We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melissa Mclaughlin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Melissa, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Keeping creativity alive for me has come from allowing my mind to wander, essentially staring at a wall and surrendering my mind to all abstract thoughts that may come through. This strategy allows me to actually cling onto an idea and execute it. I’ve had moments where I’ve tried to draw inspiration from the internet and various other artists, but I quickly become overwhelmed by all of the information to take in and can never fully land on a decision.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m Melissa and I am a Boudoir and Wedding photographer based out of New Jersey. The names of my brands are Boudoir by Mel, and Weddings by Mel. I believe the most exciting part of my job is the enjoyment and healing that a photo session brings my clients, especially my boudoir clients. What I love about photographing weddings is that I am able to capture so many important memories that will be valued until the end of time, basically. I feel that what’s special about my work is that I take the risks in my style and execution, which results in my work being not perceived as conventional, but those who appreciate my style really love it. When you find your people, you win. I believe that when you’re true to yourself and what you love to do, you create more passionate, and all around better work for people. Boudoir by Mel is launching a few amazing mini marathons throughout 2025 so be on the look out for those! You can find me at boudoirbymel.com or melissamclaughlin.com
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Making sure that you are not complacent and comfortable in what you know about your profession, especially if it is a freelance endeavor, and ESPECIALLY if it is art related. I make it a point to take all opportunities to learn more about posing, lighting, editing, capturing photos through new strategies, and always be willing to learn from someone who is “better” or more successful than you. Do not allow your ego to get in the way, there is always more to learn, no matter how great and well versed at your job you already are. I suggest in many trades, you can learn a LOT from YouTube. Creativelive, Skillshare, Udemy are great routes as well.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
An ideal client for me is someone who is willing to be somewhat non-conventional in their photo shoot. Someone who is creative and artistic, and receptive to bright colorful ideas for their photo shoots/weddings. I am very open and accepting to whoever wants to book my services, and I consider myself a safe space for clients to come and freely express themselves with me. I love clients who are able to relax and trust the process as well. I strive to really enjoy the company of the clients who book me, I want them to be able to consider me as a “friend” and not let things feel so transactional, photography is an intimate vulnerable service.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://boudoirbymel.com
- Instagram: melissapmcl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissamclphotography
- Other: Wedding Website: Melissamclaughlin.com
Image Credits
All images taken by myself, Melissa McLaughlin.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
