We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Christopher Mariano a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Christopher, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Resilience isn’t something I was born with—it’s something I earned through the constant push and pull of life. The challenging ups and downs have shaped me in ways I didn’t fully appreciate until I stood on the other side of them. Every setback, every disappointment, every moment where it felt like the world might cave in has taught me something crucial: that no matter how difficult the path gets, I can find my way through.
The truth is, resilience grows in the spaces between struggle and self-discovery. It’s in those moments when things don’t go as planned—when you’re rejected, when you fail, when you lose something or someone you thought was essential—that you figure out what you’re truly made of. For me, every experience, whether it was the thrill of a win or the sting of a loss, has been a building block. Life doesn’t offer shortcuts, but it does give lessons if you’re willing to learn.
What I’ve found is that the bad moments are just as vital as the good ones. They push you to reflect, recalibrate, and try again with a sharper understanding of yourself and the world. Over time, those lessons accumulate, turning hindsight into foresight. The times I fell have taught me how to spot cracks in the road ahead. The mistakes I made have made me more mindful of the choices I make now. Resilience isn’t about being unbreakable—it’s about knowing you can pick up the pieces and rebuild, stronger each time.
So where did I get my resilience? From life itself. From the inevitable highs and lows of chasing dreams, weathering storms, and finding joy in the unexpected. And most importantly, from realizing that the challenges we face are opportunities to evolve—not just as creatives, but as people.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Before I define myself by any one label—whether it’s photographer, writer, or creative—I consider myself a naturally curious person. That curiosity has been my compass, leading me down unexpected paths, including how I fell into photography. It began as a simple hobby—walking around the city with a camera, capturing the interplay of light and shadow, and finding beauty in ordinary moments. What started as a personal passion evolved into a career that allows me to tell stories, connect with people, and preserve moments that might otherwise fade into memory.
Today, my work spans photography, writing, and creative storytelling. I specialize in travel, music, and lifestyle photography, but what excites me most is the way each project opens the door to something new. One day, I’m on assignment at a festival, capturing the electricity of live music. The next, I’m trekking through a remote landscape, chasing the perfect light. Every shoot and every story has its own rhythm, challenges, and opportunities to grow.
What makes my work special is my ability to blend artistry with storytelling. My photography has often been described as cinematic and ethereal—drawing viewers into a moment that feels both real and dreamlike. I aim to create a sense of immersion in everything I do, whether it’s a single frame or a long-form narrative.
Recently, I’ve been focused on expanding my creative horizons. I’m diving into the world of filmmaking and working on launching a media production company. For me, filmmaking feels like the next natural step in my journey. It’s an opportunity to explore storytelling in longer formats, combining visuals, sound, and motion to create something even more impactful. My goal is to take the same intention and emotional resonance I bring to photography and translate it into film. I want to share stories that matter—whether it’s showcasing the vibrancy of cultures I encounter while traveling or capturing the raw energy of the creative process in music and art.
Starting a media production company is an exciting challenge. It’s about more than just creating—it’s about building a platform to amplify stories, connect with audiences on a deeper level, and collaborate with other creatives to push boundaries. I’m currently in the learning phase, diving into everything from camera techniques to post-production workflows, and it’s been both humbling and invigorating.
Looking ahead, my focus is on continuing to evolve, not just as an artist but as a storyteller. Whether through photography, writing, or filmmaking, I want to inspire others to see the beauty in the world and find meaning in the stories we share. The idea of blending all these creative mediums into a cohesive vision feels like the ultimate way to bring my curiosity to life, and I can’t wait to see where it leads.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When I look back on my journey, three qualities stand out as the most impactful: empathy, my ability to find beauty in the mundane, and resilience. These aren’t just skills—they’re guiding principles that have shaped my creative process and personal growth.
First and foremost, empathy has been the most important trait in everything I do. Whether I’m photographing a subject, writing a story, or collaborating on a project, the ability to connect with others on a human level is invaluable. Empathy allows me to step into someone else’s shoes, to understand their perspective, and to tell their story in an honest, meaningful way. It’s also been critical in building relationships and trust with clients, which ultimately leads to opportunities. Beyond the creative world, empathy is what makes us better humans—it’s how we connect and grow. For those just starting out, I’d say prioritize empathy. Listen more than you speak, ask thoughtful questions, and approach every interaction with genuine curiosity and care. Your ability to understand others will set you apart, both in your work and in life.
The second quality that’s been pivotal for me is the ability to find beauty in the mundane. Creativity doesn’t always come from extraordinary circumstances—it often blooms in the everyday moments we overlook. Early in my career, I learned that paying attention to the small details—the way light plays on a surface, a fleeting expression, or a quiet scene—can make the most compelling stories. Staying hyper-present in the moment allows me to see the world in ways that others might miss, and that perspective is a cornerstone of my art. For anyone starting their journey, I encourage you to slow down and really observe. Train yourself to see beyond the obvious, and you’ll find inspiration everywhere.
Lastly, resilience has been a cornerstone of my journey. The creative path, like life, is full of challenges, rejections, and moments where you feel like giving up. But I’ve learned to brush off failures and negative experiences, reframing them as lessons that ultimately lead me to what’s meant for me. Each setback has taught me something valuable, whether it’s about my craft, my process, or myself. Failure isn’t the end—it’s a step forward if you let it be. My advice? Don’t fear failure. Embrace it, learn from it, and use it as fuel to grow stronger and more confident in your path.
To anyone early in their journey, I’d say this: Lead with empathy, stay present and curious, and don’t let setbacks define you. These qualities will not only help you succeed as a creative but will shape you into someone who can navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and purpose. That, in itself, is a success worth striving for.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
In the past year, my biggest area of growth has been learning to slow down and embrace stillness. It’s something that’s not often discussed, especially in the fast-paced, grind-oriented culture we’re so accustomed to in the Western world. We’re taught to push through, to hustle harder, to keep going—even when it leads to burnout. But over the last year, I’ve intentionally stepped back from that mindset. I’ve made space for meditation, introspection, and time spent in nature, and it’s been transformative.
Slowing down isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing more of what truly matters. It’s given me the chance to take inventory of my life, to reflect on what’s important and whether I’m living in alignment with my values. In those quiet moments, I’ve been able to reconnect with my “North Star,” my guiding light that helps me filter decisions when things get challenging. Having that clarity keeps me grounded when life feels chaotic or overwhelming.
Another significant shift has been practicing gratitude. It’s easy to get caught up in chasing the next milestone, the next achievement, the next big thing. But in doing so, we often forget to appreciate the things we once wished for—the dreams we’re now living. This year, I’ve worked on being more mindful of gratitude, from the smallest details to the grandest accomplishments. Whether it’s a quiet morning, the opportunity to pursue my passions, or meaningful connections with others, I’ve learned to pause and give thanks. Gratitude has become a grounding force that reminds me of how far I’ve come and helps me stay present in the moment.
What I’ve realized is that slowing down and practicing gratitude doesn’t mean losing momentum—it means moving forward with intention and clarity. It’s about making choices that align with your purpose, nurturing your well-being, and remembering to honor the journey, not just the destination. This shift in mindset has not only improved my personal life but has also brought new depth and authenticity to my creative work. It’s a practice I hope to carry forward and share with others, because the more we slow down and appreciate what we have, the more meaningful our lives—and our art—become.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lifeonmarz.media
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marz26
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-mariano-a1a2bba/
Image Credits
profile photo by: Yulia Denisyuk
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
