One of the most rewarding parts of this job is seeing some amazing photography come from a wide range of individuals - both professional and amateur. What makes the photography so amazing isn't the work itself -- it's the passion/spunk/love that pours out of it. That said, we're starting a new Behind the Camera blog segment, dedicated to showing off some of our favorite photographers. Kicking us off is Melissa Stynski of Life Photography by Melissa in Colorado Sprints, CO -- an awesome photographer who has a habit of posting the most adorable photos on her Facebook page all. the. time. How adorable? Imagine a couple of guys scrolling through her page while girl-squealing. That's how cute.
Some of the LifeWall crew have known Melissa for quite some time (she & her family used to live up in MN), and she's been an awesome source of support for us since we got started. We've even partnered with her to offer her clients a 10% discount on all printing. But the best part about her is that she obviously LOVES what she does. Just ask her clients (they're from pretty much all over). And if you still don't believe it, please take just a quick look at her
website,
Facebook page, or
blog.
To give you a better idea of who Melissa is, what led her to do what she loves, and a bit more, we asked her a few quick questions.
Behind the Camera w/ Melissa Stynski
How long have you been into photography (both professionally and personally)?
I have been doing photography since I had kids just over 5 years ago. When my oldest daughter was born I found such a passion in capturing each moment. Some may say it became almost an obsession as before my first daughter was even a year old I had well over 10,000 photos on my computer just of her. After my second daughter was born, just 15 months later, I continued to my passion and a few years after she was born I turned my "hobby" into a career. In 2010 Life Photography by Melissa was born. I can honestly tell you, I never dreamed that I would turn my hobby into my career, but it has been such an amazing journey so far!
What are you favorite subjects to photograph (people, nature, etc.)?
My favorite to photography is children! Hands down. I love that most of them never look at the camera, but you can still capture there innocence through a simple look. I also love nature. Living so close to the mountains, I love to take photos of the mountains, the aspens when they change colors and animals.
If you had to choose your all-time favorite photograph (not necessarily taken by you), what would it be?
A photographer that really inspires me is a friend of mine from northern Minnesota. She takes a lot of nature photos and always has a story to tell behind each one. I do have a photo of my own that has made it to my wall and on my business cards - It was a total "mistake" photo but turned out perfect in every way. A simple photo of my kids, after take about 100, there was a C130 air force plane that flew right over our house. Living in a city with 5 military bases, we have a lot of military plans that fly over....anyway, one of them looked right at me and the other looks straight up! Hands down, my favorite photo and I think it captures what kind of photographer I am.
Canon or Nikon?
Nikon - I was a Sony user for years and upgraded about a year ago and I must say - I will never go back :)
Aside from photographing, what do you love doing?
I love being a wife and mom! My entire life, that is all I wanted to be....so my kids and husband come first before my business for sure! I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family.
Favorite breakfast food. Name it.
Eggs
If you had to pick a song to be the theme of your life, what would it be?
I would have to say, no matter the day, Chris Tomlin always has a song for me!
Name your favorite kitchen utensil or appliance.
Tom just bought me a Ninja for Christmas - I have to say - I am pretty amazed! :)
Out of all the Avengers (superheros), which would be? (Options: Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, or Hawkeye?
I am not sure if he is "considered" a super hero but I would say God! No matter what, no matter my journey, he is always there and is always the same!
Is there anything else you'd like to say?
I am just a real photographer. I like my clients to be real and just enjoy the moment! Life is too crazy to not be :)
So, that's Melissa in a small nutshell! Of course, this wouldn't be an appropriate post without highlighting a few of her pictures, so check out a bit more of what she's done:
There are several hundred miles between Melissa and Lifewall, and it's great to have such a talented, supportive photographer all the way out there. Thanks to her for being interviewed by us! To explore a little more of her work and/or to contact her, check out the links below. And of course, feel free to comment!
- Alex
