We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mel King a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mel, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?
It’s hard to say what the exact formula is for overcoming the creative blocks that I have gone through, because it is different every time. Sometimes, that block stems from something like an outside event–home and personal life stressors. Other times, I have found myself less motivated because I feel like I have taken the same photo a million times with a different subject. I have had many moments where an idea that I was working on for months just didn’t feel as inspiring as it did the months prior, and I had to just push through because I had to trust the process. I try to make sure to hold myself to specific boundaries and time frames to work on my business ventures. That is easier said than done, since I am always cooking up ideas in my head–even off the clock.
I find everything to be inspiration. The benefit to seeing everything as a canvas is the list of ideas that I can refer back to. If I ever feel like an idea isn’t panning out, I will go over the list of inspirations that I have found in everyday activities to see where my next spark will be.
I also have to remind myself that not every client is going to like the idea that I picture for them, so I try to imagine my clients and subjects in 3-4 different scenes. This helps me get an understanding of what will go into a photoshoot, how much time planning will take, etc. Looking at things this way helps me avoid those creative blocks, but as I said before, every block I have experienced is different. I’m sure that this current process won’t last forever, but that is part of the creative process. It’s okay to think BIG, as long as you can deliver. It’s also okay to bounce ideas off other creatives because they may see a gap in what I am creating. Brainstorming with others is always effective, and it always results in new inspiration–whether that is a future inspiration or related to the project I am working on in that moment!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a photographer that was born and raised in Colorado. I work with clients that have a variety of requests, including but not limited to; boudoir, couples and engagements, fashion models, branding for fashion, senior portraits for high school and college graduates, and character/role play modeling.
My favorite part about being a photographer is the creativity that comes to life when I am working with others. I personally love fashion and dark, mystical fantasy characters. I get to play dress up and collaborate on looks that I am proud to show off with every photoshoot I do. I love seeing the different fashion styles that models and clients bring to the table, because everyone is different. Fashion and role-play is the window to someone’s soul! Those forms of creativity are often overlooked and I have found so much joy in the photoshoots that really bring light to these forms of creativity.
I am currently working on a styled wedding photoshoot opportunity that will take place in late August or early September. I am on the hunt for a couple who wants to elope, with a gothic Halloween vibe, including a moody wedding cake, and stunning gown! I have a makeup artist and I am hoping to partner with local creators to bring my vision to life!
If you are engaged, and enjoy the dark, spooky, gothic vibes, and you are interested in eloping with multiple photographers around to capture your big day, let me know!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
-Interpersonal communication. This is key to working with anybody else–vendors, clients, other photographers, etc. I learned a lot of these skills in customer service as a teen, and developed the basics as I progressed in my career as a Behavioral Health Advocate. Communication is only effective if there is a sense of empathy, understanding, and critical thinking skills.
-Easygoing mentality. Realistically, creating art in any form is not linear. Plans change and develop. I have learned to go with the flow and trust the process, because what I imagine at the beginning of any project is not how it ends–it is always better!
-Time management. Running a photography business sounds so easy but there is so much that goes into the business. Between bookkeeping, scheduling, promotions, client management, location scouting, prop-building, shopping for props and clothing, editing, etc. The list goes on. If I don’t manage my time well, I tend to struggle twice as much than if I keep to my set schedule.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am looking to collaborate with videographers, makeup artists, creative concept designers, set-designers, bakers and chefs, paper-product creators, as well as gown rental companies. I would love to expand my network to continue creating beautiful photos for every client.
I can be contacted through email, Instagram, or Facebook.
[email protected]
Facebook: Mel K Photography
Instagram: @mermaidmoonchild94
Contact Info:
- Website: https://melkphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mermaidmoonchild94/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelKPhotos94
- Pinterest: https://pin.it/1OLaD3z
Image Credits
All photos provided taken by: Mel K Photography LLC -Fashion, Lifestyle, Senior, Family, & Branding Sessions with various clients
