We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marguerite Carter a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Marguerite thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

When it came time to name my business, I wanted something deeply personal—something that would honor the very reason I started this journey: my children. Their influence on my life and creativity is immeasurable, so I knew their names had to play a part in the foundation of my brand.

I began by reflecting on the unique meanings behind their names. Stetson’s name holds several interpretations, one of which is ‘wild, young person,’ a phrase that perfectly captures his adventurous spirit and boundless energy. Emory’s middle name, Pearl, is more than just a beautiful word; it’s a cherished family name that symbolizes something rare, timeless, and deeply meaningful.

As I wove these two elements together, “WildPearlCo” was born. The name felt like the perfect blend of the vibrant and untamed energy of childhood with the precious and enduring legacy of family. Over time, as my business evolved and my focus became clear, I refined the name to “WildPearl Photography.” This not only aligned with my creative work but also kept the heartfelt connection to my children at its core—a constant reminder of why I do what I do.

The name is more than just a label for my business; it’s a reflection of my heart, my purpose, and the stories I strive to capture. WildPearl Photography is a tribute to life’s fleeting, beautiful moments—moments that deserve to be preserved and cherished, just like the inspiration behind its name.

Marguerite, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi, I’m Marguerite, the woman behind Wild Pearl Photography! I wear many hats in life—a proud mother to two beautifully wild and energetic children, Emory and Stetson, and a Driver Engineer for the City of Sunrise Fire Rescue. Yes, that means I get to drive those big, iconic fire trucks! While my day job is all about adrenaline and helping others in times of need, my passion for creativity led me to dive headfirst into the world of photography.

For years, I’ve picked up my camera to capture the sweet, fleeting moments of my children’s lives—their milestones, their laughter, and even the quiet, everyday moments that make motherhood so special. One day, I realized how much joy I found in preserving those memories and thought, why not share this gift with others? That’s when I decided to focus on lifestyle photography, dedicated to capturing life’s most meaningful moments, whatever milestone that may be.

My approach is all about taking the stress off your shoulders so you can focus on simply being present. Whether we’re planning a cozy session at home or venturing to a special location, I’m here to help with every detail—from suggesting outfits to choosing the perfect backdrop and even helping you feel comfortable in front of the camera.

What makes Wild Pearl Photography unique is my perspective. I see life as a series of beautiful, fleeting moments waiting to be celebrated and preserved. Every detail matters, and every story deserves to be told authentically. My goal is to freeze those moments in time, creating images that will serve as lasting memories for generations to come.

I’m deeply passionate about making your experience personal and meaningful. Photography isn’t just about the final image; it’s about the connection, the story, and the emotions captured within it. I can’t wait to help you create something truly special that you’ll treasure forever.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to capture and preserve moments that might otherwise slip away. There’s something magical about freezing time in a photograph—about telling a story or evoking an emotion through an image that speaks louder than words ever could.

I love knowing that my work becomes a part of someone’s life, whether it’s a treasured family portrait displayed in their home, a candid moment from a proposal that brings back all the emotions of the day, or a milestone captured forever. The idea that something I create could bring joy, nostalgia, or even healing to someone years down the line is incredibly fulfilling.

It’s also deeply rewarding to see how my art connects with people on a personal level. Watching clients’ faces light up when they see their photos or hearing how much they cherish them reminds me why I do what I do. It’s about creating something meaningful and lasting, not just for myself but for others.

Being a creative also gives me the freedom to constantly grow, evolve, and express myself. Each project is an opportunity to push my boundaries, try new techniques, and find fresh ways to tell stories. That endless possibility for growth keeps me inspired and passionate about my craft.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Absolutely! One thing I think non-creatives often struggle to understand is just how much time, energy, and planning happens behind the scenes to bring creative visions to life—especially in photography.

When people see a beautifully captured photo, they’re often only seeing the finished product. What they don’t see is everything that goes into making it happen. For instance, in photography, it starts with location scouting. Finding the perfect spot isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about lighting, accessibility, and how the environment complements the client’s style and story. Then there’s outfit planning—offering suggestions, coordinating colors, and sometimes even helping clients find the right pieces to create a cohesive look.

Props and setups are another layer. Whether it’s sourcing or purchasing props, crafting a setup, or transporting everything to the location, it takes thought, time, and effort to bring that vision to life. Add to that the hours spent monitoring the weather, ensuring the lighting will be just right, and making any last-minute adjustments to the plan when conditions change.

And that’s all before the shoot even begins! During the session, there’s so much focus on creating the right mood, working with the light, positioning subjects naturally, and keeping everyone comfortable. Then comes the editing process, where the real magic happens. Every photo is carefully reviewed, adjusted for color, lighting, and tone, and sometimes enhanced to match the unique vibe of the session. Editing can take hours—or even days—depending on the number of images and the complexity of the edits.

It’s a labor of love, but it’s not as effortless as the final images might suggest. I think it’s important for people to understand that creative work, especially photography, requires just as much discipline, planning, and technical skill as it does artistic vision.

Sharing this insight isn’t to discourage anyone but to shine a light on the dedication it takes to create something meaningful. For anyone working with a photographer or other creative, recognizing and valuing the behind-the-scenes effort can deepen your appreciation for the final product—and for the artist behind it!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wildpearlco.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildpearl.photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildPearlPhotos

Image Credits

WildPearl Photography