Melissa O'Gara
Name: Melissa O'Gara
Camera: Nikon Z6 II
Favourite type of photography: Senior portraits, ballet and macro
Location: La Crescenta, California, USA
Website: www.melissaogara.photography
Instagram: @melissaogara.gallery
How did you get into photography?
Photography has been a lifelong hobby for me. As a kid, my parents subscribed to National Geographic, and I would pour over those images, loving the colours and details in each photo. I would marvel at how a photograph could transport me to exotic places around the globe. As a high school student, I travelled to Peru as an exchange student, and I let my camera be my journal. Years later, as a high school Spanish teacher, those pictures I took made their way into my high school classroom, where I've used them to teach my students about the beautiful people and places in Latin America. When my own children were born, I again took to my camera to freeze time and journal the happy (and chaotic) moments of parenthood and childhood. Finally, when my daughter became an elite ballerina, I began taking photos of her and her ballet friends for auditions and social media. It was at this time that I began to consider starting my own photography business, as more and more people requested I take photos for them. It's been a slow progression, but photography has grown from just a little side interest into a much bigger part of my life.
Do you have any photographic qualifications or accolades?
I've been published in "Senior Luxe Magazine", and several of my photos have been chosen for online exhibitions with Artsonia and Exhibizone.
What's the first photograph you remember seeing or shooting?
My first memory of a photograph was in National Geographic. I was probably 4 or 5 years old. It was of an African woman wearing the most colourful and beautiful outfit. It's not a clear memory, as that was a very long time ago, but the beauty of it is still quite vivid.
What do you love about photography?
There's too much to convey! As a teacher, I suppose the first thought that comes to mind is that photography is one of the best ways to teach us all about other places and people in the world. How many people just want to look at pictures in a textbook rather than read the written words? A photograph can say so much more! I also love that photography can freeze time and fills in where our memory fails. And lastly, I love photography because it helps the photographer to look for the good - the positives - in the world. Searching for tiny wonders for macro photos, or finding beautiful patterns in nature, or even looking for the beauty in a person is truly forcing ourselves to seek beauty in the world, or even find beauty in the brokenness of it.
What do you wish you'd learned about photography earlier?
I wish I'd learned to seek out helpful groups of people who are willing to share their insights on how to improve. I had (and still suffer from) imposter syndrome and was too scared to ask others for advice, thinking they might see a lack of talent or knowledge and it would take the joy away for me. However, the groups I have joined have proved to be such a wealth of helpful information. Their friendship, kindness, and advice have given me a great deal of courage and insight.
Where is your favourite place for photography?
I really don't have a favourite place, but I do like the outdoors, hidden away from others, where I can find tiny treasures - flowers, insects, and interesting patterns.
Do you have a favourite photographic technique?
Macro photography is my favourite, simply because it forces me to really look at my surroundings with a careful, attentive eye.
Can you briefly outline your approach to image processing?
I use Lightroom lightly! I prefer to shoot in camera as I hope for the image to be. But I do use Lightroom to adjust light, colour, and highlights and to remove distractors.
What's your favourite lens?
My Nikon Z 70-200mm F/2.8 or Nikon Z 85mm F/1.8.
Read our Guide to Camera Lenses
Do you have a favourite accessory?
None that I can think of except my assistant (my husband, who helps me change lenses and carries my bag when it's super heavy!)
Have you found the perfect camera bag yet?
I have been on a continual hunt! I did find the Kamrette, which I love, but I also recently travelled with a Bagsmart that worked wonderfully!
Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 25L Review
Which photographers have influenced or inspired you, and how or why?
Every photographer from National Geographic in the 1970's-1980's! Amy and Jordan Photography has been a huge factor in the founding of my business. I love their work (though mine is quite different), but most importantly, the community they built to help other photographers has been a great help and comfort.
Please recommend 2 or 3 female photographers to follow on Instagram.
Marilyn L Taylor @marilyn.taylor.5811, Edie Tyebkha @edie_tyebkhan_photography
Is there a camera, lens or accessory that you don't have yet but you'd like to buy at some point?
The Nikon Z8 and I'd like to try Canon again.
Is there a genre of photography that you love but that you haven't tried yet?
I love street photography. I've tried it a bit, but not enough!
What's your proudest photographic moment?
My proudest moment would be when I photographed my first wedding and they actually loved the photos! It gave me the courage and confidence to continue my business pursuits
If you could have one superpower that could help you with photography, what would it be?
Directing the sunlight so golden hour could last longer!
Your favourite baked goods are?
Chocolate chip cookies and apple pie
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in the suburbs of Los Angeles, California, but I'm a country girl at heart. I am happiest when hiking in the mountains or wandering through green open fields.
Photography has always been a part of my life, mostly as a tool to help me remember the people and places I encountered in my travels throughout Peru, Mexico and Europe. As a high school Spanish teacher, I used my photogrpahs from my travels to show students the life and culture in other parts of the world. As a mom, I always had my camera with me to freeze time and help me hold on to those fleeting moments.
When my daughter became an elite ballerina, I had to improve my skills to provide pictures that captured movement and precision. I started to study photography with technique and artistry in mind, and I took advantage of any workshop or video I could find. For years I built my skills on continual study and practice. Today, my photography includes an eclectic mix of genres from landscapes, macro nature shots to portraits and events, and all are about highlighting the smaller details and often hidden beauty I find in each of my subjects. I like for the photograph to bring out some quality that might otherwise go unnoticed at first glance or in passing. It is my goal to have each picture tell a story about the subject and the moment in which the photograph was taken.
