Marina Williams is a professional photographer based out of Utah, USA. She specializes in portraits, fashion, couples, and weddings – But Marina is not your average photographer (or even average professional photographer), by any means.
It’s clear to see that Marina has an eye and a talent for photography – The photos even just featured on her Instagram @marinawphoto , all look like something out of a magazine, or million dollar advertisements.
How long have you been a professional photographer?
I’ve been running my business professionally for about five years.
Do you have a favorite type of shoot?
Shooting editorial fashion is definitely my favorite. I also love working with brands to create advertising content – most specifically, women’s clothing brands.
What is the farthest place you have travelled to do a photoshoot?
This summer I had a couple fly me to San Diego to shoot their engagements – It was probably one of my favorite experiences ever since starting my business.
What do you like most about photographing weddings and couples?
I love being the goofy third wheel – becoming friends with my couples along the way is how I end up getting the best photos. When my clients are comfortable with me, they act genuinely with each other and I’m able to capture their love story in a way that’s natural and fun. My goal is to make our shoot feel like a fun date, and when it does, it doesn’t ever feel like “work” to me.
What is your favorite part about being a photographer?
I’ve found that educating others is what brings me the most joy. I offer mentoring sessions to other photographers, and I also have started to make educational videos and guides. I love being able to teach others what took me so long to learn and help them in their own journey.
Do you like to edit your photos, or do you find that process to be not as fun as the actual shoots?
I love to edit my photos! Every morning (when I’m not out shooting) I make a cup of coffee, light a candle, listen to music and start editing. It almost feels like a ritual to me – being able to take raw photos and perfect them in a way to look magical and colorful is the second half of photography. I’d never outsource my editing (one reason is because I’m a control freak) but also because I love that part of it just as much as shooting.
Who inspires you the most as a photographer?
Rob Woodcox, Natasha Wilson, Jimmy Marbles, Cole Sprouse, Joelle Grace, and Nadine Ijewere are all huge inspirations for me.
What sparked your inspiration to get behind the camera in the first place?
My grandfather has always been into photography. When I was in middle school, he gave me his old 35mm film cameras and taught me how to use them. Soon after, I got a little point and shoot camera and took it everywhere with me, and this is where my love for photography grew.
What is your dream in life?
My ultimate dream and goal with photography is to be able to travel the world for work. I’d love to spend time between New York and LA shooting fashion and editorial campaigns for magazines and brands. I love all kinds of photography, but doing fashion full time would be the ultimate dream.
What do you want to be remembered by?
I want to be remembered as a photographer who’s work inspired others. Nothing makes my heart swell when I get messages from other beginning photographers telling me how they did a shoot like mine, or how my work made them inspired to create something. I think when people use their talent to create art, it makes the world a better place. If I can help do that somehow, I will feel like I succeeded.
Follow Marina’s journey on her Instagram: @marinawphoto
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