Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Mark.
Hi Melissa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into photography started in the music industry.
I studied marketing in college with one goal in mind: work in music. I threw myself into it completely, landing three internships — one backstage at a music venue stocking artist riders, another at a music PR company helping book concerts, and a third at a radio station. I also volunteered in the press tent at Lollapalooza for nearly six years (perks of going to college in Chicago!). My first job out of college was at a music licensing company, and needless to say, I was exactly where I wanted to be.
But after a few years, I found myself craving sunshine and a new adventure. I set my sights on Austin — dreaming of landing a role at SXSW or ACL — and eventually settled into a marketing position. It was around that time that I picked up a camera.
I’d been running a music blog as a hobby for years, and I started bringing my camera to shows to capture the bands I was writing about. What started as a side passion quickly turned into something more. I began taking photography classes after work, seeking out mentors, and absorbing everything I could about the craft. I fell completely in love with it.
In 2019, I launched my full-time photography business. Music led me to photography — and while I now shoot so much more than concerts, I always make sure to squeeze in some music photography. Some things you just can’t let go of. And as it turns out, Austin delivered on everything I’d hoped for: I’ve spent the past five years on the official SXSW photo crew, and last year I go to capture ACL. Funny how things come full circle.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road — but then again, what worthwhile journey ever is?
There have been real ups and downs over the seven years I’ve been running my business. But through all of it, one thing has never wavered: my love for photography and for being a business owner. That passion has been my anchor.
What most people don’t realize is that running a successful photography business is so much more than taking beautiful photos. It’s building an SEO-friendly website, showing up consistently on social media, nurturing relationships, networking, and putting yourself out there even when it feels uncomfortable. It’s managing your finances, maintaining client relationships, and finding ways to keep growing — all while still doing the creative work you love.
There are moments when things feel uncertain. Slow seasons where the bookings aren’t where you’d like them to be and the road ahead looks a little scary. But I’ve learned to trust the process. I’ve pushed through enough hard times to know that something good is always right around the corner. And during those quieter months, instead of panicking, I invest back into my business — whether that’s taking a class, refreshing my portfolio, or focusing on the behind-the-scenes work that sets me up for the next busy season.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Absolutely! I’m a full-time commercial and editorial photographer, my business is Melissa Bordeau Photography, and I’m based in Austin (available for travel), specializing in product, brand, headshots, events, real estate, and Airbnb photography. The variety in my work is intentional — shooting across so many different subjects is what keeps me creative, challenged, and truly fulfilled.
What I’m most proud of? My repeat clients. Every year I track where my business comes from, and consistently, the majority comes from people who keep coming back. To me, that says everything. It means the work is good, the relationships are real, and the experience is worth returning to. That’s what fuels me more than anything.
As for what sets me apart — I think it’s exactly that range. On any given week I might be shooting a product campaign for a nail polish brand, photographing a multimillion-dollar Airbnb property, and capturing headshots for the team at Google. Those shoots couldn’t be more different, and that’s the point. Working across so many disciplines means I’m constantly learning and sharpening skills that transfer in unexpected ways. The obsessive attention to light and detail required for product photography? It makes me a better headshot photographer. The way I learn to read and frame a space for real estate? It informs how I set up a brand shoot. Every genre makes me stronger at all the others.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Austin has my whole heart. What I love most is the sense of community here — it genuinely feels like everyone wants to see each other succeed. There’s a “community over competition” spirit that I don’t think you find everywhere, and it’s something I felt from the moment I arrived. The entrepreneurial energy is infectious too, which as a small business owner, makes Austin feel like exactly the right place to be.
My biggest gripe? I wish it would rain more! It can be incredibly dry, and after years in Chicago, I still haven’t fully adjusted to the sunshine being quite so relentless. Though I suppose that’s a small price to pay.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bordeauphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bordeauphoto
Image Credits
All photos are taken by me, Melissa Bordeau Photography.
