We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marley-Bob Pezant a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marley-Bob, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My mom is my best friend and truly my biggest inspiration. She’s been there for me through everything—every high, every low, and every in-between. As a single mom, she carried so much on her shoulders, but you’d never know it because she always showed up for us with strength and grace.

She taught me the value of hard work not just with words, but by example. I’ve watched her walk away from comfort and stability just to make sure we were okay. There were times when she had to start over completely, but she never let that stop her. She worked her butt off to provide for us, and even when life was heavy, she never missed a moment to be present. That kind of dedication leaves a mark.

She’s the reason I started my business—but more than that, she’s the reason I never gave up on it. Every time I’ve doubted myself or faced challenges, I remember the sacrifices she made and the strength she showed. Her resilience fuels mine. She is, honestly, my hero.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi, I’m Marley Bob. I’m a lifestyle and wedding photographer based in Alabama, Florida, but willing to travel wherever your love takes you. I’ve been capturing moments behind the lens since 2010, and what started as a creative passion has grown into a meaningful business rooted in storytelling, connection, and legacy.

My journey into photography began with a simple love for preserving memories. I’ve always believed that there’s something powerful about freezing a moment in time — the way someone laughs, the way light hits a face, the energy of a celebration. Over the years, I realized that photography isn’t just about pretty pictures — it’s about emotion, authenticity, and telling real stories in a way that lasts beyond the moment.

At Marley Bob Photography, I specialize in both digital and 35mm film photography. I offer wedding coverage, lifestyle sessions, branding shoots, and creative storytelling for individuals, couples, and businesses who want more than just surface-level imagery. My work is natural, clean, and heartfelt — always with a focus on capturing the true essence of the people in front of my lens.

What sets me apart is my ability to create a relaxed, genuine experience for my clients. Whether you’re walking down the aisle, building your brand, or documenting a chapter of your life, I bring a calm and creative presence that allows you to be fully yourself. I’m not just your photographer — I’m your storyteller, your hype woman, and your visual memory keeper.

I’m especially proud of being able to offer film photography, which adds a nostalgic, timeless feel that many clients fall in love with. Film slows down the process in a beautiful way and captures textures, tones, and emotions that are hard to replicate. It’s one of the things that makes my brand feel different and intentional.

What I want potential clients and followers to know is this: my work is personal. I care deeply about the people I photograph. I believe in building relationships, not just taking photos. I believe in documenting truth and beauty, in celebrating life’s big moments and quiet in-betweens, and in creating visual stories that feel like home.

If you’re looking for someone who sees you, listens to your vision, and captures you with care and creativity, I’d love to work with you.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think what really helped me build my reputation within my market is consistency, connection, and care. From day one, I’ve approached every shoot with intention — not just to take great photos, but to create a meaningful experience for my clients. Word of mouth has been huge for me. I’ve been blessed to have clients who genuinely love their images and share their experiences with others, and that organic growth has been the foundation of my business.

Also, I believe showing up as my authentic self has helped me stand out. I’m not trying to be like everyone else — I stay true to my style, my values, and the energy I bring into every session. People can feel when you’re passionate and genuine, and I think that’s what resonates with them most.

Another big part is my dedication to film photography. Offering 35mm film adds a timeless, artistic quality to my work that people really appreciate — especially those who are looking for something different and nostalgic. That little extra detail sets the tone for what my brand is all about: storytelling that feels real, honest, and lasting.

Ultimately, I think it’s the combination of strong client relationships, artistic vision, and being consistent with how I show up — in my work and in my community — that has helped me build a solid reputation over time.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One thing I think non-creatives may not fully understand about the journey is just how much heart goes into what we do. Being a creative isn’t just a job — it’s personal. It’s not clocking in, doing a task, and clocking out. For me, photography is an extension of who I am. I pour my energy, emotion, and time into every session, every edit, every client experience.

What people often don’t see is the behind-the-scenes — the late nights, the self-doubt, the pressure to constantly evolve, create, and stand out in a fast-paced, visual-driven world. There’s this invisible weight of balancing the love for the craft with the business side, while still trying to protect your peace and stay inspired.

Also, the value of creativity can be misunderstood. Some people only see the end product — the photos — but they don’t realize the hours of planning, storytelling, location scouting, post-processing, and emotional investment that goes into creating those images. As creatives, we’re not just delivering pictures — we’re delivering memories, emotion, and legacy.

So, to anyone outside the creative world: give grace to the process. Understand that when you work with an artist, you’re not just paying for a service — you’re investing in a vision, in years of practice, and in someone who truly wants to give you something meaningful. It’s more than art — it’s purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marleybobphotography.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marleybobphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marbobmay
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marley-pezant-4477b5289/

Image Credits

@marleybobphotography