melissaAnne, the persona on the other side of the coin of Melissa McClain is the PEV kind of photographer, taking the road less traveled to pursue her true passion. She tells the story best:

“When I started getting more serious about photography I definitely battled the doubts.  I was established in my Crisis Management career, making a name for myself in the industry, and traveling around the world. I felt good about my work. I was making a difference.  I wasn't sure if expanding my photography was the right thing to do… In the end, my passion for photography can't be denied and I realize that anyone can make a difference in the world.  Doing anything.  It's not just about what you do, but how you do it and why.”

That’s the kind of stuff we may steal for branding purposes... Seriously though, McClain didn’t make the jump without realizing she had true talent. She talks about her work, “My photography goes beyond the traditional.  It is a personal expression of finding art and beauty in unlikely places and often overlooked objects. The Water Colors and Urban Colors Collections are often mistaken for paintings because of their vivid colors, intriguing textures, and abstract forms.” Check out her collections and keep tabs on Melissa… she’s going to very busy. There’s much more below, so keep reading for the answers to the XXQ’s.

XXQs: Melissa McClain, founder of  melissaAnne

PEV: How would you describe your work and what do you feel makes you stand out over the others in your field?

Melissa McClain (MM): My photography goes beyond the traditional.  It is a personal expression of finding art and beauty in unlikely places and often overlooked objects.  The Water Colors and Urban Colors Collections are often mistaken for paintings because of their vivid colors, intriguing textures, and abstract forms.  

PEV: Growing up, what or who was your main influence that led you to your career now?

MM: When I was a child I was fascinated by art stores.  I remember walking through them with my mom and being mesmerized by the paint brushes and art supplies.  They filled me with energy and excitement.  It is how I feel now when I have my camera in my hand.  My father enjoyed photography and as long as I can remember, my mom has always said she would love to learn to paint.  Maybe that's why I “paint” with my camera.

PEV: What was it like for you as an artist just starting out?

MM: I'm actually living this now.  I've only been serious about photography for a couple of years.  I'm in transition from a career in Corporate America to my newly discovered passion for photography.  It is a lot of work and long hours because I'm juggling a full-time job and a “part-time” job (my photography and designs).  I've surrounded myself with people who believe in me and support my dream.  I wouldn't be here without them!  I take it one day at a time and my goal is to do at least one thing every day that puts me one step closer to living my dream.  

PEV: Do you remember the first time you thought to yourself during your career – “I am really onto something!”?

MM: After taking my first Water Colors image in Iceland and getting lots of interest and feedback, I decided to try it again while on a weekend layover in St Maarten.  One of those first St Maarten images became my first exhibited piece and it won Best of Show.  That's when I really started to believe that these images had something special.

PEV: Has there ever been a time when you've doubted what you wanted to do or the "path" that you were taking?

MM:   When I started getting more serious about photography I definitely battled the doubts.  I was established in my Crisis Management career, making a name for myself in the industry, and traveling around the world.  I felt good about my work.  I was making a difference.  I wasn't sure if expanding my photography was the right thing to do.  I questioned whether I could continue to feel I was making a difference in the world through photography.  In the end, my passion for photography can't be denied and I realize that anyone can make a difference in the world.  Doing anything.  It's not just about what you do, but how you do it and why.  

PEV: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you get ready to take a photo?

MM: I am a super, over-the-top analytical person.  (Do you know how long it took me to answer these questions?!?!)  My head is always going... except when I'm with my camera.  It's probably the only time I'm not truly thinking.  When I take pictures my head is quiet.  I see and feel the pictures.  They just happen.  

PEV: What is your take on today’s  “mainstream” art scene?

MM: I think there are so many opportunities now for artists to share their work and get involved in the art community.  The internet and social media have become an amazing platform for us to present our work, connect with other artists, and collaborate.  I'm also really excited to see so many artists getting involved in causes and making a difference through sponsorship, donations, and being a voice (either in words or images) for what they believe in.  

PEV: What do you want people to be thinking when they view your work?

