Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcela Pulido.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey into photography was anything but traditional. I grew up always drawn to storytelling—first through writing, then through imagery. I studied psychology in college, but I found myself constantly picking up a camera, fascinated by the way a single frame could evoke an entire world of emotion.
After graduating, I took a leap of faith, diving headfirst into wedding photography. At first, it was just about capturing love stories, but over time, I developed a signature style—editorial, luxurious, and a little bit edgy. I wanted my work to feel like a timeless piece of art, something that transports my couples back into their moment with every look.
Through a mix of sheer persistence, artistic evolution, and saying yes to the right opportunities, I built a career that has taken me from intimate elopements in the Pacific Northwest to high-fashion weddings featured in major publications. Beyond photography, I’ve also explored creative direction, branding, and storytelling in different forms—always chasing that perfect blend of artistry and emotion.
It’s been a wild ride, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth? Not even close. I come from a family of immigrants, and we didn’t have the kind of financial safety net that made pursuing a creative career feel feasible. Every camera I ever owned, I bought with whatever I could scrape together from part-time jobs—only to have to sell them when money got tight. And then, as soon as I had a chance, I’d buy them again because I couldn’t let go of the dream.
For a long time, photography was something I did on the side while juggling other jobs to make ends meet. I only went full-time because life basically forced my hand—I broke my ankle, which meant I couldn’t keep looking for part-time work, so I had no choice but to bet on myself. And somehow, that leap of faith worked.
There were moments of doubt, moments where I questioned if I could actually make a career out of this. But through all the struggles—financial instability, imposter syndrome, the constant hustle—I kept coming back to photography. It’s what I love, what I’m meant to do. The road has been anything but smooth, but every challenge shaped me into the artist and creative I am today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a wedding photographer, but not in the traditional sense. My work is a blend of editorial, documentary, and artistic portraiture—luxurious yet raw, modern yet timeless. I specialize in capturing weddings for couples who are fashion-forward, a little edgy, and unapologetically themselves. Think tattoos, killer style, and a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling.
What sets my work apart is the visceral experience it creates. I don’t just take pretty pictures—I craft images that feel like a portal back to a moment, evoking every emotion, every small detail, and every unspoken connection. My photography is cinematic, rich, and deeply intentional, with an emphasis on movement, mood, and the in-between moments that often go unnoticed.
I’m most proud of the fact that I built this career from the ground up, with nothing but determination and a deep love for storytelling. I’ve had the honor of being featured in The New York Times, Huffington Post, and other major publications, but what truly means the most to me is when my couples tell me they felt their wedding all over again through my photos. That’s the magic for me—giving people tangible memories that last forever.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned? Bet on yourself—especially when no one else does.
For so long, I waited for permission. I thought I needed validation, the “right” circumstances, or a clear path laid out for me. But life doesn’t work like that. I’ve had to make my own opportunities, take risks when it felt terrifying, and trust that I’d figure it out along the way. And every time I did, I proved to myself that I was more capable than I thought.
I’ve also learned that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about resilience. There were times when I had to sell my cameras just to make rent, times when I questioned if I could keep going. But I always found a way back because I refused to quit. The journey has been anything but easy, but every struggle sharpened me, made me resourceful, and taught me that I can handle whatever comes my way.
At the end of the day, you have to be your own biggest believer. No one else is going to hand you your dream—you have to build it, piece by piece, no matter how messy the process looks.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mgpulido.co/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/marcela.jpg
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celapulido/
- Other: https://www.vendorsofcolor.com/
Image Credits
Marcela Pulido Photography