Today we’d like to introduce you to Melika Dez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was originally studying film production while being a professional dancer then, there was an incident that caused me to shift my studies and change for photography. My very first models were dancers because they would always train at night and be available during daytime. When I finished photography school, I got renowned for shooting Hip Hop battles and events but would mostly work as a commercial and fashion photographer. One day, when I was shooting an event in NYC, I met the ballerina Candy Tong and did a photo shoot with her. That photoshoot sparked my career as a ballet photographer instantly. Ever since we shot together, I’ve been traveling the world, shooting ballerinas and dancers in the streets.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think my road is probably one of the bumpiest ones! I’ve struggled a lot in the past and still do. Sometimes, as a woman, people think we don’t have good technical knowledge nor the strength to work with heavy equipment and for long hours. In addition to this, the fact that cameras have become accessible to anyone, many people in possession of a digital camera proclaim themselves as a professional photographer without learning the ropes of this beautiful art.
As a woman, I found beauty and strength in being different on the market. Believe that greatness can come from doing your own thing in your own way. The secret to success as an artist is to focus on your craft and not look sideways to watch what other people are doing. Believe in the blue of your work and keep pushing no matter what stands in your way.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about your business – what should we know?
I am a professional photographer, I specialize in dance and circus photography, in other words, I am a movement photography specialist. I am mostly known for bringing artists outside of the studio or their «normal» environment and shoot them outdoors, in the streets. I will photograph ballerinas dancing in the streets of some of the world’s biggest capital or will capture pictures of circus artists hanging from urban structures.
I am very proud of being different as a photographer, I make impossible situations, possible. As a former professional dancer, I have a knowledge of movement and allows me to get high-quality photo shoots from a technical point of view.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
The one thing that helps achieve the aesthetics that represent my visual signature is VSCO. Their filters allow me to have a unique photo finish.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.melikadez.com
- Email: melikadez.photo@gmail.com
- Instagram: @melika.dez
Image Credit:
All images are my own. Featured models/dancers are Daniela, Cynthia, Akua, Candy, Amanda
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