We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melissa Peraldo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Melissa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

I moved to Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, sight unseen — drawn only by the dream of catching sunrises over the ocean and living somewhere that would feed my beach-loving soul. When I arrived, it turned out to be even more beautiful than I imagined. The landscapes, the light, the quiet moments — I found myself wanting to freeze time and capture it all.

That thought sparked an idea: what if I could turn these fleeting scenes into something lasting?

One pawn shop visit turned into an eBay auction, and soon I had a professional camera in my hands — even though I had no real idea how to use it. I had only ever dabbled with the auto setting before, but I dove headfirst into online tutorials, blogs, and courses. Slowly, I began to understand the technical side of photography. But knowing how to use a camera was just the beginning — I then had to find my style, learn to edit, and figure out what made my work feel honest and alive.

That part took time. I made a lot of mistakes. But I was lucky to make incredible friends who let me use them as test subjects while I practiced. I started out shooting couples, maternity sessions, and family portraits — learning something new every single time I picked up my camera.

Eventually, those early shoots led to something bigger — a real-life proposal (the most nerve-wracking type of shoot, by far — ha!). I said yes to every opportunity, even when I was terrified I’d mess it up. I kept focusing on capturing authentic emotion and genuine connection, and step by step, it brought me to where I am today: confidently photographing weddings, elopements, engagements, newborns, families, seniors — all the real, beautiful moments that matter most.

Of course, there were tough moments. Launching a creative business is scary — photography is subjective, and it’s hard not to wonder: Will they love these photos? Or are these the worst images they’ve ever seen? Being a creator comes with a constant undercurrent of doubt.

But I’ve learned that the only way through is forward. You grow by doing. You improve by making mistakes. And you build confidence by showing up — again and again — even when you’re unsure. No business is easy, and art is never perfect, but if you fight for what you love, it’s worth it.

Melissa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a new mom navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood with my sweet baby boy, a proud wife, and a lifelong lover of nature. My journey into photography wasn’t something I planned — I had no formal experience, but I always admired the emotion and storytelling that professional photos could capture.

I knew I’d be a mom someday, and beyond wanting to preserve the beauty of the beaches I loved, I also wanted to be able to document my own family’s life — every little milestone, every fleeting moment. That thought alone was enough to convince me to pick up a camera. I figured, What harm could come from learning how to preserve these memories for myself and the people I care about most?

I grew up near Yosemite in a scenic part of California, so I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the quiet emotion that nature can stir in us. My background is in corporate sales, but I craved something more creative — something that would allow me to step outside, breathe, and do work that felt emotionally fulfilling. Photography gave me that freedom.

Today, I’m proud of both my brand and my style. My work is rooted in capturing emotion, love, and laughter — the little looks, the big feelings, the real moments. I bring a fun, relaxed energy to my sessions. I’m informal, I like to get to know my clients, and I try to make every session feel like we’re just hanging out — not posing for a camera.

Of course, I come in with a plan, but I love when clients get into the moment and bring their own ideas. Some of the most beautiful shots come from simply letting people be themselves.

What I want people to know most about me and my work is this: I listen. While I have a distinct style and approach, my ultimate goal is for my clients to feel seen and to walk away with photos that reflect who they are — not just what looks best on my Instagram feed.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Absolutely — I wish I had embraced using presets earlier on.

At the beginning of my photography journey, I felt like I had to figure everything out on my own or that using someone else’s presets would somehow make me less of an artist. But the truth is, presets are incredible learning tools. They can help you understand editing techniques, speed up your workflow, and inspire your own style.

My advice? Set your ego aside and just start experimenting. Try different presets, tweak them, break them, and see what resonates with you. Let them guide you — not define you.

Also, don’t be afraid to be influenced by other photographers. Photography is a community, not a competition. Immerse yourself in the work of others, ask questions, join forums or groups, and absorb everything you can. Growth comes so much faster when you’re open, curious, and connected.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What helped me build my reputation was connecting with other photographers and being willing to put myself out there.

Early on, I was lucky to have a local photographer reach out and invite me for coffee. That simple gesture turned into a genuine friendship — one where I not only gained support but also learned valuable techniques for building a stronger brand in the community we both lived in.

Community over competition is real, and it makes all the difference.

No matter where you are — small town or big city — start showing up. Join local Facebook groups, follow and engage with other local creatives on Instagram, bring up your business in everyday conversations. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and introduce what you do.

You’ll be surprised how many amazing people you’ll meet — and how often those connections turn into referrals, collaborations, or just a solid support system that keeps you going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.melissaperaldophotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peraldo_melissaphotography/