Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Brown.
Hi Mary, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My name is Mary Brown, and I am a wife to a first responder, a mother to two beautiful children (and two big pups), and the owner of Frances Design Photography. Within two short years, I have become a successful self-taught freelance photographer. I have struggled, cried tears, and experienced tremendous joy and excitement. I’ve had lots of uncertainty but leaned on my faith & trust in God with this whole photography process. I am in a great position right now, but I promise, I’m just getting started.
I tried to get into photography about 12 or so years ago with a film camera. But I never went 100% all in with photography, so it never went anywhere. I also tend to believe that everything happens for a reason, and sometimes, it’s just not the right time.
Ten years later, my husband surprised me & gifted me my first non-film, professional camera. A Nikon D3500 and a 70-200mm lens. From that moment on, I took that camera everywhere with me.
Quick fact, I have ADHD. Most know people with ADHD tend to be all over and can’t focus on basic things or things that don’t really grasp our interest. What people may not know about us with ADHD, we can do what’s called “hyperfocus.” Meaning we concentrate on something so hard that we lose track of everything else going on around us. We do this on what we are truly passionate about. It’s also part of what makes us great entrepreneurs.
So clearly, I became addicted to taking pictures and learning techniques. Most of the time, I learn by simply watching and just doing, but if I don’t understand something, I usually YouTube what I want to learn. Three books I purchased that did help me in my journey, Nikon D3500 for Dummies, to basically just understand my specific camera. The second book, Digital Photography Complete Course, by Nita Patel. This book went over basic things such as how the camera works, what different lenses do, etc. The third book, Crafting the Natural Light Look, by Sandra Coan, is a game changer for anyone that struggles with natural light. This last book mentioned is one I highly recommend to any new photographer. All three books helped me learn and grow and motivated me to be great.
The first six months with my camera were all play and learning. Then, I offered people “pay what you can” photoshoots. Which, to my surprise, people signed up for! I joined photographer groups on Facebook and took advice with a grain of salt, as everyone has their own ways and methods. I purchased editing programs such as Lightroom and Photoshop. This made me watch more YouTube videos to get good at editing. I started both Facebook and Instagram accounts and worked on both looking clean and professional.
I made a rookie mistake of investing in tons of presets (which are basically filters for photos), only to learn you don’t need 1000 presets, just a few good ones that represent your edit style and keep it consistent. I would study any preset settings I got after purchasing. This helped me get an idea of how much or little of an editing category to use. (Such as sharpening, enhancing, noise reduction, color correction, etc.). It also taught me how to create my own presets and get my original edit style.
I learned how important it is to make photographer friends. Photographers are not in competition with one another as we can not possibly do all of the photoshoots asked of us. Plus, you always need second shooters for weddings and events. I also started to connect with a variety of vendors. A lot of growth comes from how you present yourself and how you help/treat others around you.
By a year into this new hobby, I had an original logo designed by artist, Mica Annese (he drew my personal camera with my favorite flower). I created a business name, website, and business cards/set prices and even gained loyal partners & returning clients. I upgraded to a better camera (Nikon z5) and bought a few more lenses and hustled hard.
Creativity has always been a strong suit of mine in various ways. I can actually envision something and execute ideas. I can’t even try to explain how I do it, but I know my grandfather is the same. We see not just what something is but the endless possibilities of what it could become. This has helped me tremendously because all I want to do is think outside of the box. I get out of my comfort zone very often. I take a lot of leaps and chances, and I’ve made investments even when I was terrified. I’ve learned when you don’t, you either go nowhere or fall backward. If you want to be successful, you have to keep pushing, investing, and getting uncomfortable.
I was told early on by many I needed to pick one editing style and one focus of photography. But that idea never sat right with me, so I decided to do it all. I do portraits for kids, solo models & families. I do events, weddings, engagements, boudoirs, headshots, team photos, and promotional work. Some of my more known clients for promotional work are Sol-ti & BrightCore Nutrition. I love that I get to edit per the client’s wishes and or the vibe of that specific photo shoot. It allows no limit to my creative mind.
I have added real estate photography to my list as well. Lucky for me, Agent Cole Phillips with Smith & Associates Real Estate, helped me learn exactly what real estate agents want when it comes to real estate photography. I don’t think I’d be as successful in this department without his advice.
I host mini photoshoot sessions, which are 10-15 minute photoshoots with a specific setup and location. And mini shoots can either be a hit or miss, so I’ve had to do some trial and error. Finding the right time and desirable setups. I throw my own party events, such as one specifically called Makeup and Mimosas. This event is one I hope to do at least 2-3x a year. It’s for women 21+ that come for food, drinks, glam, and their own photoshoot. I partner with Partinis By Jen for décor/hors d’oeuvres, Cookies By E, for dessert & The Minks Club provides and applies the makeup on clients. Once a lady is all dolled up, she gets 3 minutes of professional photos taken. After her shoot, she enjoys the party. It’s been a hit each time so far!
