Happy Marvelous Monday! We hope you all had a fabulous weekend!
As always, we are kicking the week off by shining the spotlight on an awesome small business! Today's featured photographer has one incredible story to tell! Melanie Catalano of Melanie Catalano Photography is a super talented portrait photographer who primarily works in Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire… but she is far from your average photographer!
Read on to learn more her amazing, star-studded journey!
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your business! What's your specialty?
I've never been able to narrow it down to one category that I want to specialize in. The thought of giving up another part of my clientele to only shoot one category makes me sad. I can't imaging losing any of my clients. From Newborns to Families to Corporate events to Celebrity clients… I love them all and I want to be a part of all of their moments, big or small.
Tell us about your journey! How did you get to where you are?
I started my business 7 years ago when my kids were babies. I grew tired of always having to take them to 1 hour portrait studios and not getting the results I had pictured in my mind. So slowly I began taking my own photos of them. I grew up with a Photographer for a Mom, so as I began taking an interest in it, she passed down her studio equipment to me. And I fell in love. I've been lucky enough to have my Mom as my assistant along the way. I couldn't do it all without her. Not only do we make a great team, but she's my best friend. And getting to work with your best friend... well you can't really top that.
What are your favorite things about working in your field?
I get to do some pretty amazing things. I've witnessed babies come into this world, families first moments together. I get to watch them grow before my lens. I never take for granted what a huge privilege it is that these families have chosen me to be a part of their lives.
Another fun side of my job is 2 years ago I began doing the photographs for a website called www.justsimoncowell.com. They asked me if I would cover the shows and events with Simon Cowell. Through all of this I have been able to photograph stars such as Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, One Direction, Kelly Rowland, Paulina Rubio and of course Simon Cowell himself among others. Had you told me 7 years ago that I would one day be photographing and interviewing celebrities I would have thought you were crazy. But here I am and loving every second of it!
What are some of your plans/goals for the future?
I think my favorite thing about this business is that it is always changing. You are never content or bored. If you are, you are doing it wrong. There is always something new I want to try. Whether it be new gear, new props, new poses, new post processing. Something is ALWAYS triggering a new creative spark and drive within.
I believe I will always be happy and love what I am doing. But I'll never be complacent and not want to further my art. My next venture I am working on is weddings. It's something I have put on the back burner for a few years. But I think I am ready to take on this new world. I can't wait!
Be sure to follow Melanie on Facebook! You can also contact her by sending an email to MellyC@gmail.com or calling 951-729-9173.
Xoxo!
Golden Girls!
If you would like to be featured on a future Marvelous Monday post or if you know a local vendor of photographer we should feature, please send an email to hello@goldengirlsworkshops.com!