Today we’d like to introduce you to Marianne Boone.
Hi Marianne, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am originally from Ohio. That is where I was born and raised. We moved to Knoxville in 2016 when my husband was offered a position at Oak Ridge National Labs. I didn’t know anyone here. I was used to a very rural lifestyle surrounded by family, friends, and a small town community where I grew up. I needed something, and I found photography, or maybe photography found me. I’ve always had a camera and loved taking photos of my children, animals, and horse shows, but I never really learned to use it. A few months after moving here, I made a New Year’s resolution to learn to use my camera and be able to take and edit artistic photos. I really loved and admired artistic and styled photography. Choosing the right gown/dress, props, and background became my obsession and has remained true throughout my journey as a photographer. Now I take every opportunity I can to grow my knowledge and portfolio. I have traveled all over the USA to learn from some of the best in the industry, and in 2024, I took that desire and drive International. In January of 2024, I ventured to Paris, France, with my middle daughter, who has always been my model and muse. I had the opportunity to shoot alongside some other amazing photographers with a couture gown designer. My daughter was able to model, and we shot at the Eiffel Tower, the Arc De Triomphe, the Louvre, and so many other well-known sites. So when opportunity called in 2025, I ventured on my own to Scotland to shoot with the same gown designer and a new group of photographers at some of the most breathtaking sites in the Highlands. In 2026, my business may see some changes, but my desire to create art will always be pushing me forward.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think any journey has its ups, downs, roadblocks, and detours. COVID definitely was one of my first challenges. I had rented my first studio space in fall of 2019, but quickly had to close. I worked out of my home starting in 2021, but by 2022, I was ready to open a studio once more. Just one year after opening, I was forced to close again due to a fire in my building. My business was closed for 4 months. It was absolutely devastating. The business next to me had let their insurance lapse, so I had to file against my business insurance to replace my things. Thankfully, my space only received smoke damage. Anyone who has been through a fire knows that it can be just as challenging.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Moments By Marianne Photography specializes in styled artistic photography for Maternity, Newborn, Mommy and Me, and stylized portraits for girls. I also offer Family sessions, Senior Sessions, Branding Sessions, Cake Smash and Milestone sessions, Boudoir, Holiday and Seasonal Mini sessions, and I even dabble in a few small weddings. I have a huge client closet that includes over 100 name-brand high-end gowns for maternity, women, and girls. I offer jewelry, headpieces, hats, fabrics, bodysuits, wings, and headpieces for my clients to wear. I also offer very high-end retouching to include detailed skin editing, slimming, photo manipulation, headswaps, and adding artistic elements to images and composites. My work really stands out and speaks for itself, and it is something I’ve worked very hard to achieve. I am always furthering my knowledge and trying new things.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
With the current economy and saturation of the photographer market, setting myself apart with competitive pricing and having the right tools to create and manipulate photos is really the way to go. I think AI is here to stay, and it’s time to view it as any other tool in this industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.momentsbymariannephotography.com/
- Instagram: @moments.by.marianne
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momentsbymariannephotography
