Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Rogers.
Hi Maria, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m Maria 29 years old from Corpus Christi Texas. I went to school and received my degree in Criminal Justice thinking I was going to go the route of becoming a lawyer but life had different plans for me.
I first picked up a camera about 8 years ago while in college, I would get my friends + family to “model” for me so I could get some practice in taking photos. That later transpired into the graduation session for my sorority sisters, which led to family sessions, and eventually weddings. I was in San Antonio working a full-time job and juggling photography on the side. Weddings here, and sessions there.
I was about to move out to Beaumont, Texas when the crossroads of my career came about – transfer out to an office there OR go full-time with my photography. I chose photography.
Since then, it has been an uphill battle, to say the least, moving to a new city knowing no one. Building a newly full-time business in the new metroplex of Houston was a lot. I hustled left and right. Attending styled shoots, doing session giveaways, and doing whatever I could to build my brand. After about a year in the greater Houston area, I moved about four hours north to a small East Texas town where I did it all over again for the last 3-ish years.
Now I am transitioning back to where it all started in San Antonio, back to the Central Texas Market.
I have been so thankful for living all across this wonderful state because of the clients and friends I have made along the way. I love creating and capturing these once-in-a-lifetime moments and feelings. The laughter, the tears the emotions, the photos I create take people back to a moment, a time, a feeling.
Sometimes, I unknowingly photograph loved ones for the last time and it’s really hard to comprehend that. But it’s also great knowing the families have beautiful images of their loved ones. I always say the one thing you can hold on to from a wedding day years down the road is your photos. They really do mean so so much.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road. But I don’t think life would be as fun or interesting if it was. Going into photographing weddings I took what most would call the “non-traditional” route. I never second shot – purely out of intimidation/lack of experience. AKA the main reason you learn through second shooting, to learn from others and grow. I took what I would call the long way about becoming solid in my expertise to photograph weddings. Not a wrong way to do it necessarily, just a slower, more trial/error route.
Each time I have moved, I have had to re-make a name for myself in that area. Luckily with each move comes more and more referrals and inquiries from the previous cities, meaning I did something right along the way.
Also, the work/life balance is little to non-existent when being employed by yourself. You don’t really get time off consistently and you also work most weekends when your friends + family are available to hang out. This has certainly played a role in the struggles of my business. Do I love shooting weddings? Absolutely, that’s why I do it. Do I love missing a lot of social events, and family festivities, of course not. Through the years, the perspective has undoubtedly shifted from I must work every possible chance. To really picking and choosing the jobs I accept in correspondence to my important life events and activities.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a photographer who specializes in weddings and couples. I have been full-time since 2018, but been doing photography since 2013. I also spend time photographing families, concerts and studio-based projects.
I think what I’m most proud of is the brand I’ve been able to create for myself and the connections and relationships I’ve created with past and current clients. I pride myself on making my couples, families happy with the art I can create with my camera.
I think one of the biggest things that set me apart is bringing my personality into the job and being able to make my clients feel comfortable in front of the camera. Everyone knows being in front of a camera is hard, but having someone who makes it that much easier can make all the difference in experiences.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I serve the whole state of Texas and beyond. I also do weddings in various destinations, I have photographed in San Diego, CA, Portland, ME, Miami, Fl, Fayetteville, AK, Las Vegas, Nv, Denver, Co. I’m open to whatever visions you have in mind for your elopement or wedding day!
Pricing:
- $400 – sessions
- $3100 – weddings
- $2100 – elopements
Contact Info:
- Website:www.mariarogersphotography.com
- Instagram:instagram.com/mariarogersphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mariarogersphotography
