This month the theme was {Collections} and @meli.photosf beautiful water lily image was chosen by Kathy of KG Ledbetter Photography. I wanted to learn more about Melissa and her thoughts about being a photographer, especially someone as young as Melissa.
Tell us a bit about yourself? and Are you a hobbyist or a pro?
My name is Mélissa and I’m 16 years old. I was born in the province of Quebec in Canada, a beautiful place to do photography. We have big forests and mountains with thousands of lakes.
Photography for me is more a hobby, something that I love to do. I don’t consider myself a professional photographer. I’m just someone with a camera that loves photography. It’s crazy how you can create something beautiful so easily. I love shooting portrait and landscapes.
It took the weirdest position to take this photograph, but i got it
Tell us a bit about your photography gear. What is the lens do you not have but you desire to have the most?
I have the Canon rebel t5 with the lens 18-55 mm but I would like a lens more macro to take higher quality landscapes pictures.
The fog makes everything look more beautiful.
How did your journey to be a photographer happen?
The first time I considered doing photography I was 13 years old. I had just discovered the photographer Jorden Keith, I was obsessed with his photos and I wanted to try to capture beautiful images. I was amazed about how he could take something simple and transform it into something so beautiful.
I decided to take all the money that I had saved and bought my first camera ever, the one I still have today. I started out by shooting with my friends, then I would started taking it with me when I traveled.
I was upset not being able to completely understand my camera so I took a local photography class that really helped me in many ways. Now I take pictures almost every week and try to post regularly on my Instagram. I would also like to do videos for a really long time too. Perhaps I may start that too soon.
It was so cold but so worth it.
Who inspires you?
Like I mention earlier, Jorden Keith was my most inspiring photographer that i have seen, but then I discovered more photographers through Instagram that made me love photography even more.
One that really inspires me is Andrew Kearns. I instantly loved his photographs, the more adventure and wild vibe. After that I then went on his YouTube channel and started listening every video he made. He traveled all around the world for his job (photographer) but he also does it like a hobby, to post on Instagram or his website. He meets new people every week to collaborate. I just loved his lifestyle. And there is so many more but those 2 are on my top list.
Some photographers that I love : @samuelelkins @kelsealoha @taylorcutfilms @tyfrenchphoto @dfreske @ewokland @airpixels
Simple background can be the best.
What advice would you share to the aspirants in this field?
I would recommend, first, take a photography class if you buy an expensive camera, because you won’t be able to use it properly if you don’t or it will take a long time. It can help to give you advice and teach you to try different styles. Two, do what you like, photography is art and it’s an amazing way to express yourself. The more you practice the better you get.
Sunflower in the golden hour, my favorite time of the day.
One thing that you have learnt as a photographer over the years?
I learned that I like to try new “kind” of photography, to look at photographers on Instagram and try to the same style of photography, it help me discover tricks that I did not know before.
The view from my camera at 2 mm above the water level, I was so scared.
I am excited to watch Melissa grow in her photography. If you want to see more of Melissa’s work as a photographer you can find her on Instagram @meli.photosf.
We have a few more days for you to submit your {Reflections} images for a chance to be featured as the banner on the Facebook page and web page, as well as to do an interview highlighting who you are. We would love to see your images.
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