When Missy Sue left a comment on TrustYourStyle, I clicked over to see her website I really do try and drop by everyone's site who leaves a comment because I love finding out more about my readers. Was I in for a nice surprise! Missy Sue Hanson is a wonderful photographer based in St. Louis, and I was taken with her War & Peace photo (above) the second I saw it at MissySuePhotography.com. To me, it has all the makings of a world class fashion spread--it's the kind of photography that the mags are always going for but rarely capture. I wanted to find out a little more about Missy Sue, and she was kind enough to drop by for a chat.



mj:How long have you been doing photography?

missy sue: If you count all the years where I had an interest in it or a camera in my hand, I could say it's been since I was in elementary school. But, I didn't recognize the passion I had for what it was until I was in high school, in 1995. I began taking journalism classes and was elected to write feature articles for the high school newspaper and needed photos to go with them. I really became serious about it after that. I got my first "real" manual camera (a Kalimar K-90) that year for Christmas from my mom and instantly began teaching myself how to use it. I then began an internship with a local photographer, working there half the day and going to school the other half. Sonny, the photographer with whom I interned was my mentor, teaching me to develop my own film in the darkroom. And, though I love digital I sometimes miss the smell of a darkroom ;o) So, wow....guess it's been about 15 years. Sheesh, I feel old, lol!

mj: What inspires you?

missy sue: oh, everything, lol. And the funny thing is, I'm not joking. I embarrass my son because I don't even take my camera bag off my back to go to the grocery store! Words, poetry, books, stories, movies (I love movies!).......clothes inspire me as well. I've never been a very "fashionable" person and I admire women and small businesses (I ♥ Etsy) that are vintage-chic and whom dress fearlessly or express themselves in a way that just instantly pulls you in or fills you with intrigue.



mj: What's your favorite photo that you've taken?

missy sue: That's a hard one. And that changes almost from day to day, lol. Right now, my favorite image I've taken is the one I took of my son holding up the peace sign. It fits his personality so well that it almost gives me the chills. He's a very sensitive soul but willing to step up for what is right or face a bully. He's the kid that sticks up for everyone. Couldn't be more proud (beaming) LOL



mj: Are you working on anything new?

missy sue: Oh, boy am I! My work seems to be going in the direction of fashion/conceptual art & is beginning to take form mostly in the exhibition & project areas. I am in talks right now for a solo Exhibit in Kansas in 2011 & I'm considering putting together some of my special projects into a book. I am also starting a 365 project soon that will include images from my everyday life and imaginative self-portraits....it's going to take a bit of courage, lol! Hopefully, I'll be doing more fashion work as well in the near future. I really enjoy that side of the business!

Thanks so much Missy Sue for stopping by! Just so you know, she has prints for sale here and as soon as the store is restocked, War & Peace is going to be my first photo buy of the new year!