Meet RoseMerlyn Dorval | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with RoseMerlyn Dorval and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi RoseMerlyn, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I could have never envisioned myself starting a business. However, my past experiences, love for the arts, and providence led to my creating this business. I had taken a film photography class in college and immediately fell in love with film and digital photography. It was like a snowball effect, I started to take photos for friends and family, and I guess people fell in love with my work. To my surprise, the requests for headshots, events, and weddings started to pour in soon after.

It takes grit and grace to start a business, especially as a woman. I needed the grit to grind through the ups and downs and push through doubt, fear, and imposter syndrome. I also required grace to remind myself that it is ok to make mistakes as long as I do not allow fear and doubt to navigate business, impeding my success. I realized it is ok to experience setbacks. In those moments of disappointment, I learned the significance of the business side of photography, allowing me to re-invest in my business. Still, more importantly, I had to get up, learn from those mistakes and keep pushing through because the key to success is never to quit. During the setbacks, I had time to reflect on the values I wanted to integrate into my work, such as diversity and inclusion, because therein lies the hidden beauty of different visions colliding.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I use bold imagery and vivid colors in my work to tell my client’s stories, making them unique and inspiring.

What I capture is distinct, but that is not what sets me apart. Instead, my drive, love, and passion for my clients set me apart, resulting in me going the extra mile and over-delivering in my work.

My goal and ultimate mission in photography are to highlight beauty and diversity.

It takes ambition, discipline, and consistent hard work to obtain the creative vision you have for your work. The creative market is saturated, which can be good because it forces you to think outside the box.

I got to where I am in photography by trying new things and learning from the lessons I obtained while taking on new endeavors. What you put in is what you’ll get out, and sometimes you get more than expected.

I am most proud of the journey and evolution of my work. I could have never imagined that picking up a camera would lead to me combining my passion and work to serve others. I have arrived at a point where I am truly confident in my work and abilities to bring my clients’ vision to fruition through a memorable experience.

My dedication to my clients is what sets me apart. Serving them and their vision is the focal point of my business. They are why I am where I am today, and for that, I am thankful.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many great places in Atlanta to visit. My favorite places are Colony Square, the High Museum of Art, and Piedmont Park. In addition, I highly recommend Serena Pastificio, Negril, and Ponce City Market for dining.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my parents, family, and friends. A special shoutout to Cassandra and Carlene; thank you for your encouraging words and constant support.

Website: https://rosemerlynphotography.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosemerlynphoto/