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Art & Life with Melissa Riggins

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Riggins.

Melissa, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
My love for photography started when I was in 6th grade. I didn’t understand why no one was documenting family events or important moments in life. That all changed because I started borrowing my aunt’s tiny Sony point & shoot every chance I got. I fell in love with photographing the tiny moments, the moments no one thinks about. Now, I will forever cherish the ‘ugly’ pictures from my beginnings because they remind me of memories from my childhood.

I truly started to develop as a photographer when I was in high school. My aunt bought me a digital camera, and I was sold! This meant someone believed in my dream & was willing to support me through it. I took pictures of everything and any friend who would model for me. When I was in college, I saved up enough to buy an absolutely ancient Canon DSLR from a friend. It barely worked, and my pictures were rough, but it was a learning experience! Near the end of my college experience, I was able to get an actual working Canon DSLR and truly learn the art & science behind photography. Fast-forward to now & I have grown tremendously! I love working with clients, but I think my first love of photography will always be found in the small, mundane moments.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a photographer. I love to capture images that cultivate joy. Sessions with me are more like hanging out with an old friend and less like a formal affair. Most people ‘hate’ having their photos taken; a few jokes and dance parties can alleviate that stress! I am a silly, outgoing, totally ambitious person and I have found a way to cultivate that into my craft. My favorite sessions are weddings, hands down. I love every meticulous detail that goes into being a wedding photographer (hello, love of small details). I have only been able to do a handful of weddings, but I seriously love them! I also love working with seniors. In Tucson, all seniors have to get the same studio photo done for their yearbooks, but that can be so boring! I really enjoy getting seniors out to take some cute pictures that they will remember forever. I mean, it’s all about that great #seniorsunday Instagram post, right?!

I hope that when people see my artwork, they are filled with joy. I hope that each individual, even those who think they can’t have pictures done, can see that they are able to. I want photography to be a blessing to those I serve, as well as a joy to those who see it. I love to capture the season of life people are in. If it’s a harder season, there are typically more emotions throughout the shoot. If it’s a season of celebration, we have more dance parties and silly pictures. Every single client is unique. I want to show that to the world. I guess I would say that I want to be a cultivator of joy.

What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
Put yourself out there! It’s scary and sometimes difficult, but it is so important to be willing to take risks! Recently I met another local photographer on the top of Mount Lemmon just because I asked her to snag a few images of my husband and me on my camera. Better yet, she used her own, and we now have some super cute photos!

I would also add that it’s so important to get plugged into creative communities! Social media has blessed us with an abundance of groups/communities. Jump on there and start sharing! Ask questions! Get connected and find people who can encourage you but also stimulate growth.

Also, always be yourself. There will be people who don’t like your work. There will be people who think you are crazy for pursuing this creative line of work. KEEP DOING YOU. You know what your goals are. You know what you want to achieve. Do you. You are the best that you can be when you are pursuing what you see as your purpose. Never, ever forget that.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Currently, you can check out my work on Instagram: @mrigginsphoto or Facebook: Facebook.com/MelissaRigginsPhoto.

You can show your support by following my social media, engaging with posts, and booking sessions! Let’s connect, grab a coffee, and plan your next shoot!

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Melissa Riggins

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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