Melody Millhollon shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Melody, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
As a small business owner, I’ve learned how important it is to intentionally structure my mornings. When I worked traditional 9–5 jobs, that structure was built in. Now, it’s something I create for myself, and it starts with self care. It’s not always perfect or consistent, but when I make my morning routine a priority, everything flows more smoothly.
Rather than diving straight into emails or to-do lists, I begin by getting ready just enough to feel grounded; comfy clothes, hair up, slippers on, then I head outside with a glass of water. I take 5–10 quiet minutes in the sun, hydrating and letting my thoughts settle. It’s my way of balancing my circadian rhythm and checking in with myself before the day begins.
From there, it’s breakfast and coffee, nourishing myself before I pour into my work. Only then do I head into my office, ready to check emails, connect with clients, edit sessions, or prepare for a shoot or wedding.
These mornings are a privilege I don’t take for granted. They remind me that part of building a business I love means also building a life I love. I’m so grateful that this is my life!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Melody! I’m a family and wedding photographer based in The Woodlands, Texas. I’m Originally from Oregon, and I think that’s where my love for storytelling and capturing the beauty of nature comes from. My work is all about capturing real, heartfelt moments; the kind that feel like a memory you can step back into.
I photograph families, couples and weddings in a natural, documentary-style way. I’ve always wanted to focus on genuine connection over a “perfect” image. I find the photos we look back on that make us smile are often the imperfect, raw emotions, laughter and stillness that make life what it is.
What makes my work special to me is how personal it feels. Every session tells a story, and I love that I get to preserve those fleeting seasons for people; from motherhood, to marriage, and everything in between.
Even though I’m rooted here in Texas now, I have such a deep love for travel and dream of photographing more love stories and families in beautiful places all over the world. This year I had the absolute honor of photographing a wedding in Sicily, Italy, and wow, it was life changing!
I want to be not only your photographer, but someone who hears you, your story, and captures it for you in a personal way. It is so much more to me than pressing a button on a camera. A photo lasts forever, and I want your memories to be treated with the utmost care.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I love this question, and I think it’s so important to look back every few years and remember your younger self. Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a deeply curious, imaginative kid; always creating something, always feeling everything so deeply. Being “myself” was never scary and I didn’t fear being judged. I just let wonder and excitement guide me.
I grew up in Portland, Oregon. Being surrounded by breathtaking nature really shaped who I am and how I see the world. I feel that I view life from a “bigger picture” perspective, rather than putting myself in a tiny box. I feel very connected to the world around me, and to this day I’m grateful for that.
Somewhere along the way, I learned to quiet the lively, passionate side of myself that may make people uncomfortable. Moving across the country to a complete new culture was tough as I navigated adulthood, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve been finding my way back to her. At 24 years old, I’ve learned so much, and continue to grow as each year passes!
Photography has been a huge part of reconnecting with my childhood self; that free-spirited, observant version of myself who sees beauty in the simple, honest moments.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Resilience. I am so grateful for all of my suffering, because it’s always in the moments that you feel like giving up where you find it in you to push a little harder. Resilience through life’s hardships is what makes success so beautiful and rewarding. Looking back and saying, “That was hard and I almost gave up, but look where I am now.”
Suffering has taught me how to find meaning in the chaos, and how to trust that even the hardest seasons are shaping you into someone softer and stronger at the same time. It made me empathetic – toward myself and others, and it deepened the way I see the world through my camera.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that what really matters to me is connection; the kind that feels real, balanced and deeply reciprocal. I care about relationships where people feel seen, heard and understood. For me, connection isn’t just about being close to someone, it’s noticing the subtle beauty in those interactions. The quiet moments, the little gestures – that’s where connection truly exists, in the ways we show up for each other and create moments that feel aligned, intentional, and whole.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I would stop being anything other than my true self; the part of me that radiates love, care and intention. I’d lay down my fears, not caring what anyone else thinks. Throughout my life, others have defined who I am and written the story they wanted to see. I used to do my best to fit their narrative.
Now, every day I work towards being my authentic self, focusing on what brings me joy, what makes me feel alive, and living fully and unapologetically as the real me. Life is too short to be anything else!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melodyhopephoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyhopephoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melodyhopephoto?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=ApoMkhNg3W66cw2Q&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1G5rx5xc5e%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#
Image Credits
Melody Hope Photography
Melody Millhollon
