We recently connected with Marlana Semenza and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Marlana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with something countless entrepreneurs have had to figure out on the fly – how have you dealt with the rise of remote work?

As you know, photography is mostly considered an in-person experience. But, when we were thrown into ‘captivity’ by the pandemic, that obviously was not an option. But, my clients still needed quality content for social media. They still needed professional photos to tell their story. Enter PhotographerInYourPocket.com.

I can now connect with clients all across the globe to give them professional photos. I connect via their cell phone, but I am still directing the session and taking the photos. The images come to me, I edit them and deliver proofs to my client so they can choose their final images to be retouched.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

What I do: I’m a photographer and visual strategist…and I’m in the reputation business. I help you stand out, be seen and create a new level of influence.

The problem I solve: Anonymity.

The person I solve it for: Power-players who know the importance of taking control of their image, steering their reputation and growing their brand….on purpose!

How I do it: Through my Iconic Image Experience. This process allows me to strategically create one-of-a-kind photographs for you to stand out, tell your story and connect with your audience. I can also work with you to create photographs virtually. Yes, virtually.

Why me: I am an international photographer and visual strategist. My client base has included athletes, celebrities, WWE Superstars and public figures including Miss North Carolina.

I know what this country looks like framed by a tour bus window. I know what it’s like to work ringside, trackside and backstage, in boardrooms as well as broad ways. I know what it is to push your imagination and hold yourself to a magazine standard; to create for advertising as well as entrepreneurs.

My career has touched many areas. With WWE, I traveled the country working for the Director of Photography. At Animated Arts, I assisted with work for Warner Brothers, The Munsters Comic Book, the Tom and Jerry Comic Strip and various limited edition animation cels. At Ethan Allen, I started with the photography department before moving on to set styling and design with their Style Department. I’ve worked on magazine stories, NY Times ads, style books and training videos. I’ve worked with This Old House, Taunton Press and Meredith Publications. I now combine all of my experience in photography, set styling, location scouting and story telling to create unique, personalized images for my clients.

I love what I do and the people I do it for.

Other loves: my family, the coast, exploring new places, and shoes! Always shoes ;).

What do you find most rewarding about being creative?

I operate from a core belief that everyone deserves to be seen in a unique way for the best of who they are. That’s where I begin, but the process itself is collaborative with my clients. That is a large part of what makes their images effective and unique to them. Creating those images that connect, telling effective visual stories and mostly watching my clients shine and soar…that’s what is most rewarding. My value is truly in showcasing theirs.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Creativity and integrity. Building someone’s brand is not about me, it’s about them. So, we need to have a conversation to get to know one another a bit. If I feel that I am not the best choice for them, I will tell them (and often refer them to someone I believe is a better fit.). The only goal of this is to make sure they have the best photographer for them. There are times when it’s not me. But, when it is….we start a journey and a partnership where I will do everything I can to help them grow and be seen.

My clients will tell you that I don’t just deliver images and walk away. I will cheer for them, look for opportunities for them, make introductions when they are relevant…I’m a member of their team who just happens to be in charge of image creation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marlanasemenza.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marlana.semenza.photo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063107685069
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlanasemenza/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3wRcnYROOe3qO4b-_KK3kQ
• Other: https://www.marlanasemenza.com/virtualphotography

Image Credits
All photos were taken by me (Marlana Semenza Photography) However, some were taken in person and others are virtual…I’ll let you guess which ones ;)