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

Hi Melissa, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
You know, I get a LOT of slack for my perception on this from my industry friends. To me, the most important factor is that I started this for the passion and the art first, money second. Being loyal to those loyal to you and being humble and reminding myself I do this to create art and capture moments is my why and the money feels like a bonus. Knowing that this is a blessing and can be taken in an instant makes it easy for me to treat my clients more like family. I’m very good to them. I don’t like to raise their rates, I am always searching for ways to show them my appreciation even if it means coming out of pocket, and a lot of my Industry friends want to shake me for that! I get it, but I truly feel like my success speaks for itself and I wouldn’t have any of it without my amazing clients, am I bit of a yes man? YES. Haha. But I’m ok with that.

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’ve been a photographer for almost 11 years now which is honestly crazy to say. I started on literally a wish and a dream. I had almost no money and saved every last bit I could to buy my first DSLR. I started before there was YouTube tutorials. Massive social media platforms and mentorship’s. And really before being a portrait photographer was a thing! I worked tirelessly while still working in healthcare full time and it took me three years to even upgrade my gear. I never gave up. Even when I wasn’t where I wanted to be, didnt have all the necessary tools, didn’t have the reach or even support, I bet on myself and held on to that faith and God delivered!

If I had to guess I’d say my clients agree that what sets me apart from others in my industry is the passion I have for what I do and the way I love it with all of me. Not only do I adore the work I produce and the memories I create, I really make it a point to turn my clients into friends and make sure they have a complete experience with me versus just a photoshoot.

I want people to know that when you entrust me to capture your memories I take pride and honor in it. I really am beyond humbled that I was given the talent and the ability to do what I do and I try my best to always make sure my clients feel the amount of appreciation I have for each and everyone of them.

I’m really looking forward to 2022/2023 and all of the exciting more styled / fashioned photography I’ll be offering that will give my clients a unique experience designed to enhance and showcase all aspects that make a photoshoot not just good, but GREAT. I’m constantly dreaming up new and fresh ideas and cannot wait to bring my visions to life so stay tuned!!


Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oof this is tough because my best friend is the most wild adventure seeking person I know. Lol if it were anyone though, I would absolutely make it a point to take them to all the major sight seeing tourist spots. Garden of the Gods, Rocky Mountain National Park , and the Cheyenne mountain zoo are a must. I’d take them to some of the best mom and pop restaurants that I’ve come to love so much as well as some of the super cool brewery tours and bars we have here in Colorado. Helen hunt falls, some of the fun museums and attractions in Denver and most likely enjoy activities of every season since it is Colorado after all lol

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to take the time to give a huge shout out to my incredible husband. From the minute we met he has been the most supportive and motivating force in my life but especially my business. From spending every single day he has off (literally) watching our daughters and holding down the fort so I can go to sessions non stop, encouraging me when I’m burnt out, he also second shoots all of my weddings with me and is an amazing photographer hobbyist himself! I know I owe him a lot of my success. In addition, I’d have to thank my friends and family for always being my cheerleaders, and my beautiful girls who are my biggest motivation for why I do what I do. My oldest daughter wants to be a photographer when she grows up so knowing that what I’m doing, they’re seeing, and it’s making an impact, is a really incredible feeling. Mommy loves you!

Website: https://melissawuertelephotography.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/melissawuertelephotography?r=nametag

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

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.