Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Tassone.
Melissa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was that cliche kid that always had a camera in her hand! I started picking up a camera back in my junior year of high school, almost eight years ago. I grew up in a small town called Sandwich, IL which is where I began my photography career. I was shooting all kinds of things- senior photos, family photos, animals, business work, etc. and when I was 16, I had the opportunity to shoot my first wedding. I attended and graduated from Dominican University with a BFA in Photography and a concentration in Business Marketing and had three university jobs on campus that built my skills in video, photo, and graphic design. As the college years passed, every summer, I spent shooting more and more, developing my own style, meeting new clients, and traveling the world.
When I graduated in May of 2017, on the same week as graduation and finals, I moved into my first apartment in the city and I went straight into being full-time photo/video! I couldn’t believe it – I couldn’t believe that a small hobby of mine turned into my career. When I look back at my previous work and all the people I’ve met, I am extremely grateful to each and every person who has believed in my ability to photograph them and capture their biggest moments in life (shouts to you, Sandwich). I would not be where I am today without such an amazing support base. Currently, I am making my way through 2018 wedding season! But, this is the last of my wedding seasons. After June of 2019, I will no longer be in the wedding industry. I am in the middle of working on new projects, rebranding my image, and leaving room for the opportunity to grow in other areas of photography!
Has it been a smooth road?
I think the most challenging part about being self-employed is holding yourself accountable. You’re not clocking in, you have no one giving you the “ok” if a project is up to par, and you’re in charge of EVERY aspect of your business – website, Instagram feed, pricing, branding, style, etc. BUT this is definitely the most exciting part of being self-employed. It truly is a grind, you get what you put into it. Your success is an outcome of hard work and a vision that is so uniquely you. It’s exciting! You develop a whole new trust in yourself to deliver high-quality work and you’re always learning during the process.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Melissa Tassone Photography – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
For the first two years post-grad, I have been primarily a wedding photographer. I shoot any and everything! I love that each client I work with and each project I work on is always something new. After this wedding season, I will no longer be shooting weddings. I’m switching gears to be more available for portraits of all kinds, with an emphasis on models and fashion, as well as being more open for creative work within marketing and branding. My passion still lies in portraits. What sets me apart from other photographers or creatives is that I have a background in fine art as well as commercial art. Blending those two categories is my sweet spot and I will always aim to create beautiful photos as well as effective photos!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Oh. Man. Where do I begin? I am obsessed with the city of Chicago. It has everything! I love that within a mile I can get a full cityscape, with a nature preserve, and then turn around and go to the beach. There are so many photo opportunities around here and no matter how well I think I know the city, there is always someplace new to visit! I never get bored and this place is swarming with young creatives. What do I like least? Simple. Parking tickets. Don’t ask.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.melissatassonecreative.com
- Phone: 3312030123
- Email: tassmeli@my.dom.edu
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissatassone_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissatassonephotography
Image Credit:
Model: Emily Buri, Mike Harkovich, Anna Greenawalt, Make-Up Artist: Alexandra Kiotis, Fashion Designer: Jacquie Wallaert, Bride/Groom: Lexi + John Campbell
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
