Meet Melissa DeMers

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa DeMers.

Hi Melissa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today. 
I started digital photography when my kids were younger (they are BIG kids now); I wanted to capture every detail of their youth. I grew to LOVE it so much that I wanted to start my own business. I officially became a business in 2012 (so 12 years ago now) + love offering my clients a variety of creative imagery. 

Over the years, I took online courses + mentorships, but I truly got to where I am today just by experience + photographing everything and everyone. I love telling stories + getting to know my clients before our session so that I can better portray them through their photos. So that I can tell THEIR story, so to speak. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing GOOD in life comes easy, so no it hasn’t always been a smooth road. Just like any business owner, there are ups + downs in running a business. A few things I have learned is to just roll with the punches, business is + always will be ebb + flow, depending on the economy, your environment, the weather (an election year, ha ha). Keeping a positive attitude + adjusting your sails no matter what comes your way is key. 

Some years are busier than others. I would love to be super consistent, but that isn’t always life. One year I was diagnosed with melanoma cancer + had to have surgery which set me back a few months + I wasn’t able to work. Then the pandemic hit + everyone struggled + took losses. Again, rolling with the punches, taking that time to grow + learn + keeping a positive attitude + moving FORWARD is so important. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a lifestyle photographer. I capture the most important moments in my clients’ lives. Whether that be an engagement, their BIG day (wedding), a new baby, all of the milestones in between, I am here for ALL OF IT. 

I am probably known for my in-home newborn sessions + my “fantasy” sessions, which entail unicorns, horses (equine) + just unique sessions that I LOVE getting creative with alongside my clients. If there is ever a session in which you are dreaming of, I am your girl! 

I am most proud of the connection I have between my clients + myself. They become my family, I am so blessed + honored to capture these moments for them, especially throughout the years. I love watching my client’s families grow. 

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I just moved to the Temecula Valley area + it is absolutely MAGICAL. The rolling green hills of vineyards, the farmland with highland cows, chickens, horses (soooo many horses, I want one!)…the golden sunsets. It really is so serene, peaceful + beautiful. 

I am so new to this area; I think what I could say that I dislike is that it is so setback it takes time to get from one location to another – but yet still not too far. I always say we are centrally located – it takes about an hour to get to Orange County, an hour to get to San Diego, an hour and a half to get to Los Angeles. 

Pricing:

• Newborn – $350 to $600
• Family – $350 to $500
• Engagement/Weddings – $1k to $10k
• Branding/Headshots – $350 to $500
• Equine/Unicorn – $450 to $600

Contact Info:

• Website: www.melissademersphoto.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/melissademersphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissademersphoto

Image Credits
Melissa DeMers Photography