Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Morris.
Melissa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started doing concert photography a little over a year ago. I had always been interested in that type of photography but honestly never thought I would be doing it. When I originally bought a camera, I wanted to do mainly nature and landscape photography. I knew nothing about photography or cameras, but I decided that I was going to get into it. The first year I had my camera I didn’t use it very much. I took it on a couple of trips and adventures but that was about it.
My sister is dating someone who produces music for artists and offered to help me get a photo pass for a show he would be in San Diego last summer. I was really excited about the opportunity so I started researching how to take concert photographs. At the time, I didn’t even shoot in manual mode. My first show was at Music Box in downtown San Diego. It was so much fun and I had no idea what I was doing, but that first experience really helped me moving forward. I also messaged a lot of music photographers on Instagram asking for advice on how to get my own photo passes. I remember initially sending out about 30 emails to people trying to get passes. Most of the PR contacts were nice and offered to provide a photo pass even though I had very little experience. From there it just took off. I think I had at least ten shows over three months.
After awhile, I wanted to do slightly bigger artists and knew I would need to be a part of a publication for that. The ones in San Diego are kind of hard to join unless you know people. Most of them are associated with the radio stations, so I knew I had to look elsewhere. I had seen a lot of people I followed on Instagram shoot for All or Nothing Magazine, so I sent an email asking if it was possible to join, and they let me! Eventually, I joined another publication, Concert Updater. My friend recommended Concert Updater to me, so I reached out. Nicolette, the founder of concert Updater, is one of the nicest people Ive connected with on this journey so far. She was so receptive to me wanting to join, and has made me feel like apart of the Concert Updater family!
Currently, I haven’t done a show since February because of COVID. But I can’t wait to get out there and do more shows!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Honestly, Ive been kind of surprised about how smooth everything has gone. I’ve gotten really lucky with some of the shows Ive been approved for. Ive also met so many wonderful creatives along the way. I think the only struggle has been figuring out my own style of editing and how I want to portray my art. I’m not 100% where I want to be, because I would like to eventually tour with artists. However, where I am currently at in my journey has been a lot of fun. I love being challenged and have the opportunity to learn something new, so Ive tried to embrace all of what could be considered a little bit of a struggle.
Tell us about your business – what should we know?
I’m really open to doing all different types of photography, however, I specialize in music photography. Ive done some band portraits for friends, but Ive mainly done live music photography. Im most proud of how far Ive grown as far as what type of photos I take, and the way I edit them. Ive spent countless hours editing, learning techniques, and how to create something I love looking at. I think what sets me apart from others is my ability and willingness to adapt to the style of the artists. I have my own style that I like to edit in, but I do try to create the same aesthetics and vibe of the artists I am taking photos of. There are a lot of people who only want to create what they want, and that’s totally valid. I just think what sets me apart is my openness to be flexible.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There are so many people that deserve credit and recognition. Number one is Zach, @z_eff_g. He was the person who gave me the advice to reach out to artists PR contacts for passes. He gave me a lot of advice from the start and has been a huge supporter of me along the way. Im so grateful for his help because I think my path would have been a lot different if I hadn’t reached out to him.
The second person would be Nicolette from Concert Updater. She has been so kind and receptive of me and my ideas on how to create a little community within the publication. Along the way, she has become a really awesome friend, and we always hype each other up.
The third person who deserves credit is my sister Jessica. If it wasn’t for her pushing me, helping me, and supporting me from the second I picked up a camera, I don’t think I’d be here. She has been my biggest support system in everything I do. We both love to support and help each other creatively, so I am very grateful for her.
The last on my list are everyone Ive had the pleasure of connecting with from All or Nothing Magazine and Concert Updater. Both groups of people have shown a ton of support and engagement on my photos. It feels so good to be a part of communities that you can share your work, thoughts, questions, and struggles, and know that they all have your back.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mmorrisphotos.com
- Email: meltakesdopepics@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meltakesdopepics/?hl=en
Image Credit:
Melissa Morris
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