Ready to meet another awesome 417 photographer? We’re loving getting to know the people who use our space and what inspires them to create! Today on the blog we introduce you to Mariah of Mariah Datema Photography! we love her passion and drive and can’t wait for you to
Hi! I’m Mariah!
I'm a young, aspiring photographer in the 417. I have lived in Springfield for all my life, and I'm currently attending Missouri State University with a major in Child Development and a minor in Diversity Studies! I am super passionate about activism and social justice, and of course: photography! I have been interested in photography since the fifth grade, when I would take photos on my LG flip phone. My junior year of high school I got a job at Sonic so that I could save enough money to finally buy my first DSLR. I was so excited, and my business started from there! My goal for photography is to make people feel as comfortable and confident in their own skin as they can. Self-Love and empowerment can be such a difficult journey, but I want my clients to embrace who they are as individuals and learn to love themselves along the way. My favorite feedback from clients goes along the lines of, "Mariah! You made me look so beautiful" Nah, girl. That's all you. You are beautiful!
Headshot by Illuminate Photography
Q: How long have you been a photographer?
I got my first DSLR camera in 2017, and have been seriously pursuing photography since 2018. It was my senior year of high school, so my first true sessions were senior sessions from my friends in class! I'm still super appreciative that they trusted me during that time because more often than not I had no idea what I was doing.
Q: How would you describe your photography style?
My photography style is warm, candid, and soft. It has changed a lot over the last year but I've finally found my style and I'm sticking to it!
Q: What is the most rewarding thing about being a photographer to you?
The most rewarding thing is just hearing how confident my clients are after photoshoots. I love hearing positive feedback and that they've found confidence within their photographs.
Q: What is the best thing about your clients?
My clients are seriously so sweet. In my few years of doing photography, there have been very few clients that I didn't click with! I love my reoccurring clients that come back to me for multiple occasions, it makes me feel so loved and important! I cannot thank my clients enough for being so incredibly amazing. They rock!
Q: What is your favorite thing to photograph?
Either Grads/Seniors or couples. I love taking MSU Grad photos because they're always in such a great mood. Like yes, you did that! You got a degree! That's amazing! Then definitely couples because I am such a hopeless romantic. Show me some love and intimacy and I'll be saying the word "cute" a hundred times during your session.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Oh gosh. Well, I guess I could say that it's always extremely rewarding to me when MSU reposts my Grad photos to their Instagram. This past semester a photo from one of my Grad sessions actually got put into a slide show in Glass Hall, which was the coolest thing ever. The client I had for that shoot was absolutely stunning, so it's no wonder they chose that photo!
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to yourself when you first started as a photographer, what would it be?
Keep learning, and don't ever stop. Even when you think you're at a point in your journey where you know enough to succeed, that's not enough. Constant learning will get you to where you'd like to be.
Do you have any Photography influences?
So many! I follow new photographers on Instagram everyday it seems like. A few of my favorites are: Abigail Derrick, Marissa Knudsen, Raleigh Woods, Aurora Dawn, and Kayla Locke. All super talented and powerful women, which I'm all about.
What is your favorite piece of gear? Dream piece of gear?
My nifty fifty lens is my absolute favorite at the moment. It just works so well with portraits! I would love to upgrade to a full frame camera one of these days, as I'm still using my DSLR from junior year of high school! I'm a Canon girl through and through, so I'll definitely be upgrading to a Canon. ;)
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to your clients what would it be?
Relax and stay natural. Natural movements make for the best photos. Be yourself and be comfortable! Photoshoots can be nerve wracking but I want you to feel as authentic as possible.
Q: What are some fun facts people may not know about you?
I have been a vegetarian for 6 years, I'm the Instagram coordinator for @msugenerationaction (the campus organization I'm in), I'm 1/4 Korean, my favorite color is emerald green, I have more plants than I can count, and I have 3 siblings! Oh, and I'm very open-minded and no topic is too taboo in my mind. I'll talk about anything!
Q: What would your ultimate, dream photo shoot be?
I've always had this idea of doing something with women empowerment and self-confidence. I don't really know exactly what that would look like, but I'm thinking I'd work with a diverse group of women in terms of race, age, etc, and take photos of them without makeup to show natural beauty..Maybe a future Lightbox project? On the simpler side: I would LOVE to shoot a couple session in the mountains someday. I'm definitely a mountains kinda girl.
Q: Where do you draw inspiration from?
Honestly I draw inspiration from the photographers in this community. Everyone is super kind, inspiring, and helpful. I love seeing their creative projects because then it encourages me to come up with some creative ideas of my own!
Q: What was your favorite part about using Lightbox?
The decor! Every time I walk in there, I think "Dang, can Hannah just come and decorate my entire house?" Everything there is so aesthetically pleasing and the lighting is perfect.
Q: What kind of photo shoot(s) have you done at Lightbox?
I have done a winter/Christmas themed high school senior photoshoot, and I also did headshots for a local makeup artist/esthetician! The senior shoot was in the Loft, and the headshot shoot was in the lower studio. Both were fantastic, and I especially loved all the plants in the lower studio.
Q: How would you like to use the studios at Lightbox in the future?
I would like to delve into boudoir photography eventually, and I think Lightbox would be a really great and comfortable place for that. I also would just love to shoot more portraits in general at Lightbox. Every time I shoot there, it's magic.
Q: Any final thoughts?
Lightbox is a photographer's dream. If you're a photographer in the area and haven't had a chance to try it out yet, make plans to do so. You won't regret it!
Thanks Mariah! We are so excited to see you continue your photography journey and see what photos you take in the future at Lightbox! If you want to see more of Mariah’s work you can follow her on instagram here : @mariahdatemaphoto
Written by Bekah Schooler
Lightbox Creative Coordinator and Studio Assistant
If you are interested in being featured in the Q & A with a photographer series e-mail me at Lightboxbekah@gmail.com