I’ve learned the trade of everything by simply doing it and YouTubing it. I dedicated my first two years in business to simply investing and building. In October 2022, I signed a lease for a studio space in Largo, FL, which I share with my work partner Alana (Lana) Alvarado. Lana does professional lash extensions (The Minks Club), as well as makeup, and hair (Londons Hair Studio). Our location has a walk-in area, a waiting room, Alana’s room, and my work/studio space. This place was a true gift from God as well as my work partner Lana.
I took a big chance at a studio space with barely any money to spare on it. I had supporters but also doubters when I decided to sign the lease. Remember when I said I get uncomfortable often? This was a very uncomfortable moment, but all I saw was God opening the door to bigger opportunities. Since October, I’ve made more income than I have the entire photography journey prior. Having Lana with me has benefitted us both as well. My clients hire her for glam, and her clients hire me for photos. Talk about a win-win!
I recently purchased a new computer that is faster and smoother, making editing much quicker. I invested in a few more lenses, and I have set aside some more equipment I plan to acquire in the near future, including a drone. I am making plans on how to expand and provide even more to my clients. My motto is to never stop elevating.
What I want to be known for as a photographer is one that really goes above and beyond the norm. One that is fully accepting of people and provides a loving, non-judgmental space. A photographer doesn’t take just great photos but makes the photoshoot an event itself. I want to help clients who feel awkward get comfortable and make their insecurities go away. I want my photoshoots to be true, happy, fun, and memorable moments. I want to be a photographer who is not only known to keep it real but one that supports and partners with other genuine companies that do a phenomenal job and also care about their clientele.
I’ve had times when I felt defeated and wondered how to balance everything from wife life, motherhood, and being a full-time business owner. But one day, I walked into my daughter’s room to see my seven-year-old pretending to own her own business. She had papers with “name, phone number, and email” written down. When I asked what she was doing, she replied, “This is for my business. These are for my clients.” And it was then I realized what a message I’m sending to my kids. It gave me more confidence and determination. Also, women need to know they really can do it all.
I have had tremendous support from close friends and family that I couldn’t possibly express my gratitude for. I’ve acquired the best clients, met and connected to some of the nicest vendors, and I’ve even had the opportunity to teach and help other photographers who were starting out. One of those newer photographers, Christopher Chaffee, is who recommended me to be interviewed for this magazine, along with his wife Marvalous Chaffee. If you review some of my past work you’ll see Marvalous has even modeled a few times for me.
As I said before, I am in a great place with my business right now but I am nowhere near done with my growth.
Thanks for listening to my story.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Not at all. The first two years have been basically investment, trial, and error. Stress, and constant hustle. I have had supporters and doubters. And the funny part about that is even though I had the support I still thought about those who doubted a tad more.
I personally think a lot of my success is not just my determination or creativity but a lot of what I’ve learned throughout the years. Since I was 14, I’ve been working and all of my jobs have been in some type of customer service. That alone helped me to be able to connect with a variety of people and also help me understand sales, money, and even different computer programs.
We’ve been impressed with Frances Design Photography, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am different from the rest as I am dedicated to exceeding your expectations in photography and customer service. I am reliable, upbeat and creative. I have the vision and expertise to make your special moment one that you will remember for years to come.
I make sure that everyone involved in a session feels at ease and comfortable with the experience from start to finish. My specialties include but are not limited to, portraits, boudoir, weddings, special events, real estate, promotional work, headshots and team photos.
My personal studio is located in Largo, Florida. I do both studio work and outdoors as I have access to many different locations from beaches, parks and other scenic areas that can add life to your portraits. I also will travel to a location of your choosing.
I embrace human differences, I encourage family bonding, friends connecting and for people to just enjoy the moment. I love to capture your genuine appearance, character and personality in a way that will bring out the best in you and your photographs. My work is fun, yet professional and efficient. I promise you won’t get what I offer, anywhere else.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
I am always up for meeting new vendors/business owners and learning about what they do. I think by being a photographer I’m able to help just about any kind of business out there. Taking photos for others, allows them to use my work and share it. The possibilities are endless for collaborations.
For me, reviews & word of mouth alone are where I gain the majority of clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thefrancesdesign.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: @TheFrancesPhotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrancesDesign
- TikTok: @FrancesDesignPhotography
Image Credits
Frances Design Photography
