Rising Stars: Meet Eliana Melmed

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eliana Melmed.

Hi Eliana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thank you for having me! My interest in photography started in high school, when the graphic design class I had wanted to take was full and I opted to enroll in photography instead. I loved the feeling of holding a camera in my hand and would spend hours experimenting with different camera settings and learning everything I could about photography. During my undergrad at the University of Chicago, I was fortunate to work as a photographer for the College, which helped me to develop my skills and fuel my passion.

After graduation, I took a job in tech while taking on photography clients in my spare time. As my business grew, I realized that I wanted to pursue it more intentionally. I took a leap of faith and left my tech job to focus on photography full-time, and I’m so glad I did.

Today, I am a wedding and portrait photographer based in Chicago, but I’m in LA (my hometown) all the time! I also travel worldwide to capture love stories. What I love most about photography is capturing the natural beauty and authenticity of my clients and helping them feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Finding my style as a photographer wasn’t easy. It took a lot of experimentation and exploring different techniques and editing styles to figure out what truly felt like me. I settled on a style that I call “bright and airy,” which is true-to-color, a little bit warm, and vibrant. I started attracting clients who were drawn to my style and the way I captured emotions and moments.

Running a business definitely has its challenges too, especially as a one-woman show. It’s not just about taking photos – there’s also marketing, client communication, social media management, bookkeeping, and more. I’ve had to learn a lot along the way about time management and finding a balance between the creative and administrative aspects of my work. But overall, I feel very lucky to be doing what I love and to have joined a supportive community of fellow photographers!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a photographer, my focus is on celebrating natural beauty and promoting body positivity. I never alter the shape of bodies or heavily edit my photos as I believe that my clients are beautiful just the way they are. During my photo sessions, I strive to create a comfortable and empowering environment where clients can be confident in their own skin.

My goal is to capture the unique beauty of each person and create photos that showcase their individuality. I take pride in creating a space where everyone feels valued and celebrated for who they are. I have gained a reputation for producing authentic and vibrant photos that capture the playful and genuine essence of my clients.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I’m happy when I can authentically capture the unique beauty of each person and couple I photograph. When my clients are feeling confident and comfortable in front of the camera, I know I’ve done my job. It’s fulfilling to create an environment where everyone feels seen and celebrated for who they are and to capture those moments so that clients can cherish them for years to come. The happiness and positivity that my work brings to others fuels my passion for photography and inspires me to keep creating.

Contact Info:

• Website: elianamelmedphoto.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/elianamelmedphoto
• Facebook: facebook.com/elianamelmedphoto

Image Credits
Eliana Melmed Photography