We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mary Sikorski a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Mary, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Photography is an ever-changing business. If you don’t learn the latest tools and services you could be left in the dust. I’ve found that the area most photographers struggle in-is how to use artifical lighting to create what they are envisioning. For me it was no different. Only being able to shoot using natural light was really limiting me. Once I actually took the time and learned how to properly use an off camera strobe, I had much more freedom. It can be tedious and frustrating- but is definitely necessary (in my opinion).
Mary, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a photographer, but also own my own small business making things out of felt. As a photographer I enjoy shooting images that have some element of surprise or “spark”. My images are usually motivated by cinema, fantasy or sci-fi (although I do also do some fashion as well). As of right now I am most proud that I was able to get out and meet other photographers and models this year. It has been my first year in Kansas and I have made some great like-minded friends in the field. I was honored to be a part of a gallery showing this year as well, with three other amazing photographers. I would like future clients to know that I love to do out-of-the-box shoots. I am someone they can come to for photos that are something different than the average portrait.
In my small business (The Forest Place) I try to create items similar to how I create my photos: by creating products that have some element of surprise. I try and push the limits to see what I can create next. Some items that I create are earrings, kids play food, home decor and more recently, purses.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I believe that being a creative in a world filled with creatives, can be incredibly difficult. It is so easy to compare yourself to others or to get discouraged. I have had experiences that have shook my confidence. One being a marriage proposal that I shot. I thought I was well prepared, but I was incredibly nervous. Once the proposal started, I felt like I had no idea how to work the camera. I panicked and started trying to change the camera settings as the sun went in and out of clouds. The finished product left me feeling like I was not a photographer at all. I felt so discouraged, and like a phony. I stopped doing shoots for a while after that. After thinking on it a bit, I realized that event photography was not an area I was strong in. Not because I was a bad photographer, but because I had anxiety and did not deal with in-the-moment pressure. And I decided that that was okay. I moved on to solely focus on more creative photography where I did not feel rushed.
My small business has also had discouraging moments. The first fair I did, I barely sold anything. I felt like no one liked my products, and that maybe it was not worth trying anymore. I did not give up though. I tried another fair, which went much better than the first. The only issue was that I overheard someone calling something I made ugly. It made me feel terrible. My husband was very reassuring though and made me feel better about the situation. Then I went on to do a third fair, which went amazing. I sold most of my stuff. I realized that everyone needs the right audience for their work. I was not in the correct locations previously, and I saw what a difference it makes when you are.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
I feel that sometimes non-creatives see our work as hobbies, as opposed to real jobs. Sometimes you will get people complaining about prices, or not wanting to pay. What they don’t realize though is that our services are how many of us make a living. There is so much work that goes into our finished products, but people don’t see that work behind the scenes. As a photographer I am working on the photo before it’s taken, while it is taken and after it is taken. We do not just snap pictures and call it a day. The same goes for my small business. Everything I make is hand-sewn which takes a lot of time. That has to be reflected in the price.
Another difficulty is that creatives are more of a luxury service. We are not a necessity. My husband for example is a CPA, and everyone needs their taxes done. No one “needs” photos or retail products. So, it can be very difficult to find that niche of costumers that are willing to pay your prices.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.maryjacphoto.com www.intheforestplace.com
- Instagram: @maryjac.photo @theforestplace
Image Credits
Porshae Monique, Kaylani Coleman, Lovestoned Retail