Melissa Haupt
Looking through her lense…
I observe & capture things that are otherwise unimportant if they were not so beautiful on their own at that moment.
Melissa Haupt is a Pennsylvania born photographer, who bought her first professional camera almost 20 years ago. She started out in the fashion industry, yet soon realised that her passion for fashion sourcing was fading, which saw her move into the financial industry. During this period, she was finally able to find time for her photography. Through her experience and by attending photography workshops, she has developed a keen eye for capturing images that truly crystallises her vision, allowing Melissa to truly express herself through the lens.
Q1. Tell us a little about yourself: What is your background and what inspires you to create.
I grew up in Pennsylvania in a house right next to my grandfather’s farm. The farm had been in our family since the late 1800s and many of my childhood memories revolve around it. When I became older, I became the guardian of our family history and all the old photos from the farm. Those photos were the start of my love for photography, images that capture a moment forever and carry a story within them.
I studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, and then spent over a decade working in the fashion industry - mostly in the sourcing side of the business. Eventually, I reached a point where I felt burned out; I lost my passion for the industry and left it behind. After doing a few different things, I landed in the financial industry. It has been a comfortable fit as it allows me plenty of personal time to pursue my photography.
As a photographer travelling the world and capturing its cultures and people, I strive to convey a strong sense of place in my work, while always respecting the local culture. Sometimes my photography dwells on the smallest of details; some seemingly trivial detail from life that most people would have missed. I observe & capture things that are otherwise unimportant if they were not so beautiful on their own at that moment. I love shooting during the golden hour & chasing the light when I travel, capturing those moments when the light falls onto someone or something & creates beautiful highlights & shadows all at the same time. No matter where I may be in the world, I endeavour to capture moments of beauty and grace.
Q2. What kind of traveller are you?
There is a wonderful quote by Anais Nin that captures why I travel: “We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls.”
My love for reading was what led to my love of travel - I sought to travel and experience the places I would read about in novels. I love to do extensive research before any trip and adore finding places to stay that have a history of their own.
When I travel, I feel that I am the best version of myself, and I realise what a gift it is to have the experience. I practice being open & ready to receive whatever opportunities that present themselves.
Q3. Have you ever travelled solo? What tips would you give to a first-time solo traveller?
As a single woman, I mostly travel solo. While it presents some challenges, it is a great way to push yourself beyond your normal boundaries and interact with people in a way that you might not have done within a group. My camera has become my companion and it is a great connector to people.
For a first-time solo traveller, I would recommend making a connection immediately with the hotel staff where you are staying. Not only are they a great local resource, but they become the familiar faces who greet you each day.
Q4. Which travel destination has left you with the most memorable experience?
Since COVID, I have only travelled to France; a country where I feel comfortable enough during this strange time. I took this opportunity to spend much longer periods of time in Paris and really get to know the city. I could spend weeks just visiting all the great museums Paris has to offer!
I would say that my two trips to Burma have been the most memorable & life-changing experiences for me. We travelled to remote villages where tourists had never set foot to visit tribes of women who still practise customs that have been around for centuries. The Burmese are some of the kindest people I have ever met, and their resilience in the face of the oppression they have experienced is inspiring.
Q5. The emphasis on working with women sends such a positive message. Who are the female figures whom you admire?
There are several workshops I have attended over the past few years where I have met remarkable women. The one who stands out is Ruth Ribeaucourt, founder of Faire magazine. Ruth is such an inspirational person who lifts up other creatives to tell their stories & makes sure that they realise what they create matters. Ruth has created many great creative connections for me & inspires me to live my best creative life.
Q6. How is slow travel different from the usual way of travelling?
Slow travel is taking time to fully absorb our surroundings and gain a respect for the people, place and culture. It is slowing down time & going deep, not wide. It allows us to embrace the experience & gain a deeper understanding. Slow travel opens our hearts and eyes.
Q7. As an entrepreneur, how do you focus on wellness in your life?
Since COVID, I have begun eating more plant-based foods. As I get older, I realise my body needs different foods to function better. Also, I try to read every night. Reading a good book is the best way for me to relax after a long day.
Q8. Who do you think should come on this trip? And what would one hope to take away from this tour with TextileSeekers?
Anyone looking for an authentic & intimate experience with the women of this culture. This type of workshop will leave you with a profound experience of life and the connections we all share in our humanity.
Q9. Do you have one or two all-time favourite fashion pieces? Do you have a favourite designer/artist?
I love my herringbone cashmere wrap, which makes a great blanket on those long, cold flights overseas and an extra layer for cooler evenings in whatever country I find myself in. Also, I always pack my Le Monde Beryl black Venetian mules. They don’t take up a lot of space in the suitcase & are the perfect shoe to dress up your look for evening cocktails & dinner.
Q10. What are you reading now?
I have been reading a lot of historical fiction set in Paris lately. I have just finished reading I am Madame X by Gioia Diliberto. The novel tells the story of the woman in John Singer Sargent’s scandalous portrait Madame X, one of my favourite paintings at the MET in NYC. It’s a captivating read on society during that time period in Paris.
Click to follow Melissa’s work.