Get to Know the Photographer Behind Life Photography by Melissa

Your photographer should be a good, close friend. You are, after all, trusting me with your most precious family memories! Get to know me in this interview where I talk all about the ins and outs of running my own photography business, give you a peek into my personal life, and share some of my all-time favorites and must-haves. When you show up to my studio, I want you to feel comfortable, safe, and relaxed! So take a moment to get to know me, and if any of my answers resonate with you, leave me a comment telling me what hit home. I can't wait to meet you!

How long have you lived in Colorado Springs?

I have lived in Colorado Springs since 2006.

Where did you live before you moved to Colorado Springs?

Before moving to Colorado Springs I lived in a town of 200 people in Minnesota

Did you always know you wanted to be a photographer?

No, I wanted to be a nurse. I went to college to be a nurse, then changed my career field to computers. Graduated college and ended up working in the medical field till I found photography!

What's your favorite kind of photography session to do?

Hands down, newborns are my favorites to photograph!

If you could only choose one location for all of your maternity sessions, where would you go?

In Colorado, I would choose any place with a mountain view.

What's the best thing you ever did for your business?

Start it. :)

What are you most proud of in your business?

I am most proud of giving memories to my clients. That has been my passion since I started this business 13 years ago. It has been my number one goal to give my clients something they will treasure for years to come and I believe I have been successful with doing just that.

What are you most proud of in your photography?

This is a hard question for me to answer. "Proud" is such a strange word. I have set so many goals for myself along this journey. Some have been much harder than others, and some have come as second nature to me. I am happy to have met my goals, and I am honored to have had so many amazing people push me to where I am today. There is always something to learn, always new obstacles to overcome. So to fully answer your question, what am I most proud of in my photography? I would have to say I am proud of the people who have joined me on this journey. I am "proud" of them for pushing me everyday to be a better me.

What's your favorite part of your job as a photographer?

My favorite part of my job is seeing the look on parents' faces when they see photos of their baby for the first time. My favorite part of my job is laughing with kids as I do goofy things to get that smile. My favorite part of my job is capturing those, what have been and could be, last family memories they have together. My favorite part of my job is my job. Being a photographer is not just someone who has a camera. Being a photographer is connecting with people, getting to know people, being real with people, showing emotions, being available, being flexible, taking time away from something you love to capture something last minute and meaningful to someone else. Being a photographer is a lot more than what the world claims it to be.

What's your least favorite part of your job as a photographer?

I don't have one. The title holds more than a camera, and I learned that a long time ago.

You said newborns are your favorite to photograph--how many would you say you've photographed in your career?

In almost 13 years of being in business, I have photographed over 2000 newborns!

If you could be anything other than a photographer, what would you be?

I get asked this question a lot. My entire life I wanted to be a mom. I am a mom and I love it, even on the challenging days of now raising teenagers. Outside of being a mom, I love kids and I really love our older population. It's been a dream of mine to photograph someone turning 100. I have gotten close, but never at 100. I hope to do that one day.

How many photo sessions would you say you've shot in your entire career?

Oh goodness, A LOT! I don't know an exact number without going back over the years and counting. If I am taking a wild guess, I would say 5000 different sessions over the years.

What hobbies do you have?

I love to craft. I love to make things. I love to color.

What's your favorite travel destination?

Well, fun fact... In 41 years, I have never left the USA. So I hope one day to do that and have a destination. So right now, to answer your question, anywhere outside of the states would be awesome.

What's your favorite book?

I have several. The Bible is my number one. I seem to always find some kind of peace and understanding when I am reading it. I also love Colleen Hoover and Nickolas Sparks books.

What's the most fun you've ever had?

Family vacations with my kids and husband!

Favorite movie?

I don't have a favorite movie - I always fall asleep. LOL! My favorite TV show that I love to watch on repeat is Reba.

Favorite season?

Fall

Favorite snack?

Pickles - I love dill pickles with everything!