Pennsylvania Inspiring Teens Magazine Photographer Mallory Neil

Mallory Neil

7/26/2020

Mallory Neil – Hollidaysburg, PA
Mallory Neil Photography
Business Website malloryneilphotography.com
Instagram Account MalloryNeilPhotography
Interview by Olivia Bush

What inspired you to want to get into photography and start your own business?
I have always loved photographing everything and I decided to ask for a DSLR camera for Christmas several years ago! I started my own business because I knew it was something I wanted to continue to do. Starting my business and majoring in photography at Point Park University are two of the best things I've ever done! I was inspired to attend college to major in photography because of the opportunities I receive at my college to photograph many different things! If someone tells you that you can't do it, prove them wrong!

What is your favorite thing about photography and getting to take pictures?
The absolute best thing about photography is meeting all the amazing people who are in front of my camera as well as the other photographers I get to meet! Because I photograph people who have done amazing things, who are just down to earth and genuine, it makes my job so fun! I love getting to capture a moment in time for these people!

Tell me more about your model team, what they do and how you started it!
My model team started about 3 and a half years ago and has really taken off since! I have 13 on my team this year and they help me try new things, location-scout and really stay on top of my game! Their willingness to help me is amazing to me. Some of them drive more than an hour to make it to sessions and I am extremely thankful for them! I started with just a few friends while I was in high school and since, I have expanded to ladies from all over Central Pennsylvania!

Where is the coolest place you have shot so far? What is one place you would really want to shoot at?
The coolest place I have shot is Pittsburgh in general. I love the architecture and the variety of photos you can get just from one session. It is a cool city with more and more to discover. In Pittsburgh, I also get to shoot at Highmark Stadium photographing professional soccer players, and that stadium has a great view of the city!

What is one goal you have for the future of your photography business?
One short-term goal I have for my photography business is to book more sessions in Pittsburgh! I have a large client base in Central Pennsylvania, but I would love to get some seniors and other amazing people in downtown Pittsburgh with me!

Do you photograph anything other than teens? If so, what?
Yes! Not only do I do other portraits such as couples, I have done a bunch of sports photography for my college and I got an amazing internship for the professional soccer team in Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC!