melissa jill

Let me tell you a little about a photographer I adore. Her name, Melissa Jill. I first learned about Melissa through her membership in the Wedding Photojournalist Association. Since that time, I have grown as a photographer and a businesswoman.

Melissa, from Arizona, USA, is unique from many of the photographers in my area in that she is willing to share the lessons she has learned about photography to bless others' lives and help them to follow their photographic dreams. She has an entire section on her blog dedicated to resources "for photographers."

When Melissa first announced the Zero-60 Workshop on her blog, I was excited! - but. . .the workshop was in Ireland, so I did not think it would be a possibility. Somewhat jokingly, I mentioned to my husband that I had found my graduation present and proceeded to tell him what I had found. To my surprise he asked, "Well, have you signed up yet?"- he was serious. Clark told me of all the photographers that I follow, he would most like me to learn from Melissa Jill because she is down-to-earth, genuine, real and he respects her for that. (Thanks again, Honey!)

The Zero-60 workshop and the Europe travels prior to the workshop were and experience I will never forget! It was amazing to watch Melissa shoot in Ireland, France, and Italy. Even thought I was in the same area, I looked forward with anticipation to see her blog posts about our travels, to see the same streets through her eyes.

Melissa shooting in the streets of Paris, France.

Melissa and Kari

Melissa and Claire, in Paris

As for the Zero-60 Workshop-it was also amazing. Each day, I was hungry to learn and left the workshop well fed. More information was shared than I ever thought I would have the privilege of learning from Melissa and Arden. There will be more to posts on the Zero-60 Workshop later.

Melissa is both an incredibly talented photographer and a smart business woman, not to mention, just a sweet person :). In addition to being fantastic, Melissa is also a very positive person, humble, loves Christ, family and friends, is active in her church, constantly recognizes the source of her blessings and lives a life of integrity, all of which are of even greater value than the contribution she has made in photography.

Happy Birthday Melissa! The world is a better place because you are in it.

Thanks for everything!