Meet Maggie Fortier | Owner and Photographer, Maggie Mae Photos, LLC

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

Hi Maggie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I remember growing up I always wanted to be an artist, but didn’t really pursue that dream of mine until I was much older. Throughout my life, I always wanted a way to use my creativity and make art that is important to people. I grew up thinking that wasn’t really possible so I pushed my creativity aside and pursued a career in health sciences, obtaining a masters degree, but it didn’t quite feel like “me.” Since becoming a mom, I wanted to find a way to spend as much time with my daughter as possible while still working and having a creative outlet. Running my own business allows me the flexibility and freedom to be present with my family while pursuing my dreams. I also consider myself so lucky to be able to have a career that involves capturing all kinds of love, and all of life’s most important milestones. It’s an honor that my work brings me into the most special days of my clients’ lives and I can’t imagine doing anything else for a living.

In early 2024 when I decided to fully pursue my passion for photography, I was intimidated but determined to make it into a business that I was proud of. It was a little scary jumping into an entirely new career with so much to learn, especially when it came to running a business. However, I dedicated my heart and soul into learning, making mistakes, putting myself out there to make connections, and doing research, and it’s all slowly but surely paid off. I started out shooting for free and taking photos of anyone who was willing to get in front of my camera, and now I’m looking at a fall season where I’m going to be so busy and I couldn’t be more thankful. If I hadn’t just decided to take a little bit of a risk and dedicate myself to pursuing this dream of mine, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today, doing what I love while getting to maximize time with my family.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My photography style is true to color, but I like to lean a little more towards vibrant color. My clients frequently tell me that my photos really show their unique personalities and that I tell their stories really well. I offer wedding, branding, family and lifestyle photography.

As a wedding photographer, my mix of editorial posing and documentary style candid captures allows me to provide a well rounded approach to a wedding day. I also spend time getting to know my couples through client calls, and throughout the complimentary engagement sessions that I offer with my wedding packages. Couples come to me feeling uncomfortable in front of the camera, but they leave at ease and usually laughing. They all end up with photos that they absolutely love.

As a brand photographer, I work hard to make sure that my clients’ photos reflect their brand, their authentic selves, and their vision while also remaining true to my own style. I’ve had the privilege of providing brand photography to fellow photographers, chiropractic clinics, baby clothing brands, social media managers, and content creators, and I look forward to serving more businesses as I grow.

As a family and lifestyle photographer I have the opportunity to capture milestones such as pregnancy announcements, maternity and newborn sessions, birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, moments with pets, graduations, and so much more. Most of my clients return to me for life’s big moments and I’m so thankful to be a part of their lives.

Each of my clients receives all of the best images from their sessions, and I always provide additional black and white photos when I think it will enhance the emotions behind the images.

I put my heart and soul into serving all of my clients, whether that means keeping bandaids on me during a wedding, having a steamer in my car for wedding dress emergencies, bringing coffee to tired parents at my newborn sessions, or doing my best to provide galleries that reflect my clients’ vision. I also offer to travel to my clients so that I can bring my style and work to them.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Theres so much of Atlanta to explore. The Beltline is a great way to see lots of the city while getting to walk, run or bike! One of my favorite activities in the area is the Georgia Aquarium, and it’s so convenient having the World of Coca Cola right next door! As a baseball fan, a Braves game would also be an absolute must. I’d also recommend 5Church Midtown for a martini, and I have heard great things about the Utopia Restaurant. If you’re wanting a photo session during your visit, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the Swan House at the Atlanta History Center, and the High Museum of Art are all gorgeous spots on my photo location bucket list!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my best friend Caelin, who has supported every one of my dreams since we were young and has been the sounding board for every wild idea I’ve ever had. I’d also like to dedicate my shoutout to my family, especially my sweet daughter who always gets excited when I show her the photos I’ve taken, and is now learning to take pictures of her own.

Each and every one of my clients deserves a shout out as well. I’ve been given the opportunity to serve so many amazing individuals, couples, families and businesses. I’m so thankful for each and every one of them, as their investment in my photos has allowed me to continue to do what I love.

I also need to shout out Jamie Bonfante for partnering with me as my go-to content creator, and bringing me countless connections that have helped me grow in my career.

I’m incredibly thankful for the many talented photographers and wedding vendors I’ve met along the way, as I’ve learned so much from so many of them. I look forward to making even more connections as time goes on.

Website: https://maggiemaephotos26.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiemaephotos?igsh=MWluZ3RrNjQ2anAyMQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16stnM92HG/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
All photos were taken, edited, and are owned by Maggie Mae Photos, LLC.