Melissa

35mm, 120 format | April 20, 2026

Kodak Portra 800

On April 20, 2026, Melissa and I did a super fun, gender-affirming photoshoot at the James Blackstone Memorial Library. Melissa is blind and trans, and although she doesn’t love being in front of the camera, we truly had a wonderful time! I was so excited to work with another disabled person, and I’m so happy I got to be a part of this experience. Shoutout to Nadia at Nadia’s Beauty Spot in Branford, Connecticut, for doing her hair and makeup to make her feel as glamorous as she truly is! ♡

Leading up to the shoot, Melissa specifically asked for assistance coordinating everything due to her disability. Being blind can make it more challenging to navigate websites, compare options, and schedule multiple services at once, so I worked closely with her to handle those details; from booking hair and makeup to planning a timeline and choosing a location that was accessible. Making sure my clients don’t have to stress about logistics, especially when accessibility is involved, is something I care deeply about. I want the experience to feel easy, supported, and genuinely enjoyable from start to finish.

After her makeup was finished, I picked Melissa up and drove us around Branford so we could travel to each location comfortably and without added stress. Do I normally drive my clients? No. Will I for those with disabilities and accessibility needs? Absolutely! Accessibility is of the utmost importance to me. My job is to meet you where you are, adapt to what you need, and create an experience where you feel fully supported, seen, and able to be yourself. That’s where the best photos (and most fun!) come from. I love capturing love in all forms — between people and within ourselves.

Creating an inclusive environment where people feel safe enough to be fully themselves is a crucial part of my work. As a disabled photographer myself, I especially love working with other disabled people because there’s an unspoken understanding of pacing, figuring out if venues are accessible, and knowing that we move through the world a little differently. I always want that understanding reflected in the way I photograph. PS - If you’re interested in learning more about my disabilities, check out my Disability & Art Blog, where I also address why I shoot film!

When working with people, disabled or not, I’m always happy to accommodate your needs so you feel comfortable and supported. Melissa’s session was scheduled for an hour, but given her needs, things naturally took a bit longer, and that’s more than okay! I never want my clients to feel rushed when they need extra support! My approach is flexible, patient, and grounded in making sure we capture what matters to you in a way that feels good doing it. Safety, joy, and visibility are extremely important to me, and I hope that comes through in these photos. No matter who you are or where you’re from, you are welcomed here with me. ♡

120 film

35mm film

“I had a gender affirming film photo shoot with Briana Raucci and it was a wonderful experience. I am legally blind, and she really went out of her way to accommodate that, she came up with wonderful suggestions as to where we should do the photo shoot, she assisted me and making arrangements for hair and makeup prior to the photo shoot and it was a pleasure working with her. The photos she took came out really, really great and I highly recommend her for all types of photo shoots.”

— Melissa

See the review on Google

Photography Reviews

Valentina & Luca

“We loved working with Briana for our small wedding elopement. She was so kind, easy to work with, and incredibly helpful—we never felt lost at any point. She went above and beyond, brought an amazing array of cameras, and the film photography was honestly stunning and timeless. We’re really glad we chose her and would definitely recommend her.”
Sheyla & Italo

“Highly recommended. Briana is a phenomenal photographer. She is a very cheerful, friendly person. Her vibe is absolutely special and makes you feel relaxed on the occasion. The moment we connected via phone call, her professionalism, passion, and creative vision were evident. She helped us capture moments, emotions, and memories in a way that felt both artistic and authentic. She made our wedding so special, not just through her excellent photos, but through her warm presence, genuine care, and patience with every shot.”
Alexa & Tom

“Briana is a multitalented designer, photographer, and overall artist. This spring, we collaborated on two projects: the kickoff of our cooking sociall and my bridal shower photos. With our photos, she took the time to understand what we wanted from the event, who we needed to capture, and the feeling we wanted to convey through the images. She brought 3 cameras, one digital and two film. The final products reminded us of a rom-com! The turnaround time was wonderful, and we are so happy to have these memories for life.”
Vicki & Kevin

“Highly recommend Briana for any photo needs. She shot our engagement photos that we absolutely love! She was easy to work with in scheduling, and was great in giving us posing directions, and finding a beautiful spot. Briana genuinely made our shoot fun which helped keep us relaxed and I think that came through in our photos. 10/10 would use her for future photo shoot needs!”
Bryce & Matt

“Briana did our wedding. It was a small, intimate affair at Madison Beach Hotel and she was the perfect choice- super professional, laid back and delivered amazing photos we still cherish. She blended in seamlessly and made the whole experience a dream. I can’t recommend enough. 10 stars!”
Jordyn & Matt

“Briana was absolutely amazing to work with! She did engagement photos for my husband and I and also created a personalized drink sign for our wedding. She is extremely attentive to detail, patient, and passionate about art. I would recommend her to anyone!”
Eddie & Sal

“Bri was a professional! She took excellent headshots for my business cards and couples photos! She helped get my business cards designed and printed. She has exceptional taste and a great eye for detail. I would recommend and use her talents again thank you!!”
Ericka & Mario

“Briana took newborn photos of our son Carter and we loved her work! We had to have her take our wedding photos! She did an amazing job capturing our wedding at City Hall. I would absolutely recommend her!”
Joe & Jessica

“Could not have been happier with Briana's work! She was fast, smart, creative and super helpful. Everything we wanted was accomplished -- and at a super reasonable price! Would use again for family photos or other photo needs, for sure.”
Steven & Joey

“I hired Briana to photograph my wife's birthday, which took place at a beautiful location. Briana has an amazing eye, a true artist. The shots of our friends and family are scrolling through our digital frame, we see them daily. Her pictures of the venue are gorgeous. She is a great photographer, artist, and editor.”
Melissa

“I had a gender affirming film photo shoot with Briana and it was a wonderful experience. I am legally blind, and she really went out of her way to accommodate that, she came up with wonderful suggestions as to where we should do the photo shoot, she assisted me and making arrangements for hair and makeup prior to the photo shoot and it was a pleasure working with her. The photos she took came out really, really great and I highly recommend her for all types of photo shoots.”