Meet Melissa Murciano | Architectural & Interior Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Murciano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
One thing that outsiders are probably unaware of is how much time is needed for Interior Photography. When I first started shooting spaces, I started with Real Estate Photography. With Real Estate, it is a fast genre. You move throughout the house very quickly. I can shoot an entire house in 45 mins to 1 hour (depending on the size). With Interior Photography, one space can take 1.5 to 2 hours to shoot (a lot of times longer) depending on its complexities. Making sure the vertical/horizontal lines in the image are straight are very necessary for this type of photography. Interior photographers are selling their images to designers and architects and if we are not representing their work accurately, we are not doing our job. However, making sure the lines are straight is very time consuming. It’s not snap, snap, snap. Yes, with Photoshop most things are possible, but getting it correct “in camera” is the goal.  As a photographer, I love shooting. I don’t want to spend all my time correcting something that could have been fixed on site. It is so much more than just getting a “good angle,” it is a lot of troubleshooting (being aware of reflections, controlling and filtering the color spillage from outdoors, controlling the light etc). Because every space is different, it can make the job challenging. But when it all comes together, it is an amazing feeling.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In this industry, it is very easy to scroll online and compare yourself to other photographers. There are so many talented people in this world, and when you let that consume you, it can make you feel insignificant. I had to make a shift where I now allow myself to appreciate the art for what it is and not make it about me. My job isn’t about me. It’s about showcasing the work of my clients. When I walk into a shoot and see these beautiful spaces that once were just a thought and now are brought to life, it excites me! I love when designers/builders show me the “before photos” and it looks nothing like the finished product. It’s great to be able to witness the pride on my clients’ faces when it is all complete. What I have learned is that you can go to all the workshops, buy the courses, buy all the newest gear, but if you really don’t put in the time to practice what you learned, it is almost for nothing. I’m sure you heard the quote “Knowledge isn’t power until it is applied.” by Dale Carnegie.
Why would someone take the time to learn something and not apply it? Fear. Fear of failing. I remember the first time I took out a flash and my photo was over exposed. I shut it off and put it back in my bag. Why? because I was afraid of looking like I didn’t know what I was doing. Of course, the smart thing would have been to turn down the light and try again. But the fear didn’t allow me to even try. The more times you do something the easier and more comfortable you will be. I remember the first time I did an entire shoot with external lighting, it felt like such an accomplishment. Most of the times we are the only ones to get in our way. Because every space is different, there will be times when you have to try something that you never tried before and sometimes that is uncomfortable. But you have to be willing to try new things and be okay if your idea doesn’t work. I had to take a beat and say “ok this didn’t work, what about if I do x, y, z.”  That is the only way. I am still learning new skills and will never stop. There is always something you can learn. This past year I have also started assisting other photographers, and it has been such an eye-opening experience. I have enjoyed being a support system since I know just how much goes into our work. It has also helped me see a different perspective. It has allowed me to see where I can improve and what areas I am excelling in. I think every photographer should assist at some point. What I love about this industry is that not only are you seeing yourself improve as a photographer but, hopefully, if you keep the same clients, you are able to see them grow in their field as well.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My best friends live on the East Coast, so if they were visiting I would have to get all the tourist attractions out of the way first. I would have to take them to see all the “celebrity homes.” A walk down Rodeo Drive is a must. I would make them hike “Runyon Canyon” in order to get a good workout in as well as see the sites. After the hike, we would have to eat a late breakfast in Hollywood. I would take them to El Matador Beach in Malibu at golden hour. We would probably take a bunch of photos in order to get one that we all agree on. I would have to take them for some good sushi at KOI in West Hollywood. For a fun night out, I would take them to La Mesa Restaurant & Lounge in LA for some food, drinks and dancing. We will end our trip with a few nights in a hotel in Orange County or Newport Beach somewhere we can shop, get good food/drinks and stay up late catching up with each other. I should have prefaced this by saying I probably wouldn’t be coming up with the itinerary. In every group there is always that one friend that loves to organize the outings, and that is not me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I first started learning about Interior Photography, I knew joining a community of like-minded people was going to be crucial to my success. I stumbled upon “The Grove: Interior Photography Community.” It is a community for female interior and architectural photographers. The founder, Natalia Robert, created a resource for female photographers to share their knowledge and celebrate each other’s wins. Her mission is to increase representation of women in the architectural and interior industry. She has created wonderful educational courses, but most of all she has created a community. There has been many times when her Facebook group has helped me when I was stuck in my business. The group allows for us to share what has worked best and in turn help others see how they can improve. She recently created a free database for architectural and interior photographers to list their rates anonymously. Natalia created it so we can compare rates with others in our region and at our experience level to see if we are being paid our worth, which for women is a constant struggle. Her empowerment of women in this industry is inspiring.

Website: www.melissamurciano.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/melissamurcianophotography

Facebook: www.facebook.com/melissamurcianophotography

Image Credits
Stacey Rifkin of Pretty Put Together (Designer) Nikta Asanad and Sirun Akseralyan of NIXSI Design (Designer) Milysan Kikos of ME Design Group (Designer)