Today we’d like to introduce you to Marina Russell.
Hi Marina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My love for photography began as a kid, flipping through my grandmother’s photo album filled with moments from before I was even born. Those frozen slices of life captivated me. Each photo told a story that I will remember and treasure for the rest of my life. As I got older my passion for photography developed even further, especially when I married my husband and started having kids of my own. I wanted to record every smirk or even pouty face so I can remember it forever. My journey started with lifestyle photography, recording casual moments and grew over time with more posed setting. I started working with families and over a few years I was confident enough in my style and skill to take on weddings and event photography. I participated in many courses and workshops, many hours was spent playing around and figuring out my style so I can create that timeless look I wanted to bring to my photos. I always liked studio photography and after many years of exploring great outdoors (which I still love!) I joined a photography studio with some very talented photographers who eventually became by besties for life. During many collaborations and hours of shooting together, I felt confident to branch out on my own and open up my own home studio. It is small and cozy and I absolutely love it!
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?
My journey is definitely not easy or smooth and I still feel like i am in the trenches. Balancing family life and career is never easy and it gets even harder when you are running your own business. In the beginning I was working full time and only had time on weekends for photography but eventually I shifted to a full time. Unfortunately full time doesn’t mean success. In the world with so many talented people you not only have to stand out and differentiate yourself and your style but also become full time sales and marketing team which is a struggle for me. Constantly getting clients and growing your business is challenging and something I have to work on everyday.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I do all types of photography but my specialty is newborn photography. I absolutely love it! My favorite part is designing the sets. 90% of my newborn outfits are either sewan or knitted by me. I love selecting yarn/fabric to match my set and customise even further with headbands and bonnets. I don’t do the same sets unless it’s been requested by a client which keeps me constantly in the creative mode, coming up with new ideas. I love experimenting with color and texture and of course PROPS, which I have a lot. Some might say it is an obsession, but to me it is carefully selected collection to satisfy my client’s needs and styles.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I am hopping to get that big break sometime soon so I can add teaching/mentoring to my portfolio 🙂
Pricing:
- 20+ years of experience
- affordable pricing
- studio and location
- client closet
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.photobymarina.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinarussellphotography/?next=%2F
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marinasphotographyutah
- Other: https://g.co/kgs/R6HT4Tv
