The Light and Magic That Is Melodee Solomon

I remember the first time I saw Melodee Solomon's work, a photo she'd taken of my teacher, Erin Telford. I was blown away by how the light appeared in the photo, the softness of the environment, and the way that Erin's energy came through. It took months for me to find the courage to step in front of Melodee’s lens, and all that courage mustering was pointless, because Melodee is all heart.

I was so nervous to meet her that first time, taking care to be super respectful of the time and professional boundaries. We were meeting in DUMBO, the same place that she’d be shooting my photos. I got there early (because with city traffic, you just never know) to make sure I was on time for our appointment. It was a cold day, a bit overcast, and super breezy, so I dipped into One Girl Cookies to pee, warm up, and grab a cup off tea.

As I sat waiting, sending Marco Polos to my friends, texting others for support (I was scared to be photographed), I saw Melodee walk by. I sent her a text letting her know that I’d seen her, that began “So, I am here having tea and saw you, which feels grounding.” She replied, “Where you at? I want tea.” Whoop! I got so excited at the thought of finally meeting Melodee, while simultaneously melting at her unassuming response.

Melodee is a force. She’s kind-hearted and open, and has incredible respect for the Earth. Being around her really elevated my awareness, and everything just felt really special. She began with a ritual, and we gave offerings to the land.

While her work is sacred, it’s also a lot of fun. At one point, she asked me to tszuj (jujj) my hair. She made me laugh, a lot. She said all sorts of funny things to loosen me up, but it means too much to me to share it all here. (Work with her, and you’ll see what I’m talking about.) I was really happy being with her, and I loved having her take my photo. I felt special, but not in a puffed up way. She allowed me the space to feel held.

The photos, though. How about them?

Let me start by saying that it’s enough to just be around her, but the photos were pure magic (insert fairy dust and glitter here). We had no sunshine, tons of wind, and I didn’t really plan for a clothing change (she offers clothing changes, but I felt too down on myself before the photo shoot to bring many options — after the shoot, I felt like a goddess) yet they were incredible. I saw the photos, immediately took to Melodee’s website, and booked a second photo shoot.

The second was just as magical as the first. This time, we had the sun. Mine and Melodee’s dear friend Chris Phipps generously let us use his light-filled apartment for our shoot (and for a podcast conversation that we recorded that day - click here to listen). And while I’ve only gotten a few sneak peeks from that day (like the one attached to this post), I’ve already booked my third session.

Photographs are more than just pictures taken with a camera. They are a dance between the photographer and her subject. They are the unwritten agreement of a balanced flow of energy. When the relationship between the two is matched, everything opens up. There is no fear, only safety and trust. Being the subject of Melodee’s photography allowed me to feel witnessed.

I have days worth of words and praise, but I think it’s best if you find your own path to experiencing Melodee Solomon. Go check out her offerings online; she also offers her own art, and breathwork healing sessions. And if you would like to work with her, be sure to act quickly. Melodee books up quickly (I just booked my April 2020 session, and it’s only October 2019).

LISTEN to our conversation on Access + Expand. Get ready to fall in love.