Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Bordeau Mark
Hi Melissa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2016, I left my life in Chicago, where I’d spent eight years, and moved to Austin, Texas, with no job lined up and no personal connections in the city. My goal was simple: to work in the thriving music industry, specifically with SXSW. For years, I’d immersed myself in the music world through my personal music blog, and working for various live music venues, festivals and a music licensing company in Chicago.
Once in Austin, I quickly fell in love with the vibrant local music scene, attending live shows regularly. I revived my music blog, writing show reviews and conducting interviews with bands. Soon, I was being asked to photograph the shows I covered—something I’d always dreamed of but never had the resources to pursue. After two years in Austin, I finally bought myself my first camera, a Sony a6000, perfect for low-light concerts. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a passion, and I made the decision to leave my marketing job to pursue photography full-time in January of 2019.
That decision paid off when my dream of working for SXSW became a reality. For the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of being apart of their photography team. My expertise has expanded beyond music, and today I specialize in a range of photography, including product, interiors, portraits, and fashion. I’m grateful to do what I love every day, and the variety my work provides keeps me constantly inspired and motivated.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to success is rarely smooth, and there have been plenty of moments of doubt along the way. I’ve been running my business for six years now, and while it’s been strong, it’s certainly had its ups and downs. A few years ago, facing challenges in attracting the right clients and struggling financially, I found myself applying for full-time marketing roles—something that aligned with my degree. But as I went through the process, I realized that it wasn’t the path I was passionate about. The excitement just wasn’t there.
Instead of taking that route, I made the decision to invest in myself and my business. I completely revamped my website and marketing strategy, focusing on attracting the type of clients I had always dreamed of working with. Within a month of making those changes, I landed one of my dream product clients—and we’ve been working together every month since August 2023. That was a pivotal moment in my career, proving that persistence and staying true to my vision really pay off.
The key takeaway here is simple: Keep going.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an Austin-based full time Commercial Photographer specializing in Brands, Product, and Headshot photography.
Working with countless entrepreneurs and business owners over the years, each project I undertake is diverse, yet, I will consistently infuse every shoot with equal measures of enthusiasm, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I have learned is to stay true to yourself. Know your worth and don’t give up on your dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bordeauphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bordeauphoto/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissabordeaumark/
Image Credits
All images captured by me, Melissa Bordeau Photography.
