Melissa Tousley is a portrait photographer, artist, branding coach, and community builder based in Watertown, New York. She is the owner of Sarissa Melissa Photography, where she creates portrait and personal branding experiences centered around confidence, creativity, and helping people feel seen. At the heart of everything Melissa creates is a love of storytelling, meaningful connection, encouraging people to take up a little more space as themselves, and find ways to enjoy creativity daily.
1. What’s the most bizarre place inspiration has struck you?
In a float tank at Aqua Spa! Floating weightlessly in water, completely free from distractions, lets my creative ADHD brain wander with all the creative ideas.
2. What’s the weirdest (but most profound) compliment you’ve ever received?
A client once told me that my photo sessions are like therapy sessions, but the fun kind! She described the experience as healing because I have a way of seeing beyond what's in front of the camera and helping people feel truly seen. That compliment has always stuck with me because it reflects exactly what I hope people experience when they step in front of my lens: I hope they see themselves positively and can look back at the photos to relive that moment and feeling.
3. What’s a non-creative job or task you’ve done that unexpectedly feeds your creative work?
Working as a pharmacy tech when I was a teenager taught me compassion and how to connect with people of all ages and walks of life. That experience still influences my creative work today, especially how I connect with and photograph people.
4. Which childhood snack do you think secretly shaped your personality?
Razzles! The candy that turns into gum! I always loved how colorful and fun they were, with a little surprise at the end. I think that pretty much sums up my personality and my love for fashion and art. Colorful, playful, a little unexpected, and always with a fun accessory that adds a little surprise!!!
5. hat’s a wildly unpopular opinion you stand by in your creative field?
I wish more people valued printed photos over just digital files. I'm not saying to print everything, but print some photos. Especially if you book and invest in professional photography. There's something special about holding a photograph and being able to revisit the moment.