About Us

About Us

Our Story

We started J and S Photography, Inc. in 2011, focusing on pre-school photography and family portraits. Through the years we kept working on our skills, gaining credentials and awards with the sole purpose to deliver better images and products to our customers.

As we advance in our craft, we've become more and more dissatisfied with how our portrait sessions currently run. Clients come in with little preparation, we take a look at the group and how they are dressed, then decide on the spot what backdrops and poses we are going to do for them. We want to be better than that. We want to create images that are as unique as our clients. Images that will be cherished for years to come. We know this takes planning and a lot more work on our part ahead of the session. Out of these ideas, 505 Photography was born.

In order to elevate the images to the caliber our clients deserve, we knew a consultation ahead of the session would be key. Ideally this will take place in your home, not our studio and not over the phone. We want to meet your family, get to know and connect with you and also see your space and understand your aesthetic. From there we can work on crafting your session.

During your consultation, we'll decide on layouts for your new artwork and what it should look like; the key, tonality and mood. Armed with all of this information, we'll return to the studio and choose some locations and/or studio backdrops for your session. Next, we'll work on the posing sequence and make technical decisions too. This way we are completely prepared when it comes time for your session. Now that there is a plan, we have a path to provide you, our client, with "Uniquely Crafted Portraits."

Get to Know Us

Meet Our Team

Steve

I've been taking pictures for as long as I can remember, inspired by watching my dad develop photos in our basement darkroom. My love for photography always brings me back to those cherished memories.

I have a Bachelor's degree in psychology and spent 17 years working with individuals with mental illness and developmental disabilities. My professional photography career began with The Picture People in 2008, where I was a studio manager before co-founding J and S Photography, Inc. with Jen.

As a Certified Professional Photographer and member of several professional organizations, I'm dedicated to continuing education and improving my craft. I couldn't be happier turning my passion into a livelihood, making each moment memorable for my clients.

505 Photographer, Steve Melamed
505 Melamed, Jen Happ

Jen

Hey there, I'm excited that you're interested in the portraits we create! My love for people and making them smile brought me into the photography field.

My journey started in college, running a one-hour photo lab where I learned about color balancing, exposure, and composition. Working at Picture People sparked my interest even more. I started as a seasonal lab technician, processing film and framing portraits. Watching the photographers interact with families and create a comfortable atmosphere inspired me.

I loved the idea of being part of that experience, so I applied for a staff photographer position and began my journey. Now, I strive to create memorable and genuine moments for every family I photograph.

505 Potography

Uniquely Crafted Portraits

Capture the most important moments before they slip away...

Certified Professional Photographer
Professional Photographers of America

CONTACT US

(919)628-4027

505 Hunter St

Durham, NC

Hours by Appointment only

© Copyright 505 Photography 2024