We were lucky to catch up with Laura Marzullo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Laura, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I’ve ever worked on was photographing the proposal of my longtime best friend, Tyler, and his now-fiancée, Payton, in February 2024. At that point, I had been running my business for three years, and while every shoot I do holds meaning to me, this one was different. It wasn’t just a photoshoot, it was a full experience.
Tyler and I have been best friends since 7th grade, so I’ve had the privilege of watching him grow into the incredible man he is today. Seeing him find the love of his life in Payton was such a beautiful thing, and it was impossible not to love her immediately. She radiates grace and sunshine. Together, they are simply the definition of good people. So when Tyler told me he was proposing and asked me to capture the moment, I was absolutely over the moon. I couldn’t believe I would be the one trusted to preserve such a life-changing memory.
At the time, proposals weren’t something I photographed often, which made this opportunity even more special. To witness the joy on their faces, the pure love pouring out of them, and to be the first to hug and congratulate them afterward is something I will never forget. Afterward, I took photos of them with their families, and it already felt like they had been one family for years. We ended the day celebrating together at their engagement party surrounded by friends and loved ones, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how surreal and impactful it all felt.
This project stands out as the happiest photography memory I’ve had. It was more than just capturing beautiful images. It was about being part of an intimate, life-defining moment for two people I love deeply. It reminded me why I started my business in the first place: to tell stories, to preserve emotions, and to share in the joy of others in the most meaningful way possible.

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

I’m a senior at the University of Tampa majoring in marketing. I’ve been running my photography business since spring 2021, and next spring I’ll be celebrating five years of doing something I truly love. Photography has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. I started out as my sister’s photographer when we were little, then naturally became the designated friend photographer. In spring 2021, someone asked me to take prom photos and offered to pay me. That was the first time I realized this passion could be more than just a hobby. Trusting myself and saying yes to that opportunity was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Since then, I’ve photographed grads, couples, families, lifestyle sessions, and events. While my services cover many types of shoots, what I really provide is an experience that feels authentic and personal. My goal is always to capture real emotions—the joy, the little in-between moments, and the connections that make life special. I love when clients tell me their photos feel like them, because that’s exactly what I strive for.
When challenges come up, I do my best to solve them in a way that keeps things stress free for my clients. I’m easygoing and flexible, and while not every situation is perfect, I’d say 95% of the time we figure things out with no worries at all. I’m really proud of that. But more than anything, I’m proud of the growth I’ve seen in myself as both a person and a business owner.
There are moments in this journey that make me stop and think, “I made it.” For me, one of those moments is knowing my photos are hanging in people’s homes. That’s not just a picture on a wall—it’s a memory I helped preserve forever. That’s what drives me. My hope is that everyone who works with me feels comfortable, celebrated, and seen, and that the photos they receive become something they’ll treasure for life.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Keeping in touch with clients and building brand loyalty has been one of the most fun and rewarding parts of my business. The majority of my clients come back to work with me, and over time many of them have become genuine friends. I mostly connect with clients through Instagram, where I check in and share updates, but every client also has my phone number and knows they can reach out to me anytime.
Watching brand loyalty grow has meant the world to me. A lot of my support first came from friendships I made while attending Durant High School, and word of mouth quickly spread. Social media has also been a huge tool for growth, but what amazes me most is when people who are just visiting Tampa for vacation find my work, book a session, and then continue to come back to me for more photos.
I feel so grateful for the community that has surrounded me and for the trust people place in me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the loyalty of my clients, and I never take that for granted. It’s taught me that this business isn’t just about photos—it’s about building lasting relationships and creating memories together.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I continued my business in college, it was how I supported myself, so stopping was never an option. At the same time, adjusting to college life was already overwhelming. I was figuring out who I was, what I wanted to do, and how to balance school, a social life, and my mental health. Trying to run a business on top of all that felt like being thrown to the wolves.
There were times when I was disappointed in myself. Some client galleries took longer than I wanted, and I felt like I was letting people down. In school, I also struggled. I wasn’t always proud of my grades, and sometimes I left assignments or tests feeling like I hadn’t done my best. Between the pressure of both roles, I carried a lot of self-doubt.
What kept me going was the fact that I was passionate about my work, and I knew this was the path I wanted for my life. I had to completely rethink how I managed my time and learn to give myself grace. My clients were so understanding, which helped me remember that I’m human and still learning. Over time, I gained the strength and confidence to keep building my business without burning out. Now, I’m proud to say my business is still thriving, which means so much to me knowing how many small businesses don’t make it this far. Looking back, I see that resilience isn’t about never struggling—it’s about pushing through, learning, and coming out stronger on the other side.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lauramarzullopictures.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauramarzullopictures
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Lauramarzullopictures-61565891623881/
• Linkedin: https://www.instagram.com/lauramarzullopictures