PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY, BRANDING & WEBSITE DESIGN
Looking for professional photography, branding, or a website that not only looks impressive but also helps your ideal clients find, trust, and connect with you? Whether you're in Wilmington, Jacksonville, New Bern, Emerald Isle, or anywhere along the North Carolina coast, I make the process seamless with no tech stress, no wasted time. Just a polished, functional online presence designed to help you stand out and grow.
I help small businesses stand out with professional visuals, connect with customers through branding, and grow with websites that convert!
I do all of this in coordination with coaching photographers to refine their brand, attract ideal clients, and build a thriving business.
I get it! Running your small business while building a brand, keeping up with visuals, and making sure your website is converting can be overwhelming.
You want a brand that’s polished but still feels like you, images that do the talking, and a website that’s as functional as it is beautiful. I’m here to take the stress out of the creative aspects of your business so you can focus on what you love!
I'm a mom, wife, & creative in Coastal NC embracing slow living and having fun in the day to day.
From a Registered Dietitian to a full-time creative, I pursued my passion for photography and design while earning my Master's in Nutrition Science.
In 2018, I fully jumped into the world of photography and design, and I haven't glanced back since!
I’m truly passionate about what I do, and helping other small businesses thrive is incredibly fulfilling for me. It brings me immense joy to see my clients succeed and grow, knowing I’ve played a part in their journey.
Let's get started >
Whether you need stunning visuals, engaging branding, or a website that works as hard as you do. I’m here to simplify the creative process and support your business's growth! As an experienced creative and business owner, you can trust me to build a brand and visuals that connect and stand out.
YOUR BUSINESS,
YOUR GOALS,
my support.
COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Put down the phone camera and STAND OUT with professional photos for your business! Professional Commercial Photography will capture your customer's attention and build trust.
Well-executed visuals are essential across websites, social media, and marketing materials, as they communicate professionalism and make your business memorable! Product Photography, Headshots and Branding for your business are available in Jacksonville & Wilmington NC and beyond.
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WEBSITE
DESIGN
A professionally designed website goes FAR beyond just looking good!
It's built with SEO in mind so Google can find it, optimized for mobile and desktop, designed thoughtfully to make navigation effortless for visitors, and shows off the personality of your business!
These elements establish credibility, communicate your brand’s message, and make it easy for customers to connect with you.
With the right strategy, your website is not just a placeholder—it’s a powerful tool to build credibility, engage customers, and drive growth!
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BRANDING for
BUSINESSES
Branding is more than just a logo; it’s your business's presence in the world and often the first thing customers notice about your business. A professionally crafted brand includes every visual detail—your logo, typography, color palette, and even custom illustrations—all working together to create a lasting impression.
With a cohesive brand kit, you’ll have everything you need to stay recognizable and professional wherever you show up. Great branding builds trust, forms connections, and makes your business stand out in a way that feels authentically YOU.
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SHOWIT WEBSITE TEMPLATES & resources for businesses
My Showit Website Templates are crafted for effortless drag-and-drop customization, empowering you to create a stunning and professional online presence without the stress.
Each template is fully responsive, ensuring a seamless experience on both mobile and desktop. With features like easy media integration and extensive customization options, you can tailor every detail to reflect your unique brand.
In addition to Showit Website Templates, I offer essential resources for business owners, including a Wedding Experience Guide and a Pricing Guide for Wedding Photographers. These professionally designed guides will help you elevate your client experience and communicate your value while achieving profitability in your business.
Everything you need to leave a lasting impression and grow your business is right here!
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PRIVATE PHOTO EDITOR for PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
Are you a professional photographer feeling swamped by endless editing? I’m a Private Photo Editor for Professionals and would be happy to help! I edit in all styles and genres of photography.
My private photo editing services let you focus on what you love, capturing beautiful moments with your artistic vision and style while I handle the behind-the-scenes work.
With you as the creative director of your style and my experience in Lightroom and professional photo editing, I'll edit your images to keep your galleries consistently stunning, all while saving you time and hassle!
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- JESS FRY
"Marissa consistently surpasses my expectations with her exceptional skills and creativity. She seamlessly combined her expertise with my vision, resulting in a final product that blew my mind. What sets Marissa apart is her ability to not only understand and execute her client’s ideas but also elevate them to a whole new level.
I truly appreciated Marissa's approach to feedback – she creates an environment where honest critique is not only welcomed but encouraged. Working with Marissa is a true collaborative journey where your input is valued and prioritized.
One of Marissa's most remarkable attributes is her incredible turnaround time. I remain in awe of how efficiently she brings ideas to life without compromising quality.
If you have any lingering business or branding projects that have been on your to-do list for longer than you’d like to admit, I wholeheartedly recommend reaching out to Marissa. She is an invaluable asset that makes investing in her services undoubtedly worth every penny.”
