Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Scott.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up with a camera in my face most of my childhood. My father was deeply into documenting our childhood with videos and photography all the time, so I just learned it as a way of being. I never really thought of how much this might have included me until now. But I saw the camera as another way to see the world and always valued photographs above many other material things. Those were the things I would grab if my house was on fire kind of thing. Finishing my Fine Arts degree in Painting and Drawing at Kennesaw State University was where I took my first black and white film class, and my love affair with photography truly began. Film is so enchanting, and a lot of the classic looks of the black and white TriX film still come through a lot in my work today. After I graduated, I wanted to make something of myself and become an artist. So I packed up and moved to Chicago. Realities of paying pills with painting started to hit, and I landed my first job working for a wedding photographer. I think it was here, in the actual field where I made so many mistakes and was put into so many different type of situations with weddings, that I really grew a ton technically and my eye was starting to develop. After 4 years, I moved back home to Atlanta, and decided I wanted to give it a go on my own. But in my head, I always said, if I was going to do this – I was going to give it my all, and truly try to be something different in the industry. To let my passion come through in my images, and still have that creative outlet for myself – not just be a so called ‘button pusher’ but always an artist. Fast forward 6 years, and I have been hustling ever since. My business is always growing from year to year. In more recent times I have taken on traveling quite a bit for work, which has always been a passion of mine. I have also been fortunate enough to start taking on associates, as my brand continues to grow in the Atlanta area. I am proud of how far I have come over the years 🙂
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Overall, I think a pretty good journey, things came naturally with working my butt off and providing a good product and client connection. I hit the ground running and never really looked back. Biggest struggle would be finding balance with owning your own business and maintain a life. With weddings on weekends you miss a lot of things – but I think it just comes in seasons with a busy wedding season. I have found putting those hard stops in your calendar so you get a break is a must. Quality time is huge for me with my family and friends, so if that suffers, my creativity does too. I think I have finally got a little better 6 years in 😉 Another hurdle would be self-doubt and comparing myself to others in the industry. With social media explosion – it’s easy to do. But again, with years does come some wisdom – and I found that the only thing that really matters is that I am giving my couples an incredible experience and artistic and authentic photographs that last a lifetime. That’s where I am at. That’s all that truly matters.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Michelle Scott Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Hiyah! It’s me, Michelle of Michelle Scott Photography. I am an Artistic Wedding Photographer based in Atlanta Georgia. I am known for creating unique and dramatic imagery with and editorial eye and documentary perspective. My work has a wide range of all types of couples, but at the center of it, you find a strong human connection, authentic storytelling, editorial timeless portraits, and a command of light and dark in my imagery. I believe, what sets my apart is my background in fine art. I think this always comes through in my work, so the overall outcome is just more artistic and creative in general. Not only do I document, but I am aim to document it artfully whatever it may be. No two weddings days are the same, and I want that to be reflected. I am most proud of all the incredible souls I have encountered and the hope that I have added to their lives in a positive way. I am also proud as a woman, leading a successful business and growing it from nothing. I started out by living with my mom and barely being able to afford my camera gear, to now being valued for my art and getting financially compensated is always rewarding. What sets me apart from other photographers is that I am a professional and an expert in my field. I don’t say that to brag, but simply as a fact. I have over 10 years’ experience shooting weddings, and that’s a huge asset. I show up with that confidence and worth ethic at every wedding.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Being a bit of futurist, I am always thinking about the next steps. I am constantly setting goals each year for my business and always pushing to grow. I recently started this year with adding an associate to my brand, and I want to continue developing this. It’s only physically possible to shoot so many wedding as year, and after that, I love having someone I can refer out that I can trust, trained in my signature style. At first I was hesitant to ever do anything like this, but opening the door to new possibilities is the only way to grow. In long term goals, my husband and I have been entertaining the idea of owning a venue one day. It would be an easy fit for us and combine a lot of our passions all in one place. He is a talented contractor and custom furniture builder and I of course love weddings and also creating unique and beautiful spaces (with lots of plants! lol). It would be a big leap for our family, but it is on the dream list. No matter what happens in the future, I know photography will remain a part of my life for many years to come.
Pricing:
- Wedding Photography Coverage begins at $3000
- Contact for a detailed investment guide!
Contact Info:
- Address: 434 Marietta St. NW.
Atlanta, GA 30313 - Website: www.michellescottphoto.com
- Phone: 312-869-4043
- Email: info@michellescottphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellescottphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellescottphoto/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/michelle-scott-photography-atlanta-2
Image Credit:
Michelle Scott Photography
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