Check out this Q&A with Amy Melito from amyMELITOphotography, a portrait and wedding photographer based out of Columbia, Missouri.
Tell us a bit about yourself. The only thing more important to me than my friends is my family. I love to hear people’s misinterpretations of song lyrics. I hate beans. Fall is my absolute favorite season. I love to laugh. I suffer from spoonerism. Plants do not seem to live long in my house. The song “Lovin’ You” by Minnie Ripperton is perpetually stuck in my head, but just the section with all the lalala’s and high pitched ahhhhhh.
Why did you choose to become a photographer? Initially, after finding my dad’s 35mm Nikon EM camera in high school, I worked on my school’s newspaper and yearbook staff as a photographer. Yes, it wasn’t that long ago that film was the norm. From there, I went to college and after a few misguided attempts at various fields I returned to fine art, photography in particular, after remembering what a great time I had of it back in high school. It’s what I studied, it’s what I know, and it’s what I enjoy.
How long have you been a photographer? Professionally, about three years now.
How would you classify your style of photography? In short, candid moments (a photojournalistic approach). My favorite photographs capture the genuine, authentic expression. I am there to witness and to document the relationship between my clients which, in turn, generates an emotional moment in time that will physically last for years to come.
Who or what are some of your influences on either a personal or professional level? Anything and everything really. Movies (from cinematography to composers), architecture (structural composition to landscape), and music (harmonies and the ability to convey emotion) are a just a couple examples of what can influence me.
What’s your preferred type of camera equipment? I am a Nikon girl, all the way.
Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of. Honestly, I am proud of each session and all the wonderful people I’ve met. Making new friends with my clients is a definite perk that I am thankful for.
What would you recommend for a couple just starting their search for a wedding photographer? Look through a photographer’s portfolio/blog and you can easily see if their style, technique, and quality are what you think represents you and your personal style. Then when it comes to the actual session/event just relax and have fun. Remember that you hired a vendor with talent and experience, so if they should ask you to do something a bit unconventional and “nutty” just trust their vision. It shouldn’t be a chore, so have fun with it!
What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out? A specific date/time, number of people to be photographed, a tentative schedule and expectations are beyond helpful in these circumstances.
What advice would you give to potential clients? When scheduling your wedding day always, always, ALWAYS allow a cushion of time for individual photo time. Even the most scheduled wedding can run behind. The one thing you absolutely do not want to miss is that special one-on-one time, just the two of you and your photographer. You are creating memories that you can physically look back on and truly cherish. To me, that’s worth the time.
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