MM: What I love about the Collections is the individuality in each image.  Everyone interprets them differently.  I want people to connect with the images on a personal level.  I want them to create a story about what they see or what the image means to them.  

PEV: What was the underlining inspiration for your work?

MM: Color and texture.  That is what drew me to that first Water Colors image.  It is what keep me going back for more.  I am inspired by colors and the effects they have on us.  I am intrigued by textures.  The challenge of finding the perfect combination and capturing them in a way that others can almost “feel” with their eyes...that is my inspiration.

PEV: What’s one thing we’d be surprised to hear about melissaAnne?

MM: melissaAnne is my alter ego.  She's a superhero who is secretly ridding the world of boredom one color makeover at a time.  Her superpowers are fueled by cupcakes and her weapon of choice is her camera.  

PEV: Was there a certain point in your life when you knew that photography was going to be a career for you?

MM: Last September I attended a weekend program to create a vision and a plan for my life.  It was life changing.  After two days of hard work and discovery and a few days photographing the beauty of Martha's Vineyard, I knew that photography was my true passion.  I created a vision during those two days that put photography and social responsibility programs at the forefront of my future.  It's not a career yet, but I'm on my way and I'm working every day to make the full dream come true and live my vision for a better world. 

PEV: What one word best describes melissaAnne?

MM: Inspiration.

PEV: Tell the story of your trip to Iceland and what brought on the inspiration for the Water Colors and Urban Colors Collections.

MM: I was in Iceland on a business trip and on the way to the airport the last day my colleague stopped to take pictures by a pond.  I wandered into an adjacent field and there was a wooden boat laying upside down.  The hull had beautiful red and turquoise colors and incredible “worn” textures.  I took out my camera and started shooting.  My colleague thought I was crazy...until I gave him the framed image for his birthday.  The images have expanded and I've shot various boats and nautical items to create the Water Colors Collection.

I fell in love with the process and excitement of the Water Colors.  However, boats aren't overly accessible in NYC, especially in Fall and  Winter.  I was craving a Water Colors shoot one day but settled for a trip over to DUMBO, Brooklyn which is one of my favorite places in NYC to take pictures.  I must have had the colors and textures in my mind because while in DUMBO I became inspired by the walls of graffiti, rust, and the occasional worn poster.  That day, the Urban Colors Collection was created.  

PEV: Is there one area you wish you could travel around that has a great art scene, that you have not yet?

MM: My current dream destination is Morocco.  I can't wait to travel there and experience the colors, textures, and energy through my camera!

PEV: How have all your friends and family reacted to your career? What’s it like when you get to showcase your work in your hometown?

MM:  My friends and family are excited about where I'm going and are supporting and encouraging me.  I couldn't make this transition without them!  I grew up outside of Dallas, TX and I haven't exhibited there...yet.

PEV: What can we find you doing in your spare time, aside from working on your craft?

MM: Visiting local flea markets, walking around Brooklyn enjoying the energy and excitement, hanging out with friends at local restaurants, traveling, reading, writing, dreaming about cupcakes (I have an obsession), and spending too much time on Facebook.

PEV: Is there a photographer right now, you think we should all be looking out for now?

MM: My friend Rob Berkley is an immensely talented photographer who creates stunning images.  His photography website is up now!  I am also inspired by the photography of James Bleeker and Alison Shaw.  

PEV: If you weren’t a photographer or artist what would you would doing for your career?

MM: I'd either be continuing in Crisis Management or I'd be writing.  I love to write.  I was one of those weird people who actually enjoyed writing papers in college.

PEV: So, what is next for Melissa McClain and melissaAnne?

MM: I'm taking my photography off the walls with a new custom textile line. I'm in the process of setting up production for my first pillow collection made from custom melissaAnne Water Colors and Urban Colors textiles.  My goal is to someday produce my line by partnering with an organization that supports the empowerment and economic growth of artisans and women world wide.

For more information visit melissaAnne Photography at www.melissaannegallery.com