Conversations with Maxine Balchus

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maxine Balchus.

Hi Maxine, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Photography hasn’t come on a straight road for me. I started holding a Kodak camera at 12, during a trip to Egypt with my parents. I loved having it in my hand, hearing its clicking sound, and waiting for the result.

As I grew up and did a bit of modeling, I had many model friends who asked me to take pictures of them; that’s how I realized I liked fashion & portrait photography and being behind the camera.

My turning point was when I bought my first film camera, a Canon A1, and took it with me on my trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, exploring double exposures.

Since that moment, I knew it was meant to be my path. Since then, I’ve been focusing on developing my technical skills (how to use natural light, set up studio lights, and understand everything about exposure, F stop, ISO, and composition…) and working on personal projects to define my style.

Today, I am working with several fashion and beauty brands to help them create appealing content while still working on more personal projects.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been quite a challenge since I started my career in marketing. The switch wasn’t that easy, and COVID-19 didn’t make it any easier. The important thing is to keep believing in yourself and pushing, no matter how many rejections you have.

Rejection is part of the challenges – you have to get used to them and not get discouraged.

You always have to be trendy, create new and updated content that matches, and constantly put yourself out on social media – it’s much more than just clicking on a button; it’s a business.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a photographer and a creative director. I specialize in Fashion and Beauty Photography, but I also love Portrait and Documentary/Lifestyle photography, which is very present in my work. I am passionate about surfing and am currently working on a big project around women who surf worldwide.

I am very proud of having had the courage to follow my passion and change careers, going from a 9 to 5 job in marketing to a creative/artistic calling.

My multicultural facets and extensive traveling experiences set me apart from others. I am French, Italian and American, have lived in Italy, France, Spain, China, Mexico, and the US. I have traveled to over 50 countries and will never stop exploring. I also have a very colorful and oneiric vision of the world. Still living in Neverland 😉

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is reaching a goal you have set for yourself – making it come to life, materializing what you imagined and visualized in your mind. It brings something to the world, whether it is help, joy, or laughter, making it a better place.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.maxinebalchus.com
• Instagram: @maxineb.photography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxinebalchus/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@maxineb.photography