Today we get to learn about another one of our contributors, Melissa Noste. Melissa lives in Washington state with her sweet daughter and husband. Be sure to check out her website and “like” her on Facebook!

1. How did you get started in photography?
I have the typical photography story as most Moms. I did do photography in high school and I was always known as the girl with a camera. But I got my Rebel when I graduated college but it wasn’t until my pregnancy 3 years later that I started taking things seriously. I really wanted to be able to capture my daughter’s life in photos and the rest is history.

2. How do you make time for photography being a mother?
Photography is a big part of our life. I think my husband and daughter expect me to bring and/or have my camera with everything we do. But when we’re at home I always have my camera located in the living room, which is the central location of our house. I’ve got it ready to go so I’m able to capture something at a moment’s notice. We also switched up our office and it’s now half a playroom for my daughter. SO if I need to sit down and get some work done, my daughter can hang out with me in there.

3. What do you love to shoot?
My daughter, she’s the whole reason I started photography. Documenting her life is the most important thing for me.

4. How do you continue to challenge yourself creatively?
I am constantly trying to find new things to try. Sometimes finding something to challenge myself is a challenge in itself. Lately I’ve been on the hunt for inspirational photos from some of my favorite photographers. I usually try to break down the photo and figure out what I love about it. Then I try recreating it using the aspects I love and with my own vision. But if I’m really in a rut I try to find a workshop I can take that will challenge me. And yes, it’s usually on Clickin’ Moms.

5. When it comes to photography, how have you educated yourself?
I have to say that Clickin’ Moms has been my biggest source of education. The forum alone is amazing and I can find an answer to any question I have. If I can’t find the answer then someone is always there to answer it for me. I think two classes I took two years ago were life changing for my photography journey when I was first starting with manual mode. The first was Shooting 101 with Lynne Rigby. If you are trying to get off auto, take this class! She is amazing and you will learn so much. The other was Natural Light 101. Great photos begin with great light and this class helped me find that light.

6. What is your favorite photo and why?
This shot of my daughter with her lovie ‘Lambie’ is by far my favorite. I was so excited when I captured this precious moment in her life. She loves that Lamb so much and this shot was just after we painted her room and she got moved up into a big girl bed. It was a such a huge milestone and the photos speaks so much about the transition she was going through that time.

7. What are 3 things you wish you had known before starting your photography business?
That I’m not a business person! Haha I don’t think anyone could have told me that but I definitely learned it. The numbers side of the business is just not for me, I’m still trying to figure how to make it work. Another one is that you need to have thick skin. You will get your feelings hurt and people will try to take advantage of you. I feel like photography is such a personal journey and our vision comes from somewhere so deep that if someone questions it, it can be hard to hear. I was burned the first few months of my business and by people close to me, I wish I had been prepared for that. Not a lot of people understand our business and how much goes into it, so unfortunately they think you can do all for nothing. Last, I wish I had listened when they said to get all your ducks in a row. I got my business license and a logo and that was it. While I was doing sessions I was trying to finalize print releases, contracts, etc. and it was stressful. I’m still not done with marketing stuff a year later. Really take the time to figure out what your business needs and do it before you officially launch.

8. Pick 3 words you would like people to use when describing your work.
Classic, Emotional, Cheerful

9. List 2 photographers who inspire you.
The first would be Andrea at Pink Sugarland her work is absolutely amazing! After you check out her blog go to her Adventures in Sugarland blog to see her two adorable children. She also did a 365 for her eldest and it is amazing! I hope to do something similar soon. Another fantastic photographer is Karen Russell. I absolutely love following her blog and seeing all that her family is up to. She captures their life so perfectly and that is something I strive for every day! She really makes me want to have a big family or be a part of hers because they are always having so much fun!

10. If you had $5,000 to spend on photography gear, what would you buy?
This question makes me giddy, if only I could spend $5,000!!! The first thing would be a wide angle lens, so something like the 16-35mm f/2.8L would be so much fun! Then I also think I would purchase the 135mm f/2L . I’ve seen so many photos with this lens and it is gorgeous!

11. How would your friends and family describe you?
LOUD! I feel like that is what everyone says I am. I’ll admit it; I tend to get loud when I’m excited. But I asked my husband and he said “loving, caring and energetic.”

12. What is something not many people know about you?
I was born in Alaska and lived there for the first four years of my life. For some reason this surprises everyone I know. I have no idea why.

13. What is one photography goals?
I want to capture my daughter in photos for a year. I did a 365 in 2011 and was burnt out at the beginning of the year. Now I kind of miss it. My babe is an only child right now and I think it would be fun to give her a year of photos of just her before we decide to have babe #2.

14. Describe your dream photography job/session/client.
Oh that’s a hard one. I know it would be in a big grassy field with lots of light. Then I would love to have a family or couple who just wants to go outside and play! Capturing candid shots are so much fun and I’m drawn to photos that have real and raw connections. That is something I hope to start incorporating into my photos instead of the normal posed shots.

15. Fill in the blank: I love photography because _________________.
I get to capture beautiful moments in time. I feel so repetitive but I really enjoy documenting my daughter’s life and I’m so thankful to have that opportunity.