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

Hi Summer, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I look at risk taking like it’s a 50/50 shot, so might as well take that shot! If you don’t you will never know what you are missing, and isn’t that even worst? Feeling like you let an opportunity slip away. Risk taking plays a HUGE role in my everyday life since I am currently a freelance photographer/model. Everyday I’m wondering when my next photography or modeling gig is going to happen, how much will I be getting paid, or will this be a collaboration deal. Taking risk of being on both sides of the camera has given me opportunities to work with brands like Modcloth, TRULY Beauty, Mejuri, and MORE! When you are a content creator you just have to go with the flow and work hard; then opportunities will come your way.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
What sets me apart for other content creators is that I am a photographer and model a.k.a know as a modelographer. When I am doing photography I shoot a a Nikon FE 35mm film camera, Polaroids, and point n shoot cameras. I even shoot on expired film to create different filter like affects in my work. I think was sets me apart from other photographers is that I shoot film. Not a lot of photographers shot film anymore! Then when I am modeling I shoot a variety of different styles like retro inspired, streetwear, lifestyle, and more! I think what sets me apart from other models is my ability to direct myself during a shoot since I am a photographer as well and know what does and doesn’t looks pleasant through the view finder. Of course photography and modeling is not easy because that’s just not how life is. When I first started film photography I struggled A LOT, and would always have messed up rolls. My struggle made me want to learn even more, and when I finally shot a roll with no mess ups I felt amazing and proud of myself! Then when I first started modeling I would get so nervous, but then that fear started to diminish when I saw the pictures that were taken of me! It takes time and practice just like everything else in life, but it’s worth it in the end! I want people to know to never give up; when you keep going the reward is great, so believe in yourself!

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 would have to say a HUGE amount of my success is due to a Picture Party a photography and modeling community based in San Diego, California. This group meets up every month; they choose a theme and time frame for content creators to take pictures; get creative with people that they maybe wouldn’t have met if they didn’t attend there events! I can tell you from first hand experience that Picture Party is a very supportive community because I first started off as only a photographer. But the people around me saw more than just a photographer and asked if I could be a model, so I started modeling. I’m so thankful I did because of that one day I have been blessed with so many modeling opportunities that I never saw coming! Just want to take a moment and say THANK YOU PICTURE PARTY FOR BELIEVING IN ME AND OTHER CREATIVES!

Instagram: www.instagram.com/summermcc.photos – modeling account
Other: www.instagram.com/summermcc.analog – photography account https://vm.tiktok.com/J1EonDc/ – tiktok account

Image Credits
1st picture- Vaughn Cato 2nd picture- Aram K 3rd picture- Aram K 4th picture- John Ariete 5th picture- Vaughn Cato