We recently connected with Mollie Trainum and have shared our conversation below.

Mollie, appreciate you joining us today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

Photography has always been a creative itch I found myself needing to scratch. From doing “photoshoots” on my iPod touch inspired by the tumblr indie folk era as a teenager to taking photos of my college friends at the beach, I always had artistic vision. A couple of months after I took the plunge and got my first DSLR camera, people began asking me to take photos for them, including engagement photos, proposals, and even a wedding. I had no idea what I was doing, was working with a crop sensor and kit lenses, and hardly charged enough to cover my gas money, but I still appreciate some of the work I created then. Photography continued to be a hobby for me over the years, and while I picked up a few paid gigs every now and then, I found big projects like weddings to be stressful and overwhelming. I was also afraid that if I turned my passion for photography into that a business that I would lose the joy it brought me. I wanted to create what inspired me, not what was trendy or marketable. Flash forward to this year and I realized that my vision is something people desire. I have a unique style and perspective that resonates with others, and while not everyone “gets it,” the people who do are my kind of people. It makes working with clients a joy, because they are people I connect with and admire. Since I decided to take my craft more seriously and pursue a business, I’ve found a creative partner who echoes my style and complements my personality, which goes a long way in creating the kind of chemistry with clients that creates beautiful imagery. Each day I am honing my skills and expanding my portfolio through creative projects. The more I create content I love and dedicate energy to making my visions a reality. the more inspired I feel. I found the perfect studio in my small hometown that aligns perfectly with my aesthetic. One of my models, who is an incredibly talented artist, is designing our new logo, and we’ll also be photographing her wedding next fall. I feel that I am solidly on my way to carving out my own niche in the local industry and hope to continue to express my artistic identity.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a photographer who specializes in creative portraits and boudoir. I also take on branding projects and couples (engagements, elopements, and microweddings) when I feel a client is a good match for my style and personality. Although my style has evolved over the years, it has always leaned toward dark and moody, yet vibrant. Cinematic portraits that feature emotion and depth are my specialty, and I love to capture light, warmth, and texture.
I’m inspired by still life paintings, medieval and fantasy aesthetics, and the art nouveau movement. In the age of AI and with an infinite amount of content available to us, I believe in intentional creation and the rejection of mass produced art. True art is made by human beings. Art is our form of resistance, reminding us of the beauty in the world, centering us and grounding us. It’s a pure form of human connection. I hope everyone who sees my images feels that I have woven threads of myself, and threads of subjects, into my work.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My business partner, Elizabeth, is one of my best friends. We actually met through my “day job.” I work in an elementary school and she was a member of the PTA. At first I felt that I had to maintain a strictly professional relationship because of how we met, but her humor and way of approaching the world allowed me to connect with her in a way I have with few others. She’s also an extrovert and invited me to her birthday party, so I kind of didn’t have a choice in her friendship. Despite all the struggles she’s faced in life, Elizabeth has this pure, infectious, joyous outlook on life. We’ve only known each other for about three years, but I consider her my family. She has a true artistic spirit and a talented eye. I love our rapport and I believe that it helps our clients feel at ease with us.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I find artistic relationships to be reciprocal. I strive to capture the essence of who my clients are, and to capture someone’s true self, it requires them to be vulnerable. The key to creating a space where people feel comfortable is to be vulnerable yourself. That means being open to conversations about your own life, listening to others’ experiences and desires, and being trustworthy and empathetic. I feel that in each photography session, I am giving of myself. When someone understands and appreciates my artistic vision, when they trust me to create something beautiful, I feel seen and accepted. I hope that I instill the same feeling within my clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Velvetveilphoto.com
• Instagram: @mollietrainum and @velvetveilphoto

Image Credits

Photo of myself – Rebecca Burt Photography

All others – Velvet Veil Photo