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

Alright, Marta thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

I am a portrait photographer who also specializes in photographic women over 40. I do see a big shift in modeling world as well where finally women over 40 are getting more attention.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Marta Muryn. I am a professional portrait photographer located in Fairfield, Connecticut USA. I was born and raised in the Ukraine. Coming to the US back in 2010 was a life changing opportunity.
It was a journey but after many years I finally found my self. Photography was my hidden passion. After realizing how much I enjoyed it, I put all of my energy into it. Studied from the beginning to make sure I didn’t miss anything.

After learning my craft, I had to learn a business part of it. I’ll tell you, it is not easy to do when you are an artist in your business. It will take time to overcome all kinds of blocks.

In the last 7 years I have photographed so many of my clients and I remember every single session. I strongly believe that that experience of being photographed and those beautiful portraits will be there for them and their children. Portrait photography is absolutely your legacy.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Marketing is 75% of your business. If you not getting enough sales, clients, or leads it clearly means it’s marketing not working.

In my business, I had to unlearn that marketing to everyone means marketing to no one. Think about it for a second. As a business owner, you think that the more people know about you more people see you you will get more… wrong…. Yup I was surprised too. However, you need to market to your specific audience or create a campaign that targets very specific audience. Try it and see if business grow..

if you don’t know where to start, I would strongly recommend hiring a marketing agency and don’t waste your time and money trying to figure thing out on your own.

Here are some steps you can take today:

1. Decide who your audience is.
2. Create an resistible offer for that market..
3. Create a marketing campaign with that offer.
4. Invest some money into online advertising..

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

I believe almost every business starts with a side hustle. And my wasn’t ,an exception. I loved Photography , but I didn’t know much about it.

I always love photography. Going through some beautiful magazine photos, fashion shows, beauty images.

One day a friend of mine asked me to be present at her photo session. I asked “why? Why me?”. She said “I just want you to be there”. Of course I said yes. The day of the session the photographer showed up with the big casket on her leg. She was moving slowly so I started helping assisting her. And let me tell you, I really enjoy the process and everything came so natural to me. I went home today and I started my Google research “How to be a professional photographer.” Tried different training and finally after few years found my style and my mentor.
Follow your heart and do what you love!
I started as a free lancer, part time, and then finally (after Covid 2020) opened up my first commercial studio in town Marta Muryn Portrait photography studio.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mmportrait.com
• Instagram: marta_muryn_portrait
• Facebook: marta_muryn_portrait
• Linkedin: Marta Muryn
• Youtube: @marta_muryn_portrait

Image Credits
Myself