Interview with Mel

As we look forward to this week's Ten on Ten, I thought I'd pop in here with another inspiring interview. Last week I got in touch with Mel, to see if she would be interested in sharing some words and photos with us. I am so glad she was willing (even in the midst of the craziness of finishing up her school year!), because her photo style is going to blow you away. I absolutely love the color in Mel's photos, and I'm so inspired by her compositions. We hope you will enjoy this interview!

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Kristen: What is your name, age, and location?

Mel: My name is Mel, I just turned 31 last week & I live in Northern California with my husband & 2 little girls. I am a 7th grade math teacher & I also have an etsy shop selling custom photo cards, announcements, invitations & holiday cards.



K: How long have you been participating in the Ten on Ten photo project, and how did you first hear about it?

M: I have been participating in Ten on Ten since October 2008 (when my youngest daughter was just 1 month old!). I haven't missed a month since I started! I heard about it from my friend Caryn's blog.

K: What inspires you about the Ten on Ten project?

M: I am inspired by the Ten on Ten project in so many ways! It allows me to slow down for a little bit on the 10th of each month & take snapshots of my life on that day. It is a way for me to remember the little day-to-day things that I would normally forget if I hadn't taken a moment to photograph them. I honestly look forward to the 10th of each month because I know it will be a day where my camera is in my hands for most of the day & I love that!


K: What do you find yourself taking photos of when capturing your day for Ten on Ten?

M: I always have a picture of each of my girls & I usually have a picture of nature and food!



K: Do you have a favorite Ten on Ten set from the past year? Why is it a favorite?

M: I think my favorite set was March 2010. It was a beautiful Spring day in California & I got some fun pictures that day!


K: Has this project influenced how you see your daily life in any way?

M: It has caused me to be more intentional with my camera & capture the little things in life that I might not have noticed or remembered.


K: Why might you encourage someone to participate in this project?

M: I would encourage someone to participate in Ten on Ten because it is so fun! It is a way to document your daily life. And, I always add captions below my pictures as a way to journal what the pictures represented. It is also fun to see what other people take pictures of for their 10 on 10.


K: What does an average day look like for you?

M: An average day for me is going to teach each morning & then coming home after lunch to be with my girls. We go to the park, go on play dates or just play at home. Then I make dinner, put the girls to bed & after that I relax with my husband on the couch & watch TV while I blog, edit pictures & make items for my etsy shop.



K: What does an ideal day look like for you?

M: An ideal day would be sleeping in! Then hanging out with my husband & girls all day at the beach or in Lake Tahoe followed by a date night with my husband!



K: What inspires you currently? Who are your favorite photographers?

M: I am inspired by my beautiful daughters. They have inspired my photography more than anything or anyone else. My favorite photographer blogs are:
Kelle Hampton
Mom*tog

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Thank you so much, Mel! We can't wait to see what you will capture this week for your Ten on Ten!

Our best to you all as you carry your cameras with you this Thursday! Happy photographing!

~Kristen