We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa DeMers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started Melissa DeMers Photography about 10 years ago because I wanted to use my creative outlet + turn it into something good for my community, while building a clientele. I am passionate about art + creating art for others to enjoy for years to come. I also just truly enjoy meeting new people, learning their story + in the end telling their story through my photography.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a lifestyle family + newborn photographer. Lifestyle art is more of a “day-to-day” feel versus a super posed, studio setting. I love what I do because I get to meet new people, get to know them + get them to open up in front of the camera. I love when I can get them to relax + basically pretend that I don’t have a camera shoved in their faces, but moreso document our time together while they hug their significant other, naturally swing their kids around an open field + produce genuine smiles + laugher, hold hands + just BE. For my lifestyle newborn sessions I come to the client’s home, already making it a more relaxed environment, I capture the family as they are, celebrating the new life in their home. Nothing is forced, even when I photograph the family together I always have them say something silly, or tickle their toddler’s feet, kiss the new baby, etc. I love the more relaxed, natural feel of my photography. I feel it brings out true emotion + feelings in the photos. I am so excited just this past year I have started photographing what I call “fantasy sessions” – my UNICORN sessions. I have a friend with a miniature pony + I dress the pony up with a unicorn horn, flowers + take photos with children. These sessions are highly desired + just downright fun + whimsical. I am very excited for the upcoming unicorn sessions this spring! I got to where I am today by just getting out into the community, sharing my passion + art with others (ie family, friends, then they’d all tell their friends, etc). It was not always easy for me – the biggest struggle has always been pricing + how do I stand out amongst the masses. It’s always a fine balance actually + I can’t say I’ve perfected it, but currently I am super happy with where I am at in my journey. It’s always evolving + I’m always learning + I am happy with that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh this is fun, I have actually had family + friends visit me, I always love to first take them outdoors. Colorado is just so gorgeous, you really cannot go wrong when you are outdoors. We usually go on various hikes, Roxborough Park, Red Rocks, Castlewood Canyon are currently a few favorite hikes of mine personally (I still have a lot of spots on my bucket list as well). We would definitely hit up Park Meadows mall (I love shopping, ha ha), play a few rounds of Top Golf in Centennial (so much fun), visit of few of my favorite spots to eat…to include Parker Garage, West Main Taproom (both in Parker, where I live), Earl’s + Seasons 52, Sierra (Lone Tree) or head up to downtown Denver + shop + eat at Larimer Square, Union Station. I’d probably show them RiNo district in Denver – there’s just something about organized graffiti + art on old buildings that makes my heart skip! Must be the artist in me. We would head to Colorado Springs + hike up Mantiou Springs incline + go site seeing at Garden of the Gods. I am very big into hiking + just taking in the nature + beauty of Colorado, so I love sharing the sites with anyone who is willing to adventure with me! Oh + of course my favorite local coffee shops: Fika + Kunjani. Those spots are definitely a must.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my family. First of all, my husband, Tim DeMers (married 21 years). He is a true entrepreneur at heart + also runs three successful businesses. He has always been an encouragement to me + my goals + plans for my photography business. He is there to help + be of good support whenever I have business questions or just need emotional support when I don’t feel things are going as they should be (which we know happens in every business at times). He is always so upbeat + encouraging + is a key behind-the-scenes role model in my business endeavors.

Website: www.melissademersphoto.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/melissademersphotography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissademersphoto

Image Credits
Black + White Headshot of Melissa by: Amy Clemons Photography

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