I am very pleased to bring the Wootness readers this exclusive interview with MWAC Missy:

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Congrats on three whole years as a professional photographer! I’m sure  in the beginning the road was a little rocky. At wootness.net, we talk  about mistakes that new photographers make and how to avoid them. So, what  was a mistake that you made that you wish you had done differently that  might help out our readers?

One of my biggest mistakes was not paying enough attention to how I looked. I actually thought it was okay to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. I didn’t even wear a HAT! Gosh, what was I thinking? I know…I wasn’t! I learned fast that what you wear is every bit as important as your photography. Accessory Knuckles!

You seem like a very devoted wife and mommy. How much of a part of your business does your husband and children play in the business? Are they models for your website? Do they come with you on shoots?

My old website was actually filled with pictures of my precious, precious children. I think that clients are really interested in our day-to-day lives, so I fill it with photos of my family, my dog, what I make for dinner, vacations pictures, etc… It all helps me be more relatable. Is that a word? Dang…I sure hope so.

You say you are a lifestyle photographer. What do you do when YOUR  lifestyle vision/style does not match the lifestyle of your client? I mean  really, what do you do if they live in a trailer park and there’s just not  a THING about where they live or what they wear that’s condusive to good photos? You talk about taking photos that are REAL, but what if they just  kind of look, well, you know…real TRASHY?

As a natural light Lifestyle photographer, I feel that there is beauty all around us-we simply have to open our eyes. Am I right? You know I’m right. For instance, you might see a graffiti covered dumpster; I see the perfect backdrop for a maternity session. See where I’m going with this? It’s all about being REAL. I think people really appreciate that.

Is there ever a time when you have turned down a session or referred it to another photographer? Why?

Yes, I have had to refer sessions to another photographer. I stop shooting in December EARLY. There is so much to do, from decorating to school events to baking that I simply make my Christmas cut-off right after Thanksgiving. Family comes first and if “other” photographers prefer to keep their doors open right up until Christmas rather than spend time with their precious families, then that’s a choice they have to make. I’m not judgin’; I’m just sayin.’

 What’s your favorite lens and why?

People ask me all the time about lenses. Please. Whatever comes in the box with your DSLR kit is just fine.

What’s the worst photography purchase you ever made? Why?

I am almost too embarrassed to say this, but I am going to anyway in the hopes that other people learn from my mistake. I had a girlfriend tell me about this new “look” called “Hi-Kee.” I think it’s Japanese. Anyway, it involves white paper on a roll. What a nightmare. I tried to set it up in my garage but I couldn’t get it to stick to the wall and then after I duck-taped the heck out of it, the paper ended up looking gray in the pictures. Maybe there’s some special “Hi-Kee” flash you can buy. I’m not really sure. My advice…don’t do it. Trust me on this.

What’s the best photography purchase you ever made? Why?

My best photography purchase was my camera bag. It has deep pockets for my scarves, lip gloss and water bottles. Isn’t that The Best?

Since you’ve been in business for 3 whole years, have you started  mentoring or teaching workshops or selling templates? If not, do you think  this is something you might be interested in?

After 3 years as a professional, I just felt it was my turn to give back. I haven’t spoken yet, but I have a workshop actually lined up. It involves Costco Party Platters and Fairy Godmother Wands (my favorite Photoshop Elements tool) for everyone! I’m not going to say it would be the best workshop ever…but it kind of would be.

What’s your favorite actions?

My favorite action is “Pop and Brighten.” I Pop and Brighten the heck out of everything!

What photography-related item was  on your Christmas wish-list?

My belt buckle camera strap broke while I was filming footage for an upcoming video on Lifestyle Children Sessions, which kind of bummed me out. I’m hoping to replace it with something even more amazing, but I don’t know if that’s possible. I’m always open for glitter.

Are there any photographers that inspire you? Who and why?

Anne Geddes. I mean, it takes a special kind of photographic brilliance to think, “Hey, there’s a big flower pot…and there’s a baby. What if I combined them?” Pure Genius.

Do you have a favorite quote? What is it?

“(P) is for Professional.” I think that kind of sums up my entire professional photography philosophy.

I see where you mention you are putting together a website. Have you found a cool template you’d like to recommend? Or a designer? Or are you doing it yourself (that’s so HARD!!) ?

Putting together my new website is harder than calibrating my monitor! Sheesh! I don’t know how many bottles of Tylenol and Margarita mix I’ve gone through already.

What is your favorite Wootness article?

Silly girl… EVERY article on Wootness is my favorite!

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Big thanks to Missy for taking the time to share with our Wootness readers!

More doses of Missy may be obtained at:

Missy MWAC’s Facebook Page

Missy MWAC on Twitter

MWAC Missy/MWAC Attack’s YouTube Channel