Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Flynn Hillyer.
Hi Maggie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My photography journey started at the age of 4 when my parents gave me a polaroid camera for my birthday. Few presents have made as much of an impression on me. Even looking back at old photographs of myself, it’s rare you’ll find me without it strung around my neck. I never went anywhere without it.
Early on, as an army brat living in Germany, I had an amazing array of subject matter that I was able to explore. Before then I had spent my time photographing my family, stuffed animals, friends throughout the school day and little happenings around the house. Living there gave me the opportunity to really expand and experiment with my cameras. While in Germany we also got our first dog! A West Highland White Terrier named Marshmallow, or Marshie.
In 2007, we moved back to the United States and got Marshie a companion. Aurora, or Marshie’s Roar, joined our family in 2009. With a very close relationship with her and a lifelong love of photography, a combination of the two was inevitable. Photographing Aurora quickly became the focus of my creative efforts, as it brought me joy that no other subject had ever been able to match. She very quickly helped me discover my passion.
I eventually made the transition from hobbyist to creator of Marshie’s Roar Pet Photography in 2020 after Marshmallow unexpectedly died of cancer. Pictures of him helped so much with getting through the pain of losing him, but these were far from quality photos. He’d be blurry or you’d see a pile of clothes, a shoe or the TV in the background. Aurora and I had always taken photographs together, so I didn’t realize that I’d been leaving Marshmallow out until it was too late. It weighed heavily on me for a long time. Months later, I adopted a toy parti poodle who I named Lady. The juxtaposition of the pain I had been feeling with the joy I now felt photographing her as she grew up is what started Marshie’s Roar. It opened my eyes to the importance of this hobby I’d had for the last decade. Through both the highs and the lows of pet ownership, having quality photographs of a beloved pet is so important. A goofy smile on your best friend’s face or the glimmering eyes in a loving glance is something we need to always be able to return to. My life with Marshie, Aurora and now Lady has taught me all about companionship, connection and unconditional love. I know how important our relationships with our pets are and I strive to tap into that feeling with every image I take.
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?
Like any small business, it comes with a lot of speed bumps. Some barely noticeable and some that can be very daunting. For instance, upfront funding is something that was very concerning. We all hear about how many new small businesses fail and at the beginning when least able to afford expensive equipment or handle start up costs. That can be very scary, but that’s no reason not to take the leap and do what you love! Every day you’re learning more and gaining more experience.
As hard as it can be to progress in any business, I work very hard to ensure that I keep this fun and genuine. When you put your all into a business, it’s easy to sweat the small stuff while you grow. My goal is to always remember my goals and reasons for doing this. If I can make people happy and give them something special – I’ve succeeded! My parents told me long ago that if you really love what you do, you never work a day in your life. I truly believe this. To spend my time doing something that I love really brings me so much joy and personal fulfillment. It’s worth every speed bump.
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?
Although my specialty is dogs, I also take studio portraits of cats, guinea pigs – you name it! I take photographs of pets in costumes, surrounded by bubbles, lying in flowers, in specially designed sets, celebrating their birthday with dog-friendly cakes – any setting my client wants. I’ve even taken photos of my own dog dressed up as Audrey Hepburn! The crazier the idea, the more fun!
What I’m specifically known for though are my pastels. A dog will sit in front of a pastel-colored backdrop and I shoot them chest up. The simplicity of these portraits are what make them so special. When doing a photoshoot in a full set or outfit, I always make sure to include a handful of these simple pastel portraits for clients.
Rather than paying attention to what’s going on in the background, the pastels put the viewer face-to-face with nothing but their beloved pet. I want them to really notice those bright brown eyes or those bottom teeth peeping out. Those little details are so unique and so powerful. They’re the things that mean the most to us and showcase an intimate beauty when highlighted in this way.
What I’m most proud of is the connections I’ve made with both animals and owners throughout this journey. In order to take photographs that show off an animal’s personality, you must build a relationship with them. They have to be able to trust you. I feel so attached to every pet I get to work with. I’ve also met so many incredible PEOPLE! The experience of getting together with other pet owners to celebrate their pets in this environment is something that I don’t take for granted. Nothing feels better than seeing my clients happy!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Every year, thousands of animals are euthanized in shelters across the United States. However, some shelters follow a strict no-kill policy – electing instead to manage shelter populations through a wide web of options available to every single animal. One such organization is Best Friends Animal Society. True to their slogan of “Save them All,” Best Friends has saved the lives of literally millions of animals. Aside from a portion of every Marshie’s Roar’s session going to Best Friends Animal Society, we also love hosting and engaging in any fundraising events we can! Why work with dogs if you’re not going to give back!
Contact Info:
- Email: marshiesroar@gmail.com
- Website: https://marshiesroar.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshiesroar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marshiesroar
Image Credits:
Maggie Flynn Hillyer, Marshie’s Roar Pet Photography
