Rising Stars: Meet Marny

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marny.

Hi Marny, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
It all started in high-school photography class when I picked up a film camera, that was the day I fell in love with capturing the life around me. We’d have assignments to go explore and create anything we wanted, what better homework could you ask for? I found a passion for the little details and always thought I’d be a macro photographer.

I love taking close-ups of flowers and water droplets but I wasn’t sure how to grow it into a business. When I transitioned to photographing people it was a huge learning curve.

I was used to still objects that I could move around and position perfectly til I got the shot. Now I’m meeting new people, figuring out how to make them laugh, and most importantly how to make the session fun and not stressful!

Over the past few years, I have been focusing on capturing the emotion vs. the perfect shot and how to work with folks to tell their story. We will always grab the standard poses but my heart lies with the photos that tug at your heartstrings.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road but it has been an empowering one. This passion has always been there but I didn’t think I could turn it into something sustainable so I focused on a more traditional path. After a couple of years, and a few career changes, I picked up the camera again and remembered how much I loved doing this. I took photos for work events, celebrations and did free sessions for years. People kept saying it was time to start charging and I think believing in myself, and my work, was my biggest hurdle.

Originally I wanted to officially start in 2021 but then covid hit. I took that year to focus on getting more practice with the sessions that I felt the least comfortable with, took classes with my favorite photographers, and ironed out the business side of things. In January 2021 Emerald Light Photography LLC was officially launched! Throughout this journey I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by support, encouragement and have learned so much along the way. I am so grateful and thankful for all of you amazing people!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a photographer that takes way too many photos and you’ll hear me say “oh wait one more!”. I’ll be your biggest fan and fix your hair if it’s not behaving. Taking photos can be an event to plan for so I try to make it as fun and relaxed as having a giant camera in your face can be. It is totally fine if things aren’t going to plan or your kiddo wants to play in the sand, we’ll cuddle around them and capture that genuine special moment. If we need a little extra convincing, bubbles usually do the trick! My goal is to make it as stress-free as possible and photography is all about capturing an experience. This is about telling your story so we’ll find a way to get into the groove and anything goes! One of the things I hear most at the end of a session is “that was so fun!”; be prepared for tickle attacks, cuddles and maybe some dancing!

So maybe we end by discussing what matters most to you and why?
Photography-wise, it’s the moments that aren’t posed and the smiles that come from a tight hug. I love meeting people from all walks of life to tell their story and everyone’s is unique! Getting to know a little more about each person is also a huge part of the experience, and to me. My goal is to turn experiences into moments that clients can look back on and remember the feelings behind it.That is what matters most and what drives my my passion. When you delivery a gallery it’s always a waiting game to hear their reaction but my favorite has to be “these photos made me cry”. It reminds how much these moments together mean and that’s what fills my cup up each time I get to be a part of someone’s journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://emeraldlightphotographyy.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emerald.light_photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emeraldlight.photographyy