About Melody
OVERVIEW — I’m a photographer, journalist, artist, musician and pastor based in New York’s Finger Lakes region.
I thrive on a dynamic work schedule, creative challenges, new experiences and inspiring relationships. I refuel in nature and through purposeful solitude.
A DEEPER LOOK — As an independent journalist, photographer and multimedia communicator, I’ve spent the last decade bringing unique characters, issues, trends and milestones to print, digital media and TV. Those efforts have earned multiple industry awards for excellence, and have enriched my life immeasurably with inspiring people and experiences.
For more than two decades before that, I served as an ordained pastor at a vibrant, ground-breaking church, communicating a message of a different kind. Together with the hundreds of talented volunteers I was privileged to lead, we leveraged the power of music, drama, video, dance, story, lighting and sound to serve our church family and community.
Most recently, I've partnered with local businesses, non–profits and community organizations to help communicate their brand and message in ink and image through well-crafted text, eye-catching photos and fresh graphics and web design.
Without exception, the most significant and satisfying moments of my creative career have been sparked by inspiring people, unwavering passion and unequivocal truth. Theirs are the stories I love to tell, and the images I live to capture and share.
Publications
Messenger Post Media (news)
Democrat and Chronicle (news)
55 Plus Magazine (senior lifestyle)
In Good Health (health)
ONCanandaigua (lake life, local business) 2020, 2021, 2022
Life in the Finger Lakes (tourism)
Our Home in the Finger Lakes (Messenger Post Media home decor, lifestyle magazines)
ATHENA Leadership Awards Supplement (Ontario County Chamber of Commerce, multiple annual publications, Messenger Post Media, Finger Lakes Times)
“Contact Sheet” photography journal, Finger Lakes Photography Guild 2020
Website Design, Content
Awards
Best Opinion Article, "Our Images, Our Legacy," Photographic Society of America, 2020
Niche publication, 1st place, Associated Press, 2012
Beat reporting, 2nd place, Associated Press, 2012
Business/Finance reporting, 3rd place, Associated Press, 2012
Blog - Characters, 1st place, Associated Press, 2012
Beat reporting, 1st place, Associated Press, 2011
Features writer 1st place, Gatehouse Media, 2011
Business reporting, Victor Local Development Corporation, 2010
Exhibits, Projects
Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack 2022 Calendar
Genesee Country Village & Museum promotion
Ontario County Arts Council Photography Plein Air Exhibit, Ontario County Historical Society, 2nd place, 2021
Ontario Pathways Exhibition, Main Street Arts, 2019
Ontario County Arts Council Photography Artist Showcase, Fort Hill Performing Arts Center, 2021
“People and Places” Photography Exhibit, Cobblestone Arts Center, 2019
Finger Lakes Photography Guild Wood Library exhibits, multiple years
