Have you ever noticed that often times people grow into their name? For example, when I think of the name “Molly,” I think of someone who is pleasant to be around and genuinely kind, yet strong-willed and fiercely independent. In fact, I have never met a “Molly” that I didn’t like. There may be exceptions in the world but to me the name itself conjures up a long list of flattering adjectives. Molly Mueller is the owner of Valley Ridge Photography and she further validates my theory.
A love for people & photography
Like most of us, Molly’s journey has taken her to different places in search of a career that fulfills her. She attended the University of Cincinnati studying education. She also worked as a private nanny and a flight attendant for American Airlines, which is when she bought a decent camera and fell in love with photography. But no matter where she landed, one thing was consistently obvious . . . she loves working with people, especially kids.
Molly balances her work life by taking care of kids at the The Children’s House along with a steady stream of photography gigs. where she continues to hone her skills and develop her own style. “I have my own method of shooting. My process is set and doesn’t stop with the click of the shutter. The best results are orchestrated by selecting the best pictures, editing them and creating a composition that tells the story of the shoot. It takes time, but I am determined to deliver a quality product. I get good feedback, so I think it must be working.”
Passion
As a student of her craft Molly spends time between shoots studying the art and technique of great photography with others who share the passion. “I belong to a Cincinnati Photographer Facebook Group and we shoot together. It is my passion. Sometimes I feel that photography consumes my life but in a good way. My dream is to be a noted wedding photographer in Cincinnati.”
Judging by the results of her work, she is well on her way!
Just for fun:
Q: What kind of camera do you have?
A: The Nikon 850 is my baby. Cameras are getting more and more advanced all the time.
Q: Why the name “Valley Ridge?”
A: It is the name of the street I grew up on in Dent.
Q: What is your favorite part of photography?
A: Working with the people, especially the kids! Getting to know the people is a great added benefit to this business and I work hard to bring that connection into the photograph.
Q: You seem to naturally connect to kids.
A: I understand how important it is to drop into a kid’s level and bring out the best in their personalities. At first, they seem nervous, but they begin to relax when I act silly or when I throw a Micky Mouse at them and they crack up. I get a lot of compliments from the moms when I can connect with their child in a way that gives me that moment to capture their honest smile or laughter.
Q: How would those close to you describe you? What would they say about you?
A: Loyal, Kind (I pride myself on that), Genuine.
Q: Tell me some of your favorite things about our city.
A: I think the coolest thing about Cincinnati is that when you meet someone, you always want to know what high school they went to. It is a bond (and a rivalry) that is unique to Cincy.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Cincinnati? What do you love there?
A: Skyline, even though I am a vegetarian. They have a great vegetarian dish. I don’t eat meat and I feel better for it. It seems like the right thing to do.
Q: Can you identify a turning point in your life?
A: Around the same time I gave up meat when I was at Bowling Green. I was in a chapter of self-discovery and I really found out a lot about myself that frankly I liked. After a year at Bowling Green, I returned to Cincinnati, moved home with my parents and attended UC. The move felt a little like a step back from the Bowling Green independence I experienced, but I really feel that I shifted from a kid to an independent young adult. The person who left for an out of state college came back a more enlightened person much more prepared for whatever came next. It was positive experience and I am thankful for that year that I was away.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in your community?
A: My parents.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now where would it be, and why?
A: Antelope Canyon or maybe Arizona. I love being active. I’m not a beach person but I love hiking and the mountains.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: Stepbrothers. I like Comedy and romance and if I can get both in the same movie, sign me up!
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?
A: There is nothing that you cannot do.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: One day to settle with my own family in my own house.
Q: What is your favorite music?
A: It changes frequently but right now I like country music – the kind when you roll your windows down and let it happen.
Q: What person, alive or passed would you like to have lunch with? Why?
A: It would be really cool to meet Steven Tyler. My dad loves him and has given me the gift of appreciation for his music. My dad and I have seen him a couple times in concert together. We even went to Vegas to see him. I would love to meet him but mostly I would love to see my dad interact with him, he would be such a kid!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
A: A house, family, husband and photography full time.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: My quirks are obvious, like my dimples.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: My grandma’s house, Sundays, Family. When I was growing up, we would all go to my grandma’s house on Sunday. It was great to be with cousins and family. We are all super close.
Q: What do you do for you?
A: I have a nice coffee. I like going out in the morning to relax before a shoot.
Check out Valley Ridge Photography website for some beautiful samples of Molly’s work!
