Marie Davis

When I was fifteen, I asked my parents for a "real" camera for Christmas. To my dismay, I got a Polaroid. So I saved my money and got my first 35mm Canon. I dabbled in the yearbook, snapping people, outdoor and still life photography for a hobby.

Upon graduation in 1978, my friend asked me to photograph her wedding. With little wedding experience, my camera and my book of dreams, I gladly accepted. Shortly after that, I entered an outdoor photo I had taken into a contest with more than 3000 entries, and won a $5000 camera from Fotomat. My career flourished. Within the next two years of business school, I found my photography to be more rewarding for me than my degree. So my "small" home-based business grew to over sixty-five weddings per year and fourteen employees. I also organized a Bridal Show here in Waukesha at the Expo Center for eight years.

I eventually bought a studio and expanded to a full-time business. But with a large volume of weddings, I felt I was losing something. So after fifteen years of business and raising my children, I made the huge decision to once again downsize my business back to my home where I am today! My home-based business now consists of myself, my daughter and one other woman photographer.

All of us have a personal commitment to our couples. We don't want their photography feel like a high-priced, high-pressure item. We try to match up our personalities and work with people that we can laugh with and make their wedding day special. I love working with couples who appreciate the beauty of everyday things - love, happiness and life. If I ever get bored or tired of it, I will quit, but right now it feels nice to be part of their wedding day and be chosen as their eyes for the day! How much better could anything be than that?

The biggest thrill I get is a hug, sometimes years later, when I see a couple and they tell me how much joy they are still getting from their photographs. It gives me a renewed sense of the legacy we leave behind as photographers.

Just like the older day historian photographers, who I so greatly admire, that dragged their heavy gear to record one family portrait (now aged in someone's generational album). I really do feel honored to have this be my profession, hobby and talent. Thank you for allowing me to share this gift with you.

"Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever…it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything."

-Aaron Siskind