Meet Melissa Johnson of Melissa Sue Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Johnson.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Melissa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started getting into photography about 10 years ago. I’d been pretty lost about what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, taking random college classes for different things, trying to find something that would click with me. I bounced around a ton, considering everything from floral design to a museum curator. I’d always enjoyed taking photos but had never really considered it as a career. In the summer of 2009, I was on a vacation with my family in Florida and asked my dad if I could try out his camera (he’s always been really into photography). I lined up my shot, pressed the shutter, and was hooked from that moment.

When I got home, I changed my major at CSU to photography. But about four weeks into that next semester, I realized this program was not what I had in mind. I was taking sculpture classes and drawing classes, but NO photography classes. I realized that by the time I finished my 4-year degree I would have only taken 6 photography classes. And that just felt like a massive waste of time and money. So, I did some searching online and found an online photography course that could teach me everything I wanted to know, in a fraction of the time (and cost). That year, my parents bought me my first real camera for Christmas and I was off to it!

Turns out, that photography course I bought (or more like, my parents bought and I paid them back for) was really outdated, focused a lot on older, outdated techniques, and just really wasn’t what I was hoping it would be. I did learn some things, but I struggled with just reading the content and trying to digest it. I needed some hands-on help, and I just wasn’t getting it with this course.

So, I spent the next could years kinda wallowing in self-pity. Taking photos here and there, and then being upset that they weren’t what I wanted to capture. I was disappointed with the photos I was taking but didn’t know what I was doing wrong or how to fix it. Things finally changed for me when I connected with a local photographer who was (and still is) everything I wanted to be, Corrie Kraft. Long story short, she taught me everything I’d been looking for. She taught me how to shoot in manual mode, what editing software to use, and how to use it, and a million other things. She’s a beautiful soul, an incredibly talented photographer, and a dear friend. And if you’re looking for a photographer, definitely check her out. #communityovercompetition

From there, I photographed just about anything I could get my camera on. Babies, boudoir, dance recitals, you name it, I’ve probably photographed it. But over the years I found myself pulled in one direction – weddings. I’ve always loved weddings, and I’m a sucker for happily ever afters and anything romantic. But more than that, I love watching people come together to celebrate this moment. And I love becoming friends with my clients and watching their marriages thrive as their lives grow together. There’s nothing better than that!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Definitely not! There were more struggles than I ever could have anticipated, and still are.
Running a photography business can be very isolating. You’re a one-woman show, doing all the things, making all the decisions, and never really knowing if any of it is working. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but also the most rewarding.

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I focus mainly on weddings and engagements. I’m a sucker for people who are head over heels in love, and I love capturing those relationships as naturally as I can! I pride myself on being able to elicit genuine emotions from my couples and make them feel natural and comfortable in front of the camera.

There are literally millions of wedding photographers out there, but some things that set me apart would be that I’m genuinely excited for my couples and want to get to know them! They’re not just another job or another paycheck to me. I want to hear about their journey, how they got to this moment, individually and together and learn what their dreams are for the future. I want to be a part of their tribe, who cheers them on when they’re having hard times and celebrates their successes alongside them. Their relationship is so much more than just a wedding day, and I do the best I can to honor every part of it.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Oh my, so many people. I never in a million years would have made it this far by myself.
First and foremost would be my husband, who is my sounding board for all my crazy ideas. He listens to me complain when things were hard, cry when I wanted to give up and celebrated with me when I was #killingit. He’s always believed that I can do this, and that belief in me has fueled me all along the way.

I’ve already mentioned her, but Corrie Kraft, who taught me how to use my camera and be the photographer I wanted to be. She’s a rock star and has such a giving heart. I’d still be fumbling around in auto mode if it wasn’t for her!

My parents who literally funded me from the beginning, buying me my first camera, paying for photography classes and hosting fees for my first website when I couldn’t afford it. And then of course for their never-ending support and encouragement!

ALLLLLLLLL of my amazing clients, who I can never say enough good things about. My clients are the bomb.com and I’ve learned so much from them all! My life is seriously so much better because of them!

Pricing:

• Average wedding investment is $3200
• An average engagement session is $450

Contact Info:

• Website: www.melissasuephotos.com
• Email: melissa@melissasuephotos.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/melissasuephotos
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/melissasuephotos

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.