Category Archives: Photographer Q&A

Personal: Rocks and Photographers

Rocks. They’re everywhere. Each consisting of different matters, densities, and textures. We as humans walk and even drive by thousands of rocks on a daily basis. It isn’t until we need one for skipping or other purposes that we actually pay attention to it’s physical characteristics.
Imagine if a rock had feelings. ...

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Sarah - Wow. Thank you for this post. Thank you.

Daniel - It takes a confident person to dwell on others talents. Thank you Melissa. You are rare.

Peterson Photography - I NEEDED THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!

crissie - Melissa, you are so stinking sweet. You are seriously such a great person and I LOVE how well you wordsmith your thoughts. Moi!!! You always make me smile.

Ashley Madsen - Melissa!! Love this post. You have so many talents and writing is certainly one of them.

Melany - It brings a sense of confidence to know that I’m not the only one out there that is comparing myself to others. Thanks for the little reminders, Melissa.

Anonymous for many reasons. - Surprising that you wouldn’t feel that writing about other photographers wouldn’t hurt your business. But I like it.

Emily - Great post, my friend. I think your words apply not just to photographers, but to creative people in general. Love it, love you!

Ashley - I agree with Emily. I am “just a mom” but I completely related to this post. I consider myself a unique rock with gifts and talents that maybe no one else has. Sometimes it just takes a slap to the face to remind ourselves that others have worth and things they want to work on as well. Thanks Melissa. A million times, thanks.

Brittany Stover - You couldn’t have put it any more beautifully. You are a “rock”star for sure. Its funny, because we all feel it, but never say it.

Wendy C. Hosch - thank you for your post! i too feel this way and am not scared of other photographers amazing talent. art is all different and inspiring in its own way. and i would want people to hire me because they are in love with my work and style… not because they have a lack of options. more power to ya girl.

Marie Long - You’re great! I look up to you and your work so much! Thank you for reminding this world of photographers that we all have our own unique style! I feel like I have almost found mine.

Kam Taylor - Wow Melissa! Beautifully written and thank you for mentioning me. I couldn’t agree with you more. Big hugs to you and keep smiling my friend!

Laura Farris - Melissa, you have so many talents. I’m amazed at how you can arrange your thoughts into something so beautiful. You really are one of a kind. P.S. thanks for the nod.

Nicole Klingler - So sweet Melissa! Thankyou! You are wonderful!

Christie Petersen - I lovvvve this, thanks so much for posting, it was beauty-ful. I am also a Treasure Valley photog, so this was deeply meaningful.

Audrey Lewis - I really needed to hear this, thanks Melissa! I love seeing other photographers work in the area, and you’re super sweet to include me when I feel like I’m still learning and growing. You’re amazing!

wendy - I was just directed to your blog from a fellow photog. Love the message. And that you can appreciate all of our unique styles and talents. You have a fantastic attitude. I shall be back to visit soon.

Dana Peterson - What a great post. I think it is crazy that I have been shooting and networking long enough that I actually know several of these people you listed, know of several more of them and actually admire most of their work (the ones I don’t admire, it’s ’cause I probably don’t know them). I dream of shooting as well as you (or Laura, Audrey, Tiffany, Diana, Ashki pHotography). It would be my dream to make your list someday. Until then, I will keep at it, shaping my own rock and of course learning from amazing talent like yours!

Candice - Well I’m just starting into the photography world, but in an instant I had 50 new friends/mentors/fellow photogs in the area and I feel so blessed with people that have decided to “remove the mystery”, share their tips/locations, and encourage me as we encourage each other. I have realized their really never can be enough photographers. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m a competitive person. I want the edge. I want to be sought after in a big way, even bigger than anyone else. (Feelings which I have to reign in on a daily basis since being mommy is #1 and I have decided not to implement so many business ideas that swim around in my head constantly). But what I mean is, the world will never run out of unique, beautiful, wonderful people to shoot, locations that can take a new angle and a new perspective from countless photographers, events that can be captured through the eyes of endless photogs in endless ways. We’ll never run out! So to as many people that want to express art, I say, please do! And let’s all enjoy it and learn together! You, Melissa, always inspire me to have a “sharing” attitude when it comes to learning myself, and then helping others. I admire that trait you have and thank you. And on another very important note I send this out into the universe in your behalf: Morning Sickness go away! Come again another day! (Ick! Thinking of you. Hope it doesn’t last long.)

Gabrielle - Very, very inspiring. I feel like there are more than enough families, weddings, babies and special moments for all photographers in this world.

I am new to photography and love your work. I know another photographer — well I don’t know her yet, but we have communicated via email — that is interviewing photogs and doing mini shoots of them in her area. check her out! http://www.amyrosekingphotography.com

Fabiana - Wonderful post. Thank you for sharing your wonderful insight and for reminding us all that we are in this together. It is so comforting to know that were I need assistance, I could call on several area photographers to help me out in a pinch. Looking forward to getting to know more of these amazing photographers!!!

The Evolution of a Shoot: Fashion Photography

It starts off as an idea.  An itch.  A need to be creative.  I study my magazines in awe and wonder.  The result?  The brain wheels start to turn, and my finger gets click happy.  It’s time for another fashion shoot.  This time, I’ll let you in on my process.

First the model.  I needed someone...

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Gina - HOLY SHHHHHHHEEEESH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lindsay - These are seriously incredible. In.cred.i.ble.

Janette - Thanks SO MUCH for the behind the scenes look at what you do! LOVED IT!

Jaime - OMG! I want to be a part of your fun! I’ll send you some of my work with hair and see if it fits your style! Awesome shots! Beautiful girl!

crissie - STUNNING! Seriously. I expect nothing less from you of course but am floored every time. I loved seeing the journey of your vision.

stephanie - melissa, these shots were amazing. so beautiful. thanks for sharing the process. i loved it. holy bigeezers was the perfect exclamation point :O) hope you’re doing well.

Nicole Klingler - Wow Melissa! These are amazing!!! I love them!

Nicole Klingler - Your blue background is FABULOUS! Is this a texture is PS? WOW!!!
Talented parteners in crime too! Nice job EVERYONE! Model, gorgeous, hair and makeup AMAZING!!!!

Brittany Stover - Umm Yeah…Seriously, takes my breath away.

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