We recently connected with Mariah Hagenbach and have shared our conversation below.
Mariah , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is something I’ve definitely experienced throughout my photography journey. To overcome it, I’ve had to step back and recognize when I need a break—whether that’s from photography itself or from social media. I’ve learned that constantly comparing myself to others doesn’t serve me, so I make a conscious effort to unfollow or mute accounts that make me feel like I’m not doing enough. By staying in my own lane and focusing on my personal growth, rather than checking in on competitors, I’ve found more confidence in my work and have been able to reconnect with the passion that drew me to photography in the first place.
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?
My journey as a photographer began with taking landscape shots of Oregon purely for fun. That passion evolved into capturing cannabis photography for a dispensary my ex-partner and I opened. When life brought me back to Bend, Oregon, I shifted focus to building a family portrait portfolio while continuing my work in cannabis photography. Over time, I gained popularity within the cannabis community on Instagram, which led to collaborations with some major cannabis brands. Along the way, I diversified my work by exploring editorial creative portraits, which helped grow my following even further. Now, a decade into full-time photography, my heart is drawn back to capturing the love between families and couples. As a new parent myself, raising a toddler has deepened my connection to these fleeting, intimate moments that I’m so passionate about preserving for others.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey as a photographer would be adaptability, resilience in the face of criticism, and persistence. First, the ability to adapt and change directions quickly has been crucial—whether it was transitioning from landscape photography to cannabis or pivoting into family portraits. Photography, like life, is full of unexpected turns, and being flexible has allowed me to embrace new opportunities as they come.
Secondly, learning to brush off criticism was a game changer. No matter what you do, you’re going to face criticism, and it’s important not to take it personally. Not everyone will understand your vision, and that’s okay. The key is to stay true to yourself and not let negativity weigh you down.
Lastly, persistence is everything. You’ll inevitably face rejection, whether it’s from clients or collaborations that don’t work out. But those rejection emails are just part of the process. The important thing is to keep pushing forward. For anyone just starting out, I’d say focus on cultivating these qualities—be open to change, develop thick skin, and don’t let a ‘no’ slow you down. It’s all part of the journey.
How would you describe your ideal client?
Because my work is so diverse, my dream clients reflect that variety. First and foremost, I love working with brands—especially those in the cannabis or skincare industries. Collaborating with brands that align with my passion for creative, impactful photography is always exciting. I also love working with women who want to feel empowered and beautiful in their own skin, especially for boudoir sessions. Capturing that sense of confidence and self-love is incredibly fulfilling. And, of course, families and couples are close to my heart—particularly families with young children. There’s something so special about the real and raw moments of childhood that I love documenting. Whether it’s brand work or capturing intimate personal moments, my ideal clients are those who are looking for authenticity and creativity in their imagery.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://knoxandko.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muh_riah?igsh=MW1tajRvMG93eXQ2cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Mariah Hagenbach
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