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

Hi Marissa, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
I’ll cut to the chase: cooking for myself, movement, sleep, service, and a schedule. These habits have really helped me make good decisions for myself in all areas of my life, especially career and business. Throughout my 20’s and now in my 30’s, these habits have kept my lust for life intact because of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual benefits we get from taking care of our body, mind and community.

And the best thing about these habits in particular is they are global! I’m always looking to other cultures to adopt the way they do things even if only for a few months. I have a lot of fun experimenting by cooking new meals, going to interesting workout classes, trying new sleep remedies, or volunteering with a new group of people for a niche cause.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I’d say my belief in photography That a great photo of someone can really change their self perception, instill confidence, and transform how they feel about themselves for the better. I’m truly an artist at heart. Passionate, detailed, expressive, and while I love exploring different mediums like painting, woodworking, and knitting, photography is really the one medium where I can continuously (and literally) show people how amazing they are.

What also sets me apart are the lessons photography teaches me. Low points and challenges only last for so long and we can choose to have a positive attitude in spite of them. There is so much beauty in our world, we simply have to pause for a moment to capture it. Whether with our eyes, our iPhones or our cameras.

What am I most proud of? To be real, I am most proud of persevering and walking to my path. Photography isn’t cheap, it’s extremely time consuming, it’s competitive, and it requires a ton of collaboration. When I first picked up a camera, I didn’t know that I would love photography as much as I do, I only thought, “oh let me try this new art hobby,” and became hooked!

The biggest lesson photography has taught me is to have faith in myself and to have faith in others. Low points and challenges only last for so long and we can choose to have a positive attitude in spite of them. There is so much beauty in our world, we simply have to pause for a moment to capture it. Whether with our eyes, our iPhones or our cameras.

I want the world to know that my brand is all about love. Giving it, receiving it, and multiplying it. When someone has a beautifully crafted and printed photograph of themselves, it changes their self perception. That maybe, “I am wonderful, I am beautiful, I am worthy, I am acceptable.” Trends come and go, aesthetics come and go, but your beauty is forever, especially when it’s photographed well!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend was here for one week and it was summertime, the first thing we’d do is drive through Westlake Hills to look at all of the gorgeous homes to get inspired. Afterwards, we’re going to the South Austin Thicket Food Park for the best pasta in Austin from Artipasta.

The next day, we’ll go for an early morning run around Lady Bird Lake then jump into Barton Springs to cool off and have some fun. After showering and getting ready for the day, we’ll go to Josephine House for brunch. Afterwards, we’ll go to the Blanton Museum to check out the newest art exhibits.

The remaining days will include kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, seeing a show at the Paramount theater, exploring McKinney State Park, seeing the sunrise on top of Mount Bonnell, eating at the best Indian food in Austin, Asiana in South Austin, and the best burger (and fried Oreos) spot, Big Rob’s Burgers. We’ll volunteer at the best place to spend time with the cutest animals, Dreamtime Animal Sanctuary and grab dinner at Canje and North Italia.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I love this question! Everyone who let me photograph them when I first picked up a camera! I am so grateful to my friends, family and models who let me play photographer and helped bring my visions to life! I especially want to thank my older brother who let me keep his camera until I was able to purchase my own. When I saved up enough money, he brought me to Kenmore Camera in Kenmore, WA to get my first camera, my first lens, and my first camera bag! And lastly I want to thank my parents! Their unwavering support has meant alot to me. They are the best behind the scenes videographers, the best assistants, the best word of mouth marketing team, they are really down for what I’m doing and I just hope I am making them proud!

Website: www.mayphotos.net

Instagram: instagram.com/yatesmarissaphotography

Twitter: twitter.com/marissayatesss

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/yatesmarissaphotography

Image Credits
Photo of me taken by: Lindsay Kastuk, MUA Portraits taken by: Marissa Yates, Photographer

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.