Anyway, I wanted to give you, my lovely readers, an inside look at the woman {Melissa} behind the camera at Melissa Oholendt Photography! I'm willing to bet you'll love her - she sounds way too fun! So, without further adieu, meet Melissa!
As not-magical as it sounds, I kind of fell into photography. I grew up with cameras all around but never really got into photography until a trip to Washington DC with my dads old Nikon film SLR camera completely rocked my world. After that, I took every photography class I could take and read every business book I could get my hands on.
When did you realize you could turn your passion into a profitable business? When was Melissa Oholendt Photography founded?
After feeding my photography education monster, I was asked by a friend in early 2009 if I would photographing her family and I remember driving home from that - my very first session - out of my MIND excited about what had just transpired. That next week I made everything official and the original Melissa Oholendt Photography blog was born shortly thereafter. For just over a year I assisted a well-known local photography studio and learned so much about running a successful and creatively thriving business as well as staying true to who I was. Getting my business running and shooting my own weddings while also being mentored by an enormously talented photographer was one of the best experiences I could have afforded and truly was my trial-by-fire moment.
What is your favorite event to photograph?
Weddings. Hands down. There's so much joy and anticipation in the day and I've been blessed with the most amazing clients who I enjoy spending time with and am genuinely thrilled for.
What inspires you and your work?
Fashion! Art! Music! Sparkly things!
What do you love most about your job?
Oh goodness, my clients. I LOVE photography, but the reality is that my clients make all the hard work of running a business and photographing weddings worth it. I want to give them my very best, always.
What is one thing you wish ever client knew/did that would make your job easier in assisting them?
I feel like a little PSA announcement, but this has become so apparent as of late. Wedding coordinators are worth every penny; having someone who is on your side (!!!!) to eliminate the stress of coordinating with vendors and to plan and execute those amazing little details that become overwhelming during that last few months? Priceless.
What is your ultimate goal/dream for your business or professional life?
Honestly, I'd love to shoot a fashion lifestyle shoot for J.Crew. And beg Jenna Lyons to be my mentor. My love for weddings is deep, by my love for Jenna Lyons and sequin harlem pants is a close second.
If you weren't a photographer, what would your dream job be?
A J.Crew version of Rachel Zoe. {I just really like J.Crew, OK?}
What advice and/or tips would you give to people looking to start their own business adventure? What did you find helpful when starting out? What were the most difficult things to overcome?
1. Educate yourself.
2. Find a mentor.
3. Get your legal ducks in a row.
4. Be authentic and don't compare yourself with the competition.
5. Run head-on into the things you are most scared of.
The last one is a constant battle for me. But what I have learned is that if I am fearful of something, it usually means I need to push forward and face it head-on or else risk being bullied into being stagnant.
{Just for fun}
What are five things you simply can't live without?
The J.Crew Fall Collections. Authentic friendships. My no-no-bad-dog Gunnar. The smell of clean sheets. My amazing, amazing, amazing husband.
What is your favorite color scheme at the moment?
Monochromatic grays. Yum.
What is your favorite time of year to photograph?
Late summer! The golden sunsets; the beautiful, lush greenery; the photo dates leading to wine dates? Perfection.
What trends are you seeing in the photography industry lately?
The return of the classic romantic. {LOVE!} Modern patterns in bridesmaids dresses. {Really love}
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Now that you have grown to love her {and her love for J.Crew}, check out some of her favorite photographs from past clients
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... and you can add business-savvy and talented to her rap sheet! If you're interested in check out more of her work, head over to her blog, Facebook and Twitter pages for lots of eye-candy!
Thank you, Melissa, for giving us the chance to know more about you and your awesome photography business!
** If you're interested in having your business featured in our Featured Vendor series, or submitting your work to the blog, contact us!
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