Meet Marques Harris

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marques Harris. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marques , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

In today’s social media-driven era, it can often feel like if we’re not exactly where we think we should be, we’re falling behind. I’ve definitely felt that pressure myself. But over time, I’ve learned to stay grounded by being authentic and focusing on my own path rather than comparing my progress to others. Everyone’s journey is different, and it’s important to embrace the process without becoming consumed by the end result.

As a photographer in an increasingly saturated industry, it’s easy to fall into that comparison trap. The best way to rise above it is by investing in yourself—continually refining your skills, mastering your camera settings, understanding lighting and composition, and developing strong people skills. Growth comes from intention, not comparison.

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’m a professional portrait photographer based in Rhode Island, proudly serving clients across the surrounding states. Specializing in graduation portraits, birthday milestones, and editorial-style shoots, his work is defined by a clean, modern aesthetic infused with vibrant personality.

With a keen eye for lighting, composition, and detail, Marques creates high-quality imagery that feels both polished and personal. His editorial-inspired style captures the unique essence of each subject—whether in maternity sessions, fashion portraits, or brand-focused lifestyle shoots—making every image a timeless visual narrative. Known for celebrating individuality while maintaining a cohesive artistic vision, his photography bridges the gap between personal storytelling and professional presentation.

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?

Three things it’s hard to point narrow down to such a number, being optimistic, find a mentor & lastly shooting.

My optimism is largely shaped by the environment I surround myself with—being in the presence of like-minded individuals who inspire and challenge me to grow. It’s easy to fall into a pessimistic mindset when you lack a supportive network or aren’t intentional about the company you keep. That’s why alignment matters. Who you surround yourself with has a direct impact on your mindset, your goals, and your outlook on life.

I’ve learned the value of building a community that uplifts, motivates, and holds me accountable. It’s never too late to find your people—those who align with your values and vision. My network continues to fuel my optimism, not just about my goals, but about life as a whole.

My mentor, who played a major role in my development. Early in my photography career, I struggled with direction, and having a mentor helped me find clarity and stay committed to my vision.

If you’re feeling stuck, I highly recommend finding a mentor who can offer guidance and help you stay aligned with your goals.

Lastly shooting, shoot as much as you can because that’s how you learn your camera your settings lighting and composition.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

My biggest area of improvement over the last 12 months has been personal with being more empathetic.

Empathy has always been a core value for me—something instilled in me from a very young age. But over the past year, I’ve come to understand empathy on a much deeper level. As we grow and evolve, it’s easy to lose sight of it, often without even realizing it. Life has a way of humbling us, and sometimes it takes a difficult moment to remind us of what we’ve overlooked.

For me, that moment came during my break from photography. Stepping away gave me the space to reflect, and I began to recognize how disconnected I had become from the emotions and experiences of those closest to me. I wasn’t truly listening—it was as if things were going in one ear and out the other. Coming to terms with how that lack of empathy affected people I care about was painful, but necessary.

That self-awareness allowed me to take accountability, make meaningful changes, and begin to grow. Real growth comes from recognizing our shortcomings, addressing them head-on, and choosing to do better moving forward—without letting the guilt weigh us down.

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