Meet Melanie Chaponan | Photographer

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

Hi Melanie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, I didn’t really look much into how to start my own business. I think I started it before even looking into how to start your own business. It was more for the passion of photography rather than the business. But then, I had to start managing my own schedule, policies, deposits, etc. It was somewhat difficult to manage a first because it was all so new. With help with my closest friends and google, I have been managing for a year now!

What should our readers know about your business?
I started my photography journey back in High School. I went to Skyline in Pleasant Grove and they had a photography magnet cluster there. I never applied for it, but I had lots of my friends that were in that class. I would watch what they learned, and I knew then, that’s what I would love to do some day. I was gifted my first camera as my graduation gift back in 2018. I then started taking pictures of EVERYTHING — of my dog, family, friends, nature, cars, etc. I guess it was more to find the groove of what I would like to take pictures of. Fast forward to Summer 2021, after taking a few photography classes, I decided to start my business, Mel Chaponan Photography. It was difficult at first because I had no clue how to gain clients. I started joining Facebook groups and shared my fliers on there and on all my personal social media accounts. Christmas was my busiest time, and that’s when my business finally took off. Afterwards, I started doing lots of birthday, family, graduation, baby showers, etc. I’ve learned so much already and continue to do so every day! I’m thankful for my clients for trusting me with capturing their precious moments with their significant others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have a list of restaurants/places to visit on google maps that consist of about 112 places, I have been waiting for this!. We would do breakfast or brunch at San Martin Bakery off of Mckinney or The Henry in Harwood. Lunch would be amazing at La Ventana off of Cedar Springs, all the vibes and margaritas! Dinner would be at Te Deseo or Mi Cocina. Some awesome bars we could go to would be Wonderbar/77 Degrees, Frida’s Social Club, Playground Bar, or Happiest Hour! For fun, if they were to come to Dallas meanwhile the fair is open, that is probably the first place I’d introduce them to. Of course potentially catch a Cowboys or Rangers game! Texas Live and PBR are great options there too.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Honestly, my co-workers have played a huge role in my business. They are always encouraging me into being the best person/photographer I can be! I am always asking them for advice about my photography journey and letting them know about my plans with photoshoots. I appreciate them all so much! I also would like to recognize one of my closest friends, Alondra. She just graduated with her masters degree and while doing that, she has supported me so much in my business. She comes to my photoshoot sessions and helps me with anything I need during them and also my occasional model!

Website: melchaponanphotography.mypixieset.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melchaponanphotography/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/melchaponanphotographyy

Other: Email: melchaponanphoto@gmail.com

Image Credits
Mel Chaponan Photography