We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melinda Harkley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melinda below.
Melinda, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
I enjoy providing photography to individuals and families to help them capture special moments (such as birthdays, maternity sessions, the birth of children, graduations, holidays, etc) and preserve their family memories.
Also, I enjoy weddings and being a part of the couple’s special day. As their photographer, I get to know the couples and they get to know me during their engagement session. I become an active participant in planning their special day by connecting with the wedding planners/coordinators and other vendors. Together, we all have the responsibility to ensure the couples’ wedding day is perfect and memorable.
Lastly, I am also passionate about working with small businesses and entrepreneurs by offering branding sessions to help promote and grow their brands/businesses. My goal and desire are to build long-term relationships with my clients to serve all their future photography/videography needs.
Melinda, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hello. I am Melinda Harkley, owner of Melinda Harkley Photography and Videography. As a photographer, I’ve been a hobbyist since I was a pre-teen; taking pictures of family, friends, special occasions, vacations, school activities and church events. My love for pictures started when I was a child. When we visited my grandparents, they would get their photo albums out to share with us the memories or introduce the people in the pictures. I’ve always enjoyed taking pictures and creating my own albums over the years.
I launched my business on September 23, 2019 after completing an education course on photography and Videography. I provide lifestyle portrait sessions for individuals and families, Branding sessions for small businesses and entrepreneurs and photography/videography services for weddings and events.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I started my business shortly after losing my mom to pancreatic cancer in July 2019. It helped me to cope and to keep moving forward. Exactly Six months later (January 2020), I lost my sister to metastatic breast cancer. Focusing on my business, although difficult at the time, helped me through the grieving process and continues to help me to keep moving forward with my life; as I know my mom and sister would want me to. Shortly after losing my sister, the pandemic hit. Fortunately, my business has continued to thrive in spite of the pandemic. My mom encouraged me in my passion & pursuit in photography. My sister always supported me and encouraged me to create the life of my dreams.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I am growing my social media following organically! I trust God and believe that I will continue to attract the right followers and clients that are for me. My advice for those just starting to build their social media presence is to be patient, post consistently, be authentic and be sure to include pictures/videos of yourself in your posts (you are your brand and how people will connect with you). Also, do your homework on Social media or hire a social media manager, if needed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://melindaharkley.smugmug.com/
- Instagram: http://Www.instagram.com/Melindaharkleyphotography
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/MelindaHarkleyPhotography
- Other: https://www.google.com/search?q=Melinda+Harkley+Photography+&+Videography&ludocid=7397414017283529935&ibp=gwp;0,7&source=g.page.m.rc._