Meet Marjorie Datuin

We were lucky to catch up with Marjorie Datuin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marjorie , 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?

Self care is important for my job . I like going to museums in the city , It helps me be more creative. Traveling also helps with my effectiveness , seeing new places & being in another environment changes my perspective on how i shoot .

When I am home , i go to the gym , CrossFit has always been my stress reliever & my favorite self care activity. It helps me relax , i always make sure I have the time to go to the gym before photographing a wedding , it helps me calm my nerves down .

These habits helped me manage stress , stay focused and maintain a clear mind , which allows me to approach challenges with more energy and creativity

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?

I am a wedding and lifestyle photographer , serving mainly the tri state area , (NJ, NY , CT) and also available to travel worldwide .

I’ve been photographing love and life for the past 17 years now . I love my job because I get to document people’s stories . It reminds me everyday that in my hands I hold something worth more than I know , that I am picking up a tool that has a chance to remind someone just how beautiful they are and to show them in the most positive light through my lens .

I am currently booking weddings for 2025/2026 . Any off season weddings from Feb – April will get a 20% discount .

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back the three qualities , skills or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey as a wedding photographer were ;

1) Empathy and emotional intelligence;
Wedding are emotional events , and being able to connect with clients on a personal level is invaluable. Understanding their vision and emotions helps create photos that truly reflect their love story ,

My Advice: Listen actively to your clients and pay attention to the little details about their preferences and personalities. Practice empathy by putting yourself in their shoes to understand what moments will matter most to them.

2) Adaptability and Problem-Solving

No wedding ever goes exactly as planned , timelines shift, lighting changes, and unexpected challenges arise. Being able to adapt quickly and stay calm under pressure ensures you can capture the best moments no matter what.

My Advice: Always have a backup plan for gear, scout venues ahead of time, and practice shooting in different lighting scenarios. Build confidence by embracing challenging situations during practice shoots.

3) Storytelling and Composition

Wedding photography is about more than just capturing moments , it’s about telling a story. Learning to compose shots that convey emotion and context has made my work stand out.

My Advice: Study the art of storytelling through photography by analyzing the work of experienced photographers. Practice creating cohesive narratives through your images and challenge yourself to tell a complete story with fewer shots.

My advice for those early in their wedding photography journey:

Invest in learning , whether it’s through workshops, second-shooting for experienced photographers, or practicing relentlessly. Build strong relationships with your clients, as their trust will give you the creative freedom to deliver your best work.

Most importantly, be true to who you are , stay unique , do not copy other people’s work but instead use them as a tool to get better in your craft . Practice , practice , practice. Try shooting in different lighting .
Be patient & have fun .

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

The most helpful in helping me overcome challenges is first God . Everytime I feel overwhelmed I pray . I am living God’s purpose and it’s him that get’s me through any challenges comes my way . I know he’s always with me .
Lastly , I will not be who I am without the support of my friends and family , they’ve always been there when things get tough, I am blessed to be surrounded with people who loves me wholeheartedly .

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Marjorie Datuin

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