It Was All A Dream...

How It All Began and Who It All Started With

I can't tell the story of how I started booking makeup gigs without mentioning the person who helped me get the ball rolling. I am sure that if you follow my makeup page on FB you can already guess who she is... So drum roll please... Its Mallorie Byrum! Not only is she a very close friend, she has played a major roll in my world of makeup.

I first met Mallorie at Ruby Tuesdays. We were both waitressing there a few years ago. I was shocked that this chick, who is itty bitty, was scarfing down a bowl of Chicken Parmesan Pasta like it was nothing. I also thought she looked just like Audrina Patridge. Just sayin'
Anyway, I moved to Richmond shortly after she started working there, so I really never got a chance to get to know her well.
Just over a year ago I moved back home and decided to start really going after my dream of owning my own makeup business. I honestly had no idea where to start. I wanted to do weddings, movies, print... I wanted to do it ALL. Hair, makeup and anything beauty related had always been a huge part of my life. I went to beauty school during high school and passed my state boards the year of 07, just before high school graduation. Beauty school gave me the confidence to work in the industry. That's not to say that I wasn't scared out of my mind to get started. It is always scary to wonder if you are going to be accepted in the world of makeup artistry. Makeup, to me, is an art. Not knowing how people are going to respond to it is an intense feeling.

While I was beginning to work on my portfolio, Mallorie was also beginning her journey as a photographer. I was waitressing at Rubys talking to a coworker about all of the work I was putting into makeup when he mentioned that I should get together with Mal because she was working on her portfolio. The next time I saw her at work I asked her about it and we decided to get together and do a shoot. I remember that first day working with her very clearly. We both just had so much fun with our model that it showed through the pictures. I don't think we really even cared what people thought about the photos because we were so in love with ALL of them. It wasn't long after she posted that session that I started to get a lot of inquires for weddings and senior portrait sessions.
I think this is the part where I say "its all history from there."

Mallorie and I work together a lot. We like to challenge each other and try new things out in our sessions. Most of  the time our sessions are for portfolio purposes, but we also have a few bookings together this summer which I am very excited about!

With all of that being said... Here is a little interview with the very talented 21 year old farmers daughter- tractor pullin' champ- full time student- waitress- PHOTOGRAPHER :)

From Left to Right, Mallorie, Ashley, Me!

What is your favorite thing about photography?

The instant gratification of taking someone’s photo, looking at the screen, and seeing the image captured. I also love to show clients a sneak peak of the screen and seeing them get excited. It’s a confidence booster on both ends.

What has been the hardest thing about photography?

Having to go through the process of starting the actual business and all that it entails. Putting together packages and prices.

What is your favorite kind of session and why?

I love female portraits. I love making the client feel beautiful and capturing their true beauty. Plus us ladies always get SO excited with previews of the sessions.  HAHA

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In a studio doing photography full time. But also still shooting on location.

How did you initially get started?

I got my first DSLR camera when I was 16 years old as a Christmas present. I started shooting around and found out that I loved photography. I began taking pictures of my friends posting them on facebook. People liked my photography and style, which was huge to me.

What is an average day in the life of Mallorie Byrum?

Waiting tables at Ruby Tuesdays. Going to School at the visual arts center working towards my degree in studio arts with a specialization in Photography. All in between Im taking pictures and promoting business.  
What advice would you give someone who wants to start photography?
 
Keep at it. Never give up and always stick with they style you love.
 
 
With all of that being said, expect more from Mallorie and I! We even have a Richmond trip booked for this Sunday. :)
Thanks for all of the love and support!
xo
-Rachel