Melissa Schriek approaches her work with a deep curiosity and a love for noticing the small, often overlooked details. Her photography celebrates the playfulness of everyday life and the freedom of movement, capturing moments that feel both authentic and unexpected. She describes her work as existing in a space between fiction and reality, where in staged settings, scenes unfold naturally. With this approach she wants her images to retain a genuine sense of realness, inviting viewers to connect with the stories they tell.

Body language plays a central role in Melissa’s work. With a background as a dancer, she is deeply attuned to the ways our bodies express emotion and narrative—whether through bold, sweeping movements or subtle, intimate gestures. This sensitivity to movement adds a physicality and versatility to her images, which often feel as though they are in motion with energy and spontaneity.

Melissa is drawn to exploring the relationships between people and their environments. Her images often invite reflection, encouraging viewers to notice the connection between individuals, the spaces they inhabit, and the stories that unfold in between.