We recently connected with Melissa Alexander and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

When the pandemic shut everything down in March 2020, amongst other things, I had a real fear that the world was on the verge of complete disconnection. We couldn’t be close to our loved ones because we didn’t know who got “it.” We were advised to not love on, hug, kiss, share space with those we hold most dear.

So I created the Pull Up Sessions where I invited folks to my home to make portraits with me. We kept physical distance, being that we were outside, but the point was to ensure a connection was forged, so no one ever thought they were truly out here alone. I was able to offer joy and a reprieve from the madness that was broadcasted from every media outlet and social media, spoken in every conversation with family and friends.

I found a new way to love on folks, just by seeing them, in a time when love and understanding was in short supply.

Melissa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

At my core, vulnerability and growth are the values on which I lean in. Being a photographer helps me to bridge connections between myself and the person on the other side of my camera, between the person on the other side of my camera and the viewer, between myself and the viewer. It’s a circle that continually gives…everything.

My company, Phyllis Iller, is based on more than just photographs, it is a chance for someone to really get into themselves, celebrate the things they love, and see their challenges as opportunities to be better. I always tell my clients, “show me you so I can show you, you.”

I have laughed with my clients, I have cried with my clients. My studio is an open space and, honestly, a session with me can be almost be considered a therapy of sorts.

I can’t say what sets me apart from other photographers because I don’t know them all. What I can say is that I show up as my fullest self each session, that my curiosity and love of stories helps to create portraits that feel authentic to whomever sits with me.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

My photography journey started while I was still working a 9-5. I’d work during the day and photograph my community during the weekends. Street photography allowed me to still the beautiful, quiet, and often overlooked moments during my day. Once the weather turned cold, I retreated into my home space, making portraits in my living room.

I began inviting folks to sit for portraits for me, not realizing that street photography was becoming a thing of my past. The ability to control lighting, the intimacy in knowing who I photographed was addicting, so I ran with it. I began a weekly portrait series called “About Last Night” where I invited 5 random folks to share space with me each Wednesday night, after work. We’d hang out, create connections, and they’d receive portraits.

In doing so, folks started to know my name a bit more and I was offered paid gigs. Little by little, I fell more in love with photography than I ever had with my 9-5. In both spheres, I helped others, but the corporate world drained me. I rarely had time with my daughter during the week. I rarely had time for myself!

On October 16, 2017, I walked out of my job, seemingly unexpectedly, even though it had been a long time coming. I figured that, if I could give my talents and skills to myself, the same way I gave it to the corporate structure, I’d win. And I did. I found my true calling and, while it hasn’t always been easy, I feel blessed that I had the courage to live the life I want.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Social media can be either extremely misleading or extremely freeing. Very early on, I realized that, in order for social media to work for me, I had to show up as my fullest self.

I tried that “good vibes” approach and, after a good roast session from my friends, I realized I was faking the funk. I’m not always happy, go-lucky, I had a full range of moods that I didn’t feel vulnerable enough to share on social media. So, I built up the courage to share them.

And that’s when I noticed a shift in my social media analytics, I gained a larger audience when I shared my true feelings, when I discussed my shortcomings and fears, when I spoke on the process of growing and changing. My audience was able to connect with me in a way they hadn’t before because they could see themselves in me. I understand that my audience only opens when I open, so why not?

When I first started building my social media presence, I’d post portraits and videos. I’d engage my audience in the comments section, in a way that I spoke directly to whomever commented, not just emojis. I would follow those I admired, utilize hashtags. As a photographer, I sought to collaborate with others who thought like me.

The number one thing, though, is that I remained myself throughout it all. I did not shy away from the fact that I am a nerd, a mother, a lover of A Tribe Called Quest and Conan the Barbarian, or that I struggle with self-love, that imposter syndrome challenges me, that I worry about the hearing loss that runs in my family. These are all parts of me and I share them truthfully. I’d never want someone to meet me online and not recognize my character when they meet me face to face.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.phyllisiller.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phyllis.iller
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melalexander1013

Image Credits
Melissa Alexander/Phyllis Iller