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

Marjoni, appreciate you joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

My journey into full-time photography wasn’t paved with luxury studios or endless resources—it started in the most personal space possible: my living room. That small space once meant for comfort and everyday life, became my first creative playground. I didn’t have the money for high-end equipment, but I had vision, and that was enough to push me forward.
So, I made a choice. I sold most of the furniture in my apartment to invest in my first set of gear. My couch, my dining table—gone. In their place, cameras, lights, and a relentless determination to bring my artistry to life. It was a sacrifice, but one that felt less like loss and more like transformation.

I knew that raw talent alone wasn’t enough, so I sought mentorship, learning from someone who could help me refine the technical skills I needed to turn my passion into precision. That guidance became the foundation for my confidence—confidence to direct a shoot, to understand light, to shape a narrative through imagery.

Then came the milestone that changed everything: opening my first studio. Stepping into that space, I wasn’t just a photographer—I was a creator, a visual storyteller, a businesswoman building something from the ground up. Looking back, I realize that every moment of discomfort, every risk, every leap of faith led me here.

Could I have sped up the process? Maybe. But creativity thrives in the journey, in the struggle, in the lessons learned along the way. And for that, I wouldn’t change a thing.

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.

My name is Marjoni Janee’, and I am a visual storyteller, a lover of beauty, and an artist who believes in the power of photography to evoke emotion and tell meaningful stories. My journey into photography was anything but traditional—it was built on passion, perseverance, and an unwavering belief that art has the power to transform.

I started in the most intimate of spaces—my own home—turning my living room into a studio when I had nothing but ambition and a camera. I sold my furniture to buy the equipment I needed and sought mentorship to refine my technical skills. Every challenge, every lesson, and every late night spent perfecting my craft brought me closer to the vision I had for myself. Eventually, I opened my first studio, where my creativity truly had room to breathe.

I specialize in beauty, fashion, editorial, and product photography, as well as stop-motion animation for brands looking to bring their stories to life. My work is all about capturing elegance, personality, and artistry in a way that feels authentic and visually striking.

I work with brands, creatives, and individuals who want more than just an image—they want a visual identity. Whether it’s a beauty brand needing stunning product photography, a model looking for captivating editorial shots, or a business wanting to stand out through artistic stop-motion visuals, I provide creative solutions that elevate their brand presence.

I’m incredibly proud of the artistic identity I’ve built—one that allows me to merge beauty, storytelling, and strategy into a seamless visual experience. But beyond that, I’m proud of the people I’ve been able to uplift through my work. Seeing my clients light up when they see themselves through my lens, watching brands gain confidence in their visual identity—that’s the most rewarding part of what I do.

What I Want People to Know
Photography, to me, is more than just a profession—it’s an experience, an emotion, a legacy. Whether you’re a brand looking to make an impact or an individual wanting to create something timeless, I want you to know that when you step in front of my camera, you’re not just being photographed—you’re being seen.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

At the heart of my work is a deep desire to celebrate beauty, evoke emotion, and tell stories that resonate beyond the surface. Photography, to me, is more than capturing an image—it’s about immortalizing moments, crafting narratives, and empowering people to see themselves in a new light.

My mission is twofold:

To redefine beauty through a creative and artistic lens. Whether I’m photographing people, products, or fashion, I want my work to elevate the ordinary into something extraordinary. I strive to create images that feel cinematic, intentional, and timeless—images that tell a deeper story and make people feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
To help brands and creatives build a visual identity that speaks. In an era where aesthetics are everything, my goal is to help businesses and individuals create imagery that not only stands out but also connects with their audience on a visceral level. Whether it’s through editorial photography, stop-motion animation, or brand visuals, I want my work to inspire, influence, and leave a lasting impact.
Ultimately, my creative journey is driven by the belief that art has the power to transform—both the subject and the viewer. My goal is to keep pushing boundaries, exploring new ways to merge storytelling with photography, and creating images that linger in the mind long after they’ve been seen.

Every frame is a reflection of passion, purpose, and possibility. That’s what drives me.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2018, I faced a turning point that I never saw coming. My first photography studio—a space I had poured my heart and creativity into—had to close due to location renovations. It was an unexpected shift, and like many artists, I found myself at a crossroads. The dream I had built was suddenly on pause, and I had to make a tough decision: find a way to sustain myself while keeping my passion alive.

I took a traditional job, stepping away from full-time entrepreneurship, but what I thought was a detour turned out to be an incredible opportunity. That position led me to become a Senior Photographer, allowing me to refine my skills, work on high-level productions, and gain experience that would later shape my own brand. It was a reminder that sometimes, setbacks are just setups for something greater.

That role also gave me the financial stability and confidence to return to school to further my education in cinematography—a field that has deepened my understanding of visual storytelling. Now, as I prepare to graduate with my B.S. in Cinematography in March 2025, I see how every pivot was actually leading me toward something greater than I had imagined.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve come full circle. Six months ago, I reopened my new studio—this time with even more experience, vision, and confidence in my craft. What once felt like a setback was really a setup for expansion.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mjanee.com
• Instagram: mjaneephoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marjonijanee

Image Credits

Marjoni_Branding_00726 – Photography by Andrew Phillips
Marjoni_Branding_00771 – Photography by Andrew Phillips
All other photography is Photography by Marjoni McBride