We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mary Lee Palmer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mary Lee, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
Over the past few years, I’ve learned how important it is to take care of my mental health before taking care of my photography clients. I’ve always struggled with depression and anxiety, but during the pandemic I hit an all time low. I had to get my head above water before I could see how it was affecting my business. I’ve spent time in therapy, learned breathing techniques, and got back to the hobbies that make me happy outside of work. This lead me to moving to Colorado, which was one of the biggest changes in my life. I knew I would have to start all over with my client base and friends, but it ultimately made my mental health and business better. The mountains have given me this breath of fresh air that I needed to help my happiness flow into all areas of my life. Taking the time to work on myself has created a space for my business where I’m so much more effective in all areas, the photography side and the boring business side haha.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a Wedding & Portrait Photographer based in Denver, Colorado. I started photography when I was 15 years old, and spent every summer at workshops since my school didn’t offer photography classes. I spent my last year of high school in a mentorship with a Sports and Product Photographer, who taught me everything I needed to make the decision to go to art college. That same year, I met my birth mom who is also a photographer. These two influences in my life set me up for great opportunities before starting a life in the photography world as an adult. I can’t thank them enough for the confidence and education they instilled in me when I was 17 years old.
During my time in art college, I studied all different types of photography. I found my passion for documentary style, which is rooted in all of my work. Over the past 5 years, I’ve grown into my own as a Wedding and Elopement Photographer. It’s given me so much joy and happiness to capture couples from all over the country on such a special day.
I took a break last year to focus on my mental health because I was feeling the burnout. It was the most transformative time for my career. It was so scary and emotional to leave my business, but I came back incredibly stronger with a clear mind.
Currently, my books are open for 2024 for wedding and elopements in Colorado and beyond. I’m also advertising more of my portraiture work. I did a special shoot with my friends in the mountains, and it ignited that side of my work that I haven’t done in so long. In honor of that, I’m offering half off all portrait sessions for the rest of the year. I truly enjoy meeting people and connecting with couples, families, and friends from all over. If you live in Denver, you know how expensive living has been, so giving back to the community in a small way is also important to me.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
There are so many people that have taught me about photography and business in my life. If I wouldn’t have searched for the education and opportunities, I would not be where I am today. The three biggest qualities I’ve learned are hands on photography, social, and business skills. Those have truly set me up for success.
I totally understand it is not doable for everyone to go to college, but my art college experience at Nossi Art College taught me amazing skills in all areas. I learned how to work with vendors and other photographers from all backgrounds. Aside from photography, that is one of the best skills you can learn in any field. If you can work with anyone, that’s your super power. haha. If you aren’t able to go to college, there are tons of certificate programs and workshops that can teach you all about photography, business, and social skills! You can never stop learning.
My biggest piece of advice is to not wait for education and opportunities to fall into your lap, because they won’t. Don’t be scared to ask for help. You deserve everything the world has to offer, so go out there and make a name for yourself! There’s room for all of us.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m always looking for people to collaborate or partner with! No matter if it’s wedding vendors, models, photographers, musicians, videographers etc, I love working with other people. Every time I collaborate with someone, it benefits both of us. We’re a community and I’m happy to help one another.
You can connect with me on Instagram or via my website:
@maryleephoto
www.maryleepalmer.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://maryleepalmer.com/
- Instagram: https://maryleepalmer.com/
