As 2025 wraps up, I’ve been sitting with a lot of gratitude and reflection. Every year teaches me something new, but this one felt especially defining. Not louder. Not busier. Just clearer.

This year wasn’t about chasing more. It was about refining what already matters: how I work, who I work with, and why I do what I do in the first place.

Here are a few of the biggest shifts that shaped 2025.

Corporate photography has changed a lot over the last decade – even in the last few years things seem to have picked up the pace. It’s not just about headshots or event documentation, today’s corporate visuals play a more strategic role in branding, communications and overall marketing. And they compete in a very busy visual marketplace. Check out how companies and photographers are adapting to new expectations and storytelling trends in 2026.

If you know one thing about me, you know I am a BIG fan of dogs. I am partial to boxers (I’ve had five), but any dog is a good dog in my book. When North Penn Animal Hospital was working on a new website and updated brand and called ME to update their photos, I was unbelievably excited — I don’t think I’ve ever answered an email faster. Offer me the chance to spend the day with the team in Lansdale and pet every dog I could find?? Dreams do come true.

When you invest in hosting an event, whether it’s a conference, gala, fundraiser, retreat, or company celebration, you’re doing a lot more than just having a party. When you host these events, you’re creating an opportunity to tell a story, market your brand, and create a  connection with your audience. Professional photography turns these moments into marketing assets that you can use long after the event is over.

At Melissa Kelly Photography, my team and I help organizations capture the energy, emotion, and intentionality behind your events so you can leverage those photos across platforms year-round. Here’s why professional event photography delivers such a strong ROI.

Still Rise Farms is a special place. Founded by Dr. Monique Gary, a surgical oncologist and PCOM alumna, the 40-acre farm offers holistic wellness support for individuals navigating the challenges of cancer and chronic illness. I spent some inspiring time at the farm with Dr. Gary to create some images for PCOM’s Digest Magazine. 

If your company has invested in branding photos before, you already know how powerful they can be for marketing. Professional photos don’t just show what you do,  they help people connect with your team, your values, and the experience of working with your business. But here’s the deal: branding photos aren’t a one-and-done investment. Your company grows, your team evolves, and your visuals should reflect that.

So, how often should you update them? Let’s check it out.

I was on site to photograph an exciting event for Piramal Pharma Solutions as they announced a new partnership with NewAmsterdam Pharma Corporation. The ribbon cutting ceremony celebrated a major investment in a dedicated manufacturing site at their Sellersville, PA location. This new space will help support global production of a key cardiovascular treatment. Who knew such incredible work was going on in our little neck of the woods??

The transition to corporate work wasn't something I planned in the early days of MKP. (If I’m honest, I’m really not much of a planner, I’m more of a “recognize your opportunities and seize them” kind of gal.) It happened gradually as I began exploring what else my photography could accomplish beyond documenting life's big moments. It didn’t take long to I realize that the skills I was using while shooting weddings and portraits had many more applications than I imagined.

It’s probably true that most people don’t get excited about annual reports. But they can be exciting, especially when they are telling a real story - and great photography is one of the best ways to deliver that message.

Whether you’re wrapping up a big year or sharing your organization’s long-term impact, your visuals can do more than just “fill space” between the numbers. Here’s how to make your annual report photography feel intentional, human, and story-driven.