Today we’d like to introduce you to Marianna Johnson.
Hi Marianna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey in photography has been something that has evolved over time. This will be my 5th year in business and I am so grateful to all of my amazing clients who have trusted me with their precious memories along the way. I began my photography journey in 2018 right after my youngest daughter was born with just a beginner Canon Rebel T3 camera that my husband had gifted me as a Christmas gift a few years earlier. I experimented with that first camera for a few months, watched Youtube videos, and tried to learn (with a 4 year old and baby at home – it wasn’t always the easiest!)
I eventually realized that if I wanted to take myself and this newfound hobby of mine seriously, I would have to invest in a better camera. I settled on a Canon 6D Mark II. It was a middle ground for someone just starting out like me. My ultimate goal was to photograph weddings – so that is the education I focused most heavily on. Taking education courses from pro-photographers like Katelyn James, I studied, spent a lot of money I didn’t have, and practiced. Looking back, I honestly put a lot of faith in myself which wasn’t always easy. I officially launched my business in 2020 which wasn’t the best time!
I eventually landed my first wedding when Covid restrictions were lifted a bit at the end of 2020. I was terrified – it takes a lot of courage to put ourselves out there! That courage gave me the confidence to take on more weddings in 2021 and 2022. With my daughter being so young, it did put a strain on my wedding photography, so, I took a step back from weddings in 2023 and 2024 to spend more time with my family.
I learned that pivoting is totally ok and that we learn a lot about ourselves in those times when we don’t really know what we want. I actually jumped around A LOT in those couple years and did a lot of experimenting. I started a podcast (Wild Heart, Awakened Soul), joined some mastermind groups with other amazing women entrepreneurs that uplifted me, started to take on more small business branding and professional headshot clients, and many more senior portraits and families.
Fast forward to now in 2025, I am working on a bit of everything! This year my goal was to get out of in front of the computer a bit more and network in person. I joined some networking groups, worked on meeting new people, and it has actually turned out to be profitable! I am confident enough in myself and my business to keep trying and learning new things. I am so excited for what’s to come in the future.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think the journey is ever perfect. If it was, we wouldn’t learn anything about ourselves! The struggles along the way allow us to understand how powerful we are in any given moment. Everyone has their own challenges. My main struggles were learning how to juggle our schedules while also keeping up with everyday life and parenting effectively while being busy. I have my own ideas about what it is to be a good mom – I want to spend a lot of time with my kids and family and i’m not always willing to give that up. When life gets too busy, we sometimes have to divide and conquer, but overall, we try to keep a good balance. That might look like drawing boundaries, saying no to some things, and really prioritizing the important events. I thought the baby stage of motherhood was hard, but as we move into navigating sports, after-school activities, and both of our businesses, we’re still learning how to balance our schedules. Honestly, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a small business branding, senior & family portrait photographer. I am most known for on location lifestyle photography, bright, and true to color editing style. I am most proud of empowering other women entrepreneurs through my podcast and branding photoshoots. I love collaborating with other business owners. My goal is to tell my clients’ stories authentically through photography. I specialize in helping women business owners step into their power visually. My mission in business goes deeper than just selling products or an experience. I want women to feel worthy of the things they want. I want them to be visible and confident in doing so. By offering encouragement to other entrepreneurs, I hope to instill a sense of community and collaboration. But most of all, I want to inspire other women to follow the dreams that may have been buried under layers of responsibilities, motherhood, or fears of following their hearts. When we collaborate with one another and give back – we help ourselves as well.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My husband Chris deserves the most credit for help with my business. Supporting me since day one, he is always encouraging me, offering ideas and advice, and most of all, believing in me – even in the times when I don’t believe in myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mariannajohnson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariannajohnsonphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariannajohnsonphotography
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/marianna.johnson_photographer
