Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariah Fritz.
Hi Mariah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I first became interested in photography when I was young. I asked my parents for a basic Nikon point-and-shoot camera for Christmas when I was 13 or 14 years old. Ever since I haven’t been able to put a camera down. I taught myself most of what I know but then continued to want to learn more of the technical aspects of photography. I applied to a program in high school where I would earn college credits for photography and video while still in high school. I ended up being selected for this two-year program and was so excited! After learning the more technical aspects of photography, my love of it only grew further. I then went to college for a degree in public relations with a minor in photography. While in college, I got 4 years of learning the ins and outs of the dark room and working with film. I took classes for advanced photography, commercial photography, film & color. (And many other courses that I can’t remember right now, lol) I really fell in love with the darkroom and film as a whole. It was something totally new for me. It’s one of my favorite things to do, and once I get my own house, I plan to build a darkroom in the basement to continue developing film.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely wasn’t always a smooth road. There will always be some sort of hiccup, but you have to try your best to push through any obstacles that come your way. For the first 5 years of my photography journey, I did it all for free. I did this in hopes to better my craft and get my name out there for exposure. I worked extremely hard and after a while, word of mouth helped me gain clients in the Cleveland/Akron area! It’s also a struggle when random strangers on the internet try to steal your images and post them as their own. Pro tip: Watermark your photos and stick up for yourself and your art!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I try to switch it up and photograph all sorts of different things. From weddings, portraits, commercial, landscape, etc. However, my favorite is found with my love of urban exploring. My favorite photographs I’ve ever taken are those that I’ve taken inside abandoned buildings across the United States. The other area that I’m most passionate about shooting is live music. Music and concerts are a huge part of my life, and being able to incorporate my two biggest passions of photography and music together is extremely fulfilling.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Music and traveling. These two things have helped me a lot throughout life. I’m 27 and have been through a lot of loss for someone my age, but these two things have been able to help me keep moving forward. Music is a form of relief, and a concert can give you an escape for even just an hour or two. Music brings people together, and it’s amazing. Traveling gives me a way to take my mind off what’s going on in my life and explore a brand-new place (and take a bunch of pictures along the way!)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fritzographyphotos.com
- Instagram: @fritzography_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fritzography
