Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa.
Hi Melissa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi, my name is Melissa and I am the photographer/owner of Skin Deep Photo. I relaunched Skin Deep Photo in 2015. Skin Deep Photo started in 2013 as a project to photograph tattooed models. In 2015, I didn’t know where I wanted to go with it but I just knew I wanted to start shooting again. I started with local artists and captured their art and the artist behind the piece. Over the years, I tried to find my calling and identify my style. I went through a variety of logos and styles of photography or editing. Eventually, that’s what led to what Skin Deep Photo stands for today. My motto is “Every Woman Deserves to Feel like a Goddess.” Every woman has that spark (or thunderbolt) inside of her that makes her shine bright. She’s not only glowing on the inside but she is absolutely radiant on the outside. The goal was simple, make women feel empowered through photography.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
There will always be a few bumps in the road when you are running a small business or when you’re a creator. It comes with the territory. I have to say I struggled for a long time with having confidence in my work and it was a reflection of the inner struggles with my own self-confidence. Thankfully, I surrounded myself with people, models, fellow artists and supporters that wanted to see me thrive and saw the potential that I didn’t see myself. Although I do hype myself up after every shoot and I have people who continue to root for me, I still struggle with staying motivated and creative. I’m learning to take one thing at a time. Sometimes it can be overwhelming and you just need to breathe and take much needed breaks in between.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Photographer who specializes in Boudoir, Portraits and the occasional Cosplay. Aside from the magazine publications, I am most proud of how much I have seen my Goddesses thrive and glow after a shoot. The reactions I get during the shoot and after sending the final product always warms my heart. It brings me so much joy for them to see the beauty that I capture on my camera. There are millions of photographers and everyone has their own style or something similar to one another, I think having that group of supporters that will like your work or be able to spot it a mile away already makes me feel like I stand out.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I have dealt with some bad luck in the last seven years from tech issues, having no spare batteries or collaborating with people who weren’t the best partners. The good has definitely outweighed the bad. If I had not dealt with the bad, I wouldn’t have met the amazing models and creators that I have in my life now. I wouldn’t have any magazine publications or developed my style. The good and bad both teach you to be patient and kind to yourself. I am truly lucky to be on the path I’m on now and I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the “bad” luck.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Models: Brandilynn, Heather, Cynthia MUA/Hair: Sandra Marcie
