Photographer. Graphic designer. Friend.
Please allow me to introduce my friend and colleague, Melissa Prior—a woman of many talents and titles.
Melissa is a wife of 25 years and the mother of 3 adult children. She majored in advertising at Pennsylvania State University. A New Jersey native, Melissa has called a number of states her home—Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Virginia. Currently, she is a professional photographer and private school teacher in the Richmond, Virginia metro area.
Richmond is not a small town. So, how in all the world did our paths cross? Well, I had the great privilege of teaching her youngest child private piano lessons. When you see a student for 30-45 minutes each week for years, you get to know not only the student but his family as well.
Here’s what I know about the Priors. They are salt-of-the-earth people. Faithful friends during the peaks and valleys of life. And here’s how we are connected today . . .
The illustrations for Huck, Chuck, & Bruce: At the Shore are rendered in paper collage. Because this type of artwork consists of layers and layers of paper, my attempts to scan the illustrations were nothing short of disastrous. (Lots of wonky shadows.) I could never send t
hese digital images to a publisher. What to do now?
I looked at the copyright page of other collage art illustrators and found a commonality—a photographer’s name was cited. That’s It! Scanning is not going to work, but taking pictures will.
Enter Melissa Prior—photographer extraordinaire. I asked my friend if she would take pictures of the collages. She said, “Yes.” And I said, “YIPPEE!”
Pre-husband and pre-children, Melissa was a graphic designer. Little did I know how invaluable this skill would become until a few inevitable glitches reared their ugly heads during the formatting of my first book.
What talent.
And what an . . .
Intelligent,
Well-spoken,
Professional,
Thoughtful,
Generous,
Humble,
Lovely,
Mature,
Godly woman.
I could go on and on and on . . .
But I’m sure you get the picture. (Pun intended.) She’s the proverbial
whole package.
Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.
- Proverbs 31:10 KJV
Melissa Prior is a gem of a gal. What a rich blessing it is to know her both personally and professionally.
Connect with Melissa at Melissa Prior Photography.
Photo credits: Tony Sylvestro