Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcie McGary-Atkinson.
Marcie, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was born and raised in North Texas. My father died when I was young, and I was raised by a single mom along with my younger sister and brother. It wasn’t always easy for us, but now that I’m older I’m grateful for the struggles we faced. It made me stronger and more compassionate. I think that’s what lead me to love photography. The ability to escape a situation even for a moment, and to view the world through a unique perspective.
I remember when I was about 12, taking pictures in the backyard with a disposable camera. It wasn’t much, but when I got the prints back after being developed, I was hooked. From then on I wanted to be a photographer.
I didn’t know what I would photograph or how I would become a photographer, so I set out to college after high school to pursue photography. As it turns out, I didn’t know everything when I was 18 and ended up leaving school. For the next nine years, I would work full time and pursue photography in my free time. I’m currently pursuing photography full time, and it’s both exciting and terrifying all at the same time.
I recently got married, and my husband is the champion of my dreams. We are both believers and attend Vive City Church in North Dallas. My faith journey has had its ups and downs, but it’s the thing that keeps me pushing when times get hard.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
As a photographer, my hope is to photograph the essence of a person. I’ve always loved family portraits because family is so important to me. Life is short, and no one knows what tomorrow will bring, so take the picture!
Recently I’ve become very passionate about helping small business owners grow their business by providing both product and lifestyle images. Owning a small business is a challenge in itself, and it’s my goal to use photography to both help inspire and attract customers for my clients.
Another style I’m very passionate about is female boudoir photography, for the every woman. It breaks my heart to see photographers only share this style of imagery that features one kind of person. A seemingly perfect airbrushed version of a woman. I really believe women are amazing creatures and feel it’s a disservice to them to showcase them in a way that’s unrealistic. I do not photoshop or alter bodies whatsoever. I’ve always struggled with body image and insecurity, so these sessions are very powerful for me as well. Every woman should have the opportunity to feel beautiful and empowered while being their most authentic selves. My aim is to have my clients leave feeling amazing, with knock out photos to keep forever.
How do you think about success, as an artist, and what do quality do you feel is most helpful?
As an artist, I define success as creating work that makes me come alive and leaves a lasting impact on myself and the viewer.
Success is not money or fame, but creating work that you love and leaving a legacy. The thought that someday a photo I take today will be seen by someone’s great great grandchildren is so inspiring.
It’s essential to be fearless to be successful as an artist. Will there be times that you’re scared and don’t have a clue what you’re doing? Yes. But the truth is none of really know what we’re doing. We’re all trying to make it and create beautiful things for those that trust us with documenting their lives. You identify your fear and move forward, running towards it, despite being scared.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My work can be found online at www.marcietakesphotos.com. For social media, I am most active on Instagram @marcietakesphotos. People can support my work by following and engaging with my posts on Instagram, and of course by booking a session and recommending me to friends and family.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.marcietakesphotos.com
- Email: hello@marcietakesphotos.com
- Instagram: marcietakesphotos
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