We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maryjo Anderson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maryjo below.

Maryjo, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Being someone who hates taking risks, my biggest risk in life was quitting my 9-5 daycare job (I was a daycare teacher for almost 5 years) to start my photography journey full time. It was the biggest leap of faith I have ever taken in my life, and it has been one of the most rewarding decisions I have ever made.

Maryjo, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hey everyone, I’m Maryjo, your local Filipina, future wedding and portrait photographer, third-wheel and hype friend! My other half, Kaden, and I live north of Beaumont with our furbaby, Diesel Lane.

My photography name is derived from the Filipino language, Tagalog. My website and photography packages are based on
the Filipino language, as well. ‘Mabuhay’ (Greeting translates to “long live”) to all of my Tagalog speakers!

[ photos + ni (by) + maryjo (me)

The first digital camera I owned was a gift from my parents when I was in eighth grade! Whether it was silly self portraits or sports events, I kept taking pictures.

After graduating high school I didn’t know what I wanted to do. After a month in Europe, I came home for a week, left for New York, then returned home. Despite my love for traveling, I was falling in love with my now husband, Kaden.

I quit my daycare teaching job in September 2022 to become a full-time photographer. It was hard for me to balance working as a photographer and a teacher.

I enjoy photographing couples, whether during an engagement shoot, wedding, or maternity session. and recently, I’ve added boudoir photography as well as coordinating styling shoots to my portfolio. I occasionally do family portraits around the holidays, as-well.

The concept of photography extends far beyond the simple act of taking pictures. There is something about the rawness and midst of the moment that makes you FEEL. It is important to tell your story in a way that is unique to you, and I am your gal to capture your timeless moments.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Taking the time to like, comment, and share the content of artists on social media can help you express your appreciation for them. As a creator/business, you can gain exposure to the public in a variety of ways, such as word-of-mouth, writing a good review, or simply telling your family and friends about what you love to do.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I believe that one of the most rewarding aspects of being a photographer is how much it means to me to hear and see how each and every client feels after they have seen their photographs. My goal is to capture the joy, the love, the tears, and the excitement, and to portray these emotions through photography as a way to tell their story. Some photos will make you love, others will make you feel. I’m here, not only to capture you in your entirety and provide you with beautiful photos, but just as importantly to create a wonderful experience that will be remembered and cherished.

Contact Info:

• Website: photosnimaryjo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photosnimaryjo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photosnimaryjo
• Other: Boudoir: https://www.instagram.com/boudoirnimaryjo/ Styled Shoots: https://www.instagram.com/styledshootsnimaryjo/

Image Credits
Headshot taken by: Sarah Miller with Wolden Collective People in photographs taken vby Photos NI Maryjo Couples: Firework Portrait: Vianey + Maxwell Taylor Motorcycle Photo: Kelli Klaes + Tony Jenkins Wedding Portrait Styled: Mandi + Brian Beemer Individuals: Leather Couch Portrait: Rachel Warwick Brown Editorial Portrait: Sribha Marthi Shadow Individual Portrait: Kerri Hoy