Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melanie Biggs. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Melanie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
Smalls Photography originally started as a hobby during the pandemic. That was when I began exploring the more technical side of photography. I remember a good friend of mine had napkin sketched a manual settings cheat sheet for me, which was a simple enough visual aid to spring board me past that first hurdle of camera setting intimidation. After that I was photographing anyone who would model for me and my growth accelerated quickly.
Retrospectively, something I could have done differently in the beginning was take time to intentionally focus on fine tune different skills, rather than try to be good at everything all at once. Directing, composition, lighting all are important aspects of what I do, but trying to be instantly effortless at all of them at once was just unrealistic.
As for my growth over the years, I attribute a lot to the photography community, both online and within my own circles. By working along side other photographers, I have been able to learn new techniques, tips and tricks in the business and become freshly inspired artistically.
There’s a delicate line between comparison and collaboration, but once I found that balance I was able to go outside of my comfort zone and push myself, all while owning my individual style.
As for obstacles, one of my biggest challenges has been self doubt. I put a lot of my self into my work, and while I think it’s important for me to do so, sometimes it can be the most intimidating aspect to face.
However, I have found there is always a light at the end of the creative block. Perseverance, trusting the process and believing in your ability is the number one way to fight the imposter syndrome. If you keep digging for what inspires you and stay committed to the journey, amazing things will find you.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m an artist from Buffalo NY who moved to San Diego about two years ago. I have always been acutely attuned to my creative side. Drawing, painting, writing and making music are some of my other hobbies, and it was definitely my love for the arts that brought photography into my life.
I got my first real gig shooting engagement photos for my esthetician back home. After the shoot she asked if I would be interested in photographing her wedding the following year. I had been in weddings, but never photographed one. But even though I didn’t feel prepared in that very moment, I said yes to challenge. It was then that I committed to pouring my energy into becoming better at photography. It was important for me to be able to deliver a wedding album that they would cherish and that I could be proud of.
Motivated by this, I dove head first into my work. (The album came out great and is still one of my favorite weddings I’ve shot still to this date.)
Since starting my business I have been able to photograph weddings, proposals, families, creative portraits and more recently landscapes.
Through these opportunities I have learned that creating trust with your clients is key, not only in producing a great final outcome but also fostering a positive experience for them.
Most often the client is dependent on me for direction, on not only where and how to stand, but how to relax, how to feel themselves and connect with the camera, their surroundings and other subjects.
My business slogan is “capturing your magical moments”. This is really the mission and essence of my work.
I love helping people shine and feel confident, so I always offer lots of lots of positive reinforcement and hyping up when I’m shooting. The magic is always in them, it my job is to help coax it out and then capture it in an image.
A great habit to get into is inviting the client to be a collaborator in the shoot. Asking them to share their ideas, inspiration images/words and how they are feeling before/during the shoot. This investment and involvement for them allows them to put their heart into it as well.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Social media is obviously a big part of modern day marketing. But another great way is word of mouth. I like to ask clients for testimonials if they are willing, as reputation is just as important as an aesthetically pleasing homepage.
I’ve also gotten a few clients from testimonials via Reddit or Facebook as well, as these sites often have forums for people to recommend creative services.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I think something unique to the mind of a creative is the ambiguous bar of success. Art can be so subjective, style preferences vary across the board and there aren’t always clear checkpoints in your journey to know if you’re “good” or not. Photography is a craft that you get out what you put in, and sometimes what you get out is finding your niche rather than universal appeal.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: smalls_photography_
- Facebook: Smalls Photography
