We recently connected with Mariah Bell and have shared our conversation below.
Mariah , thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
Throughout life I’ve learned that absolutely nothing amazing comes easily. It seemed like whenever I would take the “easy way” I would be bored and unsatisfied. But when I said yes to the things that terrified me, it ended up making me feel so alive. For example, the first time I said yes to photographing a wedding, I was in high school with zero wedding experience. But the second I captured that first magical kiss… it was more than worth the anxiety in the beginning.
The scariest risk I’ve ever taken to date, was giving up a career that I was extremely successful at, but wasn’t appreciated enough; to move to a different coast and launch my business full time. With all the doubts and uncertainty later came thriving success and stability. The scariest thing I’ve ever done ended up being the thing I’m most proud of.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name is Mariah Bell. The girl behind Bell Creative. My business mainly consists of photography and some logo design. If I said I specialized in one field of photography I’d be lying! Some days I’m on the beach capturing a family of over 20 people with their beloved grand parents, others I’m shooting a beautiful wedding and reception. One of the things I love most about my business is it’s never the same day to day. I appreciate and enjoy shooting all of the exciting moments life has to offer.
The reason I chose “Creative” to be part of my brand name is because I want my work to really stand out. When you look at it, I want it to tell you a story or make you feel the emotions that my clients felt. Each client’s story is unique and I always want their work to be as well.
In the last couple years my business has really branched out. I’m not only shooting nationally, but I am now shooting internationally.
I am always looking for new adventures and to capture great stories along the way.
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?
People skills/ customer service- I worked as a server for about 8 years through high school and college. I think it’s so important to learn how to converse with strangers and get yourself out there. This skill really comes into play when you want to own a business or really do any kind of career.
Creativity and Design- Learning how to create your own marketing is huge. Especially these days. If you can create something that is unique and eye catching, you’re a step ahead. The internet is your friend when it comes to finding clients.
Time management-
I will never understand how some photographers say their galleries will take 6 months to be returned. Time management is so important, especially if you run your own business. It’s easy to say “I’ll just complete that task later” but when is later? I always plan out my day. Even if it’s on an actually planner, plan! Alot yourself the time you know you need towards your business and towards your personally life.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
I absolutely love this question. My ideal client is you! When I say this, I don’t literally mean the person in front of me, but I want my client to be exactly who they are. Not what’s trending, or what Pinterest says to be. But you. Do you love to play guitar and wear rose colored glasses? Are you passionate about reading books and drinking wine? Or as a couple, do you enjoy movie theatre dates and LOVE the rain? I always tell people “When you look back at these in 30 years, do you want to see stereotypical poses on the beach? Or do you want to be sitting in the back of your current pickup truck eating the pizza you have every Thursday?”
“Do you want to play in a thunderstorm because you’ve always loved the sound?”
“Do you want to bake some cooking with your kids in the kitchen you all adore so much.”
My ideal client is someone who is not afraid to be themselves and create something raw and real with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bellcreative.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellcreativephoto?igsh=NmoxOWUzcDRrd2Zz&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maphotoanddesign?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: Email: bellcreativephotography@gmail.com
Image Credits
I took all of the images besides the one of me in the green jacket with my camera.
LunaBeePhotographee took that one
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.