Today we’d like to introduce you to Melinda Wilkinson.
Melinda, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My photography journey started back in 2013 when I finally decided to pick up and learn the DSLR I had bought myself after college graduation. I loved learning all of the technical aspects of photography, starting with the exposure triangle and the rule of thirds. As I practiced capturing the world around me, both in nature and in portraiture, I really found an appreciation for how a photographer can show a whole story with just an image. I did not start my business right away, but eventually, in July of 2013, I filed for my LLC and started my business. In the beginning, I worked with a wide variety of clients, but as I have worked and studied and learned my craft, I have really focused on just a few areas of photography. I absolutely love capturing those moments that represent the start of a new phase in life. The pure joy and amazing energy during that time is so incredibly special! Maternity, newborn, and high school seniors are where my heart is, and what my business specializes in.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Photography is an art form that is so trendy right now, and with that popularity comes a lot of different styles. The most difficult part for me has been finding what my personal style is. I love some of the trends happening right now, like themed mini sessions, and have seen beautiful portraits created with them. They are not for me, though. I have spent years trying different types of sessions, learning different editing styles (no presets here!), and practicing what makes me happy and proud. Coming to a place where I’ve discovered what kind of business I want to run, and how I want my clients to feel after they’ve worked with me, has been quite a journey – but so worth it.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My work focuses on those times in life where your journey changes – maternity, newborn, and high school seniors. These moments are so important to capture – how it felt, what you enjoyed at that time and the details that you don’t want to forget. I capture all of these in each of my sessions because of these moments matter.
As a business, I love focusing on one family, one subject, at a time. It allows me to build a relationship with them and really listen to what they want from their session. I design each individual session after speaking with my client. Whether we’ve met in person, talked on the phone, or just communicated by email, their input is very important to me as I begin planning.
My images don’t have a lot of props, and my editing style isn’t trendy. My edits are crisp and clean, with true to life colors. I want to focus on the people – their connection, those little details, the emotions. Each of my collections includes an album and print credit along with the digital images because I know how easy it is to keep the digitals on a computer and forget about them. I take the work away from my clients and provide them with beautiful albums that can be looked through over many years. As digital cameras have become more popular, people have forgotten (or not had the time) to print their pictures, and I know that 10-20-30 years from now, they’ll realize what a mistake it was. I know that my clients will get their images in a format they can use, and those pictures we worked so hard for won’t be just sitting on a computer waiting to be found.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have had so many people help me along the way. I found a great group of local female photographers who opened my eyes to all aspects of photography – both as a hobbyist, as well as a business. They all have different styles, and it is so fun to see what they create. The idea of community over competition is amazing within this group, and we all support each other and help each other grow.
Pricing:
- Session fees start at 100, includes photographer’s time and talent
- Collections start at 545, includes digitals, album, and product credit
Contact Info:
- Website: melindawilkinsonphotography.com
- Phone: 469-609-7940
- Email: melinda@melindawilkinsonphotography.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/melindawilkinsonphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melindawilkinsonphotos
Image Credit:
Melinda Wilkinson Photography
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