Melissa Sheridan of Alexandria, VA on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Melissa Sheridan. Check out our conversation below.

Melissa, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
In today’s day and age, the pressure of having everything perfect is higher than ever. I speak for myself as well when I share this, but I think the thing most people – especially women, mothers, and entrepreneurs – are struggling with is the high expectations we put on ourselves and what we hope to achieve in life. Twenty or thirty years ago, there was just less. Less expectation, less exposure to what everyone else was doing, less pressure, less options, less distractions. We have it all now, but with that comes the price of feeling that we may never measure up. And because our lives are so closely watched by friends, family and total strangers online, I think many people do not want to verbalize these struggles, especially when they’re in a place of privilege.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Melissa Sheridan, the owner and photographer behind Melissa Sheridan Photography. I’m a family, newborn, and military event photographer serving Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C. area, and I’ve been in business for nearly a decade. What started as a way to document my own daughter’s life with a better camera than my phone has grown into a full-time, deeply personal brand centered on connection, legacy, and storytelling.

I’m also a proud military spouse, and that piece of my identity shapes so much of my work. I understand firsthand how quickly seasons change, how often families relocate, and how meaningful it is to preserve moments when time never seems to slow down. Serving military families through promotions, retirements, and everyday milestones is one of the greatest honors of my career.

My business is built around creating an elevated, yet effortless experience for busy families who want to remember the season they’re in. I believe no one is “bad” in front of the camera, that photo sessions shouldn’t feel rushed or stressful, and that any family, no matter how experienced, can have artful, meaningful images. My style is genuine, detailed, and connection-driven, and I guide every step – from wardrobe styling with my client closet to delivering timeless images families can enjoy for generations.

Right now, I’m focused on refining a luxury photo experience by serving fewer families at a higher level, expanding my heirloom product offerings, and helping clients see their everyday lives as something truly extraordinary.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that I’m actively releasing is the version of myself that felt the need to say yes to everything that comes my way. For a long time, I equated being busy with being successful by overbooking, overextending, and pouring from an already empty cup because I thought that was how to grow.

That season served a purpose to get me going and move me into the position I am in today, but is not sustainable to stay in. It taught me resilience, work ethic, and how to build a business from nothing. But now, I’m learning that boundaries and focus are just as powerful. Releasing a scarcity mindset has allowed me to step into a more intentional way of running my business where I can serve fewer clients better, protect my family time, and create from a place of clarity instead of chaos.

When did you last change your mind about something important?
I recently changed my mind about how tightly I was trying to control and worry about every outcome in my business. I’ve learned that surrender and trust, especially in my faith, are not passive, but deeply active choices. Letting go of the need to micromanage outcomes has brought more peace into how I run my business and my life. I still plan and work hard, but with far less anxiety now.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies my industry tells itself is that Instagram is the gateway to success as a photographer. There’s a widespread belief that if you just grow your following, post consistently enough, or “crack the algorithm,” the bookings will automatically follow. For many photographers, that pressure turns into hours of time wasted creating content, chasing trends, and measuring their worth by metrics that don’t translate into clients or income.

For me, Instagram has largely been a giant time sink with very little return. My most meaningful growth has come from learning SEO and having a great website, word-of-mouth, repeat clients, relationships, and trust built over time – not from viral reels. Social media can be a useful tool, but it is very rare that you’ll become viral and “make it” from Instagram alone. I personally think social media is a great tool to stay connected with past clients or the industry in general, but is not a place I go to look for new clients.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I understand deeply that the most meaningful photos aren’t about perfection – they’re about presence. People often think they need the perfect outfits, perfect behavior, or perfect circumstances. What actually matters is the connection happening in front of the lens. Light, composition, and styling matter, but the soul of an image comes from the feeling in that moment. Once you understand that, you stop chasing flawless and start embracing what’s real, and that’s where the magic truly is.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://melissasheridanphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissasheridanphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissasheridanphotography
• Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/melissasheridanphotography/_saved/

Image Credits
my headshot – Marisa Glaser Creative