We were lucky to catch up with Meliss Fabri recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Meliss thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Turning my passion for photography into a full-time career has been a journey—one that didn’t happen overnight. When I first started, I was completely lost as to how to organize my time and get things done, squeezing in sessions on weekends, editing during nap times or late at night. I was constantly wondering if I was really good enough to make this my career.

Confidence (or lack of it) was honestly one of the biggest hurdles. Imposter syndrome hit me hard—I’d second-guess my work, compare myself to other photographers, and worry I wasn’t “legit” enough to charge what I was worth. It was really hard for me as well to juggle my newly found work schedule with my family life with two very young kids and a hard working husband. Let’s just say, it was a lot!

I still remember my first paid session—I was so nervous I double-checked my camera settings about ten times before the family even arrived. But when I delivered the gallery and saw their reaction, something shifted. That was the first time I thought, Maybe I really can do this.

Things started to change when I made the decision to treat photography like a real business instead of just a passion project. I invested in education (I made it a point to meet other photographers), got clear on my brand, and most importantly, started trusting my own voice and style. That’s when the momentum started building. Clients came back year after year, referrals picked up, and I slowly but surely found my rhythm.

Looking back, I probably could’ve gotten here sooner if I had believed in myself more from the beginning. But every step of the journey—even the messy ones—helped me grow into the photographer and business owner I am today. And getting to call this my full-time job? Still feels like a dream.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hey! I’m Melissa, a family lifestyle photographer based in sunny Orlando, Florida. Photography, for me, has always been a part of my life. So it just seemed natural to make it “what I do”. Like most photographers, I never thought that I could make it my full time job, yet, here I am! I’m a Florida native but ended up in France for 17 years where I made my debut as a family and wedding photographer and met some amazing photographers through workshops and collabs! Now, back in the U.S. with my french family, i’m bringing not only a camera, but a deep appreciation for storytelling, connection, and the joy that comes from documenting people in their truest light.

I specialize in family, maternity and newborn photography — both in outdoor settings and in the comfort of my clients’ homes, all using natural light. My work is rooted in genuine emotion and candid moments. I aim to create images that are both beautiful and honest, allowing people to look back and FEEL the moment, not just see it.

What sets me apart is the experience I provide: relaxed, fun, and personal. I make a point of really getting to know the families and couples I work with. I want you to feel comfortable in front of the camera and walk away with images that reflect who you are — not some stiff, posed version of yourself. I want my families to embrace the chaos of it all and remember those moments as they pass way too fast.

I love getting to connect deeply with my families. I never want to be just a “photographer” but someone they trust completely with thier memories! My families become friends and part of my MFP family as I call it! We’ll text, email and keep in touch on social as if we have always known each other. It’s something I hold dear and will keep on building on!

I’m most proud of the trust people place in me. I’ve been invited into so many milestones — weddings, births, family traditions — and each time, it feels like a gift. It means a lot when clients tell me they cried happy tears looking at their gallery, or when they come back year after year as their families grow.

For anyone getting to know my brand for the first time, I want you to know that I care deeply about your story. I’m not just here to take photos; I’m here to help you remember — to slow time down just enough to capture the magic that’s already there. And if we can laugh a little along the way? Even better.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most defining moments in my journey came when I moved from the south of France to Florida. I had built a photography business I loved back home — with clients who knew me, a style that felt like second nature, and a brand that reflected years of growth. But starting over in a new country, with no connections and surrounded by so many other photographers, was both humbling and overwhelming.

I remember looking at the Orlando market and thinking, Where do I even begin? I had to rebrand completely — not just visually, but emotionally. The way people connect to photography here is different. My style, which had evolved naturally in France, needed to adapt without losing its soul. I had to find my voice all over again — and trust that there was space for it.

I kept going by doing what I love: creating the authentic, creative images that were me and being honest about the process. With the rebranding, my amazing husband helped me with my digital marketing and slowly, people began to find me (out of thousands of photographers!). I leaned into the local photography community, surrounded myself with others who were open, kind, and inspiring, and I built relationships from the ground up. That sense of community gave me the strength to keep showing up and putting my work out there, even when it was scary… and still is!

Looking back, it was a complete 180 — not just in location, but in mindset. And I’m so proud of how far i’ve come and where my business is today. That chapter taught me that resilience isn’t about doing everything perfectly — it’s about staying true to what you love, even when everything around you collapses or changes.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey in family photography is deeply personal. Coming from a broken home and being raised by my mom, I grew up holding onto the happy moments — the ones that felt real and full of love, even if everything around them wasn’t perfect. My dad wasn’t around, and in many ways, I think I started documenting joy as a way to hold onto what I missed.

Now that I have a family of my own, I find myself constantly capturing us — the real, messy, beautiful moments of everyday life, the perfectly imperfect. That’s what I like to bring to every session. I don’t want it to feel fake or overly polished, because life isn’t like that. I want families to remember the chaos, the laughter, the noise — embrace it and say, “Yep, that was us and I love it.”. The most important part is being together capturing even the moments where no one’s looking at the camera but everyone’s in it together. That’s the magic and that alone is worth celebrating.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.melissafabriphotography.com
• Instagram: @melissafabriphotography
• Facebook: Melissa Fabri Photography
• Linkedin: Melissa Fabri
• Yelp: Melissa Fabri Photography
• Other: BBB: Melissa Fabri Photography