We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melissa McArdle a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

The first time I took a friend’s portrait, and when I gifted her the print, tears of joyful acceptance flowed freely down her beautiful face and she said, “I’ve never knew I was so lovely”. This moment is when I knew my heart’s purpose was to help others light shine through my lens.

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?

Capturing the human spirit and honoring the beauty of human connection inspires my artistic approach to life. Creating meaningful, emotional imagery is what fills up my soul. Being a photographer isn’t just about creating art, it’s about creating an emotional and memorable experience – a journey of visual storytelling. My photography journey has been a decade of intimate connections, soulful adventures, creative brand launches and has expanded my awareness of love and life.

When I work with clients, we always begin with them telling me their story as stories are what connect us. It is important for me to create a comfort level with my clients, and I always want them to know they are being heard. We work together to manifest an intentional photo session through outlining personal/brand needs, shot lists, marketing scopes, locations and details of colors, clothing and body awareness. A purpose driven focus of details is established prior to the day of photography which ultimately gives way to a creative flow of ease during the photo session.

I’m honored and humbled each time I work with my clients, and I give them my all from the moment we say hello. My clients become friends, and this is a true gift that I am most proud of. I live a very authentic and intentional life with nature playing a major role in my every day, and this flows through my work and my client relationships.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Artists and creatives have been crucial pillars in society throughout history contributing to expanding human evolution in artistic and creative ways from many different perspectives. Art is an essential part of a thriving creative ecosystem as it offers people the chance to be exposed to stimuli that can provoke thoughts and even emotions.

Creative expression is vital to a healthy and open-minded society. Art and creative endeavors inspires people, offers hope and can reach a person in a way that words cannot. As artists and creatives, we have a unique skillset to influence, inspire, and connect with others. Now more than ever, with AI becoming so integrated into all parts of our daily lives, societies around the world need to embrace artists and creatives and open pathways to introduce and guide art, craft, and creative work to younger generations. We must save the human expression that imprints our lives and pass on the importance of keeping art alive in today’s world.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

There are a plethora of photographers, and it took me many years to realize comparing my work to others did not advance my business or enhance my skills. And one very important lesson learned is I am not an ideal fit for everyone’s photography needs. Once I shifted my focus to dedicating my time and energy to attracting the dream clients I wanted to work with as well as honing my photographic style, my business blossomed, and I continue to curate my creative journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.melissamcardle.com
• Instagram: @melissa.mcardle

Image Credits
all images credit to melissa mcardle