Today we’d like to introduce you to Melinda Woodward.
Hi Melinda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Melinda K Photography started on the sidelines of jiu-jitsu and wrestling tournaments, where I was simply taking photos of my son doing what he loved. I quickly fell in love with capturing the hard work, emotion, and moments that happen both on and off the mat. When my son reached high school, I began photographing all of his teammates too, making sure every athlete was seen and celebrated, win or lose. Before long, I was chosen by the booster club to be the official photographer and social media manager for the Weatherford High School wrestling team.
While I was photographing the team, parents started asking if I would take their family photos as well, which naturally led me into family and senior photography. Around the same time, I also became the official photographer for a charity event called Cast for Kids, where children with special needs are given the opportunity to experience the joy of fishing. Being part of that event and capturing those smiles and moments has been incredibly meaningful and close to my heart.
Today, I photograph families, seniors, construction projects, and community events, always focusing on real moments and honest storytelling. Whether it’s an athlete in motion, a family milestone, a job site in progress, or a day spent on the water, my goal is to create images that feel genuine, meaningful, and full of heart.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges was transitioning from fast-paced sports photography to still portraits. Capturing action came naturally for me, but learning how to slow down, work with families, and use outdoor light intentionally was a whole different challenge. Every family is different, and working with kids, parents, and varying personalities takes patience. Not everyone is comfortable in front of the camera, and there’s often a lot happening at once. Learning how to read natural light, handle changing conditions, guiding people without forcing stiff poses, and capture genuine connection instead of perfection took time, and a lot of practice. Those challenges pushed me to grow, taught me patience and flexibility, and helped shape the photographer I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I photograph families, seniors, athletes, and construction projects, always trying to capture real moments and the stories behind them. I got my start shooting wrestling and jiu jitsu tournaments, first just my son, then all his teammates and that’s really where I fell in love with capturing emotion and action. From there, I started getting asked to photograph families, and I also began managing social media for Karen Banes and Genesis Jiu Jitsu Azle, which allows me to use my photography skills in a different way. I’ve also been lucky enough to photograph charity events like Cast for Kids.
What I’m most proud of is creating photos that feel real and meaningful, images people can look back on and remember exactly how it felt in that moment. I think what sets me apart is my focus on capturing genuine connection, whether it’s an athlete in action, a family milestone, or a day on a job site. It’s not about making things look perfect, it’s about capturing the story behind the moment.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
The best way I’ve found to build a network or find a mentor is to get involved in communities you care about. Whether I was volunteering at wrestling/jiu-jitsu tournaments or charity events, I’d often run into other photographers and make a point to ask questions and learn from them. Being curious, showing interest, and focusing on genuine connections opened doors and created opportunities I never expected.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mk-photo.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelindaKayPhotography40
Image Credits
For the photo of me Catrice Tkadlec Portraits.
