Today we’d like to introduce you to Marquis J.
Hi Marquis J, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey into photography began during one of the most difficult seasons of my life. In 2013, I experienced the heartbreaking loss of my mother, a moment that forever changed my life. Growing up, I had always been told that I had “an eye” for capturing beautiful things, but I never imagined that photography would become such a meaningful part of my story.
In 2014, as a graduation gift, my aunt gave me my very first DSLR camera, a Canon Rebel T3i. Little did I know, that camera would become more than just a gift. It became an outlet for my emotions, a source of healing, and a way to navigate the grieving process after losing my mom.
I started photographing everything around me—flowers, animals, landscapes, everyday objects, and anything that caught my eye. I had no formal training, no mentor, and no real understanding of photography. It was simply me, my camera, and a desire to learn. Through countless hours of experimenting, making mistakes, and teaching myself, I began developing my skills and discovering my passion.
Eventually, friends and family started noticing my work. What began as a personal creative outlet slowly turned into opportunities to photograph family members, church members, and special moments in the lives of others. Before I knew it, something that started as a way to cope with loss was becoming something much greater.
Looking back, photography didn’t just give me a creative outlet; it gave me purpose during a time when I was trying to find my way forward. What started with a simple graduation gift has grown into a passion and a business built on capturing moments that people can cherish for a lifetime.
My story is a reminder that sometimes our greatest purpose can be discovered in the midst of our greatest pain. What began as part of my healing journey has become a way for me to preserve memories for others, and that’s something I will never take for granted.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Ha!! Absolutely NOT! It has definitely not been a smooth road! One of my biggest struggles was fighting the mental battle of feeling like I wasn’t good enough and allowing other people’s opinions of my work to define me and my abilities as a photographer. When I first ventured into portrait photography, that transition was somewhat challenging. I went from photographing flowers, landscapes, and things that couldn’t give me an opinion, to working with people who had expectations, preferences, and sometimes a whole lot of criticism! And let me tell you, that was an adjustment! I’ve always been extremely attached to my work because it’s more than just a photograph to me. It’s something I created, something I put my time, energy, and creativity into. So naturally, when someone criticized my work, I took it personally. I had to learn that just because someone doesn’t like something I’ve created doesn’t mean I’m not talented or that my work isn’t valuable.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a portrait photographer based in Charleston, South Carolina, specializing in editorial portraiture. As of lately, I’ve also become known for my event photography, having the opportunity to capture some of the biggest events in Charleston!
And I have to give credit where credit is due! A huge part of that growth came from an amazing woman by the name of Courtnay Coan, who took a chance on me. When I tell you this woman helped transform my life in a matter of DAYS, I mean just that! She saw something in me, opened doors, and gave me opportunities that I will forever be grateful for.
When it comes to my work, I bring EVERYTHING I have to the table! I’m passionate about what I do, and when I have a vision, I’m going to do everything in my power to bring it to life. Do I hit the mark every single time? Absolutely not! But when I do?! Oh, I feel like I’m ON FIRE! There’s no better feeling than capturing an image exactly how you envisioned it.
What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come. Something that started as a way to cope with losing my mother has grown into a passion that’s taken me to heights I never imagined. When I think about that young man in 2014 with his first camera compared to the photographer I am today, it’s emotional. I know my mom would be proud, and that means more to me than any recognition ever could.
What sets me apart? I truly believe my eye is a gift from God! I don’t say that out of arrogance, but out of gratitude. I’ve never attended photography school or had formal training. Everything I’ve learned has come through trial and error, determination, and trusting the gift God gave me. I’ve been blessed to produce work I’m incredibly proud of without taking the traditional route. I’ve had my fair share of doubters, but I genuinely believe I’ve exceeded the expectations of many naysayers, and even some of my own!
At the end of the day, I’m not trying to be the next version of somebody else. I’m simply trying to be the best version of the photographer God created me to be. I want people to look at my images and feel something. I want my work to speak for itself, and I want every person who steps in front of my camera to know that I’m giving them my absolute best.
What started in grief has grown into purpose, and I truly believe God is nowhere near finished with my story!
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
My website is up any running it’s
Marquisjstudios.com
Instagram: MarquisJPhotography
It’s the page with the black & white M logo
Facebook: Jaquez Marquis
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Marquisjstudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marquisjphotography?xtok=MWl6eWRkMmV3Ymti
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1F14xdiz8K/?mibextid=wwXIfr
