In Focus: Maricar Lianne Photography

Posted on August 12, 2010

It’s time to get back on track after a month of contest entries and voting! Today we have the second in the In Focus series, featuring Maricar of maricar lianne photography! I have known Maricar online since 2003 – wow, 7 years! – and she is one of the sweetest, selfless, most caring people out there.

Maricar is always there to support others, even when her own world may be dim. She is a beautiful wife and mother of two gorgeous little sweeties. I know her angels above are proud of the strong woman she is today! And not only is she a fantastic person, she is a very talented photographer. And, without further ado, let’s chat with Maricar …

Please tell us about yourself.
My name is Maricar Fernandez. I named my business maricar lianne photography because my last name is too long. The hubby and I agreed to use my middle name instead. I’m originally from Guam and now live in Oregon. I love it here. I adore the seasons and the opportunities seem endless here for me and my family.

How long have you been a photographer?
I’ve been a photographer since March of 2007. Wow, three years goes by fast!

What’s your target market?
I preferably like to do natural light portraiture. I’ve now started to get my feet wet with weddings.

What equipment do you use?
I currently have a Nikon D300 with a battery pack, which I love! My lenses are the 50mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.8, 28mm f/1.8 and 17-50mm f/2.8. A Nikon D700 and 24-70mm f/2.8 are on their way!

You’re a part-time photog; what are your additional jobs? How do these jobs inspire your photography career? I actually consider my photography business full time. I’m always working. I don’t have most weekends off. I work most nights and sometimes into the early morning. My other job is at The Container Store. I’ve been working there for 5 years now. That job inspires me to stay organized in my business most especially in my workflow and work ethic. I’ve learned a lot about how to treat customers working with this company as well. Customers are always first for us. During this last year, I scored English assessment papers. That was a fun job. I love reading how creative kids are. Their stories gives me ideas to keep children entertained during a photo session.

What other photographers influence and inspire you?
I’m constantly inspired by my peers. I work very closely with photographers in my area and we always support each other. It’s nice to know you can just call them if you need to talk about biz. There are way too many of them to mention so I won’t because I’m sure I’ll forget to list them all. Most of them are also my best friends outside of photography as well. I have also met a number of photographers, both for business and for fun, on Flickr, through my attendance at WPPI and through Facebook.

How do you describe your style?
I’m just fun and want to make sure my clients love the experience. I try my best to make them happy with their images. I want them to smile when their walk through their house and see my art on their walls. I want them to also remember how fun it is to take photos. A lot of times, either mommy or daddy are behind the camera and are never seen in the photos. It’s good to have photos professionally done once in a while!

What’s your favorite type of photography?
This is such a hard question! Is it bad to say that I love them all?

You give back in a lot of areas, photographing NILMDTS photos, for instance. Why?
I chose NILMDTS as my main charity because I’ve lost a son and I’ve known a lot of people that have lost children way too soon as well. This is the only time they get to hold their little one in their arms. I’m there to make sure that we can capture that moment for them forever. I also give huge discounts to clients that are dealing with infertility, military deployment & hospice issues. These three have played major roles in my life.

What’s your best advice for photographers looking to break into the industry?
My best advice is to work hard, be yourself and constantly learn your craft. This didn’t happen for me overnight. Thank God I’ve been blessed with insomnia & love for repetition. I’ve learned to use my camera manually, read a ton of books regarding exposure, using light and the mechanics of the equipment, spent a lot of time on the computer learning how to use Photoshop. Be a sponge. Also, don’t try to be someone you’re not, give credit where credit is due and constantly give back to the community.

What’s your best advice for MWACs?
Have fun with it! Don’t stop taking photos. Memories pass us by so quickly. I’m guilty myself of not taking enough photos of my own children. One of the best things about photography is living again through the memories that you see in them.

Maricar is an on-location, natural light photographer who provides creative and modern portraiture for maternity, babies, children, teens, high school seniors, families, couples and weddings. She serves the Tualatin, Oregon and surrounding areas. For more information, visit maricarlianne.com.

Thank you, Maricar! It was such a pleasure to have you as one of my featured photographers. You are one special lady!