We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melissa Wright. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melissa below.
Melissa , so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Nurturing creativity is like keeping a flame burning; it requires constant fuel and attention. Creatives draw inspiration from various sources, and personally, mine often stems from music. Blessed with a vivid imagination, I find that my ideas flow most freely when I close my eyes, immerse myself in music, and let my mind wander along its vibrant paths. Sometimes, it carries me to distant shores; other times, it propels me into a vast expanse of stars. Wherever it leads, I diligently take down ideas, maintaining a running list of projects, potential beneficiaries, and necessary resources. This practice not only captures my inspiration but also alleviates the pressure to conjure creativity on demand. For me, pressure stifles rather than stimulates; it drains the colors from my palette, leaving only shades of grey. Like language, creativity thrives through practice. Regrettably, for too many years, I succumbed to the pressure to suppress my creativity. Fearing judgment from others, especially since in the past i’ve been labeled as “weird” or “strange,” I shelved my creative pursuits. Consequently, my work suffered, and so did my spirit. It’s a loss I keenly feel, knowing that I relinquished years of potential growth by allowing external voices to extinguish my inner flame.
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?
In essence, I’m a photographer. But in a market teeming with talent, it’s easy to vanish amidst the competition. Several years ago, I made a pivotal error: I began comparing my work to that of my peers, and consequently, started mimicking the styles of successful artists. The outcome was predictable (perhaps unsurprisingly so); I merely faded into the background. As Oscar Wilde astutely remarked, “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.”
Presently, I’m in the midst of a significant transformation, both in my work and my business. I’ve shifted my focus from producing “cookie-cutter” portraits to crafting a boutique portrait experience. Each session is meticulously tailored to the individual client, offering them a bespoke experience. My aim is to bring their dreams to life through fanciful and fantastical imagery. I aspire for the photographs I create to be cherished by them and their future generations.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’ve found three pillars that have profoundly shaped my journey: persistence, humility, and self-actualization. Despite the challenges life has thrown my way, I remain steadfast in my determination to create the art I was born to produce. Recognizing my own value and expertise, I also acknowledge the perpetual room for growth and improvement. In my spare moments, I look for the wisdom of those I admire, never ceasing to inquire and learn. As I navigate motherhood, my aspirations are crystal clear: I want for my daughter’s happiness and unwavering success. My wish is for her to pursue her passions with authenticity and surmount any obstacles hindering her desired life. To instill these values, I must lead by example. I must possess self-awareness, clarity of purpose, and the ability to seize each day to its fullest potential.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who dreams big. I am most energized by individuals who possess a genuine passion for life and a deep enthusiasm for their ideas. Nothing excites me more than partnering with someone eager to bring their vision to fruition. When presented with such enthusiasm, my response is always a resounding ‘Yes!’ Let’s make it happen!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wedgwoodphotography.com
- Instagram: @wedgwoodphotography
- Facebook: wedgwoodphotography1
Image Credits
Wedgwood photography
