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

Marissa , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success comes in many forms. I believe when you’re interested in becoming a full time wedding photographer, you have preconceived notions of what it takes to become successful. From the beginning, I thought being a successful wedding photographer meant having a full calendar and weddings booked across states. This would make sense since you’re in high demand and couple’s are willing to fly you out just to photograph their day. I thought success meant you were well known, and I was convinced that you needed to hustle 100% and work 24/7 to achieve your goals and be discovered. Although it’s an absolute honor and blessing to travel for these couples, after 7 years part time and 5 years full time, I think I’m finally understanding what it means to be successful: balance. All those things mentioned above are great achievements. However, when I completed those goals, I quickly realized I felt the opposite of successful. I was drained, burnt out, stressed, unhealthy, neglecting my friends and family, and unable to fully serve my couples, all because of what I was told from hustle culture. To me, success means putting in the work, but giving yourself grace. It means setting boundaries for yourself for your friends and family that care about you. It means knowing how much your time is worth, you don’t get time back. Success looks different to everyone, it’s okay to hustle, but also okay to set breaks for yourself. The intention to be successful is amazing and powerful, it can push you to achieve things you only ever dreamed of. However, you don’t need a booked calendar. I once heard this and it completely changed my perspective. We’re so scared by saying no and turning down a wedding or a client, because we’re worried about an opportunity passing. When you say no, you free up infinite other space of possibility in your life. But when you say yes to something, that closes off infinite possibility for that space. You need to say yes to things to be successful, but you also need to say no and leave space for yourself. You don’t have anything to prove to other photographers you may be comparing yourself with. Say yes to the things you love, not what others are doing. Stand apart by being yourself, incorporate you in your brand and others will see your success though that.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a Destination Wedding photographer currently residing in Orlando, FL. I’m beyond grateful to work alongside my amazing and supportive husband, Thomas and go home to the sweetest pup, Scout. Way back in the day, my mom was a wedding photographer who passed down the passion of documenting stories to me. I thought it would always just be a side gig, until I made the decision to drop out of college and pursue photography full time. I mainly service weddings, couples, and occasionally maternity/families. My future goal is to expand more into education to help aspiring photographers. I’m here to make photography the easiest part of a couple’s day by answering all their questions before they even have them. I’m there thought the process to help in any way I can and aim to build trust so they have absolute peace on their wedding day. I believe being personable and intentional is the only way to go so they have photos that truly look and feel like them. I’m so proud to pour in so much time, energy and dedication so that I can serve them as best as possible. I love getting to know my couples so that I can capture those pure and genuine moments that they can look back on time and time again.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Photography has always been a hobby of mine. It wasn’t until high school that it became a fun side hustle for me. Then, 1.5 years into college, I decided to drop out and pursue photography full time in hopes of becoming a wedding photographer. After changing my major multiple times, I realized I had no passion for what I was studying. I 100% felt lost and thought I’d never be able to find what I wanted to do for a career. I was constantly told by family and friends to pursue photography and delayed taking the leap for so long due to fear. I thought, “A 21 year old college drop out and creating a full time business from the ground up? There’s no way anyone would hire me.” After the initial fear of taking the leap, I went in full force with determination that I will make it. I believe it was the support I had from family and the dedication it took that got me where I am today. I strived to learn and grow, second shot weddings to grow my portfolio and market as much as possible. It took a lot of hustle (maybe too much), and tons of goal setting.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

It’s hard to narrow it down to one effective strategy; however, if I had to pin point one, it would be to create your brand after yourself. There’s so many photographers out there, but no one is you. When you implement yourself and your voice, you’ll attract clientele that ultimately, will love what you do no matter what. Imposter syndrome is real. Don’t look at whatever anyone else is doing. Find what style inspires you and make it your own. Anyone can grow clientele, but it’s important to grow the clientele that best fits you. By doing this, you’ll never get tired of doing what you love. Comparing yourself isn’t going to grow the clientele you’re wanting either. By being your own brand, photographing what you truly love, marketing yourself unapologetically and genuinely, and showing up will help you grow your clientele. Market what you want to attract, constantly grow your knowledge and education, find your niche and I believe the right clientele will follow.

Contact Info:

• Website: marissanicole.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissanicolephoto/