Melissa Varner: Finding a passion for photography

As the DATA program enters it's second decade, we are fortunate to have alumni return to share their experiences in photography, graphics. illustration, and video game design with current students. On October 28th, 2003 grad Melissa Varner stopped by the DI classroom to talk about her college and career path as an artist and professional photographer.

Melissa received her BA in Art w/an emphasis in photography in 2007 from the University of California, Riverside. She currently lives on the east coast and travels to parts of the U.S. shooting weddings, engagements, and life style images for various clients.

Here are some valuable tips she gave students interested in turning their passion into a career

• Create a niche for what you want to shoot
• Learn to pose and direct people / Make them feel comfortable in front of the camera
• Take the time to truly consider wardrobes and locations of shoots
• Take advantage of social media to network and get your work out there
• Know your camera
• Prepare a professional web portfolio and always have business cards on hand

Make sure to check out her work @

www.melbellphotography.com