- KATIERA SELLERS
'"Marissa is incredible to say the least and she is a MUST HAVE in your business! I reached out to Marissa at the end of last year after a friend referred her to me. With 26 weddings booked for this year I had to have help! I was incredibly overwhelmed and burnt out, and just needed more time in my business and life to do the things I love!
From the moment Marissa and I talked I knew we were the perfect fit. Not only is she one of the kindest and most genuine people you'll ever meet, she is extremely organized, her communication is incredible, and her turn around times are absolutely unreal! She has walked me through every step and makes the outsourcing process so simple! Marissa has saved me so many late nights, tears upon tears, and time! She is absolutely invaluable in my business and there is no way I would function or run a successful business without her! If you are considering hiring her, just do it! It will be the best decision you've ever made in your business!"
- JOSIE KITCH
Where do I even begin with how incredible Marissa is.
She has played a pivotal role in my business over the last 4 years. From my editor to my website and brand designer, she has been such an asset to me.
She recently redid my brand and website for me and went above and beyond my expectations. Her significant help with my SEO has already proven to be successful within weeks of launching my new site.
She is precise and professional and does not treat you as a client, but a friend. I cannot recommend her enough!
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PHOTOGRAPHY, DESIGN, BUSINESS EDUCATION & more
LATEST BUSINESS POSTS
Pricing your photography services isn’t just about picking a number that “feels right” or matching what others in your area charge. If you want to build a sustainable and profitable business, your pricing needs to be intentional, strategic, and based on real numbers, not guesswork! Here is how to price your photography services profitably:
Why Pricing Matters More Than You Think
Many photographers set their rates too low, either because they don’t understand their costs or because they fear turning away clients. The result? They end up overworked, underpaid, and unable to sustain their business long-term.
Your pricing needs to cover not only your time and expenses but also allow room for growth, investment, and, most importantly, profit.
Here’s how to do it right.
Step 1: Determine Your Desired Salary
Before you price your sessions, you need to figure out how much you want to take home as your salary. Remember, your salary is NOT your profit, it’s what you pay yourself for the work you do.
Think about:
- How much you need to earn annually to cover your personal expenses and lifestyle.
- The number of sessions or weddings you want to shoot per year.
- The amount of time you spend on each client (including editing, client communication, and travel).
Once you determine your ideal income, you can start working backward to set your pricing accordingly.
Step 2: Factor in Business Expenses
Your pricing should cover your costs, both fixed and variable.
- Fixed costs: Website hosting, software subscriptions, insurance, gear purchases, studio rent.
- Variable costs: Printing, album design, client gifts, second shooters, travel expenses.
If you don’t build these costs into your pricing, you’re paying for them out of your own pocket, reducing your take-home pay.
Step 3: Understand Taxes & Profit
Many photographers forget that they need to set aside money for taxes, which can be a significant portion of your income. In the U.S., self-employment taxes can range from 15-40%, depending on your income and state.
Additionally, profit is separate from your salary. This is the money that helps your business grow, invest in better equipment, and create a financial cushion for slow seasons. Your pricing should account for both your salary AND a built-in profit margin.
Step 4: Create Strategic Packages
Instead of offering random pricing, create structured packages that encourage clients to invest at a higher level.
Why packages work: They allow clients to see the value in upgrading, especially when strategically designed using pricing psychology techniques.
Step 5: Utilize Pricing Psychology to Increase Sales
Your pricing should be intentional, using strategies that increase perceived value and encourage higher spending:
Anchor Pricing – Show a premium package first so other packages feel like a deal.
Decoy Pricing – Have a mid-tier package that makes the top-tier option feel like the best value. Perceived Value – Bundle high-profit items like albums, print credits, or extra images.
Step 6: Increase Revenue with Upsells
Once you’ve established profitable base pricing, maximize earnings through upselling.
- Offer wall art and albums, not just digital files.
- If clients want all digitals, include them in higher packages.
- Price mini sessions for profit by ensuring you can book multiple sessions in one day and setting a high enough price to make it worth your time.
Step 8: Track Your Pricing & Make Adjustments
Monitor your sales and adjust rates as your costs or income goals change.
Final Thoughts
Pricing your photography services shouldn’t be a guessing game. By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your business is not only sustainable but also profitable.
Check out my Photography Pricing Guide & Calculator to take the stress out of pricing and start charging what you’re worth!
Looking for 1:1 Photography Business Coaching? I can give you a personalized action plan to help you reach your business goals. Learn more about photography business coaching here!
YOUR time AS
A BUSINESS OWNER IS VALUABLE.
Managing your business is a full-time job, and you don’t need the added stress of handling all the creative projects your business needs to grow!
That’s where I come in.
I’ll take care of everything from photography and professional editing to branding and website design that connects you with your customers. You can focus on what you do best while I deliver results without the hassle.
Let's get started >
