From the dungeons of a New York City dominatrix to up-close encounters with rattlesnakes, Melissa Springer taught herself to create images. While she excels technically in her field, boasting the title of “master printer,” Springer has no formal training, relying instead on instinct and trial-and-error. Her relationship with the camera is one of mutual dependency; photography has allowed her into alternate worlds, and in turn she has used the camera to reveal her vision of these worlds.

Raised in Mobile, Alabama, Springer has spent her life in the Deep South. Starting as a darkroom manager at Southern Living Magazine, she learned the techniques of a skillful printer as well as the art of commercial photography. In 1989 she left the magazine, rented a one-room studio, and became a full-time freelance artist. During her freelance career Springer has focused much of her efforts on documentary photography, tackling issues that include children with AIDS, women in prison, snake handlers, and homelessness. In addition, she has cultivated her skills as a portrait and commercial photographer.

Springer has published several books, taught seminars at the International Center of Photography, appeared on CNN and Lifetime Television, and has had work appear in dozens of publications, including including the New York Times, the Village Voice, Elle, and Harper’s Baazar. Collectors of her work include Richard Gere, Jody Foster, Marcia Ann Gillespie, and Nancy Woodhull.

Melissa Springer lives in Birmingham, Alabama, and has two children, Taylor and Paul.