Today we’d like to introduce you to Colleen Dolan.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I feel like it can be cliché to say that I grew up with a camera in my hand but it’s not that far off. Photography has been very present in my life since the beginning. I may not have realized that it was what I wanted to do full time until later on but a love for photography was always present. My aunt is a photographer so I was used to being around a camera or in a studio. Getting my hands on my first film camera was where it all began. I remember how exciting it was to have to wait for the film to develop before you could see your final product. It truly is an art. Once I was in high school, I got introduced to the digital world of photography and design. I really enjoyed photo manipulation, taking portraits of friends and video. It wasn’t until towards the middle of my junior year that I realized this is something that I loved and wanted to pursue a career in the digital arts.
I graduated from Merrimack College with a BFA in Digital Media. I managed to land a job as a graphic designer for a wedding photography company right after school. This was where my introduction to the world of weddings happened. I would design wedding albums, help edit, process photos and do general office work. About a month into my job, there was a need for a new second shooter in the company and you could say that’s where this all started. That was 11 years ago. I learned so much working for that company. I really saw the ins and outs of owning a business. I was so fortunate to have that experience.
As the years went on working with that photography company, I started to feel like it was time to try branch out and try something new. I went back to school at the New England School of Photography (NESOP) where I got to be immersed in all different types of photography. I majored in editorial photography and minored in architectural photography. Both played a huge role in how I started to see the world. It was extremely different from shooting weddings. While in school, however, I would start to get the occasional “Hey can you shoot my wedding?” I never really dreamed that I would venture off and start my own photography business but this is what I loved and whether it was weddings or an architecture shoot I wanted to be doing this all the time.
This is where Match Made Studios started. I already operated commercial photography under “Colleen Dolan Photography” but I wanted to separate my wedding work with a different brand. Match Made Studios became just that. While looking back, I don’t know if I ever thought I would become a wedding photographer, I am so thrilled that my life has taken me on this path. It really is rewarding that I am able to capture lasting memories for so many people.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Owning your own business comes with its own struggles. As the years have gone by I have definitely accepted my crazy schedule. When wedding season arrives, you find out very quickly that your weekends will disappear. Your family and friends will notice you are absent at many functions on weekends throughout the year. Your actual “work day” is all over the place. Sometimes you will have those late night editing sessions and sometimes you won’t have a day off at all. That’s the nature of this business though. Sometimes there are months that are super slow for business and that can be very stressful. And then there are months where work is plentiful and you just wished you had more than one of you to get everything done in a timely manner.
When I first started out, I held down a few part time jobs just to make ends meet. I was fortunate to make some incredible connections in the industry this way. I found myself back at NESOP part time to help out with Career and Alumni Services at the school. This was helpful to be around photography students, past and present. I also dabbled in my love of fine arts for a few years, instructing guests at Paint Nite. This gig got me painting again and opened up a new found confidence in teaching.
A big break was when I landed a great opportunity to go back to Merrimack College as an adjunct faculty member. That was almost 5 years ago and I’m still a part of the same Visual Art Department that I was a student of so many years ago. It is really rewarding to go back and teach those students who were once in the same spot I was.
There have been times when I have thought to myself, did I make the right choice to be self-employed? With all of the struggles that it entails, the answer every time is yes. I love what I do. I love that I have the ability to take on all different jobs throughout the year. The upside to the crazy schedule is my office can be anywhere. Sometimes Tuesday is my Friday and that’s okay with me.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Match Made Studios – what should we know?
Match Made Studios is a New England based wedding photography company. I am the owner and principal photographer. I am fortunate to shoot alongside many friends in the photography industry as my second shooters.
We specialize in weddings, portrait and event photography. We are available for destination weddings as well and have had opportunities to shoot in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Key West, etc.
The thing that I’m most proud of as a company is that I am in charge of documenting priceless memories. At the end of the day, the photographs are what is left. The fact that I can use my camera to preserve these moments for people is more rewarding than I ever thought. When I hear feedback from my clients over how much they love their photos, it really is the best thing. I save every note, email or photo that I receive from my couples. It really is a fulfilling job.
Wedding photography is such a competitive industry. There are so many talented photographers in New England alone that it can be hard to set yourself apart. I make it a goal in each wedding to be as non-intrusive as possible. I want my couples to enjoy their day as it goes by so fast. I aim to navigate their wedding day without them feeling rushed but also capturing those moments they will never forget. I am very hands on with helping any of my couples with pre-wedding questions or concerns. I want their day to be as seamless as possible. I also find that the night after a wedding I’m quickly downloading images so I can post some sneak peeks on social media ASAP. It’s a great way to get your client excited but also potentially gain new clients that might have attended that wedding.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
As I have stated before, I have been fortunate to have made so many great connections throughout my life. These connections have absolutely shaped the success of my business today.
As previously mentioned, my aunt, Alison Miniter, introducing me to photography at young age. She has been so incredibly helpful later in life. Allowing me to use her studio in Ipswich, Ma for shoots and her gallery to showcase some of my wedding work. I will be forever grateful.
My family have always been huge cheerleaders. They have supported me when I needed some extra help starting my business and have always supported my choice in career no matter how challenging it may seem.
A huge influence during my college career was my former photography professor, Kevin Salemme. He was always there when I needed advice. He helped jumpstart part of my career by getting my name out there. I can’t thank him enough for the support he has given me through the years. It even is more exciting now that I can call him a fellow co-worker. He is the one that put my name in for the teaching position at Merrimack College after all. It’s been nice to work alongside him at the school and be a mentor to the students as he once was for me.
I also have to thank Erik Mysliwy, for giving me the introduction to wedding photography so many years ago. He let me into his business and gave me the chance to start shooting weddings in the first place. I absolutely wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for the opportunities he gave me.
Lastly, I have met some extraordinary people after attending NESOP. Some are my close friends today and I’m honored to shoot alongside them at weddings and other events each year.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.matchmadestudios.com
- Email: photo@matchmadestudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmadestudios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MatchMadeStudios/
Image Credit:
©Match Made Studios
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