Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Herrera.
Hi Melissa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began in the peak of a pandemic, in August 2020 after the birth of my second child. We had endured several miscarriages and she was our rainbow baby (thus, the name of my studio). And I realized the times were too uncertain to be risking her health by hiring a photographer. I wanted to document all her milestones and so my husband thought it would be a good idea to buy me a camera.
I had no experience with photography at the moment but I had many friends who had also recently given birth or had babies under a year old (when I say ‘many friends’, I mean 7 women) and I thought, well, they surely want to do the same. So I began offering to take their photos for free, just as a friend capturing moments for them. That’s when I realized this could possibly be a good business opportunity. My husband had given me the choice to resign from my full-time job to stay at home with our baby, so I thought this could be a way to still bring in income.
In 2021 began the process of researching photography classes and courses. I would stay up at night watching YouTube videos, scouring the internet, Facebook, Instagram, anything that could teach me about lighting, posing and camera settings. I came across several courses, and eventually, Newborn Photography.
I just fell in love with images from different photographers across the world and knew I wanted to do THAT. So I continued the search to learn and absorb everything. Shadowing other photographers in the area and becoming certified in safety. I also attended a mentoring course which led me to really understand the business-side of my once “hobby” and truly make it successful. I now offer my clients prints and heirlooms in addition to their digital images.
I started this business working from my own living room. I now have a commercial space in the heart of DFW, fully equipped to welcome my clients and their families to capture their most special moments. I have worked with about 150 newborn babies and hundreds of families, most of which come back year after year to introduce the newest members of their growing family!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As an entrepreneur, I can tell you it hasn’t been easy. Most people have a hard time seeing what it takes to successfully run a one-person business for 5 years, where you hold all the decisions but also all the responsibility. As a sole-proprietor, I must do the marketing, media-upkeep, budgeting, planning, creative, booking, cleaning of the studio, all behind the scenes. And know that while all the success is mine, it also falls on the shoulders of my family’s support, and late nights that I stay up planning and working on the next project.
I think conveying this kind of value, in an economy where professional photography is more of a luxury and commodity, is tough.
However, I have found that what I offer in my client’s experience in the studio, from having a full studio service with gowns and wardrobe options for their family and professional glam service to seeing their portraits in digital form as well as in beautiful prints, is why they keep coming back.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Maternity and Newborn Photography is my specialty. I offer my clients a private studio service with an array of maternity gowns and newborn to toddler wardrobe for them to access in any session. Additional to a fully equipped studio that also includes a variety of curated specialty props, I also offer professional services for my clients to get ready in studio and feel confident in front of the camera.
While most photographers deliver only digital galleries, I specialize in designing and creating artwork for my clients out of their photos. From Canvas and Acrylic prints to albums and keepsakes, I aid in the design with their home in mind so they can display their photos in any room of their home. That sets me apart. I offer my clients a fully curated session, not just a one-size-fits-all where they say cheese and move on.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I am currently celebrating 5 years in business at 35 years old. I would not be here if not for the grace of God for leading me every step of the way along this journey and bringing the right people to me to help me grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rainbowphotomh.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainbowphotographymh/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rainbowphotographymh
Image Credits
(Branding Photos) YM Photography
(Behind the scenes) Rainbow Photography MH
