I love reading blogs….especially photography blogs. I really enjoy learning from other photographers and just learning about them and their lives. I have several blogs that I check out everyday. I know that it is a challenge to blog on a regular basis….so I have great respect for those out their that make it a priority to blog on a daily basis. Blogs are a great asset to a small business….I love meeting other local small businesses and I have gotten to know some amazing people in our area that have the same passion about their business as I do about mine. I would like to use my blog to help out my other small business friends…I am planning to work hard this summer to get some of those great businesses featured on my blog….I plan to “interview” these businesses so that you all can get to know them and learn more about some wonderfully talented people in our area!
My first “interview”….is with me. =) This a great way to get to know more about me, Melissa, and my business….which is what this blog is all about….so grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the read. Please feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you think.
Name: Melissa Gregersen
Business Name: Gregersen Photography
Location: Studio located in downtown Kalamazoo, MI
Website/Blog: www.gregersenphotography.com
Describe your business: I am a wedding and lifestyle photographer.
What’s one thing that everyone should know about you? I LOVE LOVE LOVE being a photographer….I found my dream job.
How long have you been in business and how did you get started? I have been in business since 2007, it all started when I got my wedding photos back in 2002 and didn’t like them…such a sad memory….but it all turned into the most incredible blessing.
Does your speciality require special training? I was self taught, and I spend tons of time learning from the best photographers in the world.
What change are you looking most forward to this year…both professionally and personally? Professionally: I want to expand my business into the High School Senior market more. I plan to photograph only 10-15 weddings next year. Personally: I want to be a great mommy to my girls, spend a lot more time with my family….times goes by too fast to be this busy. I plan to really focus on “balance” in my personally and professional life.
If you were given $500 today, what would be the first thing you would do? Probably go buy something for my girls, and maybe save it for an ipad….working on talking myself into getting that ipad2. =)
Where do you go to find inspiration? Professionally…from other photographers and blogs. Personally…I love to read the Bible and my church family is so incredibly inspiring and encouraging to me and the priorities in my life.
What is a great tip or quick bit of advice you can give us? Take lots of photos….life is so precious, don’t regret not having a photo of a great memory.
What is the favorite thing you like about your job? Being a part of people’s memories….or their wedding day “the best day of their life!”
Do you have a hidden talent? hmmm….not really. I hide many quirks about me, but not a talent. =)
Tell us about your family: They are my life. My husband Jayme and I have been married for almost 9 years. He is so right for me. We have two amazing little girls. Norah- almost 5 years old and Noelle- almost 5 months old. They are the cutest little girls out there….seriously, they are.
How do you get a connection between you and your client? I try to just be myself and be honest. I have learned that a smile goes a long way!! =)
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Still doing the job I love…and raising two beautiful girls.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Well…that is tricky since this is my second career…I did physical therapy for 10 years…I really enjoyed it, but compared to photography, well..there just was no comparison.
What profession would you not like to do? There are too many to list. =) I am picky.
What one thing can just “make your day”? Coming home to a clean house….that fills my love tank FULL!
What is the main goal in your business? To make a living, and provide my clients the best photographs I can because I know they will be treasuring them for a lifetime.
What is your favorite restaurant in Kalamazoo? I like Food Dance Cafe, and for lunch…I really like the STUDIO GRILL, they have the best french fries!!
Here is a photo of me doing what I love….this was taken by my second shooter Ray Brandon. I am photographing a couple seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day. Such a sweet moment. I always enjoy working with my friend John Pottenger of Coastline Studios. I was 7 months pregnant in this photo. =)
