Life & Work with Maralee Nielson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maralee Nielson.

Hi Maralee, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story begins in 2016 when I photographed my first concert. I had meet and greet tickets for a band and asked them if I could take pictures of them and they got my first photopass. There was something about being behind the camera at a concert, in the photo pit, that latched onto me and started driving this passion of mine. A few months later I applied to photograph Warped Tour in my home state and got approved for that. The inner emo in me was screaming. This was a huge opportunity for me to do what I love and to grow and become better.

After that, my email was on lists for PR to reach out and say their band was coming and asking to photograph it. I got some new opportunities that way and also started sending out my own emails requesting to work a show.

Fast forward 6-7 years, I am a media outlet called M.A.N Media, I have covered more bands than I can even count. I have other photographers wanting to shoot for me. I have worked festivals, I have worked for huge artists such as Disturbed, The Used, Crown The Empire and more. I work a full time and go to school and parent and yet am willing even though I’m exhausted to pick up my camera and go photograph a show. I love everything about it. Creating is my passion.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing in this world is “smooth sailing” I feel. There is always something that can get in your way and disrupt what progress you’re making or what you’re trying to do. Some of my biggest struggles is motivation, being hard on myself and judging myself, keeping up with editing and writing reviews, getting denied into a show, etc. always something.

Having a full-time job while going to school, while parenting and while being a photographer is not easy. I work early and get up 5 at 5 days a week. I work, come home to school and repeat. When I have a show planned into this mix, it can be draining. Being out late and knowing editing photos will have to come sooner than later is stressful. Having so much to do with other life things plus editing and writing, you have to find a balance. Editing photos, my said turnaround time is 48 hrs and if I say that, I have to bide by it.

Motivation I’ve also lacked along this journey. Just like writers with writer’s block, photographers get the same feeling with creating content. You feel like your work isn’t good enough which leads into judging myself and being hard. Comparing your work to others is the biggest mistake to make. It will hold you back from your full potential. Thinking your work isn’t enough. It doesn’t look as good; it’s not edited as cool. It doesn’t matter. Everyone has a different eye and no photograph is the same as anyone else’s.

Denial is also hard. Being into this for 6-7 years now, I still occasionally get denied a pass to a show. It still sucks and makes you feel hard on yourself sometimes. But that’s part of the game. You’re not going to get to work every possible show you’d like. Press is strict sometimes and it just can’t happen. That’s ok. Try next time and don’t let it get to you.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My actual career is not going to be my photography. I am currently in school in Social Work to eventually work as a therapist at a treatment center for those with Substance Use Disorder and mental health needs. I’m also working right now as a Psych Tech at our state hospital helping those in need. My photography is something I am proud of. Starting so small as Maralee Anne Photography, and growing into M.A.N Media, took time and effort. And dedication. I’ve made it so far and I never want to stop.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
My favorite book overall is To Kill A Mockingbird. It gives a message about equality. And that is something I firmly believe in. But anything to do with my work, I love my peers I get to work with. They are so talented and inspire me to create and keep at it. They’re a great resource for learning and having them as a good support.

Pricing:

• Current pricing (depending on location) 150$/ full set

Contact Info:

• Website: www.manmediaslc.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/m.a.n_media
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manmediaslc?mibextid=LQQJ4d