Conversations with the Inspiring Melissa Macatee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Macatee.

Melissa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a professional photographer that really began as a sports photographer, which lead me to also photograph people and events across the country. Having grown up as a native to Dallas and traveled by car across the state I realized there were beautiful, historic churches with fascinating steeples in every town. In 2014, I set out to photograph over 200 churches I had selected across the state, focusing on the top of the steeple. Almost immediately, I realized my project would tell the story of the early settlers of Texas, those who basically made our state what it is. As immigrants would come to Texas, their church was central to their lives in this wild young state of Texas. After 2 1/2 years, Steeples of Texas was published covering about 115 churches, each with photographs of the steeple and a narrative to accompany the photos.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Creating the book was an adventure! Crisscrossing the back roads of Texas allows you to slow down and appreciate all of the state’s beauty. A lot of planning for each trip was crucial to be sure I knew where I was going and what I was looking for, the weather did not always cooperate. I took about half of the road trips by myself, my husband accompanied me on quite a few and my son was my copilot for a trip that followed a tour of the Shiner brewery. Often I would find myself so far off the main road that I had to count on my instincts and a good old fashion road map.

I was fortunate to have an amazing book designer, Darren Weirich of Two Sticks Creative. Darren was able to take my photos and words and create a beautiful book that has been very well received. Honestly seeing the final book was so amazing, There were times I just had to power through, believing in myself was key, I also had a wonderful support system with my family. Initially I only shared my project with a few friends, trying to work a road trip into my hectic schedule was tricky also but in the end, it was so worth it.

I would tell anyone with a dream, stop putting it off and get started, it won’t happen if you don’t start somewhere.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a professional photographer that began photographing sports in my area in 2004, I have since discovered I also really enjoy photographing events and people. The events and sports have served me well and have taken me to events surrounding games across the country, especially college football. I cover a lot of high school sports of all kinds.

I never knew I would enjoy photographing events, sports was a natural fit for me but events was a different beast. It turns out I am well received and from year to year covering the same events the patrons remember me and trust me. Many are my day to day friends and are super comfortable around me so I capture their real personalities. I tend to be a bit shy but with a camera, in my hand, I will make sure to get the photos the clients have asked for without being pushy. Who knew!

For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
I think the opportunities are what you make them be. I do see more young women on the sidelines, that was not the case 15 years ago. Sports photography is still pretty much a man’s game but once you earn their respect you are good. It is not glamorous to haul cameras around, it is real work, you also need to be knowledgeable about your equipment in case something goes wrong you can fix it and get back to work. The work isn’t done when you leave the field or the event. There is editing time that people don’t seem to realize takes real time. It’s also is a lot of nights and weekends.

Contact Info:

• Website: SteeplesofTexas.com
• Phone: 214-435-5869
• Email: photos@macateephotography.com
• Instagram: steeplesoftexas

Image Credit:
All photos by Melissa Macatee, Macatee Photography, LLC

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