Today we’d like to introduce you to Marsha Baylor.
Hi Marsha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When I was a child, professional photos were not that important to my parents. I have an album from when I was young, but nothing past the age of about six and none of them were professionally taken. My mom always bought school photos, but when devastation hit my family, we lost everything except that album. I cherish that album but so desperately wish that I had more – of myself and my family.
In 2004, my mom had a family photo done of me, my sisters, and her. She purchased a small package and I got a 5×7 of us all. It is still framed on my wall today. My mom passed away a little over a year after that photo was taken. Because it is the only family photo I have, it is my most prized possession.
Since then, I have made it my mission to educate my clients on the value of getting photos done and often. I make it a point to create beautiful pieces of art that I know my clients will love and gush about for a lifetime.
I’ve gotten to where I’m at today with a lot of hard work and a very strong support system. My family supports my endeavors, watches my children when I need to go to photoshoots, and generally has been awesome while growing my business.
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?
On March 6th of 2020, I quit my corporate job to pursue photography full-time. Two weeks later, the world shut down due to COVID. It sent me into a spiral. I spent the first couple of weeks just thinking. How am I going to make this work? Like a lot of small businesses, failure was a concern. My best friend during quarantine was blogging. I reached out to other local businesses owned by women to spotlight them and draw some attention to the things they were doing to bring good to the world while so much bad was happening. I figured if I could create beauty in the world with my words since I couldn’t with my camera, at least I was contributing to the greater good. Since then, things have gotten easier, but for a while there, I was very concerned I may close before I had a chance to really open.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
To me, photography is an artform. That’s why I specialize in creating beautiful, heirloom quality prints and products that will be cherished for generations. I am known for creating one of a kind sessions customized to my clients. I love doing cake smash sessions because each one is different. I make sure that the experience my clients have is one of a kind and that’s what keeps them coming back. I take the time to get to know each of my clients and their family because to me, it’s not just about taking photos, handing a disc over and calling the transaction complete. I love getting to know my clients. It sets me apart from others in my industry.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I loved going to stay the night at my grandparent’s house. They always had my favorite snacks and had every Disney movie that came out on VHS. I loved listening to my grandma tell stories about when she was younger, how my grandparents met, and just about life.
Pricing:
- Session packages start at $760
- Clients spend anywhere from the base package to $5000
Contact Info:
- Email: marsha@mbaylorimagery.com
- Website: www.mbaylorimagery.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/mbaylorimagery
- Facebook: facebook.com/mbaylorimagery
Image Credits
Headshot on white background: Faces you love By Helen Ransom Photos of me in black t-shirt: Jessica Dittemore Photos & Design
