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

Alright, Mariana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

I actually started pretty early, back in high school. At the time, photography was just something I loved doing. I didn’t think of it as a career yet, just something I was naturally drawn to and excited about. I was young, curious, and honestly a little in over my head, but I kept saying yes to opportunities and figuring things out as I went.
By the time I was 23, I had already been shooting for about five or six years. Looking back now, I didn’t fully recognize my own experience or value. I was still treating myself like a beginner when in reality I had put in years of work, learning, and growth. Because of that, I underestimated myself, second guessed my abilities, and did not always stand up for myself in situations where I should have. There were definitely moments where I was not treated fairly, and a lot of that came down to me not yet having the confidence to advocate for myself. This forced me to learn how to set boundaries, communicate my worth, and carry myself with more confidence.
If I could go back, I would carry myself differently. I would give myself more credit for the experience I already had, price my work with more intention, and trust that I belonged in the spaces I was stepping into. Starting early gave me a strong creative foundation, I just had not fully caught up yet in terms of confidence and self worth.

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 am a photographer based in Columbia, Maryland, and my work shows storytelling, culture, and identity. I started photography back in high school, originally just as something I loved doing. It was never about building a business at first, it was just about capturing moments and people in a way that felt honest to me.
As I continued developing, I found myself drawn most to portrait and event photography. I love working with people and creating images that feel personal and real. A lot of my work focuses on capturing individuals in a way that reflects who they truly are, not just how they look.
Beyond photography work, I also care deeply about storytelling through culture and community. As a Salvadoran American creative, my background plays a huge role in how I see the world and the stories I choose to highlight. I have always been intentional about using my work to amplify voices and perspectives that are often overlooked, especially within Latinx communities.
In terms of services, I offer portrait sessions, event coverage, and creative projects that are tailored to each client. Whether it is an individual looking for portraits that feel like them, or an event that needs to be documented with care and attention to detail, my goal is always the same. I want people to feel seen. I want them to walk away with images that feel meaningful, not just aesthetically pleasing. I think what sets me apart is the way I approach connection. Photography for me is not just about taking a photo, it is about building trust and creating an environment where people feel comfortable being themselves.
What I am most proud of is the growth I have had, not just creatively but personally. Starting so young meant learning a lot of lessons the hard way, but those experiences helped me build a strong foundation and a clearer sense of who I am as both an artist and a professional. I am proud of the work I have created, the people I have been able to work with, and the impact I have had within my community.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I think one of the biggest things society can do to support artists and creatives is to truly value the work, not just consume it. There is so much appreciation for creative work on the surface, but that does not always translate into fair pay, respect, or long term support. Supporting artists means recognizing that what we do is skilled work that takes years of experience, investment, and dedication.
Education, access and opportunity also matter a lot. Creating more spaces for emerging artists to share their work, especially those from underrepresented communities, is huge. Not just visibility, but real opportunities that lead to growth, connections, and sustainability. Mentorship, community programs, and platforms that highlight diverse voices all play a role in building a stronger creative ecosystem.
Another important piece is community support. That can look like hiring local creatives, sharing their work, recommending them to others, or even just engaging in a meaningful way. Small actions like that can have a real impact, especially for independent artists who rely heavily on word of mouth and relationships.
For me personally, I think it comes down to respect, access, and intention. When artists are respected for their work, given real opportunities to grow, and supported by their communities, that is when a creative ecosystem can truly thrive.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the ability to give back in ways that go beyond the work itself. One of the things that means the most to me is being able to support and mentor younger artists. When I was starting out, I didn’t always have access to the right information, resources, or guidance, and I had to learn a lot through trial and error. Being able to share what I’ve learned and help someone else navigate those early stages with more clarity is incredibly fulfilling.
I focus on creating connections, sharing opportunities, and pointing people in the right direction whenever I can. Whether that is recommending other creatives, helping someone understand their value, or just being a resource they can turn to, those moments matter. It’s about making sure the next generation of artists feels more supported and empowered as they grow in their craft.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marianaorellana.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mar.orel/

Image Credits

Mariana Orellana