Melissa has participated in about 19 MPW workshops.

She is a freelance photographer for National Geographic. Melissa spent 18 years on assignment work for National Geographic. She is currently working on a website, www.olsonfarlow.com, with her partner and husband Randy Olson.

"I do this workshop because I believe in everything about it: connecting with subjects and building community-even with other photographers... I also learn things every year, and I think it is important to pass on to others what I have learned. I feel responsible to keep it alive."