Today we’d like to introduce you to Melinda Siehler.
Hi Melinda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always loved capturing timeless moments—the kind that deserve to live far beyond the moment they’re taken. A smile that should last forever. A look in someone’s eye that pulls you in and makes you feel something. That emotional connection has always been at the heart of my work.
When I first started my photography business, I was like many others—doing whatever I could to stand out and attract clients. But everything shifted one day while I was printing a photo of my daughter. It struck me how rare that simple act had become. We invest so much time and money into professional photography, yet most images end up living on a phone or computer screen. Maybe they’re shared on social media for a moment—but then what?
That realization changed everything. I knew I wanted to build something more meaningful.
I sought out a mentor who shared my belief that photographs deserve a life beyond a screen—that they deserve to be seen, touched, and lived with. That’s when Siehler Photography truly came to life. I built my business around the philosophy that more isn’t necessarily better. People didn’t stop printing photos because they stopped caring; they stopped because life got busy, and printing became something we always meant to do “someday.”
That’s where I come in.
I offer a full-service, highly personalized experience designed to take the pressure off my clients. From pre-session consultations where we plan every detail together, to face-to-face meetings where we talk about artwork and the lost art of printing photographs for the home, every step is intentional. Sessions are never rushed and are always tailored to the individual.
And the final step of the process? That’s the best part—but I’ll leave a little magic unsaid.
My goal isn’t just to deliver beautiful images. Anyone can take a nice photo these days. My purpose is to guide my clients through an experience that results in meaningful, tangible pieces—artwork that decorates their home, preserves their memories, and lives on forever in both their hearts and their eyes.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I didn’t ease into this business—I jumped in headfirst. I made the decision one day that this was what I wanted to do, and I committed fully, even though I didn’t have an established client base. When I became a true business, I was starting completely from scratch.
One of the biggest challenges has been that my services aren’t for everyone—and that was something I had to learn to embrace. Not everyone immediately sees the value in a full-service, experience-driven approach to photography. In an industry built around quick sessions and digital delivery, reframing how people think about photography has been my greatest struggle.
I don’t want my clients to feel like a name on a booking link or a faceless time slot in a calendar. I want the experience to be personal, intentional, and memorable. Building a business around that philosophy has taken time, patience, and a willingness to educate—but it’s also been the most meaningful part of the journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a boutique portrait photographer specializing in heirloom artwork and fine art albums created to live on my clients’ walls and in their homes—not just on their phones. I believe photographs are meant to be experienced every day.
My full-service approach offers a highly personalized experience, guiding clients from planning their session through selecting finished artwork, so they never have to wonder what to do with their images afterward. The process is intentional, stress-free, and tailored to each client.
I primarily focus on family, children’s, and boudoir portraiture. What I’m most proud of is creating tangible artwork that allows my clients to relive the emotions of that moment every time they walk past it. Knowing those pieces become part of their daily lives is what truly sets my work apart.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I love to read, and books are one of my favorite ways to slow down and reset. Choosing an all-time favorite feels impossible, but some of my most recent reads include Dust to Dust by Tami Hoag and The Night Before by Lisa Jackson. Reading gives me a mental break and helps me recharge, which ultimately allows me to show up more present and creative in my work.
On the practical side, I truly couldn’t function without my calendar app. Balancing a full-service photography business with everyday life requires intention, and having everything organized in one place helps me stay grounded, focused, and present—both professionally and personally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.siehlerphotography.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SiehlerPhotography/
