Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcus McGarity
Marcus, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My interest in photography began in middle school – maybe 6th/7th grade! One of my sisters was doing photography in high school and I use to play around with her expensive camera given by the school Fast forward to 2020. I had been working barely a year as a registered nurse when this small little thing called Covid came onto the scene. I was living in a hotel that the hospital put people in who didn’t want to spread covid to family at home. So I was staying there and working 5+ days a week (12 hour shift) because…well, we were short all the time, and there was really nothing else to do. One night ended up spending some hard earned money on random things…one of which was a camera. Nothing special. One with a kit lens. I messed around with it at the park with some trees, flowers, and a couple friends I could only see outside at a park. Many hours of YouTube, instagram, and answered questions from some friends in the business, I had my very first shoot! I think I made like $60. I know right! Crazy! lol I started getting better but wasn’t sure if this would just be an expensive hobby or not. Some friends started asking for shoots and I said…sure! Not confident by any means. I laugh when I look back at some of my first photos taken. They aren’t necessarily bad photos….ive just grown tremendously since then and some of my choices are…laughable. lol.
I practiced and practiced. Shot a lot for free for a while, simply because I was still learning and appreciated the opportunity. I simply was NOT confident in my abilities. But I also knew I had potential. I just wanted to be good! Comparison truly is the thief of joy! I remember just scrolling on instagram and seeing all these incredible photos by other photogs and I was consistently comparing myself to them. Don’t do that! We are all on our own journey!
At some point, probably all of 2023, I had been pretty busy. I had the INCREDIBLE opportunity to travel to Italy to shoot a small wedding. I remember boarding the flight and feeling anxiety wash over me. What am I doing?? I’m going to Europe to mess up someone’s wedding photos! I don’t even know what I’m doing! I mean…seriously Marcus take a chill pill. That good ole imposter syndrome kicking in. That trip was life-changing and opened my eyes to a whole new world. Allowed me to dream even bigger! Praise God for that opportunity.
I have a couple friends in the photography community who have been influential in my journey. Ariel Leon, Morgan Gribble, Kailee Dye, Kassie Moore, Katie Yarborough, and Audrey Spiars. Thank you for the big and small roles you’ve played in my journey. Probably ways you didn’t even know you encouraged, influenced, or educated me. I wouldn’t have a business without you all! I hope to be help to other photographers starting their own businesses one day!
Working in CVICU full time, shooting a couple times a week, and working part time at a church proved to be…well a bit overwhelming. I was able to go part-time last August at the hospital to allow more time for my photography business. I also hired a brand designer to help with a rebrand (s/o Amanda Fay Design!!!) and it was the best experience! She really helped bring my vision to life! This was huge for my business! I wanted people to take me seriously, so I had to take myself serious.
Currently, still working part-time as a nurse in Fort Worth, part-time worship leading at church, and more-than-part-time photographer. I think I’ve found a good balance. It’s a blessing to be able to balance all these simultaneously and (I think) be talented in all of them. I still sometimes think this is a dream. People hire ME to take wedding photos?? I even have a wedding booked for 2025! This may be normal to some other photographers, but for me, I guess I never thought I could book a year out!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth? lol not in the slightest. Many mistakes along the way. I’m convinced experience is the BEST teacher. The amount of hours spent in Lightroom playing around and trying to figure out which hue of green to use, how much orange to use, how to remove people from the photo that you don’t want, etc. I felt like allllll the YouTube videos in the world couldn’t teach me how to do that. I live somewhere in the tension of I am nowhere near where I used to be but at the same time, I have no idea what I’m doing hahaha. A friend once said to me “slow growth is good growth” and I take that with me on this photography journey.
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?
Over the last couple years, I feel like I have settled into the couples side of photos. I believe I am gifted in this area. I am most proud of the growth I have seen, experienced, and worked towards in capturing couples and the heartsong moments in between. This includes proposals, engagements, and weddings!! Now as a result, this turns into newborns and family photos! Some business professionals say it is best to settle into a niche-as specific as possible! While this may be true, right now in my business, I want to do…whatever I want to do! haha….and right now I want to do mostly couple things, with some newborn, and a couple family sessions. Part of being a business owner is being able to make your own decisions about what you want to do. I also do quite a few senior sessions every year. Since I work in ministry part-time, I also end up having closer proximity to the college world, specifically TCU seniors. Every year I say, “yeaaa I probably won’t do any seniors shoots next year,” and then I have so much fun and end up doing them again and again. You may see more of this in the future from me…
Many talented photographers exist in the world…I mean, ridiculously talented. And of course, I want to be known by how talented I am. But more importantly, I want to be known by how I made people feel! My unique view of people and their stories set me apart. My bio on my website (momentsbymarcus.com) shares how I believe everyone is made in the image of God (imago dei) and this influences everything! The way I shoot, edit, and interact with all of my clients! I work to use minimal editing and capture the real and raw. I want my photos to feel like a warm hug and for my clients to feel seen, known, and loved.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Good question. I have had many different conversations on what this means. Truthfully, it varies person to person. In college, success meant making plenty of money. Maybe sounds shallow but if you are completely honest, money probably plays into that at least a little. But now, success to me is more closely related to experiencing the joys of life and glorifying the Lord! Lately, I have been sharing with people that I never plan on retiring. Why? Because I want to always be enjoying work that the Lord has blessed me with. From worship leading to photographing people and their stories, to caring for people as a nurse, I desire that my gifts be used during my short time on this Earth effectively and efficiently until eternity! If I can do that, I believe I will be successful.
Practically this looks like balancing the various activities while pacing through life without burnout! Consistent business, healthy rest, and satisfied clients would be a win for sure!
Pricing:
- Weddings packages start $2600
- Most all other 1 hour sessions $400 (if local)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.momentsbymarcus.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentsbymarcus_?igsh=dW9vbWFpc2EzaXpi
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091489060182&mibextid=LQQJ4d
