Q&A with Cali Babe Melody @_gypseaa

Tell us a bit about yourself. 

My name is Melody Wright (aka @_gypseaa), I'm 20 years old and I live in Oceanside California, a little beach town tucked towards the end of Southern California. I've lived in Oceanside my whole life, born and raised and have worked at my current side job, as a sunglass salesperson for the last 4 years. The last year or so I got really involved with my business on social  media as a model/content creator & the last few months its really blown up.

Tell us about how you got into modelling and photography.

I was always Interested in modelling and photography from a young age. I didn't get into modelling until about the age of 16 and it didn't become my job until I became the age of 19 and at the age of 20 things are growing and growing! In the last 6 months or so I realised the love I also had for not only being in front of the camera but also being behind it. I really enjoyed taking photos and capturing the beauty and nature around my through my perspective. 

You are building quite a following on your Instagram @_gypseaa, how did that start? 

In the last year, but especially the last 6 months I took my Instagramming-content-creator life very seriously. I began shooting every week, all year long, through winter and when the weather was nice and sunny I would shoot up to a few times a week. I still shoot on a weekly basis but lately I've been shooting every day except for weekends when I'm working as a sales person!I truly believe consistency is key, and I try to put my best foot forward for all of my jobs, whether paid or not. Also, working with so many companies leads to reposts of photos from all of those companies, as well as new content always coming out, so that lead to more exposure & the last few months I've worked on some pretty big jobs so my following has increased incredibly through those collaborations!

Any tips for budding Instagrammers?

My BIGGEST tips are, 

QUALITY

ORIGINALITY/CREATIVITY

CONSISTANCY

If you use those three things then you'll be on the road to a successful page! I also think its great to develop a theme for your page so you can attract a like minded following!

You have taken an interest in photography as well as modelling, what inspires your photos? What do you love about taking photos?

Really anything tropical, colorful or full of life inspires me for photography! I love bright and colorful images of nature! I love capturing a photo with the image I had in mind and making it a reality, turning something from an idea into a real life things is the best feeling ever!

What are your top 5 photography tips?

1. Know lighting ~ once you understand how lighting affects an image you'll be set

2. Understand your equipment and how to use it!

3. Draw inspiration from all things and everywhere

4. Get creative!

5. Find your photography style, do what makes you want to keep creating!

How do you edit your photos?

I set the lighting accordingly on my camera before I shoot so that I don't have to edit my images too much, I don't have editing software (yet) so when I do edit, it's off o f my iPhone with the VSCO app and I use the C1 filter or the F2 filter and depending which one I decide to go with I'll turn it halfway down and turn the exposure dow a bit too!

What camera do you use? 

I personally have a Canon 80D but a few months ago I had a Canon 7D but that one got stolen so I bought the 80D instead!

How do you spend your down time?

Im usually spending my  down time at the beach and playing with my dog while hanging out with my boyfriend. When were not at the beach we are usually hiking or doing something outside, and when were not outside were usually in our RV where we live! We are Vanlifers!

Guilty Pleasures?

I LOVE watching Netflix and being 100% lazy in bed all day, It happens whenever I get the chance to! That and eating spicy food!

Tell us some of your favourite destinations and what makes them special. 

Oceanside Ca USA - Hometown where I was born, raised and still live, don't think I could ever fully leave!

Laguna Beach - Closet beac to home that resembles Hawaii , bright blue ocean, perfect sand, and lava rock formations! 

Hawaii- Its HAWAII, need I say more? hahah Hawaii is tropical perfection, somewhere I dream of being all the time!

What's something most people don't know about you?

I'm 5'3 ! Apparently in photos I look a lot taller than I really am, people are always surprised when they meet me in person ! haha

Something you are passionate about at the moment.

I am extremely passionate about, good friends and support systems, goals and chasing them, photography, blogging, and living my life to the happiest potential!

Do you have any tips for girls aspiring to make their dreams come true?

I encourage you girls to set goals, create dreams, write them down, look at them every day, work for what you want and I promise you, you can make anything happen.

All photos by Melody Wright and she wears our Azura set which you can get here.

See More from Melly on her instagram @_gypseaa and blog tanlinesbikiniblog.com

For more babes we love, read our previous blog with Matilda Djerf about what she's learnt about following her dreams.