Meet Melina Velleman | Photographer & Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melina Velleman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melina, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I want to pursue a creative career because I feel that this is the best suite for me. Not only because it’s “art” which to some means easy or fun, but it’s one of the better ways for me, as a photographer, to express myself and my thoughts. I find that I am able to convey feelings and emotions better through an image or photographic series that resonates and invokes deeper conversation with people who view it rather than just sitting down and being asked, “What does this feeling mean to you?” When I’m working with others, I know I am providing them with a service. A service that I am passionate about- capturing these moments and memories for them that they will have and hold. I have learned recently how valuable photography is when it comes to time. I want to make sure I am giving one hundred percent of my effort in order to give clients the quality products, in this case images, they deserve in a career field that I am confident in.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a photographer who specializes in editorial and sports photography. I strive to achieve sharp, creative, and compelling images. While my two areas of focus are quite different from one another, I am learning and developing new ways to combine the two and create a new style of sports photography. I enjoy developing a concept and seeing it come to life as well as experimenting with lighting. When it comes to sports, I enjoy the challenge of capturing split second action. Being a competitive horseback rider, I spend plenty of time in that environment and am very attentive to the wants and needs of equine and horse show photography. Starting college as a film major, I didn’t know what to expect or what would be coming my way. While trying to navigate my way through this career field thinking it was what I wanted, I found it harder and harder to stay passionate about what I was doing. I had decided to declare photography as a minor due to thinking it would help me improve my cinematography skills in the long run. However, shortly after starting my minor classes I realized very quickly that photography was something I wanted to pursue in the long run. I have learned so much in just a short period of time and feel very prepared for what I want to do post graduation. As my time at SCAD, the Savannah College of Art and Design, is coming to a close, I am excited for what the future holds in my career as a photographer.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For places to eat in Atlanta, I have to recommend Sweet Green as a great lunch spot. It is located in Colony Square and surrounded by many other restaurants and places to shop that are just a short walk away. The food is so fresh and has such great flavor! Another amazing restaurant, I would say for more along the lines of a nice dinner, would be Fogo de Chão. I have been to this restaurant twice in the past year and their steak is phenomenal. Along with a wide selection of steaks and meats, there is a buffet style bar with different types of fruits, vegetables, and sides to accompany your meal.

For places to visit in Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca Cola are always a classic hit. There is plenty of things to see and experience in these two places alone you could easily make a day out of these two places. Some other places I love to visit to experience Atlanta’s amazing art is the High Museum and SCAD’s Film and Fashion museum. Both museums rotate in new exhibits and artists throughout the year and is definitely worth checking out.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to thank my family for encouraging me and supporting me through pursuing a creative career, the several creatives I have had the pleasure to work and collaborate with over the past two years, my partner who is always there to help and support me through everything, and my professors at SCAD. I would not be where I am today without having a university that provides such specialized guidance and encouragement for artists to pursue their dream careers.

Website: www.melinavphoto.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melina.velleman/ & https://www.instagram.com/melinavphoto/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melina-velleman-7967851b9/