We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Marshall recently and have shared our conversation below.
Melissa, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
Every single day is a new day. A new day to make a difference. Whether I am taking pictures of a family, a wedding or a during a church service- each time I am behind the camera I am humbled.
I am humbled at the fact that I did not go after this career; it was not even on my radar. It was really a gift from God.
People choose me to take their pictures to tell a small story of their lives. How can I not be happy and optimistic about this dream? It’s truly an amazing experience once you shift your attitude from “it’s a job” to “I get to do this every day!”
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 have been in the photography industry for the last 12 years. It has been an amazing ride. From families, to weddings, to businesses getting to tell the stories of each time I show up at a place is just simply amazing!
In addition to photography, the last 4 years I have put myself in the community and may be known as a special education advocate. I love special education. I love everything from teachers, to curriculums, to the kids. Being able to help bring a voice out of a child who has a speech delay or is considered “nonverbal” is such an amazing feeling knowing the potential of a child. This is only one glimpse as to why I love and advocate for special education.
I am excited to be able to finally sink my feet in to Texas (I am originally from Tennessee- we moved here in 2018.) I feel like 2024 is the year I finally start growing some roots in to this amazing state. From photography to special education and everything in between I am just so thrilled and completely humbled to be a small part of the lives that I come in contact with.
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?
First and foremost the best knowledge you can gain is from the Bible. The Bible has every single answer that you need. And trust me, I’ve tried to debunk that and I still keep finding more answers!
A long time ago I stopped comparing myself to others. Comparison is the thief of joy and if I spend my time wasting on comparison then I will never be motivated to start whatever project it is I am wanting to start. Not to mention putting me in a terrible mood.
It’s okay to make mistakes along the way. Use those as a stepping stone but always keep moving.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client is someone who appreciates the art of storytelling via photographs. I am not a cookie cutter photographer. I want each session to be different and to tell their own story. Each headshot, each family, each business and each wedding all have unique stories to tell. My goal is to always have that story to tell; from beginning to end.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://simplystated.smugmug.com/
- Instagram: @simplystated.tn
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/simplystated.tn
