“I BELIEVE THE WAY TO CAPTURE AUTHENTIC IMAGES IS TO BE AUTHENTIC WITH YOUR CLIENTS… OR AT LEAST LET THEM ASSOCIATE YOU WITH ICE CREAM AFTER”.
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ABOUT:
I’ve never been into stiff poses or forced smiles. Mostly, because life doesn’t look like that and neither should your photos. I’d rather you forget I’m there — or at minimum, feel comfortable enough to just be yourself in front of me. That's a theme I try to carry through in all my relationships, making people feel comfortable enough to be themselves with me. Some of my clients I’ve been photographing for 10+ years. I’ve watched their kids grow up in front of my camera, developing our own little traditions — cookies at the same bakery, ice cream after every session. The part no one warns you about: how deeply you grow to care about your clients and build lasting relationships—from their engagement and wedding to maternity, newborn, and the moments between.I’ve always been someone who notices the little things, the way light hits a scene nobody else is looking at or an usually perfect spot to stop and use to frame my subject. When shooting a wedding I’ll focus my camera on someone’s face while they’re listening to a story — because I know the moment they laugh is coming. That’s what I’m always chasing. Authentic moments (ok, I might sometimes ask for a fake laugh, but its because it almost always results in a real laugh, because you feel so silly doing it) My whole philosophy really comes down to this: capture moments, don’t create them. Because the real ones are always better anyway, especially when followed by ice cream.
RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME:
Where did I study Photography?
Boston. Northeastern University (which I originally attended for General Art) and then New England School of Photography. Go Sox! (sorry Yankees fans)
Where did I grow up?
Weston, CT. I did a stint in Potomac, MD as well as West Bloomfield, MI. But Weston is where I spent my most formative years. Go Trojans!
What is your favorite thing to photograph?
Anything that takes place in the Fall. Not only is it my favorite time of year (my bday and Halloween) but the colors and the light are like no other time of year. Go golden hour and leaves!
Do you have children?
Nope! But I know that I have a very special skill with kids. Probably because I identify as a big kid at heart. I get to be the “fun lady” they spend an hour or two with, who seems to know alot about Cookie Monster. I have had kids want me to come over after their session, want to hold my hand while we walk to our next spot. And, overall, not realizing what we just did was actually work. Go Peter Pan syndrome!
What are your favorite guilty pleasures?
Too many shows on TLC. None of which I will admit to. Rainbow sprinkle cookies or yellow cake with white frosting. Stoop sitting, for people watching purposes. Sunning myself. Staying up way beyond a reasonable bedtime.
What is the best trip you’ve taken?
When my beloved 15+ year old dog died in 2022, I travelled for the very first time on my own to Europe. I found a petsitting gig to watch three ferrets in the South of France traveling to Nice, Cannes, Grasse and my favorite-Antibes.
From there I went to Italy — Verona, Florence, Venice, and Genoa — then back to Grasse and on to Barcelona with the friends that I made along the way. It was the trip of a lifetime and just what I needed.
Favorite place to photograph?
Star Island, Isles of Shoals NH. It happens to also be my favorite place in the world, so that helps. I actually sell some images from there and will be bringing them online soon!
What’s in your camera bag besides the obvious?
A travel fan. Whether its January or July, I run hot and will probably tell you about it, I’m not ashamed of it anymore! Hand wipes, for sticky hands or faces or my own hands as someone who often gets down on the ground for photos. A lipgloss or two. A variety of “in case of” meds and business cards.
“Marisa is an amazing and versatile photographer. I've worked with her both in a professional and personal capacity and can attest to how amazing she is. She makes you feel so comfortable when she's shooting, you forget you're in front of a camera. Her work comes out so beautiful and not forced, which is amazing. Highly recommend Marisa for any photography needs. We've worked together for corporate headshots, holiday parties, and family photos - she can truly do it all!”
— Sara Pullman Faktor VP of Operations, Wasserman Music
“True talent! Incredible photographer who always gets it right. Marisa has been our person each year and she doesn’t compare to anyone else. We will continue to use her even though we aren’t local anymore. Her creativity, her eye, patience (especially with kids and a dog!) and talent are a great combo for some magical pictures”
—Michal Burke, Mother of 3, Scarsdale
“I met Marisa in 2010 when she was the photographer for my daughter's wedding. Not only was she professional, she was friendly and fit in so smoothly with the vibe of everyone in the wedding party, joking and laughing with us and setting us at ease.
Nine years later I married for the first time and there was no consideration of anyone else. I contacted her as soon as I had a date and she came from NYC to Massachusetts, did my makeup and photographed my wedding. I highly and enthusiastically recommend Marisa as your photographer for any occasion”
— Jessica Leonard, Massachusetts