We had the good fortune of connecting with Mariah Jarrett-Mouton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mariah, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of my brand is going against the status quo. As a Photographer, we’re told to do certain things if we want to be “successful.” What most people forget is that sometimes you have to go outside of the norm to get noticed. Over the years, I developed a unique style of shooting and how I present my brand.

I don’t post on social media every day, I don’t force people to book with me, or buy prints after sessions. I simply do the opposite and I have been very successful with it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What I think sets me apart from other photographers is that I am very personable and help put my clients at ease. What I am most proud of is that I help people feel confident about themselves and express who they truly are (or wish to be). I have the honor of working with some of the most amazing people! It truly excites me to get to know them and their stories.

Like most girls in middle school, I struggled with my body image. I never felt like I was as pretty as the other girls. Fast forward to my junior year of high school, it was time to start taking my senior pictures mainly because it took so long to get them back. I wanted my senior pictures to look like my sisters, so I went with the same photographer. My parents couldn’t afford to buy me a new brand new wardrobe, so I wore my favorite pair of jeans and clothes I wore all the time. I still had my braces and I hated my how my makeup looked. For a 16 year old – it felt like the end of the world. I walked away feeling so embarrassed and unconfident. Shortly after that I swore I would never want people to feel the way I did and started my business when I was 17.

After doing this for 10 years, I’ve learned that anyone can learn how to take pictures, but not everyone can make people feel beautiful in pictures. I want people to know that it’s possible to be successful – and still be humble. I am vulnerable with my clients. I ask them what makes them comfortable, uncomfortable and then work with them to build confidence. It’s my passion and it’s what makes my buisness so unique.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Eat – The Melt Drink – Cooper’s Hawk Winery
Visit – Hocking Hills
Hang Out – Short North

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this shoutout my high school photography Teacher, Mr. Yeager. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have taken his yearbook and advanced photography course. He would always tell me I had a natural talent for photography, and he is still one the biggest supporters of my craft.

Website: https://www.mariahjarrett.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mariahjarrettphotography/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahjarrett/

Image Credits
Sarah Sekaly Photography

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