Meet Melody Odell | Professional Photographer and Storyteller

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

Hi Melody, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting a business is exciting and living life in the truest sense.
In a world where so many things are out of our control, starting a business is creating a living thing that can evolve into what the market wants.
Every sale a triumph, it is exhilarating and real!

At 27 years old, I had just quit my job as an event planner for UC Irvine and was starting a family with my husband. I was inspired by EVERYTHING my 1 year old son did. I saw time slipping too fast and wanted to document him and the best days of my life.
I decided to become a photographer and knew that absolute worst case scenario that no one would hire me, I would hire myself to document my own family.
15 years later I have the best pictures known to man and an income where I can create, serve others and still do what I love most, document my family.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art and photography is set apart from others because with each picture I take I tell a story.

Every client I have met has a story to tell and I use my camera and light to share their story with the world.
As an excellent communicator I take time to get to know the people I document and learn their unique experiences that we can all learn from.
My photos are vulnerable and make you feel alive.
My goal is to inspire others to cultivate connection and take time to appreciate fleeting moments when they see my photos.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would make sure they came in June so I could take them to The Del Mar Fair. In the morning while the marine layer is still low on the coast we would explore the fair gardens, watch a few bands and grab some grilled Corn at my Grandma Dee’s chicken barn. After taking them on the Ferris Wheel to see how close we are to Dog Beach, I would take them to the greatest beach in America, Moonlight Beach. Walking along the cliffs and checking out the caves for lunch go to Roberto’s and then check out Hansen’s for the most iconic surf apparel then lastly of course gluten free donuts at Broad Street Dough Co.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My dedication goes to my Heavenly Father who is always gently nudging me to become more and is right by my side when it gets hard.
Also my four children, Corban, Gavin, Harper and Grace. Being their Mom has inspired me to leave a footprint that encourages goodness in this world. They give me hope in humanity and I will always be reaching to serve, love and become more in their honor.
My true love Matt, he has believed in me when no one else would. My true protector and most loyal friend that will be by my side to the end.

Website: www.melodyodellphotography.pixieset.com

Instagram: @melodyodellphotography

Facebook: Melody Odell Photography

Image Credits
All of these photos were taken by me, Melody Odell