Melissa

Making Cake Pops with Melissa Jane

Posted on by Melissa
Well, you are here on my photography blog, hoping to see some posts about photography and stuff... Instead here is a blog post about making cake pops?!?! I have had quite a few people ask me to share my tricks and tips on making these adorable treats, so I figured a blog post was the easiest way. I have also made all of the mistakes so you don't have to. 1.The first step is to make your cake. I use a box cake mix...Read More

The Power of Branding

Posted on by Melissa
Like most entrepreneurs we are constantly bombarded with how to brand. How to brand yourself. How to brand your business. How to brand to attract your ideal client. This can be SUPER overwhelming. I have spent so many years working to create a brand that accurately expresses me and what I do. And I am still not done, but I have learned some amazing skills along the way and I am happy to share them with you. First of all, what are you selling?...Read More

Best Outdoor Photography Locations in Hamilton

Posted on by Melissa
Outdoor photography is one of my favourites. I love nature and being able to incorporate that into my photography sessions is an added bonus. I have been thinking about writing a post about locations in and around the Hamilton, Ontario area and I have finally gotten around to it. Let me share some of my favourite locations, spots I cant wait to shoot at and the spots that are free or will charge for permits. DUNDURN CASTLEOh the castle. I have done tons of...Read More

How to plan a styled bridal shoot

Posted on by Melissa
Trying to break into the wedding photography industry can be difficult. How exactly do you book the clients and weddings that you want? I had zero ideas. I have tried the wedding shows, online marketing, flyers, etc. I just wasn’t seeing much coming back from that. Then I started to hear about styled bridal shoots. It is a shoot that is curated for the sole purpose of increasing your portfolio and media presence. SIGN ME UP!! And that is exactly what I did. A...Read More

How Welcome Guides add to the experience for your brides

Posted on by Melissa
What exactly is a welcome guide? It is a magazine style guide that you prepare for your future brides to help them plan and know what they can expect from you on the wedding day. This tool also helps to manage a brides expectations for your services and what they will receive as your client. As a bride, planning your wedding can be stressful. There are so many different large and small details that go into the planning and knowing where to start can...Read More

What does your session actually cost

Posted on by Melissa
Have you ever loved a photographers work only to get a quote and be shocked? I have! and I am a photographer. But when you really breakdown the costs. Photographers aren't getting rich from your session. Your Session Fee isn't just to take the photos. We spend an hour or so taking your pictures, but there are a lot of behind the scenes work that you don't see. Here is a list of the work and costs that go into your session Shooting time (this...Read More

My Side Hustle

Posted on by Melissa
Side Hustle. We hear this term a lot lately, but what does it really mean? For most, it is having a full time job but working on something else on the 'side'.  Having a 'side' business has become so much more common than it was even 10 years ago. Some do it for fun, others to be creative, but for most it is to make some extra money to support their families while doing something we love. Nothing wrong with that. But when does...Read More

How being insecure, actually made me a better photographer

Posted on by Melissa
We all have insecurities. Some more than others. And I felt like I paid a lot of attention to what other photographers were doing, and how this compared to my work. While I don’t suggest that having insecurities is a good thing, it actually made me a better photographer. Social media can be a great way to connect with clients, showcase your work and build your brand. But it also has a dark side. As consumers we see these beautiful photos of pregnant moms,...Read More