Meet Maryjo Anderson | Wedding and Portrait Photographer & Styled Shoot Coordinator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maryjo Anderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maryjo, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Hey, yall! My name is Maryjo, and I was born and raise in a small town north of Beaumont called Kountze, the literal armpit of Texas. My family origins are from the Philippines.

My childhood was filled with traditional Filipino culture in my household, but outside of our household, there were few Filipinos or Filipinas living in my town. Even so, I wanted to pursue a different career path than what was expected of me, such as becoming a lawyer or becoming a nurse– I’m literally scared of needles

My creativity drew me to photography. As a child, I became fascinated with my mom’s Polaroid cameras.. She would take photos of me, and send them overseas to my dad, as if he was there in the moment with us.

My photography name is derived from the Filipino language, Tagalog. My website and photography packages are based on the Filipino language, as well. ‘Mabuhay’ (Greeting translates to “long live”) to all of my Tagalog speakers!

[ photos + ni (by) + maryjo (me)

As Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” It’s important to honor your own identity and interests, even if they don’t align with what others may want for you.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Filipina who didn’t pursue their parents’ wishes of becoming a lawyer or nurse, which makes me unique, in a way. The fact that I am one of the few Filipinas in the photography community makes me feel pretty proud of where I am in terms of my career.

I would say I got to where I am today by forcing myself to be uncomfortable and take chances.
It definitely wasn’t easy. I quit my daycare teaching job after 5 years, and became a full-time photographer in 2022.

I put myself around people I wanted to befriend, and little by little I just kept networking and I made friends and met lots of clients. I guess you could say I built my network one smile at a time!

The most important lesson I learned along the way is to be yourself, and you’ll attract the work you want, take chances, and create what YOU want.

My goal is to motivate others to pursue their dreams by constantly growing and improving theirselves.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There isn’t much in my small town, but, Mama Jacks, more of a Sunday Morning Brunch Destination with a variety foods and desserts. Whatever your “country” heart desires, they’ve got it, for a reasonable price, too. In my opinion though, Southern Maid has the best breakfast burritos EVER.

Needing some coffee in your life? Lumberton and Beaumont has a few coffee spots that aren’t overhyped- Hardbean, Good Grounds, and Raos.

Art lover? Ride the electric bird scooters, and look at the magnificent art murals downtown in Beaumont. There are so many great pieces made by local artists you do not want to miss out.

Needing some pep in your step & go site seeing? The Cattail Marsh Wetlands in Beaumont has 900 acres, and you will be able to see so many animal sitings, and even be able to receive private tours. Deep in the heart of South East Texas is The Big Thicket, and there are so many activities you are able to do. From hiking, kayaking, and camping.

Shopping? There are several boutiques and consignment shops around the area, Harville House, Coral and Cove, Scarlet Joy Boutique, Blackbird Boutique, and many more.

Date Night?
Hooligans Axe Throwing in Lumberton, who knew throwing something at a board would be so fun. Legendairy Gelato in Nederland is SO worth the drive, probably- NO- the best gelato I’ve had in SETX. Wanting to feel like a kid again? Tilt Studio Arcades and Main Event is also in Beaumont.

There is. just SO MUCH to do in Beaumont, and not even locals know- there’s always some kind of event going on. If you’re a local, you must check it on the 409 Family website! https://409family.com/

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would not be where I am today without the unwavering support and faith my husband has shown me throughout my photography journey. Kaden helps me manifest my dreams by seeing the treasure within me. He keeps me motivated when things get tough and helps me remember who I am as a person.

I would love to dedicate my shoutout to my parents for always believing in my dreams and supporting my creative endeavors.

My life is blessed with a lot of wonderful people around me, but one of the most inspirational ones are Shelby (Canyon Moon Photo), Zain (ZN Media), Sarah (Wolfden Collective), and Alanna (3 C Design Co). They are so genuine, and they have become some of the most supportive people in the creative industry I have ever met.

Last shoutout goes to Melissa and Carl at The Muse Manor in Conroe, Texas. They are so open to my crazy and creative ideas for styled shoots at their studio. I have never been to a studio that is so welcoming. It has to be one of the best studios I have been to so far, and Melissa and Carl work so hard even with their full time jobs.

Website: https://photosnimaryjo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photosnimaryjo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photosnimaryjo

Other: Styled Shoots + Community: https://www.instagram.com/styledshootsnimaryjo/ Boudoir: https://www.instagram.com/boudoirnimaryjo/

Image Credits
Headshot by Sarah Miller with Wolfden Collective