Local Maternity Photographer shares favorite beaches around the First Coast for Maternity Photos
So nice to meet you Melody. So for starters, tell us in what part of the First Coast do you reside now and how long have you lived there?
St Johns. We moved here in 2016. My husband grew up in Jacksonville Beach and I went to Jacksonville University. Even though we spent 12 years a little west of here, all our family and friends in the area brought us back.
Why did you get into photography?
I kinda stumbled into it. I got my first DSLR in 2009 and just took photos of my own kids, friend’s kids, family, etc.. Though they all said I should pursue photography, I didn’t take them seriously (I mean, it was photos of their kids so of course they loved them) until a close friend and long-time photographer actually said I had a natural talent. I spent many hours on YouTube and reading articles to learn my camera better and editing. I did photography part-time in 2013, then moved to full-time in 2016 when I moved here.
What photographers are your biggest influences? How did they affect who you are and how you create?
Oh man, there are so many. I have done workshops online from a variety of teachers, including Jessi Ingram in Texas whose work I love, and did an in-person mentorship with Jessica Byrum Photography from Montana which helped me even further with both posing and editing. I love color and beautiful skies and do my best to capture natural skin tones on my clients to keep the images timeless.
How long have you been shooting? How do you feel you’ve evolved since you started?
Part-time since 2013, full-time since 2016. I have changed A LOT. I used to follow the trends as I thought I had to. I also started out shooting everything and anything. As I went on, I realized Weddings aren’t really my jam and as far as newborns go, I prefer a Lifestyle Newborn Photography style to the more posed studio-type images.
Learning to do what I love so I can find clients who fit well with me has been the biggest change and improvement for me.
Tell us about your photographic identity. You know you as a person have an identity that fundamentally makes you who you are. Tell us about that as a photographer:
I would definitely say I am talkative. I talk A LOT. I like to make my clients feel comfortable and learn about them, and who their family is. It helps me better capture the details of their family. I do posed images for Grandma but my favorite images tend to be more directed where clients can move, laugh, play and give me more candid shots.
Tell us about the gear that you’re using. Please give us a list with reasons why you choose it. Please be descriptive. We want to know how it helps you translate your creative vision:
My main camera is a D800. I wanted it for the low light capabilities as Fresh 48 Newborn Photos are all in hospital and Lifestyle sessions at the client’s home I don’t have a guaranteed large amount of light. My favorite lens is my Sigma 35mm 1.4 for the sharp images and beautiful bokeh, BUT I have recently fallen back in love with my 105mm for more than just macro shots of newborn babes. It is great for portraits and gives a beautiful soft background.
Natural light or artificial light? Why?
Natural all the way. I do have an off-camera flash I use when I have to, but I feel the shadows, highlights, all of it in natural light always look so much better to me.
Why is photography and shooting so important to you?
I know, there comes a time when photos are what we have to look back on. They freeze a certain time in our lives. Missing teeth, lovies, tiny curls or chubby baby feet. How a momma loves on her baby, then if they stay with me, how she loves on her teen. It’s all special moments in our lives and I love being able to capture that forever for people.
Do you feel that you’re more of a creator or a documenter? Why? How does the gear help you do this?
Oh man…….I think I try to be more of a documenter. THIS time in the life of a family. My gear was purchased with this in mind.
What’s typically going through your mind when you create images? Tell us about your processes both mentally and mechanically.
Truthfully I look for the light, the love and the details. Holding hands with their baby, the movement of mom’s dress or hair, the way the light falls on an expecting mother’s belly or shines through the trees behind a family. I am picturing what I want in my mind and then doing my best to make it a reality. Mechanically I tend to move a lot. Changing angles, walking back and forth and changing perspective small movements with the family in the same area can make an entirely different feel for the photo or different focus point.
Please walk us through your processing techniques?
I bring my images into Lightroom where I cull and use one of two presets I made for myself and then tweak as needed. I use masks and brushes as needed in Lightroom as well to whiten teeth, soften skin, brighten eyes, add more detail to a dress or make the sky pop, whatever I think the image needs. When I’ve gone through the gallery I export them all and bring them into Photoshop for removal of random hairs, people or things in the background, etc..
What made you want to get into your genre?
Motherhood itself
What photographer (current or historical) do you draw the most inspiration from?
Right now, Jessi Ingram Photography
What do you think is the most important component to producing great results? (camera, lens, light, editing, location, artistic vision, etc.)?
Light, editing, and artistic vision. A good camera and lens are nice and can help, but really what the photographer sees, how they use the light, and how they edit is what makes the images.
What outside (non-photographic) influences (if any) shape your photography?
Again motherhood…though sometimes I see a shot or pose in a movie or TV show and will try it out at a session.
What is the goal of your photography? (A business, just to share on social media, gateway to adventure, etc.)?
It is my own business and I love it.
What is the best way for photographers to network?
I’m horrible at this, but it’s to meet together. It’s hard managing schedules and such, but it’s important to be able to meet with people who understand the struggles or joys and can help build you up, mentor you or just listen.
Do you shoot with your editing style in mind, or do you edit based on the shot that you got?
Edit based on the shot I got. But I know my style so I know what I like to edit.
Do you enjoy books? If so, any specific genre?
I used to. I have three sitting on my nightstand I want to read but haven’t. Genre wise I’m all over the place. Mysteries to what my husband calls, “Hallmark movie stories” which is fiction too. I do have a couple of books to help with having teen girls and “The Art of Overcoming” by my pastor Tim Timberlake.
What is your favorite photographic accomplishment?
I doubt I have one, but really just when clients tell me the gallery made them cry happy tears I consider that a major accomplishment.
What advice would you give someone who just picked up their new camera on how to get started?
LEARN MANUAL MODE. It’s a game-changer. PRACTICE, a lot. Shooting at different times of day, locations and see what you like best. How the light is different depending on the time of day and location. SHOOT FOR YOU so you can know what you enjoy which will help you know what kind of clients are best for you.
If you had a question you would like to ask another photographer what would it be?
How do you handle burnout? (It’s a real thing and something I am trying to balance better)
What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast?
THE LOCATIONS!!! We have so many beautiful places just a short drive from me and I LOVE it.
How can we see your work?
www.melodycoarseyphotography.com
www.instagram.com/mcoarseyphotography
facebook.com/melodycoarseyphotography
- About the Author
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Glenn is the founder and publisher of First Coast Life. He is also a wonderful storyteller. Born on the 4th of July, he spends his spare time taking his camera and exploring everything beautiful this region offers with his rescue dog Callie by his side. He loves meeting new people and capturing the many beautiful moments and amazing local stories that showcase the true spirit of the area.
