About Melanie Myhre
As an artist deeply rooted in the natural world, my work seeks to capture the dreamlike essence of human connection with nature. Whether through photographing a moonlit forest or capturing the fleeting interplay of mist, light and shadow, my goal is to invite viewers into a world of wonder and possibility.
Specializing in fine art photography, I create surreal, painterly images of people in natural settings, drawing inspiration from Romanticist and Pre-Raphaelite painters, as well as the fairytales of my childhood. I believe art can illuminate the darkest corners of existence, sparking wonder and imagination.
I believe magic is everywhere if we know how to look. My work seeks to highlight the extraordinary hidden within the ordinary, encouraging reflection, dreaming, and a deeper connection with one’s inner world. Using digital photography, I employ lighting, camera skills and post-processing to achieve a dreamlike aesthetic. My images often feature women in nature, exploring the interplay between femininity, strength, resilience, and the environment. —a reflection of my own childhood adventures in prairies, woods, and wetlands. The magical light of early mornings and stormy skies continues to inspire my compositions, symbolizing hope, transformation and the beauty of the unknown.
My process involves hand painted digital enhancement—lightening, darkening, color adjustments and painterly texturing—while maintaining the authenticity of the scenes. No AI is used. Occasionally, I layer photographs together for subtle elements like adding a moon to a night sky, but most of the magic is initially captured ‘in camera.’
Biography
I grew up in northern Minnesota, where my artistic family nurtured my early love for drawing and painting. My journey into photography began in 9th grade where I became fascinated by the images appearing on blank paper in the darkroom. Photography soon became my primary passion, I was inspired early on by the Romanticist and Pre-Raphaelite painters and a childhood fascination with fairy tales, which helped shape my ethereal, dreamlike style. My images often evoke a dreamlike and surreal quality, reflecting the wonder I feel in nature. Through my art, I invite viewers to immerse themselves in the magic of these moments, aiming to inspire a deeper connection to the world. I believe that art can spark creativity and wonder, illuminating even life’s darkest corners. By sharing awe-inspiring scenes, I hope to encourage others to find their own sources of beauty, peace and inspiration. My work has been featured in publications like Sony Alpha Universe and Sigma Corporation of America. I’ve contributed to two books that are available through Barnes & Noble and Amazon and have received multiple awards, including the prestigious Sony Alpha Female Micro Grant. I hold a B.S. Ecology and Environmental Science (St. Cloud State University) and I currently live in West Virginia where abundant natural beauty serves as the perfect canvas for my work as a full time artist.
