Meet Kaila marino | Photographer & Owner of Freshwaterimage Photography

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

Hi Kaila, what do you attribute your success to?
Authenticity. I think being fully myself in front of the camera on my social media, in front of my clients, and behind the camera is a major factor in why people choose to work with me. I’m a firm believer in we attract who we are. I truly love humans and I want them to feel seen, heard and beautiful in all areas of life & that reflects well in my art which in my head is a success! I’m not sure I would classify myself as a success story….yet. BUT starting this business from the ground up and continuing to show up every single day, has certainly gotten me further than I was yesterday and more successful than I was last year. I can only hope it continues 🙂

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 be delighted! What I want everyone to know about my brand and my story is that I was experience a major loss as my Mom, Lisa was on her last few months of life. I found that I needed a hobby that brought me a distraction, joy and allowed me to express myself creatively. After my first photoshoot, I was able to show my Mom my work whilst visiting her, she was as proud of me, as I was in myself. From that point on, Something sparked joy in me that I cannot shake. Long story short; My Mom passed shortly after & I found solace near bodies of water. I always have. Living in Michigan surrounded by unlimited fresh water and the name for Freshwaterimage Photography was born.

I am a lifestyle photographer. I feel like I am known for my true to life color images, I try to combine documentary style prompting and classically styled portraits into my portfolio.

I am most proud of my personality and connectivity with my clients. I feel like I’ve always had this incredible gift of meeting people, making them feel comfortable, beautiful and heard, and this job allows me to do that daily!

I feel like anyone can learn manual settings on a camera with the right motivation, however the thirst and tenacity this profession requires is something that cannot be taught and reflects when your clients are comfortable. They do say “A picture is worth a thousand words”.

I’ve experienced numerous challenges, and I think I will forever as long as I’m willing to learn and grow. One of the main lesson I’ve learned is when you start to demand a new version of yourself, it changes your entire life in so many ways and your circle gets smaller when you devote all of your free time to growth, but it will create room for the right ones to find you and that’s OK! nothing meant for you, will leave you.

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.
I think we would start the day with coffee from Shaded Bloom Coffee in Lake Orion. Maybe check out a few local boutiques in downtown Holly. Definitely we would go to Buck Shots Bar and Grille in Clarkston for my absolute favorite chicken salad and spicy green beans with a craft beer. Might end the night with a comedy show at One Night Stans in Waterford. The next day I’d hope to take them to Ethos for Yoga in Holly and perhaps a coffee and breakfast from The Holly Cafe. I’d encourage them to take a trip with me to Caseville for the day or overnight to experience my favorite place in the world on Lake Huron at my Dads house and on our way home maybe stop off for some shopping in Frankenmuth.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have so many people I want to give credit to. I think everyone’s success in life is attributed their village and I love mine. My Father Patrick. He bought my first camera, believed in me that I can start my own business & has given me lots of entrepreneur advice. My husband Tony for taking care of everything when I work 24/7 to build my dream & my #1 cheerleader. Jim O’hearn for planting the seed to find a hobby to be creative because I was feeling so lost. Courtney Trudo & Melinda Rolstch for all of their amazing photographer advice when there is so much competition in this industry and they never fail to offer a lending hand. Last and not least every friend turned client, client turned friend and everyone who continues to book with me and support my dream and small business. THANK YOU!!

Website: freshwaterimage.com

Instagram: instagram/freshwaterimagephotography

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/p/FreshWaterImage-100074424953815/

Image Credits
freshwaterimage photography