Meet Marie Noonan!
Marie Noonan Photography
“I am a photographer that specializes in portrait photography. I photograph seniors, couples, families, maternity, kids, really any photos to do with people!”
About Marie Noonan Photography
What motivated you to start your own business? What did the process of getting started look like?
From a young age I knew that I wanted to own my own business. I have never liked working a 9-5. I loved taking pictures and one day it hit me that I could make money off of it. From there I started building a portfolio to showcase my work and getting as much equipment as I could!
What is it like to be a young entrepreneur in the photography industry and in Omaha?
I definitely feel that there is a lot of "competition" which used to make me doubt myself and my work, especially because I am so young. I even had a client ask for a refund once because they didn't realize they were "hiring a child". There has been lots of ups and downs, but I use that to better my business.
What are some tips of advice you would give to other young people who want to start their own business?
My biggest piece of advice would be to never give up on yourself. Tomorrow could be the day you win! Promote yourself! Have business accounts, have websites, be reliable and reply fast. The thing that has grown my business the most is word of mouth and social media. I have never had a client come to me with an issue that didn’t get solved. Put your clients first, if you made a mistake you may lose money out of it for a refund, but at least you don't leave that client with a negative image of your business.
What are some obstacles you had to overcome starting your own business?
My biggest obstacle was definitely start up costs. I have over 10 cameras, a crazy amount of lenses, 7 studio lights, over 10 backdrops, and a million props. It costs SO much money to own a business & you can't start making money until you spend a significant amount. Get the necessities first, and then get the rest with the money you're making. Another major obstacle I had for a long time was finding clientele. I always have my friends be my models and I create beautiful sets to show people my talent and what I am capable of creating. Not everyone will want extravagant sets, but it shows that I can do difficult sets, so they know I can do the basic sets. Make yourself stand out and create things you have never seen before.
How do you measure success at your business?
I measure success in the smiles I see when I turn my camera to my client to show them how the photos are coming out so far! That is my favorite reaction ever. I love when people come into my studio nervous, and leave my studio confident that their pictures are perfect & exactly what they imagined.
In what ways do you think your community supports your business?
I have been so lucky to make amazing relationships with so many people in Omaha, that when I post my work people in my community share it, comment or react & even one interaction helps my engagement. I always ask clients how they found me and 9 times out of 10 they saw a post of mine and decided I would be their photographer.
For more information on Marie’s work, visit: www.marielnoonan.myportfolio.com
What is your favorite thing about being a small business owner?
I love the freedom of working when I want to (which ends up being 24/7 lol). I also love being able to create my clients' vision and make it come to life. The reactions I get make all the hard work worth it.
What makes your business unique?
Attention to detail is something I'm really big on. I do skin retouching, which is smoothing any acne or skin texture & cleaning up any fly away hair. You can ask any of my clients and they will tell you I'm always fixing their hair, fixing their shirt, or having them tilt their head at the most flattering angle. I try my best to make sure I capture all of my clients' beauty perfectly. Another thing that stands out is that I always create sets that I have never seen before. I just recently created this amazing set using aluminum foil and some colored lighting. I also recently did a Maternity Milk Bath set that turned out so glowy and lovely. I have 3 more creative shoots scheduled this year which I will be posting in the new year, unless I really can't wait to post them!
