Vendor Spotlight - La De Da Photography

Hello everyone,

I had the wonderful experience of working with La De Da Photography at Camrose Hill Farm for a beautiful August 2013 wedding! I would certainly recommend Melissa Mlejneck as a professional, creative photographer. What makes her so special is that she uses film photography, which is kind-of a lost art these days. I asked her to answer a few questions about her business so that the rest of you can get to know her and La De Da. Enjoy!

1) Why did you decide to start La De Da Photography and what services do you provide?

I started my love for capturing moments especially when I had my 3 boys. I always loved looking at pictures, as a child I always felt like it was this whole new world to live through. I would sit for hours, as a kid, looking through old photographs. I decided to begin services for others, when I had friends and other people tell me how much I made their pictures feel easy and effortless. I love what I do for a living! Capturing the most important stages, the fleeting moments during a wedding day, is amazing! Watching a family grow is one my ultimate favorite things to do as a photographer.

 

2) What would you say best describes your style of photography? Why is this the medium you chose? 

My style is most definitely described as spontaneous. I am always on the look out for something extraordinary, and those special moments that happen very quickly. My main media of choice is medium format film. I am very connected to film, the way my camera sounds when I click the shutter is sort of addicting! Shooting film also keeps me very connected to my surroundings. Each roll has 16 frames. I can choose what I love, and unlike digital, you can shoot so many frames and then edit them later. Although I do use my digital camera for the night shots, and I love looking at new and old camera's. So I am a bit of mixed media gal.

 3) What are your favorite things about being a photographer? 
Being able to convey what I see, into art for my clients. Or when my clients receive their custom designed wedding book, and tell me how they can re-live their day over and over. It's an amazing career to be able to do this for a living.

4) What are your plans for La De Da Photography? 
My plans are to always be a high quality artist, and never sacrifice quality for anyone. To also, always be inspired by all the great artists in this world.To capture my life around me, as I see it.

 5) What advice do you have for couples on their wedding day? 
I would say the number one piece of advice I can give brides and grooms is to please hire a planner! You would not believe how much smoother the day goes when you have a planner. The planners really do know what it takes to make the day seem effortless for you and your immediate family. They truly do keep track of all those little details, so you, and your family members can also enjoy your day. Your wedding day is a reflection of who you are as a couple, and you want it to be a reflection of fun, and relaxed atmosphere for your guest. The event will have an amazing energy when the Bride and Groom are relaxed and not worrying about when vendors arrive, etc.


(Can I just add an AMEN here?!!)

 6) What locations are you available for? 
I have traveled to International places for weddings, such as Italy, Costa Rica, Venice. Also National states, I love, love, love to travel. I consider my self a "local" photographer for other states. I will travel anywhere for weddings.

 

7) What equipment do you use and why?

 

I am primarily a film shooter. I use a Contax645 which is a medium format camera. I also use a 35mm film and digital camera. I have all the necessary lenses to capture those really quick moments. I was mainly taught with fast lenses, and love using them to this day.

 

8) Are there any photographers that have influenced you and helped you develop your particular style?

 

 I adore Sally Mann. As an artist she is very raw, and individualized. I love looking at Vivian Maier and, of course, one of the great photojounalists, Henry Cartier Bresson. Keeping connected to art is very important for my inspiration. I love checking out new artists in local museums, or book stores too.

 

9) How do you capture the important candid moments of a wedding?

I am always on the look out for moments that are about to happen, it's really a keen eye being able to anticipate those fleeting moments. It also comes with just making people feel comfortable, almost like I am not there.

10) What is the development process for La De Da? How soon can clients expect their photos?

  The very first image, they are most likely to see on my blog. I will pick one favorite picture. From that point, they will receive a proofing gallery to view their wedding images. They will be free to pass the gallery on to friends and family. The process of developing, they are likely to see images 4-6 weeks after the event.

 

I hope this snapshot of La De Da Photography inspires you to check her out. Especially if you're considering the medium of film photography, which is a niche these days!

Happy planning, everyone!

 

PHOTO CREDITS: LA DE DA PHOTOGRAPHY