Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Zimmerman.
Hi Marissa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to the arts – but just as equally fascinated by science and math. I went to college to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Biology with an emphasis in Cellular and Molecular Disease and Health, along with two minors: Chemistry and Psychology.
During my final semesters, the world shifted when COVID-19 hit – and around the same time, I welcomed my first daughter. With the pandemic closing campuses, I was already home when I graduated, and I embraced a title I never expected to hold: stay-at-home-mom.
A few months later, I found out I was expecting my second daughter – they’re just 11 months and 24 days apart. Between the pandemic, motherhood, and the uncertainty of starting my career in science, it made sense to continue staying home for a while longer. But I also knew I needed to find something that was just for me – something that lit up my creative side again.
That’s when I came across a photography retreat designed to help people start their businesses. I booked the retreat, bought a plane ticket, and dove headfirst into learning everything – from understanding my camera settings to figuring out what camera I even owned. I started from zero, relying only on the creativity I’d always carried with me.
The retreat was the first time I had ever been away from my girls, but it was a defining moment. It taught me that sometimes stepping away is how we step forward. Now, my daughters get to watch me chase my dreams – and I hope they learn that life isn’t about having one perfect plan, but about being flexible, brave, and always willing to grow.
Today, my photography business has formed into something that fills me with both pride and purpose. I get to capture love stories, family connections, and the in-between moments that often go unnoticed – the ones that truly define life. My mission is to stamp memories in time for others, creating images that feel timeless, heartfelt, and real. Each session is a reminder of why I started: to preserve the beauty of ordinary days.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road getting to where I am today. I truly started from the ground up – I knew nothing about building a website, running a business, or the countless hours that go into marketing yourself on social media. Every step has been a process of trial, error, and growth. Behind every beautiful photo I share are late nights spent learning, refining, and creating systems to give my clients the best experience possible. It’s been equal parts challenging and rewarding, but each hurdle has taught me something valuable – not just about photography, but about perseverance, creativity, and trusting the journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My photography business was built on the belief that the most meaningful moments are often the quiet, in-between ones- the way the couple laughs when no one’s watching, the gentle chaos of family life, or the tiny details that tell a story years later. I specialize in romantic couple sessions, slow-paced family sessions, and intimate weddings, creating imagery that feels authentic, timeless, and full of warmth.
What sets my work apart is the intentional experience I create. I don’t want my clients to just show up for photos – I want them to feel seen. From the first message to the final gallery, I focus on crafting an experience that’s comfortable, personal, and meaningful. Every session is guided by connection and storytelling – not stiff posing or rushed timelines.
My brand was born from my desire to “stamp moments in time” – preserving not just how things looked, but how they felt. I’m proud that my work reflects a balance of emotion and artistry; it’s equal parts heart and craft. My editing style leans toward natural tones, romantic light, and a timeless aesthetic that lets genuine emotion shine through.
I offer a range of photography experiences, including:
– Couples Sessions: for engagements, anniversaries, or just because love deserves to be celebrated.
– Family Sessions: relaxed, lifestyle-based sessions focused on connection over perfections.
– Intimate Weddings & Elopements: storytelling coverage that honors the beauty of small, meaningful celebrations.
– Newborn & Maternity Sessions: soft, organic portraits that preserve the beauty of new life and motherhood.
Beyond the photographs themselves, I aim to create a space where clients feel known, comfortable, and free to be themselves. I want every person who steps infront of my lens to walk away with more than images – I want them to walk away with a tangible reminder of a fleeting season, beautifully stamped in time.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
In both life and photography, I’ve learned that risk is often the doorway to growth. Starting my photography business was one of the biggest leaps I’ve ever taken – I didn’t have a plan, a background in business, or even a clear idea of where it would lead. But I knew that staying comfortable meant staying still, and that didn’t align with the kind of life I wanted to show my daughters.
To me, risk isn’t about recklessness – it’s about trusting yourself enough to move forward even when the path isn’t clear. Every time I’ve said yes to something that scared me – whether it was flying to my first retreat, photographing my first wedding, or raising my prices to reflect my worth (still honestly working on that one) – it’s opening a new chapter of confidence and creativity.
Even creatively, photography itself is full of little risks – chasing the light, experimenting with emotion, and letting go of perfection to capture what’s real. Those risks are what breathe life into my work. They remind me that beauty doesn’t live in certainty – it lives in the moments we choose to be brave.
Pricing:
- Contact me for my Pricing and Services Guide
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zimmermanphotoandco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zimmerman_photoco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088449812899
