Today we’d like to introduce you to Marquita McAllister.
Marquita, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my journey of photography five years ago. For years I played with the idea of truly learning how to capture and really edit photos (and not just throwing a filter on it and calling it a day lol). Once I purchased my camera, I took photos of any and everything that I could. Nothing feels as natural and inspiring to me as art. In any form. But living in a society that bases happiness on how much money can be made left me feeling like I had to keep up. Even with working in corporate America (which I still do also), my love for photography never left. So I started practicing with different angles to shoot, lighting, and really trying to decide what I loved to capture most. Initially, I wanted to shoot product and food photos solely. I never imagined that I’d enjoy portraiture as much as I do; and now that’s what I primarily shoot. I also published a book titled, Before I Lose Myself, as well as created several notebook journals featuring black women on the cover (I didn’t see enough images of people who looked like me in stores, and the idea to create the notebooks was birthed). All of my books can be found on Amazon (my author name is LaVera Gene’t, which are my two middle names).
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road but also hasn’t been the most trying. I think if I would have started out trying to pursue photography full time, my struggles would be different. But having the steady income has allowed me to start my journey and purchase materials I needed to really get started. My struggles came mainly from self-doubt and basically standing in my own way. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to my crafts, so often times I will stay up until 4am editing photos, learning new techniques, or working on one of my books while still having to get up at 630am to work my full-time job. Taking a chance on myself and really putting my work out there was a huge step for me. I’m relatively shy and typically prefer to be behind the scenes. Sharing my work brought waves of anxiety, but I knew I had to step out of my comfort zone. Nothing is easy in experience, and that’s where my growth comes from.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a photographer and published author. Portraiture and food photography are my main areas of focus. I have written a book of poetry titled, Before I Lose Myself as well as published several journals/notebooks as well. There would be two moments I would say I’m most proud of. The first being when I published my book. It is very personal in content and was such a vulnerable feeling to put it out there. But it has proven to be healing for me and has inspired others along the way. The second moment I’m most proud of would be photographing headshots for a friend that she then submitted to a few talent agencies. She was offered opportunities from all but one of them and has since then been offered acting gigs. What sets me apart from others is that I’m very connected to nature. A plant lover. I cultivate our culture into images. I am what you can call a blossoming flower and my art revolves around helping others blossom as well.
What matters most to you?
Authenticity and curating content with intention. Whether it’s creating a new journal or book, or coming up with a new concept to photograph, I don’t start until my intention is set. I listen to spirit and complete it when I’m called to do so. This doesn’t apply to working with clients of course, but strictly when it comes to my own passion projects.
Pricing:
- $150 for Portraits (for 5 digital images)
- $75 for headshots (for 2 digital images)
- $50 food/product images (price for 1 image)
Contact Info:
- Email: scenesofveramae@gmail.com
- Website: bookascene.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scenesofveramae/
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/LaVera-Genet/e/B07H2N7CF3?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1626274472&sr=8-1
