Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melissa Roller. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Melissa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
To be successful as a photographer and videographer, I believe it takes a combination of technical skill, relentless drive, and most importantly—trusting your own vision. It’s about taking a chance on yourself, especially in an industry that’s constantly evolving and saturated with talent. You have to believe, even when there’s no immediate proof, that you’re on the right track and that your perspective has value.
Success doesn’t come from copying trends or trying to replicate what others are doing. It comes from developing your own signature style—something that reflects who you are and what you see. That uniqueness is what will make your work recognizable and lasting. You need to be brave enough to be different, even when it feels risky, because that’s what sets you apart in a sea of content.
It also takes a strong work ethic, adaptability, and an open mind to keep learning. The creative world is always shifting, and staying grounded in your “why” while being flexible in your “how” is key. Most importantly, success doesn’t come overnight. You have to keep showing up, keep creating, and keep evolving—while having faith that every step forward, even the small ones, are leading you exactly where you’re meant to be.
Melissa, 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?
I’ve been immersed in the world of photography and video since I was young. My dad was a photographer, and helped me understand the basic necessities needed in order to grow in this industry. I learned a lot just by observing him, and my journey has also been driven by self-teaching, trial and error, and an obsession with bringing creative ideas to life. I never took the traditional route, I’ve always followed intuition and leaned into experimentation, which helped me develop my own unique style over time.
Today, I offer a wide range of visual work. I specialize in out-of-the-box, conceptual portraiture, creative shoots that tell a story or evoke emotion, as well as classic, clean wedding coverage and family sessions, often shot on the beach or in natural light. On a larger scale, I also film and photograph conferences and expos across the United States with my husband, who recently joined the business full-time after leaving a job that didn’t fulfill him. That’s been one of the most rewarding transitions – to build something meaningful together and grow it as a team.
In addition to capturing life’s moments, I’ve also had the honor of editing TV shows for major networks, including Amazon Prime, Bio Channel, Lifetime, and others. My coven-themed and horror-inspired shoots have even gone viral, which has been such a surreal experience. But no matter how big or small the project, what I truly love is helping people feel beautiful and confident in front of the camera. The best compliment I can receive is when a client says, “You really captured the beauty in me.” That means everything.
What sets my brand apart is the blend of bold creativity and emotional honesty. I strive to create visuals that stand out – whether that’s something moody, edgy, or simply authentic. I want my clients and followers to know that every frame I capture is with intention, care, and a desire to show people their own beauty, power, and presence, sometimes in a way they’ve never seen before.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
A major turning point for me came when I was freelancing full-time and was offered what I thought was a dream opportunity – a full-time position at one of my favorite companies I had ever worked with. At the time, it felt like the right decision to take a step back from my personal photography and videography business and go all in on a 9-5 with a corporate company I genuinely admired. I believed it would give me the stability to grow within a structure I supported, while still being connected to creative work.
But after a year of pouring myself into the role, I found myself in a stagnant position with unfulfilled promises and no clear path forward. The advancement I was told to expect never came, and I realized I had slowly put my own dreams on pause, waiting for someone else to open a door for me. That realization was difficult, but necessary.
Eventually, I made the decision to pivot back into freelancing full-time, and it ended up being the best choice I could have made. It pushed me to stop second-guessing myself and fully commit to my own work. I had to accept that there wasn’t a plan B – this was it. Betting on myself, again, gave me the freedom to grow, to create on my own terms, and to align with the clients and projects that truly fuel me. That experience taught me that stability doesn’t always come from a paycheck, it comes from trusting your purpose and knowing your worth.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I think what’s helped me build my reputation most is staying true to who I am and embracing what makes my work different. In a market that’s constantly shifting with trends, I’ve always leaned into creating bold, emotionally driven visuals that reflect both my personality and my clients’ individuality. Whether it’s a creative, themed portrait session or a simple, timeless family shoot on the beach – I put the same level of heart, thought, and intention into every project.
My uniqueness is what helps me stand out. I’m not afraid to take risks creatively, and I genuinely love thinking outside the box to bring ideas to life in a way that feels fresh and personal. I think that resonates with people. Clients know when they work with me, they’re going to get something that doesn’t feel like a copy of someone else’s work – it’s going to feel like them, through my lens.
Consistency, reliability, and how I make people feel during and after their session have also played a big role in building trust and word-of-mouth referrals. When clients tell me I made them feel confident or that I captured their essence in a way no one else has, that’s when I know I’m doing something right. I believe reputation is built not just through quality work, but through genuine connection, and I make that a priority in everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/melissarollerphotography
- Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/MelissaRollerPhotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19KRMTupTt/?mibextid=wwXIfr
