Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Small.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Melanie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve had a love for cameras and pictures every since I was a little girl. My grandmother had portraits and photo albums everywhere in her home. Whenever I’d visit her, I’d go straight to her pictures and ask questions. What really sparked it for me was when my grandfather was attending my brother’s high school graduation. He had gotten upset with the Polaroid camera that he had and he then gave it to me and I’ve had an interest ever since. What made me take a leap of faith was during an announcement of a layoff in 2012. I began to brainstorm about what I felt that I was good at doing, but with it not feeling like work at the same time. I made a decision to start a side business as a photographer. I purchased a Nikon camera and I became really familiar with it. I created an online presence with my work and I began to see interest and customers by 2014.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, not a smooth road at all. The struggle for me has been with the belief in my talent from others. From the start, I’ve had a lot of instances where I’ve had to be my own cheerleader or prove my work or value, but that’s just how life goes. The best thing that I’ve found to do is to just continue on my path and the right people will show up and they have from time to time.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the M. Jeanette Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
Well, M. Jeanette Photography is a one-woman business that’s centered around portrait, lifestyle and event photography. The main themes that I’ve serviced are family portraits, prom and graduations, small to medium-sized weddings and events. I consider myself to be a natural light photographer mostly and I will also travel to fit your needs. I’m proud to provide quality portraits to people who love and value memories as much as I do. I’m proud to know that my clients are excited about working with me. I think that what sets me apart is that I’m not pretentious and my work is priced as such.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t know if I can use the word ‘luck’, but I really feel that perseverance has had it’s hand in my life so far. Anything that I’ve been able to achieve with my life and business was not because it was handed to me. I’ve had to visualize the results that I wanted, push myself and do the necessary work. Luck would be nice, but knowing that you have sweat equity is even better.
Pricing:
- Portrait and Event Photography – $75.00 an hour – Digital Only (on USB or online for download)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mjeanettephotography.com
- Phone: 469-702-1983
- Email: mjeanettephotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mjeanettephography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mjeanettephotography
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