PROFESSIONAL photography,
BRANDING & WEBSITE design,
BUSINESS COACHING,
SEO + STRATEGY for CREATIVES and SERVICE based BUSINESSES in WILMINGTON, NC and beyond.
I help creative and service-based businesses in Wilmington, Jacksonville, New Bern, Emerald Isle, Topsail, Sneads Ferry, Beaufort, North Carolina + beyond show up with confidence and clarity through professional photography, branding, website designs and business strategies that sell.
No disconnected freelancers piecing your business together.
Just one creative, strategic partner
who sees the whole picture.
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
WEBSITE DESIGN FOR BUSINESSES
BUSINESS COACHING + STRATEGY
BRANDING FOR BUSINESSES
PHOTO EDITING FOR PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
SHOWIT TEMPLATES & RESOURCES
"My business has improved so much and keeps growing every year. I would trust her again and again with any business venture I pursue!"
"Marissa has a depth of knowledge and expertise that was exactly what I needed, not to mention how personable, prompt, and easy she was to work with."
"I have no idea how I ever survived without her. Marissa is truly priceless when it comes to my business."
"I really can't say enough about Marissa and how she has helped simplify my business. I have worked with Marissa for the past few years now and she has never once disappointed with the work she has donE."
but a RETURN ON INVESTMENT is better.
- KATIERA S.
- DAVID D.
- JEAN P.
- CHARLENE M.
MORE visibility & MORE clicks on GOOGLE for your business.
YOUR business DOESN'T need more
STOCK PHOTOS, trendy fonts, OR
another WEBSITE that just SITS THERE.
YOU NEED strategy backed VISUALS, streamlined and optimized SYSTEMS, and a BRAND presence that ACTUALLY does the HEAVY LIFTING
for your business.
I'm an experienced creative that helps entrepreneurs and business owners in Wilmington, NC + beyond turn their vision into a brand that is searchable, connects, and converts to leads and sales.
I MAKE THEM
profitable.
PHOTOGRAPHER, EDITOR, DESIGNER, & BUSINESS COACH + STRATEGIST in WILMINGTON NC + BEYOND
- 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!"
the blog
PHOTOGRAPHY
EDITING TIPS
SEO TIPS
WEBSITE DESIGN
BRANDING DESIGN
SHOWIT WEBSITE TEMPLATES
PHOTOGRAPHY, DESIGN, BUSINESS EDUCATION & more
LATEST BUSINESS POSTS
Starting a photography business is an exciting journey, but ensuring long-term profitability requires more than just taking beautiful images. Whether you’re just getting started or refining your business structure, following the right steps in the correct order will set you up for success. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to start a profitable and successful photography business.
1. Define Your Photography Business Vision and Niche
Before anything else, you need to be clear on what kind of photographer you want to be and who your ideal clients are! This ensures that every decision from branding to pricing aligns with your long term goals. This will help focus your branding and marketing efforts as an expert in that niche. It prevents wasting time on services that don’t match your strengths. And, it attracts the clients in the niche you want to serve instead of trying to serve everyone.
2. Choose & Secure a Business Name for your Photography Business
Your business name is the foundation of your brand, and you need to secure it before creating a website, social media accounts, or marketing materials! Make sure it reflects your style and services.
3. Register Your Photography Business (Legal and Tax Setup)
Make your business official by registering it legally. Depending on your location, this could mean forming an LLC, sole proprietorship, or corporation. Obtain necessary licenses and set up tax structures to ensure compliance and avoid financial headaches later. Doing this will protect your personal assets, allow you to legally collect and remit sales tax if required, and givves your business an EIN number for taxes and banking.
4. Set Up Your Photography Business Banking and Finances
Separate your personal and business finances by opening a dedicated business bank account. This simplifies accounting, makes tax filing easier, and adds professionalism to your business. Consider using accounting software to track expenses and revenue.
5. Obtain Legal Contracts and Photography Business Insurance
Protect yourself and your clients with solid contracts that outline expectations, deliverables, and payment terms. Investing in business insurance safeguards you against liabilities, damages, and unforeseen circumstances.
6. Build a Portfolio and Photography Editing Style
Before charging rates to sustain and grow your business, you need a strong portfolio and a consistent style and editing. Use this time to do free or discounted shoots, styled shoots, second shooting, and keep gaining experience to practice your skills!
7. Set Photography Pricing and Packages
Develop pricing that reflects your skill, experience, and market demand. Consider your costs, profit margins, and the value you bring to clients. Offer structured packages that make booking easy while ensuring profitability and leave room to upsell. I can help you with this! Here is a 47 page photography pricing guide and google sheet pricing calculator that helps you understand and calculate your cost of doing business along with how to price yourself to generate a profit! FINALLY, feel confident in charging your pricing because you understand the WHY behind it.
8. Professional Branding and Website Design for Photographers
Your website and branding work together to establish your credibility, attract clients, and create a consistent, professional identity. Without strong branding, your website can feel generic or unprofessional. Invest in a well-designed, user-friendly website that showcases your portfolio, services, and booking process. Strong branding, including logos, colors, typography, and messaging, builds trust and recognition. Check out my showit website templates here and branding services here.
9. Establish Social Media and Marketing Strategy
Leverage social media to attract and engage potential clients. Develop a strategy that includes regular posting, storytelling, and engagement. Utilize SEO, email marketing, and content creation to expand your reach. Social media is essential for brand awareness and client engagement, helping you attract your ideal clients and generate bookings!
10. Marketing and Gathering Testimonials for your Photography Business
Consistent marketing efforts, such as blogging, collaborations, and networking, help grow your business. Encourage satisfied clients to leave testimonials and reviews to build credibility and attract more inquiries. Even with a great portfolio and website, clients won’t come unless you actively market yourself on your website, social media, and in person! Share your work and discuss what you do while networking with others.
11. Invest in Equipment and Continuous Education
While gear is important, skills and knowledge matter more when you are starting out. Invest in better equipment when your business demands it.
12. Outsource Aspects of Your Photography Business When Needed
Running a photography business means WEARING MANY HATS! Photographer, marketer, editor, designer, accountant, customer service rep, AND MORE. But, trying to do it all yourself can lead to BURNOUT and LIMIT your growth. The most SUCCESSFUL photographers focus on their strengths like shooting, creativity, client relationships! And, outsource the rest to trusted professionals and experts in their own industry. This will give you a great return on investment, a tax write off, and allow you to support another small businesses! Learn more about outsourcing your editing here!
Feeling Overwhelmed? Need more help with how to start a profitable and successful Photography Business? Learn about my 1:1 Business Coaching for Photographers!
If these steps feel overwhelming, or if you’ve started but feel stuck, you’re not alone. Many photographers know what they need to do but struggle with execution. That’s where I come in!
With 1:1 Business Coaching for Photographers, I help photographers like you run profitable businesses by diving deep into every aspect from branding, marketing, pricing, AND strategy then creating action plans to help you grow, streamline, and succeed. Learn more and get a free consult here!
YOUR BUSINESS deserves ATTENTION & RESULTS.
I bring together professional photography, branding, website design, business strategy, and SEO for Wilmington, NC business and beyond all designed to make your business look polished and perform.
Whether you're starting from scratch or scaling up, I cut the overwhelm and the need to coordinate multiple freelancers to deliver a creative experience that’s seamless, intentional, and built for growth.
Everything you need. Nothing you don't.
Let's get started >
