We recently connected with Maryssa Sinor and have shared our conversation below.

Maryssa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I believe there are multiple factors that contribute to success. I developed this view by setting goals I wanted to achieve and putting in the hard work to reach them. As a recent high school graduate, some of my biggest successes came during high school. My proudest accomplishment so far was becoming Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook my senior year. I joined the yearbook staff as a junior and quickly fell in love with everything about it—that’s where I also developed my passion for photography. Early on, I realized I wanted to become Editor-in-Chief the following year, so I started putting in the effort. I completed my assigned spreads and showed our chief at the time that I was willing to go above and beyond to perfect the yearbook. After countless hours working on hundreds of pages and photographing events, I was honored to be given the title. That summer, I decided it was the perfect time to start my business, Maryssa’s Photography. My senior year as chief was no joke. I had to persevere and constantly figure out the next best step—not just for the yearbook program, but also for my business. Throughout the year, I attended every single football game and at least one game or event for nearly every sport and event our school offered, all while capturing personal portrait sessions for seniors. At the same time, I was editing yearbook spreads, managing my other clubs, volunteering, and keeping up with schoolwork. Even though there were times I felt alone or lost, the journey led me to success. Now, I’m off to study communications and continue my photography journey. More than ever, I realize that hard work and dedication are what truly lead to success. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t pushed myself to achieve goals I once thought were impossible.

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

I’m an eighteen-year-old entrepreneur with a passion for capturing beauty from within. I truly discovered myself when I picked up a camera for the first time in 2023. At that moment, everything just clicked-and I haven’t put it down since. I’m incredibly proud of how far my business has come over the past year. Through Maryssa’s Photography, I offer, yup- you guessed it- photography! While the industry continues to grow rapidly, I believe my wide range of work sets me apart. I photograph portraits, seniors, couples, families, and sports. I absolutely love what I do and feel grateful to have access to such a diverse array of subjects. One thing I want potential clients to know is that I truly pay attention to detail. Especially during intimate portrait sessions, I make sure you have everything you need and feel fully prepared. My goal is to help you feel like the best version of yourself and completely comfortable in front of the lens. On the other side of my business, there’s a special place in my heart for football games. Capturing sports is a completely different experience and such a meaningful one. My top priority is always to make sure I get enough photos of each of my clients. Everyone plays a unique role in creating the energy and atmosphere of a game, and I want to make sure I capture them in their moment. I’m always willing to go the extra mile to get the perfect shot, even if that means getting a little dirty, running around, or stepping into the water. In the end, time moves fast, and I love being able to preserve those fleeting moments. To me, this is more than just a business- it’s about capturing stories. And I’ve loved meeting so many amazing people and helping to share theirs.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, there’s not just one rewarding aspect of being a creator. From the atmosphere to the feeling to the people, it’s all incredibly fulfilling. Being outside, wherever that may be, with the mindset of creating something unforgettable with a subject is a feeling I’d never trade. It’s so rewarding to look at something as simple as train tracks and see a story come to life, where, to the ordinary eye, there might not be much at all. And oh, the people. I absolutely adore everyone I’ve had the pleasure of working with and sharing their stories. From the marching band putting on a stellar performance to a senior about to spread their wings, capturing these moments is truly the most rewarding part of what I do. It’s the little things, like getting a text from a client after they receive their photos, telling me how much they love them, or seeing one of my photos shared online. Those moments fill me with joy. Knowing my work can help someone feel confident also helps me grow more confident in myself as a creator each time. There’s something really special about knowing my work has the power to move people, to make them smile or feel seen. Being able to freeze a moment in time that someone will treasure forever is something I’ll never take for granted. Whether it’s a proud parent seeing their child’s senior photo or an athlete reliving a game-winning play, those reactions remind me why I do what I do. Being a creator has also taught me so much about myself. It’s helped me grow in patience, trust my instincts, and stay true to my vision. There have been moments of doubt, creative blocks, and trial and error, but every challenge has shaped me into a stronger artist and a more confident person. One of the most beautiful parts of this journey is the community it builds. I’ve met so many incredible people, clients who’ve become friends, mentors, and fellow creatives. Each story I capture connects me to someone else’s life, even just for a moment, and I carry those connections with me. Photography also gives me something deeply personal: the freedom to express how I see the world. It’s like having a voice without having to say a word. Through my lens, I get to show emotion, beauty, and meaning, and that kind of self-expression is one of the greatest rewards of all. The journey overall is such a reward. I’m slowly watching things take off, and I feel truly blessed to do what I do.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I think my biggest goal right now is simply to keep growing. Not only do I want my business to continue expanding, but I also want to grow creatively. Things are just starting to take off, and I couldn’t be more excited! At the heart of my creative journey is the mission to tell meaningful stories. As I grow, I’m eager to seek out new opportunities, push my creative boundaries, and connect with people from all walks of life. My goal is to create images that don’t just sit on a screen or hang on a wall, but ones that truly mean something. I want my photography to make people feel seen, valued, and remembered. In the end, my mission is simple: to create lasting images, to keep learning, and to continue turning everyday moments into unforgettable memories.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://maryssasphotography.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: @maryssas.photography
• Facebook: Maryssa’s Photography

Image Credits

Personal Photo: Faith In Photography
Additional Photos: Maryssa’s Photography