Check Out Melody Ochterbeck’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melody Ochterbeck.

Hi Melody, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I really love people and getting to travel. I also really love to laugh and find joy in anything that I do. Being a photographer allows me to constantly be creative and try new things, which is both scary and amazing!

When I was five years old I used to take pictures with my hands of a certain field we would pass coming home from church. I still remember noticing how pretty the old rustic barn looked as the light hit it a certain way and how the cows all around just completed the picture. Ever since then, I have been in love with photography and the beautiful people and places I have the honor of capturing through my lens. Something I’ve learned is that what beauty looks like is different for each of us. I know for me beauty comes in so many different forms. I see it in creation as I capture stunning (sometimes hidden and forgotten) landscapes with my camera. I see it as I photograph couples who have such authentic love in their eyes for each other. I see it in the laughter of a family as they try to “look natural”. I see it in the smile of the high school senior who has finally completed one journey and is about to start an exciting new one. I feel like you can find beauty in anything as long as you keep your eyes open for it and that’s one of the things that keeps me inspired every day and why I love what I do!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As most people who start their own businesses would probably tell you, it’s not always the smoothest road to go down. I started my photography business exactly four years ago and during my 2nd year, we went through a worldwide pandemic and like a lot of people, caused me to be without work for a good while. Then when we finally were allowed to work again, no one could afford to pay to get photos taken. That was just one crazy unexpected obstacle I had to get through. Also, since this business doesn’t have a guarantee of a paycheck every other week, I’ve learned it takes a lot of trust and perseverance to continue on, especially in seasons where business isn’t the best. I’ve also learned this, if you are passionate about something and it makes you come alive, it is worth it!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a photographer. I love and do all types of photography but some of my favorite things to photograph are landscapes, engagement/couple sessions, and elopements. Take me to the forest or the mountains with two people who love each other and I could be there for days photographing them lol!

Something that is super important for me is to help people feel confident and comfortable in their own skin and help them capture moments in time that they otherwise wouldn’t have.

I’ve learned that with photography, you can never compare yourself with someone else because everyone is different. I have grown so much just in the last four years of stepping out and actually starting my own photography business. I’ve learned that having a community of fellow creatives is so important in the growth process. You should never be “too good” to grow in your craft.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Melodyannsphotography.com
• Instagram: @Melodyannsphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Melodyannsphotography