Meet Michelle Davies | photographer

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

Hi Michelle, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My name is Michelle Davies! I currently attend the University of Southern California as an undergrad, minoring in photography at the School of Roski Art and Design. My inspiration for melaninpicss was to capture the beauty of melanin because I’ve always felt there was a lack of representation of men and women with darker complexions photographed in good lighting. I started melanin pics to create an affluent, vibrant community to express the African American experience. My photos are not limited to only African Americans as I have expanded into photographing other cultures and communities. As a black woman, I strive to capture empowering moments in the black community, in order to elevate black joy, through my photos!
I’ve learned a lot about photography and how to operate a successful business over the last two years as a photographer. The joys, love, and disappointments that come with being a photographer have all contributed to who I am today. Each photoshoot has taught me something new about myself, and I’m looking forward to seeing what this year has in store for me as a photographer.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My photography primarily focuses on lifestyle and fashion. As a black woman photographer, I feel like I stand out since black women are underrepresented in photography. It has not been easy for me to get to where I am now, and I am still working on perfecting my craft. However, one of the most significant lessons I’ve learnt is the importance of believing in yourself, trusting your point of view, and moving forward with your vision. Furthermore, one of the most difficult challenges I’ve had to overcome is comparing my work to that of professional photographers. I’ve learned that as a photographer, you can’t compare your work or experience to anyone else’s, which is difficult in the age of social media.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to town and I wanted to show them a good time, I’d take them to Hilltop Coffee and Kitchen for breakfast. I’d then take them on a drive up to Malibu and show them around the Getty Villa, where I adore the art and scenery. We’d then go out for lunch in the vicinity and go for a walk on the beach..

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Falon Leagaux deserves a special shoutout because she was always willing to model for me when I first began shooting. I cherished the time I spent photographing her because it allowed me to improve in many areas of my work while also allowing me to stand confidently behind my work.

Instagram: @melaninpicss

Image Credits
Bradley Brown Milana Sanders