Meet Daniella Melillo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniella Melillo.

Hi Daniella, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today. 
Hello, everyone! 

I started photography back in 2007 when my sister was in high school. I am the youngest of three girls. I used to take photos of her for her MySpace page at the time. She became my inspiration to do better and become really good at what I do. Growing up I was very photogenic until I got older than I started taking pictures of things that people didn’t think were ordinary, which made my work unique. Back in 2015 I unfortunately, lost my childhood dog so I didn’t have many photos of her to look back on which made grief very difficult but very important from then on to take pictures no matter what it was because one day photos are all we have to look back on when memories start to fade. But her sister was from the same litter I still had, and every chance I got I would take pictures of her, and I realized I was actually really good at what I do and how I fell in love with photography. I loved looking through the photographs I took and seeing other people smile and love the photographs that I took of them, and that was when it clicked. I invested in my first DSLR camera back in August of 2022. That is when I officially started my photography business and ever since that day, my world has changed. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not; I personally do not think anything in life is a smooth road. One of my first struggles along the way was with loved ones passing away and not having any photographs to look back on. This is a big inspiration for why I got into the photography industry and made sure I took photographs of things that people thought were silly or not to do. Looking back, I have been thanked by numerous people for taking those photos and realizing they didn’t even know they needed those photographs to help them grieve or to even have photographs of memories they had with that person to look back on. The second struggle was definitely purchasing a good quality camera, with lenses I wanted to use for the style I was going for, and investing in a really good editing program. This is not a cheap nor affordable passion, I would say. Easily, you can spend over $1,200! Crazy right?! That does not include your editing software, SD cards you need, backup batteries, camera harness, or anything else you might need. 

Another struggle I can say is finding your editing style; some people are born with it, and some can take years to figure that out. I am on the verge of still learning but I know what I want, I want to give my clients intimate and very soft inviting feelings while they look back on my work. I have captured a lot of people’s insecurities without knowing, and they contact me after I deliver their gallery; they are absolutely in love with their photographs and how I have captured their beauty and or raw moments, which gave them that confidence boost they didn’t know they needed. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Guided Photography is a local photography business in North Carolina. I specialize in Lifestyle photography. I also offer photography services for Weddings, Elopements, Engagements, Couples, Families, Maternity, High School and College Seniors, and more! I am most proud of really committing to my childhood dream and making it a reality by becoming a photographer. I think what sets me apart from others is that I will not deny any services that someone wants done that I have not done. I love learning new things and capturing new things that I have not done before, so I think that is a plus on my end to make me different than other photographers. 

Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
As a small local business owner, that is a major risk in itself! You compete with other people in the same line of work that you do. So, by doing that, your mind goes through so many questions and a major one “Is my work good enough?” Well, that isn’t really up to you. It is up to your audience and if they want to give you that chance or not. Photography is a very competitive field, believe it or not. Each photographer has a different style than you, price, and or time they have been in the field for. That doesn’t make your work any less worthy. That makes you want to work even harder and be the best you can be to achieve your goals. Personally, I am not a risk taker by any means, I love routines and no change. But this field has definitely changed my mindset in that aspect because not every couple, family, photoshoot, etc. is the same by any means. That brought me out of my shell, knowing I was a shy person. With clients, you can’t do that. You have to be fun, inviting, and outgoing because that makes the photoshoots atmosphere. 

Pricing:

• Minis: $60
• Engagements: $200
• Weddings: See pricing guide
• See my website for more packages and pricing

Contact Info:

• Website: https://guidedphotography.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guidedphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Guided-Photography/100084274591803/?mibextid=ZbWKwL