Meet Marissa Schmidt | Photographer for Creatives

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

Hi Marissa, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
Always being a learner in my field and a supporter of my clients and their talents has definitely helped me succeed. As well as cheering on fellow photographers as we are all growing and need encouragement along the challenging journey.

I have found that leading my business with excellence, love and humility is winning. Saying yes to assisting and sometimes taking jobs I might not really be after keeps me growing and well-rounded in my career and personally.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My eyes see beyond the basic composition of a shot and into the heart of my subject’s story. When I look through the lens, my focus is on how life and light meet – which I believe allows me to capture the emotion that each photo demands. Clearly the image matters, yet I also strive for my clients to enjoy a warm and professional experience. This is what I feel sets me apart from other photographers.

It’s been anything but an easy road over the years and yet I appreciated the encouragement of other photographers along the way all the more because of that. From the challenges, we are made stronger and I wouldn’t be where I am if not for all of it.

I have learned so many lessons a long the way but a here are just a few. Taking every opportunity to develop and explore the intricacies of the images I captured is vital. Doing so has taught me to craft each image from the story within the moment, using my camera sort of like a visual pen to bring the client’s vision to life. It’s a joy for me to create as I have been created to. It’s about more than the image for me, it’s also about the person. I truly care for my clients and I have learned how to make them feel seen and valued. I have also learned to keep going even when the way isn’t as clear as I would like, just taking one step of faith at a time.

I’m grateful for my education in the classroom as well as outside of the classroom working alongside talented photographers to gain experience doing what I love. I have had such a variety of photography opportunities and each one has allowed me to shape my skills as a photographer and person. When I am behind the lens I always work to help clients feel confident and I can do that as I have gained confidence in what I offer. I am most excited about highlighting others through images, telling their stories is an honor for me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The best view and delicious food is found at the one and only 9 Mile Station rooftop restaurant at Ponce City Market. My friends know it’s my favorite view of the city, especially at night! A bit out of the city you’ll find my happy place also known as Crazy Love Coffee House. It’s the coziest place with the sweetest service and I absolutely love their Lavender Latte.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shoutout Lyndsey Hobby. She has been such a support in my photography business efforts and she truly is the best cheerleader for any brand wanting to go to the next level! https://lyndseyhobby.com/

I also must give a big thank you to my family and friends for their support over the years. My friend Sherita Harkness of Trading Fourz has been a big cheerleader in my photography journey, I’m so grateful.

Website: https://www.marissajeanphotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissajeanphotography/?hl=en

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