Makeda Sandford
Q What do you do?
“I’m a portrait and editorial-style photographer, with a background in content and social media management.”
I've done photography for magazines, commercial clients, influencers, and even behind-the-scenes movie stills.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I started self-teaching in high school, deeply interested in making an art form mine. As early as 17 I had my own portrait and wedding clients.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I center POC in my work and in everything I do. I'm big on both community building and brand identity and I allow that to employ greatness for my clients. I'd like to think that as a Black woman from the midwest, I have a familiar yet unique style that allows me to stand out. Also, my creative style is naturally rather soft and feminine by instinct. I lean into this and see it as a superpower.
Q What are you working on right now?
I'm working on my first personal photography and poetry book! I'm super excited about having a physical product.
Q What’s your style?
I really lean into ideas of "dreamworld," emotive photography. I love working with color palettes and composition techniques to empower the subject and make them feel beautiful.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I wish I could experiment with videography more, and I'm really interested in film production!
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I juggle content managing work currently with my photography efforts, which includes everything from copywriting to influencer marketing. Because of this, photo editing always falls behind, but I'm working on it and hope to be freelance within a few months.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Invoices and all things money! HELP. lol.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I wish I could've told myself in college that prioritizing time management skills and getting good healthy habits early would help. But also, to never let your confidence falter! You got it, girl.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Which niche and strengths I should focus on most.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Commercial clients, primarily some that are looking for recurring projects with the same photographer.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Creative freedom, understanding accommodations, and great communication is what I really love out of a client.
Q: What is your rate?
My day rate for commercial clients starts at $1500
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Goblin - nycgoblin.com
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Practice often and seek knowledge
This member profile was originally published in January 2022.