This week’s ambassador spotlight shines a light on Melissa Klein of Melissa Klein Photography. Read on to find out more about Melissa, see some of her beautiful work, and which bluebird chic strap is her personal favorite! (For this week, her pick will be available at a discounted rate in the shop.)
Melissa Klein is a baby, child and family photographer who focuses on fine art portraiture. Her studio is located in St. Paul, Minnesota, but she resides just north of the cites with her husband, two kids and two Siberian Huskies. Self-proclaimed goofball, hockey fanatic, and lover of cold, rainy weather. She loves to travel and listen to live music. If not at work, Melissa can usually be found outdoors with her kids (both the human and furry ones), at the hockey rink or cozied up on the couch with a hot cup of coffee. No matter what she’s doing, she almost always has a camera in hand. To see Melissa’s work, please visit her website at Melissa Klein Photography.
How long have you been a photographer?
I started my photography business in 2010, so just over 7 years now.
What made you decide to pursue photography?
I’ve always been interested in photography. Even as a kid, I could always be found with my yellow 110 film camera in my hand. I originally spent most of my time photographing nature and wildlife, but once my kids were born my focus shifted to them. One of my friends had her first child around this time, and asked me to take photos for her. I did, and then she pimped me out to all her friends and I kind of fell into the business from there. She gave me the gentle nudge I needed – I had always said that being a photographer would be my dream job, I just didn’t know that people actually did that for a job at the time other than working at Proex or some other corporate portrait studio.
How has your photography evolved over the years?
My photography is constantly evolving – I’m always trying to learn more and refine my business. When I started out, I was really into props and felt like I needed all the things. Now I have a very simplistic approach to portraits. I use a lot of whites, creams, and other neutral colors, and not much at all for props or backdrops. I’ve also really been focused on Motherhood portraiture lately. As my kids are getting older, I’m realizing that I haven’t been in nearly enough photos with them. I think that in general moms aren’t in enough photos with their littles, and I’m trying to change that. I now offer a full studio wardrobe for mothers, babies, and children so all they need to do is show up and I take care of the rest.
What impact do you want your business to have on others?
I want to create a record of family history. People are so driven with the “now” – I want them to think ahead for the future. The images I create aren’t just so you can have a quick instagram photo and forget about it. I want them to be displayed in your home and enjoyed on a daily basis. I only offer my clients the highest quality prints and art products because I want them to be around for future generations.
What advice do you have to other women who are thinking of starting their own businesses?
My favorite part is working with babies. I LOVE babies and toddlers, and capturing family connections makes me happy. I also love that I can make my own schedule and work in my sweatpants most of the day.
What kind of camera(s) do you own and what role do they play in your life?
I have three Nikon DSLR cameras, a Sony point and shoot and my iPhone 7 plus. My main work camera is my D800 (just sold a D810 becuase I didn’t love it, so I’m on the hunt for a new main camera). My D700 is my backup (which hasn’t seen the light of day in several years) and my D90…I don’t even know where that is at the moment. I have a Sony RX100 mii point and shoot that I absolutely love. I originally bought it for taking a few photos at concerts, but it now goes with me everywhere. It shoots RAW, has all manual options, image stabilization with the video (LOVE the video quality!) and it fits in my pocket. With all that, I still find myself using my iphone for most personal photos. It’s always on me.
What’s your favorite thing about your bluebird chic strap?
I have a few bluebird chic straps, but my newest is the Lemon Sorbet Scarf Camera Strap. I love that it has a vintage feel to it. The colors are soft/not too bright. It’s very pretty and feminine, and gives a nice pop of color to my usual outfit color choices of black and grey. I also love the attention to detail, and that it’s extremely well made! Not only is it a beautiful strap, but it’s something that I know will hold up to a lot of use.
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This week save 20% on Melissa’s ambassador pick! Offer ends 07/16/17.
[ click here to shop this style on our shop, on etsy, or Amazon handmade ]
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Thanks for sharing with us today Melissa and for supporting the bluebird chic brand!