Meet Marcie Reif | Photographer & Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marcie Reif and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marcie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I started my business I was a full time elementary teacher and had only been previously enjoying photography as a hobby and taking pictures of my own children. I opened my business in 2012 in hopes that I could make a little extra money as well as pay for all the expensive gear I had my eyes on! I did not initially envision it for what it is today. It was about 2-3 years later that I really started to see the potential and began setting out to achieve some big milestones and goals.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love to capture things that I want to remember and help others capture things that they want to remember. Personally for me that is my kids and what we do as a family. I love to photograph them doing their sports, our family trips, and anything else we are doing that is special. For other families and clients I love to create pictures of them in the various stages that they are in with their own lives. That could be welcome a new baby, to sending their child off to college, to large family gatherings where everyone is together. I think what sets my work apart from others is the way people feel during their photo session, they are happy, enjoying it, and not stressed out. I know that the most important part about getting good photos (besides light) is making sure my clients feel good.

Right now I’m most proud and excited to be opening my new photo studio in Atlanta. It’s truly a dream come true.

I got where I am today professionally by hard work, not giving up, and not listening to the fear and self doubt that can slam on the breaks. Of course it is not easy, and definitely doesn’t happen over night. There are a lot of things that are constantly in this industry. Whether it’s gear, technology, or social media (hello reels) I try really hard to adapt and not get stuck in old patterns. Instead of complaining that the algorithm or google is changing I try to figure out how to change with it. There is also always something to fear, like AI being the current one, and instead of becoming discourage that this will someday take over everything, I try to think of ways that I can also gain something from AI instead of fear it. For example, the AI with editing is going to become a game changer!

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are really based on getting out of your head and getting out of your own way. There is always going to be a voice telling that you shouldn’t do something, you’re not ready, you’re not good enough, you don’t have enough followers to achieve that, or basically anything to get you to believe you’re not good enough. I’ve learned that no matter how much you achieve, no matter how long you’re in business, no matter how much money you’ve made you will still have those creeping thoughts from time to time. I don’t listen to them.

I want the world to know that I love my job and working with my brand will be an excellent experience from beginning to end. Whether that is through a mentorship, photography retreat, brand collaboration, or photo shoot. I know that in the end that is what will keep my business successful.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Heading to a Braves game would probably be on the top of my list! I also recently visited the Belt Line and Ponce City Market. That area is so fun and you could spend hours exploring the shops and all the fun restaurants. Stone Mountain would be a fun place to explore and get in a hike.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My kids and husband deserve a shoutout. They have tirelessly been my models which really got my photography education career off the ground. My husband does so much behind the scenes to keep the business running smoothly.

Website: www.marciereif.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcie_reif_photography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarcieReifPhoto

Image Credits
photo of me with a girl and her camera – photo credit : Kelli White Photography