Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melissa Scheetz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Melissa, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Developing confidence and self-esteem has been an ongoing journey for me, and much of it ties back to following my passion. I remember a moment when I was updating my website and looking at the body of work I’ve created over my career—it struck me how much I have achieved. That realization was empowering. I’ve faced my share of challenges, especially early on when my family, out of love and concern, worried that I was choosing a difficult path. And they weren’t wrong—it hasn’t been easy—but photography is my passion, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.
One thing that’s helped me grow is reminding myself that the challenges I’ve overcome—whether personal or professional—are what have shaped me. Affirmations have become a regular part of my routine, along with reflecting on how far I’ve come.
Ultimately, pursuing what I love has been the biggest confidence booster. I’ve built my craft, found my strengths, and worked with amazing collaborators and clients, which has shown me that when you invest enough time and heart into something, the possibilities are limitless.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a fashion and beauty photographer based in NYC, and my work is all about capturing the emotion, artistry, and storytelling in every image. What excites me most is the process of collaborating with clients and creative teams to produce something bold and unique. My work often blends attention to detail with a sense of creative freedom, which has allowed me to work with inspiring brands and individuals.
In addition to photography, I also run a creative shop called bzbuzzbee, where I design eco-friendly, ocean-inspired home goods and accessories. It’s another way for me to explore my passion for art while supporting causes like coral reef preservation. Both photography and bzbuzzbee reflect my love for creating beautiful, meaningful things, whether it’s through imagery or design.
Currently, I’m focused on expanding my photography portfolio with more fashion and beauty campaigns while continuing to support sustainable initiatives through my designs. For me, it’s all about merging creativity with purpose.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three most impactful skills in my journey have been understanding lighting, mastering post-production tools like Photoshop, and staying committed to always learning.
Lighting is everything in photography—it shapes the mood, highlights the story, and brings images to life. Assisting other photographers early in my career taught me so much about how to control and manipulate light. Those experiences gave me a foundation I still rely on today. Similarly, learning Photoshop was a game-changer. Post-production is where you can refine your vision, and knowing the tools inside and out allows you to bring your ideas to life in ways that set your work apart.
For those early in their journey, my best advice is to always stay curious and open to learning. Photography and the creative world are constantly evolving, especially with advancements in AI and technology. We may not “beat” AI, but we can use it as a tool to enhance our craft and push boundaries. The more we understand these tools—whether we use them every day or not—the better equipped we are to create unique, meaningful work. The key is to keep experimenting, stay passionate, and never stop growing.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, the first thing I do is step away and take a moment to reset. I often write things down to clear my mind or do something physical, like a bit of exercise or immersing myself in a hobby I enjoy. These small acts help me refocus and prioritize what’s most important.
One strategy that has been a game-changer for me is simplifying my to-do list. If I have too many things piling up, I limit myself to just two tasks at a time. I don’t allow myself to add anything new to the list until I’ve crossed one of those tasks off. This approach keeps me from feeling buried under an endless list of responsibilities and helps me move forward with purpose and clarity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melissascheetz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissascheetz/
Image Credits
All ©Melissa Scheetz
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