Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariah Blalock.
Hi Mariah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
To start us off, my name is Mariah and I was born and raised in Texas. Growing up I was a high-profile gymnast and I remember my dad would bring this chunky Nikon camera to my meets. I loved looking through the photos with him…but the reason I loved looking through them was because of the joy it brought to my dad. He was so proud of them, proud of me. Now before this next part, I want to preface that I started gymnastics when I was 10 years old-I was late to the game. I would train 8 hours a day and did school for 3 hours a day. Gymnastics was my life and I excelled quickly. So, when I wasn’t training I would line all my stuffed animals and dolls up and would do little photoshoots…I know, I was a strange home-schooled child. But I had so much fun doing it. Years later I head off to the University of Arkansas on a full-ride gymnastics scholarship. As a student-athlete, I didn’t have much free time with practice, study hall, classes, workouts, and traveling for meets. But every time we traveled for a meet I would be documenting the team traveling or saying “everyone get together let’s take a picture”. I never wanted to forget those moments.
While I was in college my dad was diagnosed with liver cancer. It was hard on me because my dad was my rock, my best friend and role model. He went through chemo and fought hard while we prayed every day for that phone call saying “we have a donor for you”. A year later we got that call-Great news! But about two years after the transplant we lost him. The cancer unexpectedly came back and without notice spread to his brain, liver, colon and lungs. In a blink of an eye was gone. He had given his best effort but it was time for him to go “home” and be pain-free. It was that moment I wished for more time, more photos, more videos, more memories- even just one more hug. That is when Howdeshell Photography was born.
I picked up my very first professional camera in 2015 and set out to capture beautiful moments that will last a lifetime. It started out as personal and family memories. Not a clue in the world how to work it properly. It was just point and shoot. Capturing my daughter, as she grows, time with grandparents, cousins, aunts/uncles, and trips. My friends would rave about my photos and tell me I should share my work with others. I thought they were just being nice and supportive. One day my friend asked me, “how much do you charge to take some maternity photos”. I laughed and replied “Girl, I don’t charge…I do this because I love it.” That was my first time doing a real session and that sparked my “WHY”. I started with couples, maternity, engagement, and family. Word got around fast. I was working for a residential boarding school for struggling teens in Texas and I had the opportunity to shoot fundraising events, conferences, and speaking engagements for Mark Gregston- who has authored nearly two dozen books, has written hundreds of articles and is host of the nationally acclaimed Parenting Today’s Teens podcast and radio broadcast. I also worked with Alan Carter, director of the Voice, on a YouTube series called “Heartlight Stories”. I learned so much and that is how I branched off into events, branding and weddings. There’s a lot more to the story but that is a little nugget of how I got started and how I ended up where I am today.
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?
Smooth road? More like hilly, bumps, road blocks, pot holes, ALOT of U-turns and feeling completely lost at times. In the beginning, there was no pressure. It was for me. It was a way to feel connected to my dad. Connected to my memories as I’d look back on those photos. I am 100% self-taught. I spent countless hours learning and taking online courses so I could provide my clients with beautiful images. How do I work lightroom, what the heck are presets, photoshop-why did I need a website?! Advertisements? Social media?! I have to decide what kind of photographer I am and who my population is?! But I wanted all walks of life and I wanted to empower people-create memories. I didn’t expect anyone to like my work much less ask ME to be their photographer. It all became overwhelming. As an athlete, I put a lot of pressure on myself to be perfect, I doubted myself, my ability, and even lost my “WHY”. I got so lost in the image and comparison game that I even quit for a while. I let doubt, fear of rejection, and fear of not being good enough get in the way of why I originally started Howdeshell Photography.
We’ve been impressed with Howdeshell Photography, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
There are a lot of factors as to why Howdeshell Photography was born. It started out as a way to connect with my dad after he passed from cancer. I wanted to look back and cherish life’s moments for a lifetime. But It quickly turned into something bigger and me figuring out my why. Why do I want to do this and why do I want to share this with others?
It took me a while but it is so simple now. Howdeshell Photography is about capturing those moments, big or little. I am a lifestyle and documentary photographer. I love these styles because of the authenticity it creates. It tells a story while capturing the associated emotions with it. My goal is to capture real emotions that will be enjoyed for generations. Images that make people feel connected feel confident in their own skin, bring tears to their eyes as they are reminded of their loved ones, smile as they flip through family photos, feeling gratitude as a mother looks back at her maternity photos while experiencing hard times with her newborn, and feeling proud as they look through photos that capture accomplishments, marriages, or milestones. Whatever the occasion, I want a rush of emotion and feeling to overcome my client as they flip through their images.
I am proud that I followed my heart with this journey. That I colored outside the lines at times, never changed myself to conform to others and stuck to my “why”. I have no website and rarely post on social media so every client has been referred to me by word of mouth. And that means more to me than any number of followers or likes on any post. I want to get to know my clients and I want them to get to know me. Relationships are important to me. This helps create trust between us and allows them to be authentically themselves. If you are awkward in front of the camera, no worries- I got you! Don’t know how to pose or what to wear- I help you with that. Can’t afford pricey photographers but want great service and high-quality photos- I am your girl. We become a team to create and capture YOUR moment.
So, whether it be family, maternity, newborn, portraits, events, weddings, or branding Howdeshell Photography aims to bring you a unique, affordable and fun experience that lasts a lifetime.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Any photographer can explain what they do, how they are different, why they are better but very few can truly articulate why. I talk a lot about my “why” because it is my driving force. It should never be about money or profit. Or who is the most successful. Why is the thing that inspires us and inspires those around us. And in return, those who are able to inspire will create loyal followers/clients.
I lost my why for a while. I was overwhelmed anxious, drained and dreading sessions. I lost my joy. I am used to performing on a big podium with 10,000 people watching me compete as a gymnast. I love the pressure, I love a challenge. I actually do better under pressure. A part of me wanted to feel that 1st place medal, that pat on the back, people see as a role model – I am used to being the best and I wanted to be the best in photography. But I went about it all wrong. When I was a collegiate gymnast, I was number one in the nation on the uneven bars because I loved swinging, doing crazy cool flips and inspiring young gymnasts. I loved to perform. I wasn’t comparing, adjusting, stressing myself to be something I’m not. I was simply me, doing what I loved and inspiring, empowering young athletes around me.
So, I’ve learned to keep an open mind for new ideas, seek to create long-lasting impressions and relationships, never stop learning, and hold on tight to my “why” because I hope to inspire others to do things that inspire them-whatever it is. And of course, create stunning images.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/howdeshell_photos?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Howdeshellphotography/
Image Credits
Mariah Blalock
