Love On Film: The Evolution of Melissa Chu
From attending fashion shows to photographing weddings, the industry has always been a part of my life.
1.) What made you choose to pursue a career in the photo industry?
From attending fashion shows to photographing weddings, the industry has always been a part of my life. My current focus is on wedding photography, and it speaks to me because it goes far beyond two people in love; it's about documenting an important milestone in their lives. I have the incredible responsibility (and honor) of creating timeless, heirloom moments that people will cherish for a lifetime.
2.) Break it down for us. What does a day in your position look like?
My days are filled with lots of email correspondence, creating proposals and engaging in consultations! As you can imagine, no matter how much prep work you do, wedding day is a bit more intense!
When we hear a client say, “I don’t care how much it costs - we want YOU!”, we know that we have established success in our field.
3.) How do you define success in your field?
Successful wedding photographers love clients who don’t bat an eye at cost, or negotiate, because they understand our value. When we hear a client say, “I don’t care how much it costs - we want YOU!”, we know that we have established success in our field. Another way to measure success is when clients come to us based on referrals, and we don’t need to advertise. When you provide the absolute best experience for a client, they will not only hire you for other milestones, they will also tell everyone about you.
4.) What’s your endgame?
My endgame is to become a high-end destination wedding photographer who also owns and curate luxury venues across the United States.
5.) What’s one resource that you wish you had right now?
In a perfect world, I would have additional income to invest in my education, attend workshops, hire a mentor, and other resources that will elevate my career.
I wish I had been myself from day one.
6.) What was your “aha” moment where you realized that you could actually work in the photo industry?
I learned very quickly that being a people person is extremely important to being a successful photographer. This already came naturally to me, and I continue to hone this skill as it works greatly in my favor.
7.) What was something that you wish you would’ve known sooner?
When I look back on my wedding photography journey, I wish I had kicked it off when I was living in New York or San Francisco. While there is no “right” time to start, I think being immersed in the big city would have given me a leg up on the industry. I also wish I had been myself from day one. Early on, I tried to emulate other photographers, until I finally realized that I was more than good enough. When I finally stopped trying to pose couples, or edit photos, the way other photographers did, I truly came into my own as an artist. I am different than my competitors, and that’s what makes me so unique. The industry needs people to be themselves, and celebrate our amazing differences.
Photos courtesy of Melissa Chu
Visit Melissa’s website at the link below: