“Often contrasting organic and inanimate subject, she challenges the viewer to find beauty in the seemingly ordinary and to look deeper into their surrounding world.” – MelissaMercier.com

Originally from Quebec, Melissa Mercier is a fine arts photographer now based on the West coast in Vancouver, B.C.

Her work is featured in hotels across Canada and the U.S. with such names as Four Points, Sheraton, Wynn and Four Seasons.

Always willing to try new things, her latest collection entitled “Asylum”, is a tribute to the rock/metal band Disturbed.

In this interview, Melissa tells us how embracing our passion and defying those who try to deter us can bring us the fulfilling success we strive for.

Why did you choose an artistic career? Why did you become a fine arts photographer?

First and foremost I have always been a visual person. For as long as I can remember great photographs have inspired me and commanded my attention. My real interest started in high school where I filled my day planner with photos cut out from magazines. Unfortunately, my guidance counsellor convinced me that photography was not a viable career choice, so I chose to attend fashion school in Montreal. When I headed out to Toronto to learn English, the architecture of the city inspired me to pick up the camera again. Shortly after moving there I enrolled in night photography classes, (re-embracing my passion and defying my counsellor) and I’ve never looked back.

You don’t necessarily choose an artistic career, in many ways it chooses you. I tend to see life through the lens of a camera and visuals stick in my head like a catchy song. So the art side of things has always been undeniable. Making it a career choice takes drive.

What has led to your success?

Being willing to try new things with my camera and with self promotion have been key. I’ve built my own website which I’ve strived to keep clean like my images and embraced social media like Facebook and Twitter to help reach people. Anyone who runs their own business spends more time at a computer than at the beach, so staying focused and inspired are a given.

What are some ways you keep yourself motivated

Traveling is a huge motivator. In fact I’m pretty excited about my first trip to Spain which is quickly approaching. Experimentation is also something that keeps me going and contributing to a healthy art community also keeps me on track. The instant feedback miracle of social networking can be quite inspirational.

What would you tell other photographers/artistic professionals who are looking to move forward in their careers?

Don’t listen to your career counsellor! 

Believe in yourself.

Love what you do (because you’ll be doing it 18 hours a day/7 days a week)

Shoot what you’re passionate about and find or create a place for that work to live.

What are you working on right now?

I just released a new collection called “Asylum” that I’ve dedicated to the rock/metal band Disturbed. They have been an integral part of my husband’s music career, so I’ve been exposed to a lot of their music over the last few years. The photos in the collection really match their intensity. 

Long exposure night photography has been an obsession of mine lately and I’ve also been researching Barcelona so I have an idea of what I want to shoot while in Spain.

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Melissa Mercier is a fine art photographer based in Vancouver, BC. You can find her work on her website www.MelissaMercier.com.