Today we’d like to introduce you to Marisa Santiago.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Marisa Santiago and I am the founder and lead photographer of Barnscoe Photography! My mother always told me I had a gypsy spirit, that I was always wanting to travel and I’m here to tell you… she’s not wrong. In 2018 I invested into my first DSLR camera, not knowing where it was going to take me. Momma told me I needed to come up with a name for my business and she goes “How about Barnscoe?” When I looked at her confused, she explained how she combined my two dogs’ names, Barney and Roscoe. Little did I know that all of this would lead me to where I am today.
Although I do have schooling and degrees and certifications, none of them have anything to do with photography (until 2022)! Photography was something that I have invested time and knowledge into, seeking out new knowledge and asking for help more than you might know! As I grew as a photographer, always pushing myself, I found my love for travel and wedding photography! Both satisfying the need in my soul to make others happy while capturing the world’s greatest wonders.
As I look back and think how far I have come I can’t help but wonder what the universe has in store for me in the next year, two years, decade, etc. Everything happens for a reason.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When Covid hit, at first things were rough, so there was obviously that, however, there was also my first year. My first year I shot everything for free, wanting to build my portfolio. I promised myself that I would only spend money on photography if I made said money with photography. I refused to spend my money that I made with my full-time job on any photography, I felt like I hadn’t earned it. It was a really slow process trying to show people I was worth their time that I was worth the $20 here and there for gas or the extra $15 tip at the end so I could put it towards a new lens, bag, or body. It was a struggle to show others my worth just starting out, I had to prove to them that I wasn’t just doing it for the money and that I truly loved the art.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have an associate’s and a bachelor’s of science in biological sciences with a concentration in genetics as well as my certification as a Pharmacy Technician. I recently accepted a position with the children’s hospital where I will be working in research and how STEM cells are impacted in neurodegenerative diseases. I’m extremely proud of all of these things and although it may seem like I’m trying to use big words or look fancy I am! It took me 9 1/2 years to finish my degrees and in those 9 1/2 years, I ALWAYS worked 1-2 jobs. I worked SOOOOOO hard so I could say all of those words and you can bet your bottom dollar I will every chance I get.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Sh*t Happens. Life is too short not to learn something new. It doesn’t matter your age or what it might be. Get the longboard and teach yourself at 30 years old, dye your hair the burgundy red, get the extra nose piercing/tattoo, take the spur the moment trip to Florida and read on the beach for 4 days straight. Who cares? Your mental health matters.
Pricing:
- Weddings $2000-$2500 (Full Day Coverage – comes with complimentary engagament/boudoir session)
- Boudoir $350 (Hour Session)
- Engagement $350 (Hour Session)
- Destination Wedding $3000-$5000 (inquire for more details)
Contact Info:
- Email: barnscoephotography@gmail.com
- Website: barnscoephotography.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/barnscoe_photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarnscoePhotography
Image Credits
A Morgan Photography
Barnscoe Photography
