We were lucky to catch up with Merry Fitzpatrick recently and have shared our conversation below.

Merry , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s something crazy on unexpected that’s happened to you or your business

In late 2021, prior to launching my business, my aunt asked me to fly to California to take an updated family photo. I remember feeling so scared, but I said yes anyway. The plan was to location scout when I arrived and take the portraits a couple of days later. I quickly learned that not everything will go as planned. When I landed, I had a text that said change in plans, we need to take the portraits right away, so within a couple of hours after landing I was at the beach taking portraits for this family of 5! There was no planning, I had to be confident and get the job done. To this day, it is still one of the most thrilling and nerve-racking sessions I’ve experienced and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity. I learned so much about my skillset, resilience and passion that I officially started my business two months later.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a storyteller and I hope an inspiration to others that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.  Moments With Merry started out as an Instagram page where I shared about the importance of being present and really noticing all the special moments in life.  I have loved photography since childhood, though it wasn’t until witnessing my father’s Alzheimer’s journey and his eventual passing in 2021 that led me on a self discovery journey that reconnected me to myself and my purpose.

The heart of my work is to help others see themselves and preserve their legacy. I offer services for women, children and families in a way that feels natural and easy. As a woman, I needed to find my place in this world and seeing myself through self portraits helped me peel back the layers. I love to work with other women and help them do the same. They deserve to be seen as they are and shine. Reconnecting to the child within sparked my approach to photographing children in a way that gives them space to be free. My child led sessions allow them to be seen in a way that provides authentic portraits for them to connect to through adulthood. We may get older, but we are always that child within.

I know my father’s diagnosis changed how deeply I look at each moment and truly gave me the gift of presence. There is no better day than today to honor your life through portraits. I’m most proud that I took a chance on myself, and through my grief learned how to shine in a way that has led me to be able to give to others. My hope is the portraits we capture together will leave them feeling inspired and connected to their own life.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Learning to let go of perfection and grow alongside my business is what comes to mind. I was often held back by perfection and fear of the unknown. Through trial and error, I’ve found that I don’t have to wait to be perfect to create meaningful art. When you create from the heart there is nothing to compare to.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Word of mouth from past clients and women I have connected/reconnected with along my entrepreneurial journey. It’s amazing to be apart of a community of women who are supporting each other.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.momentswithmerry.com
• Instagram: @momentswithmerry.com
• Facebook: @momentswithmerry.com

Image Credits
Portrait of Me, (blue scarf with camera) by https://www.instagram.com/lbitotherose. all others taken by me.