Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marcie Rial. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Marcie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

Absolutely, I’m happier as a business owner.

I remember struggling in high school, feeling lost while everyone around me seemed to have their thing—the sport they excelled at, the subject they loved, the talent that came naturally. I didn’t feel passionate or particularly good at anything, and I wondered if I ever would. Then, I picked up a camera. And in that moment, everything clicked. I realized that God had been leading me to photography all along, and it felt like an answered prayer.

Now, I can’t imagine doing anything else. The joy of capturing people’s most important moments, preserving memories that they’ll cherish forever, is unmatched. I’m so thankful for the people I’ve met through this journey and the ways I’ve been able to serve them.

Of course, there are tough days—long hours editing, the pressure of running a business, the unpredictability of it all. But then, I witness a bride’s tears as she sees her wedding photos for the first time, or a couple tells me that my images brought them right back to their special day, and I remember exactly why I do this.

I also work at Ledgewood Fine Stationery, and it has given me another perspective on the wedding industry, pushing me out of my comfort zone and helping me grow in ways I never expected. Balancing both jobs can sometimes be a little stressful, but it is SO worth it!

At the end of the day, I know I’m doing what I was meant to do. And that’s worth every late night, every challenge, and every moment of doubt.

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.

I’m a photographer specializing in weddings and lifestyle photography, including seniors, grads, and branding sessions. I’ve been doing this for about seven years, but my love for photography started much earlier. Watching my grandfather always have his camera on family vacations made me want to try it for myself, and over time, that interest turned into a career.

What sets me apart is my commitment to both the experience and the final product. I focus on quick response times, professionalism, and making the entire process as easy and stress-free as possible for my clients. My goal is to create images that feel natural and authentic—photos that truly reflect themselves. I want my clients to look back at their photos years from now and feel like they’re reliving those moments, not just looking at posed pictures.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come. For a long time, I struggled with self-doubt, but looking back, I can see the growth in both my confidence and my work. While I still have challenging days, I remind myself why I started and focus on continuing to improve.

For potential clients or followers, I want you to know that my approach to photography is simple: I’m here to capture real moments in a way that feels effortless and true to you. Whether it’s a wedding day, a senior session, or branding photos, my goal is to provide both an enjoyable experience and images you’ll love for years to come.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Culling software! I wish I had known about tools like Aftershoot earlier in my journey. AI-powered culling has improved so much, and while it’s still evolving, it has already been a game changer for my workflow. Before using Aftershoot, I would spend over three hours just sorting through wedding images, but now I can get it done in about an hour. The time saved allows me to focus more on editing, serving my clients, and growing my business. If I could go back, I would have invested in learning and using it much sooner!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I’m originally from Mississippi, where my photography business was really starting to take off. I had reached a point where I was close to going full-time, and my name was being shared more and more. It felt like everything was falling into place.

At the same time, my husband and I had just graduated from college, and he was searching for an assistant superintendent position at a golf course. Unfortunately, there weren’t any opportunities available in our hometown. As much as we didn’t want to leave, it became clear that relocating might be our only option.

Then, he accepted a position at The Ledges in Huntsville, AL, and we made the move this past summer. Starting over in a new state was intimidating, especially after building so much momentum in Mississippi. But we knew that God had brought us to Alabama for a reason, and I’ve been trusting His plan every step of the way.

Relocating has completely changed the way I think about marketing my business. It’s pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to approach things in new ways. While it’s been challenging, it has also been an opportunity for growth—both personally and professionally. I’m learning to adapt, make new connections, and build my business in a way I never expected.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marcielanephotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcielanephotography/