Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marik McGhee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Marik, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
I actually wasn’t always this confident (as a person and in my work) it took some time. In elementary school, I barely talked and would always keep to myself. I wasn’t really social until middle school, and from there it was like I finally opened up. Fast forward to now, I don’t stop talking or socializing with others. That shift taught me that confidence comes from leaning into who you really are and not holding back.
When it comes to my work, my confidence is knowing that I’m always going to be leveling up. Every shoot and every concept is a growth process. I look at photography, specifically the model development portion as an ongoing evolution. By not stressing about perfection and refusing to let others opinions to affect my mental state, I’m able to keep my confidence and self esteem high.
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?
Professionally, I’ve recently switched my focus to more high-fashion photography and now model development. What excites me most about my work is that it’s not just about taking photos, it’s about contributing to someone else’s journey. I love giving someone with so much potential a real pathway into the industry and showing them that they have a chance if they’re truly committed.
What makes my brand special is how I blend high fashion aesthetics with personal growth. Every session is designed not only to capture strong imagery, but also to give the person in front of the lens an experience that helps them elevate. I am working on expanding my model development base, continuing to create opportunities for more talent to grow while building resources that help them push their careers further.
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?
Starting so young really shaped me because I had to learn discipline early on. The first quality that’s been most impactful is commitment because if you’re not fully invested, it shows, both to the models and vice versa. Whether you’re in front of the camera or behind it, consistency is key.
The second is adaptability. Style as a whole evolves so quickly, so being able to adjust your style, your energy, and even your mindset has to keep moving forward instead of stuck.
The third is vision. Knowing what you’re working toward, even when others don’t fully see it yet, is what keeps you pushing.
For anyone just starting, my advice would be: commit fully and take it seriously, because photography, modeling, and/or fashion, isn’t for everyone. It takes a lot more than just wanting it you have to put in the work, keep showing up, and be willing to grow through every stage. If you can do that, you’ll start to see doors open.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is someone who’s committed, open-minded, and ready to trust the creative process. I love working with people who bring energy and potential, whether they’re brand new to modeling or already experienced. What matters most is effort and drive high-fashion photography isn’t just about pictures, it’s about creating art, building confidence, and stepping into the next version of yourself. If someone shows up with that mindset, they’re the perfect fit for what I do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariks_studio/
Image Credits
Jessie Jiang – instagram.com/jessiejiangmodels
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