Mel A. Waples 

Mel A. Waples was born with a camera in his hand. At a young age, Mel worked with his father as a second camera at weddings.  Through his teens, Mel slowed down on shooting weddings and focused on photographing cars at various car shows. By the time Mel was in high school he had a small circle of clientele but was ready to leave it all behind to focus on graphic design and 3D animation.  Eventually, he found a balance between school, clients, family, and friends but ultimately left it all after high school to join the US Army.  During Mel’s time in the service, he still utilized his photography skills as an unofficial combat photographer for all the units he was deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.  After his time in the service, Mel completed a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing but that wasn’t enough for him so upon graduation, he started a Digital Cinematography degree at Full Sail University to help him fulfill a dream of being a filmmaker.

 

Mel’s greatest accomplishment is the photos he took during humanitarian missions he was part of around the globe.  This allowed Mel to meet many different people with different cultural backgrounds. This situation taught Mel to be more open and flexible when working with people.  He has taken everything he’s learned in the US military, previous experience as a photographer, and his education to figure out his next move.

 

Mel A. Waples is currently a business owner, a father, a husband.  He has used his experiences to help fellow veterans realize their dreams to be self-employed, publish their books, go back to school, or just live better lives.  He wants to use his knowledge, talents, and skills to bring entertainment and education to the masses.