Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Maybeline Despagne. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Maybeline, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

At the beginning of 2020, COVID 19 turned our lives upside down and we were forced to find new routines while in quarantine. I had been a professional photographer for 2 years at the time. My primary business was, CAS Xpress, my shipping company and my side hustle was photography.

CAS Xpress was struggling during the pandemic. On the other hand, the demand for photographers was growing and I was getting booked more often. However, 99% of my shoots were outdoor ones. Living in South Florida, I was limited with the number of shoots I could book due to the heat and the rainy season.

I talked to my husband about the possibility of opening a studio. I had only been to 3 studios and knew nothing about running a studio and indoor lighting. It was, however, a permanent solution to my problem. Having a studio would allow me to not only handle more bookings per day but I would also have a space to practice different studio lighting techniques and create my sets.

Opening a studio with limited income in the middle of a pandemic was a risky decision. But I followed my heart and opened Pix City Studio. 2 years after, I can honestly say that it was one of the best decisions I have made.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Maybeline Despagne. I have been a photographer for 4 years operating under the name Maybeline Photography. I declared myself a professional photographer when I was 6 months pregnant with my 3rd child because I had bought a backdrop and a stand to take my own maternity photos. I made a joke online that I was becoming a professional photographer and people took it seriously. I decided to give photography a try because of the side income I could make from it. With practice and time, I became better at it and started building a strong customer base. I’ve explored different styles of photography and realized that I love creative, conceptual and editorial photoshoots where I can express myself and be unique and different.

Two years after, I was getting booked more often than I originally anticipated. I saw an opportunity to turn my side hustle into a bigger business. In October 2020, my husband and I opened Pix City Studio, a photography studio located in Hollywood, Fl. Loaded with props and different backgrounds, my studio has allowed me to create many sets and concepts. Our clients get to choose their sets and props during their session. My goal is to connect with my clients and make them feel comfortable while I capture them in their natural state.

Pix City studio is also available for rental. I have met many inspiring photographers for the past 2 years, some of which I have been following since the beginning of my photography journey. I have receive advices and tutorials from many of the photographers who have rented my studio and for that, I am grateful. I have also helped out many upcoming photographers with their photoshoots, their sets and their concepts. I enjoy every aspect of my business and my career and I look forward to improving my skills and I’m excited about my ongoing photography journey.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

After declaring myself a professional photographer, one of the first thing I did was to open an Instagram and a Facebook account where I can share my work.

I opted to grow them organically because I wanted a connection with my followers. Photographers play an essential role in social media because we provide contents for creators, models, influencers and more. At the beginning, I did a lot of collaborations in exchange for credits. I always request that my name be mentioned in the caption. I worked with singers and influencers and gained a lot of followers from being credited for my work.

As my income from photography grew, I paid for few Instagram ads every now and then to expose my work to different demographics. I kept my work consistent and coherent. My page was about photography and I posted only photography related content on it. My social media pages are my portfolio and it’s important for me that my feed is neat and attractive.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being an artist, I love being able to express myself through my art. I see the world as my background and I just need the right elements to turn a basic place into something memorable and beautiful. I love creating unique concepts and tell stories through my images. I love capturing precious moments and I love the reactions and the emotions I get from my customers and my followers. Photography is rewarding, not only do you give my customers lasting memories but I help them see their beauty and boost their confidence.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.MaybelinePhotography.com
• Instagram: @MaybelinePhotography
• Facebook: Maybeline Photography
• Youtube: MaybelinePhotography

Image Credits
Maybeline Despagne