Today we’d like to introduce you to Mesgana Berhane.
Hi Mesgana, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began photography at the age of 12, really just using my phone at the time. As I continued to become more enamored with the art, my uncle took notice. At 14 he gifted me my first camera, a used Canon Rebel T6. I used it for about 5-6 years; it became my most cherished possession. I loved taking photos of people and nature, but I wanted to explore more portraiture, so all my friends became my personal models. They were incredibly supportive and encouraging. So, a friend of mine asked me to do her senior photos when I was 15 and I did. In exchange, she bought me dinner. And ever since then, I started a small high school senior pictures business and it slowly grew to more creative portraiture. I did theatre in high school, so I brought my camera as a way to capture behind the scenes. When quarantine began, I started taking self portraits as well to continue to exercise my skill despite being stuck at home. And when I went to university, I studied film, but continued to do photography independently, while being able to transfer my skills to filmmaking. My photography business grew to graduation photos, event photos, BTS photography for film and music video sets, headshots and creative portraits, to even weddings. I am now 22 and hope to continue growing my photography as an art and a business.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think my journey as thankfully been fairly smooth. My parents and family were supportive from the beginning as my brother, and grandfather were also photographer, however my brother expanded to videography. He really broke the mold for me and helped my parents to be more open minded. Once they got to me, as I am the youngest child, they were more accepting of my affinity with the arts. I think once they realized I wanted to eventually do this professionally, they were skeptical. However, when they saw that even in high school I was making a small business out of it, they were impressed and encouraging.
I would say some of the biggest obstacles was not seeing many women, especially women of color in this field as much as I’d like. As a filmmaker specifically, I find that I end up working with a lot of men. There aren’t as many opportunities for women as I’d like. Photography is more solo, which at times can feel a bit lonely and intimidating doing things as a single individual, but it has also pushed me to move out of my comfort zone and become my own boss.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
So I would say I mainly specialize in portrait photography, however I love to dabble in landscape/nature photography as well. But people is where I would say I center most of my work. Creative and editorial portraiture is my favorite, but I do love standard headshots as well. Capturing people’s beauty if something I love to due. I do love candid work as well, which is why I’ve loved doing landscape and nature photography, as it is very keen on being observant and patient, really taking in your surroundings and finding the details.
I’m most proud of taking creative concepts I have and being able to direct and execute them. From the lighting, to set design, to editing, I love being able to take an idea I had in my head and bring it to life. The entire process, from conception to the final product, is so exciting and rewarding.
I also love taking photos at events, such as weddings. Capturing those memories in real time is incredibly gratifying. Even memories like senior and graduation pictures, even family photos, is some of my favorite work to do.
I would say what sets me apart maybe is my editing style and my ‘eye,’ like how I capture photos. I’ve always been told I have a very specific, sometimes described as warm style. I’ve had friends say they can tell when it is one of my photos. Not exactly sure what that means, but I find it comforting to know that something about my work is specific to who I am as person and my style is distinguishable.
I would say one of my biggest moments I’ve been proud of was being asked by my friend and wonderful 2x Emmy award winning filmmaker and entrepreneur, Eden Sabolboro, to take her photos for her feature in Vogue Philippines. To work with a magazine like Vogue, have my work featured in any form of it, has always been a dream.
But, I would also say some of my proudest moments has been being able to work with creatives in Detroit. I held an event with a creative collective I am part of called Mission Detroit. We called it The Revival and it was a film festival as well as gallery, where I was in charge of curating a gallery featuring different visual artists from the city that we knew and wanted to showcase. We also featured my first short film and directorial debut, as well as the films of 3 other Detroit filmmakers, one being the creator of Mission Detroit and my friend Jerod Willis. That event was especially challenging, but so fruitful, and I hope to do something like that again someday. Additionally, being apart of two eMPWR magazine campaigns, a woman led magazine, has been so exciting. To work with filmmakers, musicians, students, business owners, artists etc. on videos and photoshoots in the city of Detroit has been worthwhile.
Additionally I’ve had some of my work featured in the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, as well as galleries such as Someday Gallery in Detroit, which has been so exciting.
What does success mean to you?
I would define success as trying. I think the concept of success is so subjective to each person, but to me it means that I went out and I was willing to try, even if I failed, and I did it despite fear, obstacles, or an embarrassment I may feel if I failure and disappointment. That despite setbacks, I continued to learn and try again and strengthen my skills, even when I didn’t believe in myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mesganamedia.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mesgannaaa/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mesganaberhane/
