Meet Melody Millhollon | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melody Millhollon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melody, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
As a small business owner, I have definitely had my share of imposter syndrome. Going against the grain to do what we are passionate about is a risk. Social media makes it seem so simple; with all of the creators out there with thousands, even millions of followers, it seems like a piece of cake. I think it’s so easy to compare ourselves to others, but I have learned that it often does more harm than good.

The times in my career that I’ve almost given up have come from a place of insecurity- the feeling that I don’t have what it takes to make photography something I can depend on. My business was part-time for years. I worked other jobs while pursuing my dream, and that was necessary at the time. Taking the step to going full-time will always feel risky if you have a small business, but I have benefitted more from taking risks than I have from taking the easier route.

I have been able to focus more on my business since it is my number one priority now, and that in turn has resulted in more success. The more you put into something, the more you will get in return. My biggest advice to anyone just starting out is to get to a place where you feel very educated in your craft. If you have honed in your skills enough that you could teach them with ease, you are ready to take the next step of pursuing it as a career.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always been an artist. Ever since I was young, I pursued art in many different forms. In my younger years, I loved music and performing. I participated in choir, theatre and even took acting classes. As I got older, I was introduced to the digital media side of art. I started out making videos and splicing them together with editing software. In high school, I discovered photography, and I have never been more captivated by an art form before.

I enrolled in a school dedicated to digital media and design, and learned all that I could about cameras, lenses, and the ins and outs of a photography career. I started my business as a hobby, taking photos of friends for graduation or other small events. As I got older, I moved from my hometown, Gresham, Oregon to North Houston, and slowly began building what my business is today.

My art has evolved over the years, but the root of what inspires me has stayed the same. What first caught my eye about photography was the feeling I got when looking at certain images. I am drawn to photos that are filled with life; the ones that you can feel, hear, and experience. My goal when working with clients is to create a space where I can capture those moments. Whether it’s a photo of someone sitting in nature with a breeze flowing through their hair, or a family laughing together under a beautiful open sky, I want to capture the feeling. When I look at a photo, I am so drawn to the “candids”. Over the years, I have learned how to create moments within a session that feel candid and fun, instead of posed and unnatural. My style is warm, intentional and timeless. I use natural edits and warm tones to create an inviting, memorable photograph.

Although it hasn’t been an easy journey, it has been extremely rewarding. I have worked many part-time jobs, and even worked for companies in the photography field, but my ultimate goal has always been to have my own business. I have experimented with different niches, from families and couples, to weddings and even real-estate. I have enjoyed honing in my niche and style, and I am always growing!

I have learned so many lessons, but a few of them have stuck out: Always be willing to learn, because there is always more to learn in such a fast-paced, ever evolving industry. Be confident in your brand, style, and process, even if you have to fake it ’til you make it! Confidence goes a long way with people and connections, and psychologically helps you become more sure of yourself, too! Lastly, keep going. Keep making art, and keep showing it to the world. Consistency is the key to success!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Houston is such a fun city to explore! If you’ve never visited before, here are my suggestions for a fun week in the area:

One of the most fun and unique hotels in Houston is Hotel Zaza. It’s a chic, quirky and upscale stay with many different themed rooms to choose from- like the Soho-inspired loft! Just blocks away is the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, as well as the Museum of Natural Science for an exciting day downtown.

Head over to Houston Heights for shopping, coffee and good food! There’s tons of boutiques and thrifting to do, surrounded by fun and colorful murals for instagram photo-ops! Check out Boomtown Coffee and Rice Box, some of my go-to spots!

If you’re up for a drive and want to experience nature, head to The Jones State Forest in The Woodlands for a hike surrounded by tall pine trees. Follow your day outdoors by going to Market Street, a beautiful area for shopping and good food with plenty of restaurants to choose from!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my digital media and design teacher, Cane Prevost. I went to a charter school in my high school years, The Center for Advanced Learning, in Gresham, Oregon. My teacher, Mr. Prevost, taught me everything I needed to know about cameras, editing, and the basics of photography. His teaching style was very easy to digest and he blended the practical and artistic side of photography so well. All of the assignments he gave were hands-on, and helped me learn skills I still use to this day. His passion for this craft inspired me to pursue a career in this field. I owe so much of my knowledge to his teachings.

Website: https://melodyhopephoto.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyhopephoto/?hl=en

Image Credits
Images by Melody Millhollon- Melody Hope Photography