Wedding Photography by Soul Mates

It is always a pleasure to meet with wedding photographers.  Their styles are all unique and their backgrounds equally varied.  Melissa Tomeoni, owner of Soul Mates Photo, and I met at a coffee shop where I peppered her with questions.  Melissa answered all them gracefully, even the strange ones, such as "what is your favorite book and why?" 

Melissa brings a unique approach to photography, having trained in fine arts before pursuing her career in wedding photography.  During our discussion, it became evident how much of an influence those early years in art have on her current portfolio.  She is very interested in the composition of each photo, and even has a detailed lesson about it on her blog. 

Learn more about Melissa and the incredible pictures she can capture for you on your big day.

What is your professional training in photography?

I have a Bachelor's Degree from Chapman University in Art History and Photography.  My career before becoming a wedding photographer was in fine art, using a methodology called photography through developing theory.  My artwork centered around trying to prove an idea through photographs.

The problem with working in fine art is that generally you work by yourself.  Besides having a show every few months were you connect with others, it can be a lonely profession.  My husband encouraged me to shoot photographs of people and begin a wedding photography business.  We moved to Portland from the Los Angeles area, and and I opened Soul Mates in October of 2006.

What is your favorite book?  Why?

My favorite book is Masterpieces of the Vatican by Enrico Bruschini.  It is an enormous art book of Renaissance Paintings.  As an Art History major, it is a special book for me, and reminds me of when I studied art in Italy during college.

How has this training influenced your wedding photography?

Training under experts of their fields in college helped me to develop my own character and opinion about art and photography.  In school, we had to follow a strict editing process.  Any photographer worth her weight in salt must know how to properly edit.  The editing process is developed by practicing over and over; now when I see five similar images, it is easy to select the best one--it will pop out.  You just see it.

Have you noticed any trends in wedding photography?

The vintage look is still very much alive.  The Day After Session or Trash the Dress sessions are also very popular. 

One thing I have noticed is that couples have become more comfortable to express their creativity with their photographer.  When I do engagement sessions, most of my clients are eager to be photographed in places that have personal meaning to them.  Sometimes we do engagement sessions at school where they met, on the bikes they ride together, with their dog, etc. 

What is some advice you would give couples as they pursue their wedding photography options?

I know many photographers say it, but I cannot stress it enough: personality is huge.  People are often focused only on the facts, the packages they get, the portfolio they have viewed.  But I want to connect well with all of my clients.  If you do not want to be friends with your photographer, then do not hire him or her. 

Trust is another equally important issue, and I tend to build that trust with my clients during our engagement session.  I want my clients to look back and think "I had a good time, it was easy, I laughed."

What is the craziest thing you have done to "get the shot?" 

Trespassing on private property comes with the terrority, and I have climbed higher up on buildings and structures than was likely safe.  As a photographer, you have to be sneaky, often times snapping when people are unaware.

Name your biggest challenge as an artist on the wedding day.

The biggest difficulty I face is the time constraints of the day.  Creativity takes time.  Although I am good at sticking to a schedule, I always want more time.

Who has been instrumental in your photography career?

Without a doubt, my husband.  He is my biggest encourager, he totally believes in me and my business.  When I am feeling despondent, he always tells me, "People love you!"  He is my backbone, and provides great advice.  Since we both own small businesses, we hold weekly brain-storming sessions.

How did you choose to name your business Soul Mates Photography?

Firstly, I truly believe in soul mates.  Second, I love shoes and the way a great pair can make you feel.  Third, I wanted to do something unique for my business name.

What makes you different from other photographers?

My personality.  Many of us can take great pictures, but I think my personality adds a lot to the service and product I provide.  I make the guys laugh, I am comfortable with the ladies.  I am easy to get along with. When I am there on your wedding day, I direct clearly and keep on schedule.  Grooms always tell me it was painless, and you know how men are, they generally despise having their picture taken.

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