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Lifestyle, Portrait, & Branding Photographer
birmingham, al | San francisco, CA | paris |provence
Brand Copywriter
helping organizations find their voice & connect with their community
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INFORMATION
PORTFOLIO
MEET me
If you are a creative, a couple in love, or an adventurer (Francophiles especially welcome), you are in the right place. I am an artist and film photographer who adores lifestyle, (destination vacation) portrait, and travel photography. I want to help you document your story.
If you are a small business owner or professional seeking copywriting and branding services, I can help you craft a communications plant that fosters community and connection with your audience.
Bonjour, friend!
documenting bright, romantic, playful stories for the thoughtful, intentional joy-seeker. all on film.
Paris; Provence; Wes Anderson; midnight strolls; sunflowers (really, any flowers); sunrises; book shops; ice cream; Audrey Hepburn; floppy hats; skirts with pockets; kate spade; Pride & Prejudice (I've read it 13 times); and color theory.
things i love:
Currently based in the San Francisco Bay Area, soon Birmingham, AL (by mid-August), with ties to Paris and Provence.
I serve the creative small business owner, couples in love, families on the vacation of a lifetime, adventurers, and dreamers.
What do you all have in common? You need photographs that document and communicate your story — to clients, to family, to yourselves years later.
Alongside my trusty film camera, I want to help you invite joy and beauty into your everyday. Whether that’s in your atelier; playing on floor with your kids; traipsing through a lavender field in Provence; or strolling with your lover down a quite Parisian cobbled street,
My goal is to help you invite joy and beauty into your everyday. Life is messy - joy is a choice. Photographs help communicate our stories, pull memories from the depths, and transport us to faraway places.
I'm marissa. artist, writer, photogarpher.
How you should feel in front of my camera. Your story matters. Everyone’s got one, and everyone’s is unfinished. What you put in the pages is up to you. My philosophy isn’t about taking photographs. It’s about making them. You know the pictures you look back on to remember? The ones that make you smile, ear-to-ear. Photographs are bookmarks to memories and feelings of fleeting moments. They deserve to be documented, and that’s what we’ll do, together!
Deeply loved.
the experience
It’s you, me (behind the camera!), and a place that is meaningful to you! Whether it's your studio, that golden hill by your home, the backyard with the kids, the colorful backdrop of San Francisco, or the lupine fields in the Redwoods, I’ll help you tell your story in a space that says just as much about you as the smile on your face. Bright, joyful, and all on film.
I promise no awkward posing. You'll never ask what to do with your hands. I've got it all down to the details, and I care about the posing experience so much I've taken a class on it! I will give clear directions that will produce bright, joyful photos. Here's a little secret: My "candid" and "natural" photos often come from a little posing direction.
Fully known.
the experience
inquire about your date
Portrait collections begin at $574.
Please inquire for special projects.
Experience & investment guide available on request.
My photography style is joyful, thoughtful, colorful, and fun. I love natural light, a good laugh, 35mm film, and stories — your story. I love photographs that capture the confidence and beauty of my clients who seek joy and want to share it.
My favorite backdrops for photos include SF's Victorian and colorful neighborhoods; anywhere with flowers; the country scenes of Point Reyes; and the golden beaches on the coasts. But the best place for any photographs is the place that matters to you.
If you're still reading this, we might be a great match...
booking information
Marissa was an absolute joy to work with. Throughout our whole photoshoot, she made me feel comfortable, calm, and beautiful. Because of her compliments and her continual positivity, she made me feel like a million bucks. She also is highly specialized in her field and in the world of film photography. She had a natural eye for picking up nature's surrounding beauty while drawing me out to capture the best version of myself. Even down to the smallest details, Marissa genuinely cares deeply for her clients, the story she is telling with them, and has a way of discovering the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Marissa genuinely cares deeply for her clients, the story she is telling with them, and has a way of discovering the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Lindsay
kind words
Thank you so much for the lovely photos that you captured of your family. We had so much fun looking through the final gallery. You were so accommodating and easy to work with. It was a fantastic experience and we would definitely be interested in using your services again for a future session.
You were so accommodating and easy to work with. It was a fantastic experience.
Guillet Family
kind words
I have to say, pictures with Marissa in Paris was an especially good experience because, not only did we have beautiful pictures taken, we also got an amazing little tour of Paris. Marissa, you truly were wonderful! If anyone is hesitant about hiring Marissa, just do it! It will be a highlight of your time in Paris <3
“It will be a highlight of your time in Paris.”
Rachael & Eric
kind words
We were very impressed with your organisation from the start of the process all the way through. You kept in touch with us the whole time about the details and that was very appreciated. I also really appreciated the direction and thoughtfulness you showed during our shoot! The photos were so much better than I ever anticipated, especially because the day was kind of gloomy. I was amazed that you couldn't even tell it was a cloudy day. The photos were exactly the style I was hoping for and I am so thrilled with your editing and shooting style. We couldn't have asked for a better photographer for our honeymoon photos.
“We couldn't have asked for a better photographer for our honeymoon photos.”
Marisa & Jonathan
kind words
We are so glad we decided to have you capture part of our time in Paris! You made the whole process so easy, and we felt comfortable and relaxed during our session. It was so fun to get to know you, and your warm personality put us at ease. We greatly enjoyed our session! We will treasure these photographs of our time in Paris forever! Thank you so much not only for great pictures but a great experience!
“You made the whole process so easy and we felt comfortable and relaxed. ”
Taylor & Jake
kind words
Portraits and stories from Paris & California.
I can't wait to hear from you!
INQUIRE
Drop a note to reserve a date, or to simply say, "bonjour!".
Paris & California strolls; plenty of flowers; stories; and looking for the beauty in the everyday. I hope you'll come along as I take the year to document the entirety of my home state!
LET'S BE INSTA-FRIENDS
