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INSIGHT EYE PHOTOGRAPHY
Age: First year of business
Owner: Melanie Machado
City: Edmonton, AB
Specialty: Portrait and Wedding Photography
Melanie’s Story
Melanie has had a love for photography since she was young. In 1999, she was hired by Princess Cruises as a cruise ship photographer and stayed aboard for over two years. She then graduated from the Photography Technology diploma program and has since been a member of good standing in the Professional Photographers of Canada-Alberta. Melanie is a people person who believes in capturing the inner spirit and soul of the person that she is photographing. Portraiture and wedding photography is her forte but she has no problem getting her hands dirty and trying something new.
A couple of years ago, Melanie was assisting another photographer when she got the idea to do a self-portraiture project. She photographed herself 365 days of one year, which can be viewed on the Insight Eye Photography website. She is currently completing another photography project in music, where Melanie will bring her client’s favourite song to life. In a full day package Melanie will create the portrait that will allow the person to be what they think the lyrics are intending. This is available for engaged couples, married couples, babies, children, teens and seniors.
Q&A with Melanie
What are the top 3 struggles of being an entrepreneur? How did you
overcome them?
1. “To find new clients. Alberta, especially in Edmonton, is saturated with photographers that have graduated from the NAIT/SAIT programs and everyone has to find their edge in order to get those clients in the front door. I am fortunate to be in a chapter in the BNI (Business Network International) where I am able to get referrals, and as well as being in a group of women – colleagues you would say – whom I support and they support me in being in business. I am also a member of the Professional Photographers of Canada, Alberta Chapter. There is a wealth of information that I can receive not only in seminars but also from all the photographers from all over Alberta, even Canada.”
2. “To find balance in being an entrepreneur and my personal life. I try to prepare as much ahead as needed so that there is not an interference with either. Organization is the key to everything. I have a day timer, two calendars and write stuff down in pen…therefore it is secure.”
3. “You have to prepare for the unexpected as well for some things may jump at you at the last second. Working for another studio before you go on your own has helped enormously for me. You can see first hand how a “rush” can be and prepare for it the next time around. For example, for photographers: clients who want their order done in time for Christmas when the deadline is either 2 days away or it is just past. Being in good relationships with my suppliers, I find, has always helped out in situations like these.”
What do you find to be the most rewarding part of being an entrepreneur?
I get to be my own boss. I can promote what I would like to do and what I do best. I love what I do. I have always said that if your work does not make you happy-then you should move on and do something that does. Being behind the camera to create something special for someone else has always given me joy. I am happy when I do what I love to do-it is obvious to everyone that I photograph.
To find out more about Melanie, you can visit her website at www.insighteyephotography.com