Many of you know of my involvement with The Breed and Melissa Rodwell’s regional fashion workshops.  You might not know how much I owe Melissa for helping me overcome a deep depression during the recent pandemic lockdown of 2020.  Melissa created a Facebook group “Fashion Photographers Connect!” and Zoom call to discuss challenges facing creatives. Her kindness, generosity and mentorship allowed me to find new purpose in my photography and guide me into the crazy world of fashion photography.  I admit that I still don’t completely understand the industry and now, I feel lost without her near.

Melissa passed away from a short, but brutal battle with lung cancer on July 17, 2022.  Her husband Matt was by her side, holding her until the final breath.  Hearing the news and talking with Matt, I was overwhelming shocked having texting with Melissa just a week ago.  I had a long ongoing text thread with her and Tyler Mitchell, her long standing photo assistant and the other driving force behind the educational efforts of The Breed. Melissa created a diverse, tight team that included talented and creative photographers, Steve Ellinger and Craig Anderson.

I struggle with the words I should have for the appreciation and admiration for this fashion industry powerhouse I called friend.  Melissa allowed me access into her personal life, helped me personally and encouraged me to embrace the fluidness of fashion photography.  She has greatly impacted my lookout and approach to all aspects of the craft and now I feel as if the apple boxes have been kicked out from underneath me, leaving me dangling on a short rope.  Her smile, larger-than-life personality, and intangible style are forever burned into my soul.

While I only had the blessing of Melissa’s company for less than 3 years, I tried to capture good behind the scene images of her workshops and shoots that I fortunate to attend.  I’m created a group on Flickr to gather other photographers’ images of Melissa and have a central repository for the family and friends.  Please share your images of Melissa so we can all keep her memory alive and never forget her legacy in the industry.

Melissa, thank you for inspiring everyone to be a better version of themselves and making the world more beautiful.  I will miss your presence but will never forget your friendship.

Here are some of my favorite BTS images during workshops with Melissa.