Meet Mariel Hansen | Mother & Photographer

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

Hi Mariel, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always loved taking photos (my phone camera has over 70,000 snaps if that tells you anything), but after I had kids, I really recognized the importance of capturing the little moments on camera. It’s so special to me to be able to look back through the photos I’ve taken of my own kids and relive the sweet, real, moments.

Being a stay-at-home mom is the biggest honor and blessing-I love being able to spend extra time with my kids and soak in the moments that seem to pass too quickly. I wanted to start a photography business so I could help other people to capture those same memorable moments in their lives! I love having the honor of creating “forever snapshots” for my clients. Being there for all the moments whether it’s first time parents, extended family photos, first birthdays, senior photos, fresh 48’s, engagements, last moments with a beloved pet, small business owners branding shoots, is an honor for me!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am proud of my ability to balance my personal life with my business life. It’s not easy to be a stay-at-home mom and juggle being a business owner, but I’d like to think I’ve found a good balance of being able to be creative and spend valuable time with my family.

I’ve always dabbled in photography, but thanks to one of my best friends, I’ve really been inspired and encouraged to start my business. I had an easy start because I had the best support system around me! The biggest challenge I have faced is getting myself to get out and market my business. Marketing was not my strong suit, but I’m learning and growing every day!

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in photography is that you don’t have to have the newest gear or the fanciest accessories to create good art. A good eye, good lighting, a positive attitude, and a creative soul is all it takes to snap some good shots. Until I grow my business more, I’m working with my beloved hand-me-down camera and lens that have served me so well! The gear helps, but it’s not what makes a photographer!

I’ve also learned that having a good, supportive community is key to a thriving business. I couldn’t have gotten to where I am without the help of other local photographers giving me advice, letting me second-shoot, helping me scout locations, and being a second eye on my finished galleries. I’m all about community over competition and feel so fortunate to have found a great photography community!

I want the world to know that I am 100% here to capture REAL moments. People want to get perfect photos with everyone smiling at the camera, posed perfectly, but my favorite shots to capture are the scraped knees, the belly laughs, the games of tag, and the slow dances. Capturing those moments is so special to me!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite question!! I love exploring and treating people to new adventures.

Eating at my favorite restaurants is one of my guilty pleasures. Some of my favorites would have to be Sushi 1 in Greeley, Cy’s Deli for the best sandwiches ever in Grand Lake, El Rinconcito Salvadoreño for delicious pupusas in Greeley, Mambo in Steamboat Springs, Kujira Ramen in Fort Collins…the list goes on!

I’m a big fan of being outdoors, so we d definitely have to visit Lory State Park, Horsetooth, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Devil’s Backbone to hike, take a walk along the Poudre River, visit the best mountain towns of Grand Lake and Steamboat, go paddle boarding at any of the beautiful lakes/reservoirs in the area…truly just anything outside in the sunshine (or even the snow!)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Kourtney Johnson with Kourtney J. Photos has been the BEST mentor around. From setting me up with camera gear, helping me scout locations, talking me through editing crises, spending countless hours listening to me talk non-stop while we drive to shoots, and just being the best “photography wife” around, Kourtney has been an inspiration to me in starting my business! I couldn’t have gotten to where I am without her.

Also a huge shout out to my family for all being so supportive of me on this journey. Having a good support system to help with the kiddos, cook me dinner after a late shoot, and just root for me and cheer me on keeps me motivated to keep working hard and growing my business!

Website: https://marielfrancinephotography.pixieset.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/marielfrancine.photography?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091809815776&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
All images are my own except the headshot of me was taken by Kourtney J. Photos