What is in your camera bag?
Sony A7 RV, Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM lens, Pentax 645n, Pentax 75mm lens.
Camera bag is the Kamrette Lyra backpack
How did you get started in this industry?
I got started in this industry when I had my son. I really didn’t know that family and motherhood photography could be nostalgic and beautiful, and when I discovered motherhood photography, I was enthralled.
Who or what has been your greatest source of inspiration throughout your career?
Such a good question! In the beginning, it was other photographers like Elizabeth Messina. She is definitely still an inspiration now, but I love being inspired by other art forms, such as film, magazines, books, and travel.
What makes your brand unique?
My brand is unique because I aim to provide ethereal and romantic imagery, all while providing a full-service client experience – from providing professional hair and makeup and client wardrobe to printing heirloom albums and fine art prints, I take care of every step of the process.
What is your favorite aspect of your business and what you do?
My favorite aspect of my business is that it gives me the freedom to create the lifestyle I want. I can choose when I work, and so I am able to spend time with my children and family. When it is time to work, I feel like my cup is full and I can create my best art.
What is one piece of advice you wish you had received when starting out?
One piece of advice I wish I had when starting out is to really hone in on what feels truest to you with your work and brand. It’s hard when you’re starting out and see work from all these talented photographers that you love, and it can feel so easy to try to replicate that. Whereas, I believe it’s so much more beautiful and powerful to dig in deep to who you are and create work and a business that reflects that.
What exciting projects or developments are you currently working on, both personally and in education?
I just launched my mini course, Portraits That Sell! It’s a mini course for portrait photographers to boost your artwork sales so you can earn more and work less.
https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/portraits-that-sell-mini-course
What are you most passionate speaking on when teaching others in the industry? Give us a ‘top 3’ on that topic – ex: Top 3 ways to avoid burnout, top 3 mistakes photographers make when sending emails to their clients etc.
Top 3 pieces of advice for implementing artwork:
1) Write out your client process and workflow and determine where you can add artwork touch points.
2) Show artwork images on your IG once every 9 squares.
3) Make sure clients have seen artwork in person at least one time during the client process.
Now some quick personal questions!
What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t working? Spend time with my family! We love to travel, explore the area, and watch DC sports!
Go-to coffee order? I love a good mocha or autumnal coffee!
Favorite business book recommendation and/or your guilty pleasure book? If you aren’t a big reader, drop what you’ve been watching on TV! I’ve taken a break from business books this past year and read the Sarah J. Maas series! I am also binging The Bear right now and love it (it also has GREAT marketing tips!). Also, I’d be remiss to not include my guilty pleasure of Real Housewives!
Where can our readers learn more about you/get in contact? They can check out my website, send me an email, or message me on IG 🙂 https://marie-elizabethphotography.com/ marie@marie-elizabethphotography.com @marie.elizabeth.photo
