Meet Melissa Giles | Family Photographer & Newborn Artist

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

Hi Melissa, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Ever hear of the phrase, “it’s not personal, it’s business?”. I never agreed with it. With my business, everything is personal. From meeting with my clients, helping them with the tiniest details from outfits to hair and make up, or the art pieces they want within their home. It’s all personal. I always love speaking and consulting with my clients. From conversing with them, I get to know them and their dynamic on a deeper level. This helps me to understand how to better photograph them and capture those key moments that families treasure. It’s more than clicking a button- I like to create experiences.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My style is very warm, organic, and timeless. My goal is to create pieces of art for my clients using the most important subject to them – their family. Whether it is capturing the tiny details of their newborn’s little feet or lashes, a mother holding her son, or a father and daughter dancing in the sunset, my goal is for these images to be works of art.

In the age of social media and electronics, sometimes that can be difficult. It is easier to down load and post an image to share than to order product. I try to make the process personal, pain free, and easy as possible! Clients can either create an ordering appointment with me or use the portal on my website to order their art pieces. I love simplicity! This definitely makes my business more personal and goal oriented with my clients.

If I could pick one thing that sets me apart from my competition, it’s that this is my passion and drive. I love every aspect of what I do. From planning to actual shooting of the session, everything is fun, creative, and super relaxed! My clients are what keep me going. I have worked with some truly amazing and remarkable families.

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.
Oh man! I would be all over the place! There are so many amazing things to do and sites to see in Atlanta. From the zoo or the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coke (my children’s favorites), to all the wineries and vineyards like Kaya, Montaluce, and Chateau Elan, to the local eats like Royal Bistro for Thai or small local gift and foodie places like Evan’s Urban Market, there are so many places to drive to, visit, see, and eat!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! After years of hard work, I was finally able to open my own photography studio. I definitely credit a few people that helped me make my dream a reality. The first is my husband Lance Giles. Without his support and the support of our friends and family- I don’t know if I could have made that leap. I would also like to credit my friend and realtor, Justin White of Rock River Realty for helping me find my dream studio this year. And last but not least, a fellow business woman that look up to. That is successful and gives amazing advice in reaching goals, Carrie Hearn of Carrie’s Bridal Collection.

Website: melissagphotos@gmail.com

Instagram: @melissagphotos

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissagphotos

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/melissa-giles-photography-norcross

Image Credits
Katya Vilchyk Photography