Rising Stars: Meet Melina Eggett

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melina Eggett.

Hi Melina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory. 
Hey, y’all my name is Melina, and this is a bit of my story- specifically, how I stumbled upon the passion and gift of photography. 

Everyone and their mother is a photographer today, which is not a bad thing! Everyone has a specific niche, editing style, and type of photography they enjoy shooting. Honestly, it is a great opportunity to learn from others; we must keep growing! 

Well, what about me? How did I enter into this field? After recreationally shooting photography for high school classes and my own enjoyment, I had an opportunity to experience something rather outside of my comfort zone. I had the opportunity to be part of the media team on my very first Christian mission trip to Belize. This was a technology-free trip- no phones or devices of the sort. I only had my DSLR camera and was living through the photos and videos I was capturing. Once the mission’s team had looked over my raw footage of the week, I was flattered by this comment: “Melina, you really could do this.” I was told that I was gifted at capturing people and their natural emotions. As a fresh 16-year-old, that was affirmation! 

Not long after that, I informally became a freelance photographer. I practiced, prayed for people to take a chance of me, and spent my time learning from those that had time to teach. Looking at today, six years later, I have shot a variety of events, but my heart thoroughly enjoys capturing seniors (high school and college), as well as families! 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Overall, I feel blessed to say that things have continued to go well. Things have continued to be smooth, and God has continued to be faithful, as I have used my passion and gift to serve others. I will say there have been plenty of lessons to learn though, just as different seasons will present different challenges. With that said a struggle I am still learning to manage is my time. Photography is something I enjoy, but (for now) it is something I do on top of a regular job. So, when clients reach out and trust me to take their photos, it is hard to say no. In order to avoid having an overwhelming number of photoshoots in a particular season, it is important to map out your personal priorities and commitments for that time. As well as scheduling a workload you believe is feasible. Then, once the season is over, reflect and evaluate. What went well? What could be better? This goes for everything, not just time management! 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
As I stated previously, photography is something I enjoy doing but I have a regular job, kind of. I work at a large Christian Nonprofit, creating and leading out specific outreach initiatives for the local community. I say that it is not a regular job because being a part of a community, ministering to others, serving alongside of others, and genuinely caring for people is encompassed in my professional job. This is an amazing opportunity to have and sometimes, it truly does not feel like work. I attended Rochester University to obtain my BBA, with a focus in Nonprofit Management, and before I was graduated, I entered the field and began working for this large Nonprofit! I have been in this position for nearly a year and continue to find fulfillment in the work I do, as well the team I am grateful to work with! 

We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
As a 22-year-old that has her own small, but ever-growing photography business and that is working in her desired field, there are many joys in my life, always. Something that I find enjoyment in is traveling. That does not surprise people, but the list of countries I have been to does. I have stayed in eight different countries, for a single week up to a month, and have been so excited with what I have learned about the different cultures, along with the different languages. I still have so many countries I would like an opportunity to explore, as well as languages I would like to learn. In an ideal world, I would be able to combine my love for traveling, photography, and serving others into a single profession. I am not sure what that currently looks like, but there is plenty of time to see what places I may go and what the future holds! 

Pricing:

• Senior Photo Package $250
• Family Photo Package $175
• Engagement Photo Package $175

Contact Info:

• Website: https://melinaephotography.wixsite.com/eggett/portraits
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melinaeggett/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melina-eggett

Image Credits
MelinaEPhotography