Today we’d like to introduce you to Sissy Martin.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
So I actually started doing photography when I was 12 years old and I did concert photography. I wanted to get involved in the music industry somehow and I wasn’t very musically talented… So I looked for other opportunities and found photography. Basically I haven’t looked back since I absolutely love the medium. As I got older what I loved to photograph changed and while I was in college I got into fashion. It’s been my most favorite genre yet. I was lucky enough during my Sophomore year to join Spark Magazine, a student-run fashion publication at the University of Texas at Austin. I had the opportunity to work with and learn from so many fellow creatives that have helped me get to where I am. I still work with a few of them to this day on photo shoots. Since then I’ve been building my portfolio and this year started making trips up to New York to put myself and my work out there. Starting October 2019, I will be doing freelance photography full-time, something I’m SO excited about. I spent my first year out of college building my client base and saving up which has allowed me to make the jump from corporate to freelance life.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Photography can be a tough industry because it’s subjective. One person may love your work and another will question your talent. I’ve learned to be headstrong and take tough critique. I’m pretty good at picking out constructive criticism from the just plain mean. I have room to grow and improve and while I know there will be many challenges ahead I know this what I want to do.
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
I do fashion photography, but I also offer fashion-inspired portraiture to the public. I like to take a modern approach where I can still use my editorial eye while capturing the personality of someone. Overall I think it brings an elevated, fresh look to the typical portrait session. I also do model agency tests. I love working with new girls wanting to make their way into the industry and I enjoy coaching them along the way. I want to book more campaigns and looks books. I love working collaboratively with teams and seeing how far you can take artistic ideas.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
One of my favorite quotes is “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” I think for most of us we create our own luck and depending on the life we’re all born into we decide how to best utilize what we know and have. As I move forward in my career I’m always making decisions on what I should do next and I’ll never know the outcome of the later. It will either be good and I’ll get closer to achieving my dreams or it’ll be bad and I learn for next time. As long as I’m putting myself out there I believe I have “luck” on my side.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://sissymartin.com/
- Email: studio@sissymartin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sissymartin/
Image Credit:
Emiliano Alejandro
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