personal work, including self-portraits and images of my own family. I love capturing light, and finding ways to create and tell stories through my photography.

Digital and physical collage

I create a lot of composites, which require high megapixel counts to maintain fidelity and sharpness. I mostly use wide-angle lenses, so I can capture more of myself, even in confined spaces like a stairwell or hallway – wherever the light is best.