Melissa Gidney Daly
A wife, mother, foodie and travel junkie. Lover of thoughtful design and unique experiences. Learning photography in the family darkroom, Melissa has had a camera in her hand for more years than she can remember. Based out of Mallorca and Los Angeles, Melissa now focuses on editorial, interiors and her Travel Lifestyle Company, SURŌ (see below for more info). When she's not shooting on assignment, she is most likely soaking up life with her family, at the beach, in her garden, or planning her next adventure. Most recently, Melissa's work can be seen in The Wisdom of Sundays with Oprah Winfrey, which features over 100 of Melissa's breathtaking photos, as well as The Path Made Clear, the second book in the series.
THE WISDOM OF SUNDAYS / OPRAH WINFREY
In 2017, Melissa had the unique opportunity to work on The Wisdom of Sundays with Oprah Winfrey. The spiritual guide celebrates the life-changing insights and Aha moments shared with her by some of the world’s most highly-regarded thought leaders who have appeared on her three-time Emmy winning show, “Super Soul Sunday.” The book is also a celebration of nature and features photographs designed to help the reader delight in the world around us. Hand-picked by Oprah, Melissa has over 100 images featured in the book, ranging from images capturing the most intimate and treasured locations on Oprah's property to breath-taking photos taken on Melissa's world travels. The book will be released in stores October 2017.
"Prior to finding out that I had been selected to be the exclusive photographer for The Wisdom of Sundays, my only experience with Oprah was watching her show. Growing up, five days a week at 4pm, Oprah filled our home with stories that inspired us, educated us, and ultimately, changed us. Over time I came to realize that Oprah’s calling is so much more than just to do a show to entertain people -that she was using her power to increase the consciousness of the entire world. To say I was humbled when I learned that my photographs were going to be featured in her new book is an understatement.
I had a moment while shooting that was quite profound for me. I stood among The Twelve Apostles, an area on her property with twelve magnificent oak trees, and I realized that everything in my life had led me to that moment. Every place I’ve traveled, every photo I’ve taken, every person I’ve met. It occurred to me that literally every decision I’ve made had brought me to this sacred spot. I was filled with so much gratitude for every experience that brought me to that place. As Oprah would say, it was an Aha moment for me, and I felt so connected… to All.
The Wisdom of Sundays features photographs from Oprah’s home, as well as some from my travels around the world. Every photograph in the book was selected to help the reader feel something. I’m always asking people, “Yes, but how did it make you feel?” That, above all else, is the true gauge for me. I want my images to stir something in you. Maybe it’s a sense of calm. Or a renewed appreciation for things often overlooked. Or maybe, just maybe, it inspires something in you to take steps toward your own true expression." - Melissa Gidney Daly, from the Huffington Post.
SURŌ
Melissa is also the founder of SURŌ, a travel website featuring beautifully designed accommodation spaces that are created with the understanding of the effect a well-designed space has on the psychological well-being of the occupant. In short, these spaces make you feel good. Currently, SURŌ is undergoing a website build with the intention of getting back to the heart of it all, essentially, a more holistic way of traveling with a focus on meaningful experiences and connections (disconnect from your routines, reconnect with yourself and others). The aesthetically-curated collection of spaces is design-driven and will showcase the private homes, BnB's and boutique hotels as such, highlighting not just the design elements, but also their story, unique experiences and the passionate people behind them. There are many exciting things to come - stay tuned!