We were lucky to catch up with Melanie Chaponan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Melanie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

With photography, it captures unforgettable and irreplaceable moments. Often times people will pull their phones out to take pictures of the wedding or quinceañera that they are at and forget to actually enjoy the moment. That’s where I come in, to capture these memories while you live in the moment and take in all the feelings and emotions that you will later on remember and say “oh yeah I remember the story behind this picture”.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Melanie or “Mel” for short. I guess that you can say that my business started from my desire to follow my curiosity for capturing beautiful moments and also from a little bit of serendipity. I felt inexplicably drawn to the art of photography and just decided to dive into my passion with the same work ethic that I approach other areas of my life. I think this is what sets me apart from others. I will not stop until I capture the perfect moment! Also, getting to know my clients is something that I value because I get some insight into what is important to them. I want to be able to tell their story through my photos. I offer photography services for weddings, quinceañera’s, graduation portraits, family portraits, birthdays, maternity, etc. I am most proud of the recognition that some of my work has received. This just fuels my passion for photography even further. However, I also make sure to remind myself that the road has not been easy. For example, I have had to build my clientele and make sure I can turn in every gallery in a timely manner all while having a full-time job and also going to school to become a therapist.
Photography has always been a passion of mine and anything worth your time requires you to give so much. Photography is no exception! I constantly pour everything I have into this beautiful and complex art. I make it a habit to tell myself that I need to keep going and not give up especially when I have so much more learn!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

When I first started my business I had no clue how to get my name out there so people could hire me as their photographer. I then learned how to use Facebook and joined so many groups and I would see posts made by everyone “looking for a photographer”. I commented on so many of those and texted the clients personally and often times, I wouldn’t get a response. My advice on that would be to not let that discourage you! At least you got your name out there and they can think of you the next time they may be looking for some of the services you offer. I feel like that’s what discouraged me a lot when people wouldn’t answer or when I would see like 72 comments already under the same post saying “please consider me”. People actually read those comments because they may be looking for the same service too and sometimes may even reach out to you. One way or another your put yourself out there and getting your name out! Share on your social media accounts, ask friends and family to share your services. It takes time but patience is key!

Have you ever had to pivot?

I wanted to do the typical, get out of high school and go straight into college. I come from a single parent household and unfortunately that kind of wasn’t an option for me. I had to keep working a full time job to be able to keep up with the bills. I did go to college for a couple of semesters after high school but life and work kept getting in the way. Thankfully after making that sacrifice, I got to start my photography business, which was my true passion. Not to sound cliché but… everything happens for a reason!     

Contact Info:

• Website: https://melchaponanphotography.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/melchaponanphotography?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melchaponanphotographyy?mibextid=LQQJ4d