We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Robin recently and have shared our conversation below.
Melissa, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
The Story Behind My Mission
My journey toward creating a mission grounded in healing, embodiment, and photography was born out of my own struggles with self-acceptance, body image, and mental health. Growing up, I often felt like an outsider, especially when it came to my identity. I faced deep struggles with body and gender dysmorphia, and at times, the weight of mental illness felt like a shadow that I couldn’t escape.
Through years of healing—through yoga, somatic therapy, and spiritual practices—I began to reclaim pieces of myself that I had long buried. I found that self-acceptance wasn’t about “fixing” what I thought was broken but about embracing every part of me, even the messy and imperfect. I discovered the power of connecting with my body, my breath, and my spirit in ways that felt nourishing, and through that, I found my mission.
As a photographer, I had always seen the beauty in others, but it wasn’t until I started blending my photography work with my healing practices that I realized how transformative this combination could be. I created “The Goddess Session” to merge these worlds—combining sacred photography, embodiment practices, and ritual. In this space, my clients aren’t just posing for a picture—they are being seen for who they truly are. They are given permission to step into their full power and beauty, and I capture that magic through my lens.
This mission is deeply personal. It’s about helping others feel seen, heard, and truly celebrated, just as I had to learn to do for myself. I know how it feels to feel invisible or misunderstood, and I want to create spaces where people can step out of that shadow and into the light of their authenticity. Photography, for me, became not just about capturing a moment but about healing through the act of being fully present with someone—allowing them to embody their truth and be celebrated in it.
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?
About Me & My Work
Hi, I’m Melissa Robin, and I’ve spent the past 15 years navigating both the art of photography and the profound world of spiritual healing. My journey began in the heart of Manhattan, where I ran a wedding photography studio and captured moments of love and connection. But as much as I thrived in that environment, I always felt that there was something deeper I was meant to explore.
Around eight years ago, I moved to Oregon to pursue my spiritual gifts and began training in disciplines like temple and ritual arts, priestess training, yoga, and trauma-informed somatic therapy. My work now sits at the intersection of these two worlds: photography and healing. This is what led me to create my signature offering, The Goddess Session, which combines meditation, breathwork, somatic movement, dance therapy, and photography into one transformative experience.
My Mission & Services
Through my work, I’ve come to realize that photography is more than just capturing a moment—it’s about embodiment, healing, and transformation. The work I offer isn’t just about posing for beautiful photos; it’s about creating a space where my clients can feel fully seen, understood, and celebrated for who they are. Whether it’s through a Goddess Session where clients step into their sacred power, or through a Brand Embodiment Session where entrepreneurs connect deeply to their purpose and identity, every experience I offer is infused with intention.
I also offer retreats and containers, like my Illuminate Your Essence course, which supports spiritual, witchy, and non-binary individuals looking to break free from self-sabotage, fear of being seen, and lack of commitment to their purpose. My work addresses the challenges of fear, self-doubt, and procrastination, and I help my clients reclaim their confidence and power through sacred rituals, embodiment practices, and personalized support.
What sets me apart from others is the blend of my skills as a photographer and healer. I create sacred spaces where individuals not only heal but also discover a deeper connection to themselves. My approach isn’t just about taking a picture—it’s about inviting you to step into your full power and authentic self. My photography captures that essence, creating images that are a reflection of your true being.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the safe, inclusive spaces I’ve created for people to feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether it’s through my individual photo sessions, group retreats, or the community I’ve built over the years, I am incredibly grateful to witness the transformation that happens when people step into their truth.
The testimonials and feedback from my clients—many of whom have been with me for years—continue to inspire me. Knowing that my work has helped them feel more connected to their bodies, their spiritual path, and their purpose is something that fills me with deep gratitude.
What I Want You to Know About My Work
If you’re seeking a space where you can truly show up as your authentic self—without judgment, without the pressure of perfection—you’re in the right place. My work is about supporting you through your own journey of self-discovery, self-love, and deep healing. If you’re an entrepreneur or healer looking to align your brand with your soul’s essence, I’m here to help you embody that purpose in a way that feels authentic and powerful.
Whether you’re drawn to my Goddess Sessions or my Illuminate Your Essence retreats, the core of my work is about creating transformational experiences that honor who you are and help you show up fully in the world. I believe we all have a sacred light within us, and it’s my privilege to help you step into that light, both in front of the camera and in your life.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to facilitate transformation through my work. There’s something deeply fulfilling about creating a space where people can feel fully seen, celebrated, and understood, and that can be life-changing. Whether it’s through the lens of my camera or in the sacred space of a ritual, I’m able to capture and hold moments of healing, self-discovery, and empowerment.
The magic of it all is seeing my clients not just walk away with beautiful images or memories but with a sense of deeper connection to themselves. When someone can look at a photograph and not just see an image, but feel their essence reflected back at them—it’s a profound moment. That is what keeps me inspired to create, to continue pushing boundaries in how I merge art with healing.
As an artist, it’s also deeply rewarding to be able to take something abstract—whether it’s energy, emotion, or spirit—and transform it into something tangible that others can experience. I find great joy in the process of embodiment, whether it’s in the planning of a photoshoot or holding space for clients during a retreat. There’s always this flow of energy that feels like magic, and that’s what I love most about being creative—being a channel for transformation, healing, and connection.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that I had to “fix” myself in order to be worthy or valuable. Growing up, I struggled with body and gender dysmorphia, mental illness, and feeling like I didn’t belong. I believed that in order to be accepted, I had to change parts of myself—whether it was my body, my mind, or my identity—to meet someone else’s expectations or ideals.
This belief ran deep and, for a long time, shaped how I approached my life and my work. I felt like I was always striving for an unattainable standard of perfection, thinking that once I reached it, I’d finally be worthy of love, acceptance, and success. This was especially true in my photography work, where I pushed myself to meet other people’s visions, even if it didn’t align with my own.
But over time, through personal healing and spiritual work, I came to realize that the idea of “fixing” myself was actually what was keeping me from embracing my true self. I had to unlearn the belief that I wasn’t good enough as I was. I needed to let go of the pressure to fit into a mold and start honoring my unique essence—imperfections and all.
This unlearning became the foundation of my work today. Instead of seeking perfection, I focus on authenticity, connection, and self-love—both for myself and for my clients. Now, when I hold space for others in my photography sessions or retreats, I do so with the intention of helping them embrace their wholeness and feel seen for who they truly are. It’s not about “fixing” anyone; it’s about celebrating them, as they are, in their fullness.
The backstory here is one of deep personal growth. It wasn’t an overnight shift, and it took a lot of internal work to let go of the idea that I had to be something else to be worthy of love, success, or belonging. But that shift allowed me to step into my work with so much more integrity and authenticity—and it’s been the most freeing lesson I’ve ever learned.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://WWW.MELISSA-ROBIN.COM
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissarobinphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissarobinphoto
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-robin-411bab44/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melissarobincorp
Image Credits
all photography copyright Melissa Robin Photography • www.melissa-robin.com