Meet Marie McCleskey of Marie McCleskey Photography in Marietta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie McCleskey.

Marie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I majored in psychology and realized in my senior year that it was not the right path for me. I did some soul-searching and was honest about what really made me happy. I took a big chance and moved across the country to Santa Barbara, California to attend Brooks Institute of Photography, a school that specialized in commercial photography. When I graduated with my BA, I moved back to Atlanta and almost immediately was hired to assist an amazing photographer, Rick Jerry, who became my dear friend and mentor. He helped define the direction of my career. Now I photograph products and people and I really enjoy both! Four years ago, I opened my own studio and have developed a wonderful client base and great business relationships. In my 12 year career, I have had the pleasure of working with local, national, and international clients. Challenges are what make this career fun; rarely are the same items or people photographed in the same way.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It was difficult to admit, but I accepted that I am not a jack of all trades. In order to focus on the creative side of the business, I found early on that hiring a bookkeeper was invaluable as I found I was spending too much time on the administrative side of the business.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Marie McCleskey Photography – what should we know?
I photograph products and people and I love both. Each have their appeal to me. Product photography allows me to be more technical and solve problems whereas when photographing people, I thoroughly enjoy the connection I have with them during portrait sittings.

I am cheerful, enthusiastic, reliable, and have learned to say, “Yes, I can do that!” to the most challenging of shoots. As a Creative Director I regularly work with once told me, I work with a sense of humor and control the set and schedule with precise attention to detail.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mariemccleskey.com
• Phone: 404.895.8114
• Email: studio@mariemccleskey.com
• Instagram: mariemccphoto
• Facebook: @mariemccleskeyphotography