Today we’d like to introduce you to Molly Johnson
Hi Molly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Molly, and my business is Molly Marie Photography. I live just south of Duluth on a beautiful chunk of land with my sweet little family. I’ve always been creative and had many hobbies, and photography became one of them more than 10 years ago. My focus was landscape photography at first, on road trips out west or on long hikes here at home with my dogs. As my friends started having kids, my focus shifted to people. Technology advances constantly, so at times my cameras seemed to be outdone by Android cameras. But in the last five years, with encouragement from my husband, I’ve invested more and more into gear that has transformed my hobby into my living.
I’ve learned the most about photography through practice. I attended YouTube university for all of the basics, followed and shadowed some great photographers, and read and read and read. My work seems to always be evolving. I definitely don’t have a “niche,” because I will try anything – sports, pets, branding, studio, family gatherings, midnight weddings.
I never thought that I would make a living as a photographer. I am a physical therapist assistant, and loved my job. But when Covid hit and having a baby at home, my perspective changed and I started thinking about how I could be home with her. Many people around me were starting their own businesses, and encouraged and guided me to start mine. I am forever thankful for this opportunity, so that I am able to prioritize my family and my time with them. I also never thought that being a photographer would be as rewarding and fulfilling as it is.
Photographing people is such a unique experience. It’s a fun challenge to try to express who a person is through a photograph after just meeting them. I love to make people feel good about themselves and am told often that I make people feel calm and comfortable. I’m really proud of that. My goal during a shoot is for everyone to have a positive experience.
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?
I think the biggest challenge for me is finding ways to keep my business chugging along during “slow” season. Winters are long in Minnesota, but I am extremely lucky to have a small building on my property that we transformed into a little studio. I do themes in there, and currently am doing a rich, brown backdrop and gold glitter. Kids just come and throw glitter around. It’s the best! I absolutely love winter photos, but not a ton of people are willing to drag their little ones out in cute outfits for their annual family photos.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Maybe someday I will niche down, but so far I love photographing a wide variety of things. I find it challenging in the best way. Living in a rural area requires me to be flexible as well.
I’m really proud of how I make people feel. I’m good at reading people and building them up. I can almost always put them at ease. I want you to have a good time and enjoy your session. I’m also really proud of how much I’ve learned, year to year. This gives me the confidence to say yes to any client that comes my way.
I think something that sets me apart is that I love color! If you look through my photos, they are vibrant and bold most of the time. My focus is color and clarity as I’m editing. It’s tempting to overthrow everything and go with the latest trend of editing style (which I absolutely swoon over), but I stay true to my forever love of vivid colors.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Thanks to social media, opportunities to connect with photographers are endless. I suggest following “big” photographers, local photographers- whatever interests you. Reach out and ask questions. If someone is local and you want to shadow them, ask. If you’re wanting to meet up to see if your styles would work to collaborate for an event, ask! The worst they can say is no. I’ve found that people love to share their experiences and knowledge. But if they do say no, feel free to ask me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mollymariephotography.zenfoliosite.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/molly.marie_photography/profilecard/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/154jLSr5dV/
