Meet Mahala Slaughterbeck | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mahala Slaughterbeck and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Mahala, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
After multiple attempts to follow the “American Dream”, countless unsuccessful interviews and struggling to fit in at any workplace environment, I had the opportunity to pursue my own passion of the unknown. Meaning, I was not even sure what I was getting myself into or what I had a passion for. Photography has helped me find my identity, my identity “MJ” as I like to call her, has helped me manage my depression and come alive. In 2022, I was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, along with a mood disorder and found creating helped distract me. Photography has helped me grow, built my confidence and has brought me many positive relationships.
I began modeling in June 2022 for a good friend and local photographer, Roy. He has been a big influence on my modeling and photography careers. His motivation and desire to work with me intrigued me in wanting to learn the techniques of photography from posing, composition, lighting, etc. I have always been a creative person and an outside-the-box thinker. I picked up a used Canon M50 camera on Facebook Marketplace and worked with a few models to build my portfolio. The reactions I received from them were very satisfying and positive.
I crave that feeling of seeing others’ confidence grow in front of the camera and continue to create. The Unknown has become part of MJ’s_MaryJane, LLC catchphrase. Everyone expresses themselves differently, through emotions to the style they choose to wear. I never know what I am going to create as everyone brings their own energy, connection and creativity when put in front of the camera. Every moment is different. Every edit is different. Everyone expresses themselves differently. No day in the office as a creative is the same; and that is what has influenced me to keep pursuing my creative career of the unknown.
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 deliver beautiful photos with unique edits and find a story within each photoshoot. My editing style is mostly cinematic as well as a passion for black and white photography. I find black and white images eliminate the distraction of color while evoking mood, focusing more so on the subjects, textures and composition. I believe in capturing the natural human emotions. My focus at every photoshoot is for clients to walk away filled with more confidence and smiles for bringing our visions to life. What sets me apart is the satisfying experience my clients have. Stylizing the session and planning a detailed timeline and location are very important in achieving my clients vision. Additionally, I offer marketing services for small businesses and organized events.
I am a very open minded person when it comes to creating. I enjoy a challenge and being able to execute whatever comes my way, “Never say Never”. As a creative photographer, everyone has a different view and you can see it through their edits and angles they choose to shoot from; I am learning there is always room for more improvement from new equipment to new shooting techniques. Picking up the camera brings much excitement to my life; it helps me reset my mind and get rid of stress, this is why I enjoy creating and specialize in more than one genre. The genres of Photography my business focuses on are portraits, fashion, street, lifestyles, small events, engagements, and ceremonies. I am open to creating my clients’ vision.
I enjoy the outdoors and taking a breath of fresh air. I am a business partner with ONETREEPLANTED. For any photoshoot or service booked with me, a tree will be planted. Every two months I pick a different reforestation project. I am proud of my own growth and stepping out of my comfort zone; I am excited to meet more passionate people in the creative community and look forward to planning more photoshoots and planting more trees down the unknown path ahead.
I knew I had the skills to make it work. Fear of failure was really holding me back along with little support. Many people said I couldn’t make a living off being a photographer, my hope is to influence others to keep pursuing their dreams as a creative and push through the challenging times. My creativity has always been pushed down by previous employers, but after realizing my uniqueness and putting the thought of failure behind me, I started creating and investing my time in myself and my business.
I do not think starting and growing a business ever stops having challenges. It is not an easy road, especially with the competitiveness that social media brings, along with living in a State full of talented creatives, it is hard to stand out and be recognized. People will mimic what I do and that is my biggest challenge; trying to stand out and really be different from my competitors. I have to keep moving forward and not care about the likes or numbers. Take pride in being your unique authentic self and put in the dedication and the results will soon come. The energy I put into something sometimes does not often pay immediate returns. I shall not be intimidated by unfamiliar camera equipment or gear. I must learn every aspect of the camera system to its full potential. I shall stay focused and determined to achieve my life goals!
I am over-critical of myself. I tell myself the following: “my legs look too big; my teeth are not white enough; my arms are too big”. I can relate to not wanting to be photographed and not feeling beautiful. That is where MJ comes in! Everyone is beautifully unique in their own way; I enjoy being able to empower people and displaying to the client the beauty I see through the lens. The feeling of seeing others’ confidence grow and smiles glow in front of the camera is what makes me continue to want to chase this unknown dream. Following your unknown path is scary; put your visions, ideas and goals on paper and then go after them.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Colorado offers a variety of places to eat and sightsee/hike. A few places I would recommend trying out are Denver Biscuit Co., Launchpad Brewery for some beer, Big Daddy’s Burger Bar, Happy Camper Pizza, Avanti Food & Beverage, Tap Fourteen and Lowry Beer Garden. Take a walk through downtown to check out Rockies stadium (Coors Field), and go to Golden, CO to see the Welcome sign and tour the Coors Brewery. Some places me and my little family enjoy going to, that offer great views and hiking, are Panorama Point, Lookout Mountain, Estes Park, Mayflower Gulch, St. Mary’s Glacier and so many more could be named but this is just a taste of what Colorado has to offer!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Being in the creative and business realms, we have innumerable challenges and I realized I could not do it on my own and I have a lot to learn. I reached out to other local photographers throughout Colorado and not many were willing to meet with me however, I found a remarkable few who were willing to give me a shot. Furthermore they were willing to invest their time and energy into me. Those special people are as follows. I want to thank my fiance for supporting every moment of my journey and for sticking by my side through the highs and lows. He inspires me to put my best into everything, even when I do not feel like I belong. I would also like to recognize Azio Sky for meeting with me. His constant encouragement, coaching and guidance helps me navigate tough times. Without his mentorship, I would not have been exposed to so many opportunities. Thank you for seeing my potential and helping me gain my confidence to accel. I would also like to thank Eric.B for giving me an entirely new perspective on life. He also assured me that it is okay to be myself. I am more open to trying new things and sharing my ideas. I have gratitude to them for helping me realize my dreams. The time they have invested and the professional experiences they have shared are invaluable.
Website: https://mjsmaryjanecreates.myportfolio.com/
Instagram: unknown_mj3838
Image Credits
Please only use first names. Thank you! In fisher-looking hat: Cole Fully Nude: Copper Cow Girl hat: Kitty Colorful yellow background: Nick Whip/Bettie Page inso: Layla Car: Maria Sitting on step: Josh Earth tone brown lady in white suit: Daveka