Today we’d like to introduce you to Malia Beane.
Malia, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
If you would have asked me years ago where I would see myself at this stage of my life, I can’t say that the answer would have been a successful Photographer. While in college, I bounced around between a few programs and decided that I wanted to be an Accountant, but I was only focusing on a career path that would be a secure career and also a rather well paying one; however, that’s not who I am. I am a free spirit and let me tell you that “free spirits” and accounting do not mix, friends. While living in a small college town with my husband, we purchased a starter camera because I wanted to start documenting our life. I remember being asked by a friend to photograph her wedding and thinking, “Wedding?! There is no way that I can do that successfully.” Well, I photographed her wedding and fell in love with the wedding industry. I never looked back! I fell in love with photographing couples that are and were truly in love because the images are magical, it’s a true form of storytelling. I’ve been blessed with opportunities to photograph weddings in different towns and states throughout the country. However, I do all of this while managing a full time, as well. I won’t lie, it hasn’t been easy and some days are still challenging, but photography is my passion and my true love. If you want to be successful at what sets your soul on fire, you truly have to pursue it regardless of what it takes. My work weeks do not end with 40 hours, while I’m at home, I’m editing or in some way working on my business.
Ivory and Grace Photography, LLC was established in early 2018 and it has been an amazing journey. I am so thankful for each client and I cannot wait to see where this journey continues to lead me.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I’m a Wedding Photographer, but I also offer Family Photography. Honestly, I love them both. For me, it’s about seeing the connection my clients have, the stories we’re telling together and being able to capture raw moments is amazing to me. Weddings pump me up and get me so excited because this couple chose me to witness one of the biggest and most important moments of their life. It’s a high that I love so much and I could do it for the rest of my life. For families, I love a good candid session. My family sessions consist of completely being in the moment, celebrating being loved by each other and together. I’m documenting a phase of life for each client that they will always have and that’s amazing to me. That brings such a huge smile to my face and overwhelms my heart with happiness.
I want every single one of my clients to leave our session or wedding feeling like “Wow, that was such an enjoyable experience!” We all know that not everyone is a fan of family photos, or maybe photos in general but I want people excited to be in front of my camera and to know that we’re going to have a blast together and that their imagery will be raw and allow them to be authentic.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
Oh, goodness! This is a good one! It can be really tough being an entrepreneur and taking the risk to step away from the corporate world to chase their creative dreams. And let’s be honest, it’s not easy. I am three years into my business and I still have a corporate job because of some of the perks. I think you have the balance between what works best for you as an artist, know your end goal, be prepared to take risks because, at times, you’re going to have to take a risk. We’ve all heard this many times, but it’s true: “Nothing worth having is going to come easy.”
If it were easy, everyone would do it. Focus and do what you have to do to stay financially stable, but don’t stop chasing your dreams in the process. Our dreams as creatives aren’t meant to be on the back burner.
I also believe that if you keep chasing that dream, you will find a way to make all of the pieces fall into place.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Honestly, my schedule is typically booked so I don’t have the opportunity often to do Exhibitions, etc. I have a website which I worked really hard to build. I always encourage potential clients and clients to visit my website.
Social media is huge currently and can have such a positive impact on your business if you allow it to.
It means so much to an artist to have someone share your website, social media links, imagery to support and to share the name of that artist. We are forever grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ivoryandgracephotography.com
- Phone: 334-728-6108
- Email: ivoryandgracephotog@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ivoryandgracephotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ivoryandgracephotography
Image Credit:
Ivory and Grace Photography
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