Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Graham.
Mary, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
For many years, I worked for a home furnishings retailer managing various store locations in Southern California. We would have district meetings where the same ice breaker often came up: “What would you do if you weren’t working here and could do anything regardless of time, place or talent?” My answer was always the same, be a photographer for National Geographic and travel the world! It was a question that made me examine what I *wanted* in life vs what I *should* be doing in life. So, I took evening classes to develop my photography skills and with the support of my husband, left my management position and never looked back.
I’m not working for NatGeo (yet) or traveling the world (maybe when the kids are older) but I am thrilled to be meeting new people and helping to capture their family history in photos.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Creating a business is something that I’ve always wanted to do. After taking the plunge, I’ve found that working for myself requires even stronger self-discipline to achieve work-life balance. I went from leading a team of more than thirty employees to being a team of one. The transition been a challenge, but in the end, it enables me to give each of my clients a great experience and personable service.
Mary Graham Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Mary Graham Photography specializes in honest and artful lifestyle family photography. I love creating images that make you smile. Photo sessions typically take place in a family’s home and/or a meaningful location that feels like home.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me, success means that my clients have had a great experience at their photo session and are happy with their final images. Other measures of success can look like a hug at the end of a session, a friend request on social media, kind words, or my images being used in print (i.e., art hanging on the wall, a holiday or announcement card, etc.).
Contact Info:
- Website: www.marygrahamphotography.com
- Phone: (626) 269-9681
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marygrahamphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marygrahamphoto/
Image Credit:
Mary Graham
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