About Melissa Pauquette

Many people ask me "did you go to school for photography?" and I sheepishly have to tell them, no, I actually graduated with a BA in Sociology from THE Ohio State University.

So how in the world did I become a photographer in Columbus, Ohio?

You see, in February of 2008 my husband, Brad, and I decided to quit our jobs and sell most of our possessions to take off around the country in search of a more meaningful life. We love Jesus and believe his message tells us to live simply and help the poor. I spent 6 months taking photos of our beautiful country and began to realize that I could make a go of this photography thing, even booking my first wedding while we were still traveling!

After those 6 months of traveling south, west, north and east we decided that our town of Columbus was truly the best place in the world. We came back to settle in and find a house in a not-so-good neighborhood and try to be good neighbors to the people that live there. We felt this was something God was calling us to do while on our trip.

Brad and I both knew that we didn't want to go back to working ordinary jobs so we went out on a limb deciding to use the talents God gave us to start our own businesses (Brad is an amazingly talented web designer).

5 years ago I would have laughed if someone told me I should be a photographer. Since high school I have had a passion for taking photos but I needed the boldness of a redirected life to make it my career.

These past few years have been amazing. God has blessed me with the most outstanding clients who make me absolutely love my job.

In February of 2009 we bought our first house, a $10,000 beauty lacking in everything but love. That same week we got a new puppy and found out we were expecting our first child. We are still working hard on our house but it is truly amazing how much progress we have made on it.

On October 24th, 2009, Brad and I welcomed our son, Theodore into the world. He has turned our lives upside for the best.

A lot of hard work has made me the photographer I am today. I have no formal training but have taken a LOT of photos. I go into every shoot with the mindset to capture the personalities of the couple, family or person I am taking photos of. It is so important to me that the true nature of a subject come through, whether it be the innocence of a child playing or the excitement of a new marriage.