Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Bales.
Hi Marissa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I served in the social service field for nearly 10 years. I genuinely enjoyed helping others to become the best version of themselves. Having the honor to be part of the beauty in their stories is something I never took lightly. I switched to being a full-time photographer in 2023. Since then, I have been running my own LLC. I knew so very little about how to use a digital camera, how to pose others, etc. I invested in education and hit the ground running full speed to ensure that I served people well in this career. We all have our unique stories, and it fills my soul to now share the stories of others through photography. I still get to celebrate others! I still get to show up for others in a special way. My slogan is “making your memories a priority” because I truly believe that memories are valuable. My goal is to always produce photos that are not only seen with the eyes, but felt with the heart!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road. It is said that most photographers will end their business before the second year. When I first started in the photography world, I wondered why that was. As I approached my second year, I quickly understood. Photography is so much more than picking up a camera and taking a pretty picture. It takes grit. Photography is not for the weak. It takes thick skin. I heard the saying that in order to be good at something, you have to be bad at it first. That saying, while full of so much truth, makes my skin crawl. I want to be the best I can be immediately, but that is not how it works. The biggest challenge I have faced is being kind to myself. The imposter syndrome is real. From the very beginning, others have told me how beautiful the photos are that I capture, but I pick them apart. While this can be beneficial for growth, one thing I hope to learn well is to be easy on myself throughout the journey of learning. Photography is a skill that is learned for a lifetime.
As you know, we’re big fans of Marissa Bales Photography LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am the owner and photographer of Marissa Bales Photography LLC. While I am located in Southwestern Ohio, I love to travel to places several hours away to offer even more beautiful location options. My favorite photo session types are elopements and high school seniors. Both are on a journey to the next phase of life, and they have so much celebration in their hearts. Instead of picking the favorite photos for my clients, they get to pick them for themselves. I have a variety of edit options for my clients to choose from so that they get to pick an edit that matches their style! They also get all of the digital photos that come with their package in the black and white version for free. They get a special album with their digital photos that allows them to view it on their mobile phone or on their desktop. All of my Google reviews are 5 stars. I have made the cover of a magazine, and have been published in several others. I offer payment plan options for my clients because I believe that everyone deserves to have memories captured in the form of photos. I truly try to treat every person I encounter as I would a best friend or family member. Most importantly, we have fun during our photo sessions!
How do you define success?
Success = the way people are left feeling after they have encountered me and my business. How people are treated matters. In my opinion, it is the most important part of photographing others. The most beautiful picture in the world could easily be tainted for an individual if all they remember from the day they were photographed is that they were not treated well. Patience, kindness, understanding, being personable, having fun; these things should take priority. People should feel so seen, heard, valued, and appreciated. I have told my children since they were younger that we leave things better than we found them. If we are walking on a trail, and we see trash, we pick it up. The same goes for people, we leave them better than we found them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://marissabalesphotography.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/marissabalesphotography
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/marissabalesphotography
