Today we’d like to introduce you to Melody Ferguson.
Hi Melody, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story probably doesn’t look like the typical path into photography. Before I ever picked up a camera professionally, I was raising children, working hard to build a better life, and trying to figure out how to turn determination into opportunity. Photography wasn’t something I went to school for or a career I planned from the beginning—it was something I taught myself, one lesson, one mistake, and one late night at a time.
I grew up around horses and spent much of my younger years barrel racing. I later earned a degree in Agricultural Business, so if you had asked me years ago what my future would look like, photography likely wouldn’t have been my answer. But life has a way of redirecting us toward the things we’re meant to do.
As a single mother, I was motivated by a simple goal: create a better future for my children. I wanted a career that allowed me to provide for my family while also building something of my own. I started with very little beyond a camera, determination, and a willingness to learn. I studied constantly, practiced every chance I got, and learned through experience rather than formal training. Looking back, those early years taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the value of never giving up when things get difficult.
My first inspiration came from my dad, who loved photography and carried an old Minolta film camera. Watching him sparked my curiosity, and eventually that curiosity grew into a passion. Nearly a decade later, that passion has become a thriving business that allows me to tell people’s stories through weddings, portraits, and boudoir photography.
Today, I own and operate Melody Ellis Photography, serving clients throughout Mississippi and beyond. What started as a dream to support my children has grown into a career I genuinely love. Along the way, I’ve built a studio, photographed hundreds of incredible clients, and created experiences that help people celebrate some of the most important moments of their lives.
More than anything, I’m proud of the fact that this business was built from the ground up. No shortcuts, no overnight success—just years of hard work, learning, and believing that something bigger was possible. Every achievement means a little more because I remember where it started: a mom with a camera, a lot of determination, and a dream of creating a better life for her family.
Today, I share that life with my husband Patrick and our wonderfully chaotic blended family of eight children. They remain my greatest motivation and the reason I continue to push myself to grow, both as a business owner and as a person. Photography gave me a career, but my family gave me the reason to pursue it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the beginning, finances were one of the biggest obstacles. I couldn’t afford the newest cameras, expensive software, or all the tools that many photographers considered essential. I learned to make the most of what I had and focused on developing my skills rather than relying on equipment.
There were also the realities of running a service-based business—last-minute cancellations, no-shows, and inconsistent income can have a significant impact when you’re a small business owner. Beyond the financial challenges, I struggled with imposter syndrome for years. It often made me question whether I was good enough to pursue bigger opportunities or try new things.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in wedding, boudoir, and portrait photography, but boudoir holds a special place in my heart. I love helping women see themselves in a new light and watching their confidence grow throughout the experience. No matter what season of life they’re in, it’s incredibly rewarding to create images that remind them of their strength and beauty.
I also thrive in wedding photography. The fast pace, emotion, and beautiful chaos of a wedding day energize me, and I love documenting the genuine moments that tell a couple’s story.
My style is primarily true-to-life, but I also enjoy creating darker, moodier images with a dramatic, almost gothic feel when the session calls for it. What sets me apart is my ability to adapt—whether it’s a luxury boudoir session, a wedding day timeline change, or a creative themed shoot, I enjoy finding ways to make each experience unique to the client.
What I’m most proud of is the impact this business has had on my family. My 13-year-old daughter has developed a passion for photography and has already worked several weddings alongside me. Watching her grow behind the camera has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
There are so many people who have played a role in helping me build this business. My biggest supporters have always been my family. My husband, Patrick, has spent countless weekends helping at weddings, carrying equipment, second-shooting, and supporting my crazy ideas. Running a business often takes a team effort, and I couldn’t do it without him.
I’d also credit my dad for sparking my interest in photography. Watching him with his old Minolta camera planted a seed that eventually grew into a career.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a wonderful community of friends and fellow photographers who have supported me along the way. Whether they’ve assisted at sessions, shared my work, answered my endless questions, or simply offered encouragement when I needed it, they’ve played a huge role in my growth. Some of them are photographers themselves, and one of the things I love most about this industry is seeing “community over competition” in action. Having people who genuinely want to see each other succeed has been invaluable.
Most importantly, my clients deserve a tremendous amount of credit. Every person who trusted me to photograph their wedding, family, or special milestone helped me grow not only as a photographer, but as a business owner. Their referrals, support, and belief in my work are the reason Melody Ellis Photography exists today.
Pricing:
- Weddings start at $2800
- Portraits start at $350
- Boudoir start at $500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://melodyellisphotography.com
- Instagram: @melodyellisphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melodyellisphotography
