Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Gunning.
Hi Mary, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Since I was a little kid, I’ve always been interested in photography and videography. My childhood best friend and I would make movies and music videos (this is a generous statement) with camcorders in our backyards and edit them on iMovie. They were (of course) terrible, but they sparked my interest and gave me an early exposure to working with cameras and editing software, plus we had way too much fun doing it!
Fast forward to my college years, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Barcelona and I took a photography course. This is where I learned the foundations of photography like exposure, composition, and color in one of the most incredible and stunning cities in the world. I truly fell in love with the medium and realized that I wanted to build a career with my camera.
I studied psychology and political science at Rhodes College, so it wasn’t necessarily an obvious transition to go into photography and videography. However, I’ve found that my background in those fields has enhanced my appreciation for humans and their stories. I believe in the significance of the relationship between the person behind the camera and the person in front of it, and the best work happens when you’re able to make them feel seen, comfortable, and confident. It’s such a privilege to help others see themselves the way you see them.
After graduating, I had the opportunity to work for Rhodes College managing their social media and creating photo and video assets. While working there full time, I also began freelancing for New Ballet Ensemble and School doing similar work. Eventually I was hired full time at New Ballet Ensemble, and I continued doing freelance work for a variety of clients including Memphis River Parks Partnership. When the pandemic hit, I took a break from freelance and transitioned into a role with Forever Ready Productions as a Video Producer. After working there for 4 years, I’ve recently transitioned into being a full time freelancer.
I’ve always dreamt of working for myself, and I’m so grateful to finally be at this point in my career to confidently make this leap. I’ve been so fortunate to work with many incredible organizations and individuals to capture their events, performances, portraits, and more!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Getting to this point has had its challenges for sure. I think the main struggle has been with building confidence and trusting myself. When you’re making any big decision in life, it’s hard to know if it’s the right path for you or the right timing. There’s so many what-ifs swirling around in your head. The antidote for me has been action. The more you practice and push the boundaries of your comfort zone, the more your skillset improves and you begin to build a healthy sense of confidence in yourself. When I look back now, I see how the puzzle pieces fit together, and I remind myself that my future self will look back on the present version of me and see all the ways that things are coming together even though I can’t see it yet.
It was also a challenge being a full time employee while running a freelance business on the side. Time is a limited resource, and I definitely wasn’t getting as much rest as I needed during those periods. But there’s a quote I love that says, “When something is right for you, it will give you energy. That’s how you’ll know.” And that’s exactly how I’ve felt. When I leave a shoot or deliver a gallery that delights a client, I can’t help but beam with a sense of joy and purpose.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My services include photography and videography for events, concerts, portraits, dance performances, weddings, travel and more! I love documenting all kinds of different subject matter, but I particularly love it when I’m able to capture people and their passions. Whether it’s artists who need portraits to promote their work, event planners who want to capture the details of their efforts, fundraisers who need to raise awareness for their mission, couples who want to capture timeless memories, or anything in between, my goal is to preserve moments. Time is a tricky thing that keeps moving past us, but the camera is a tool that allows us freeze a moment and travel back in time – I’m extremely passionate about that.
There’s so much in this world that is bleak and depressing and that’s often what gets the most attention, and of course that attention is warranted. But on the other side of that coin, there are humans who are doing big and small things every day that help create a better world. These moments deserve our attention and celebration as well. As Dolly Parton once said, “By keeping my eyes open for unexpected joys, I find the world gives back more than we sometimes think.”
What matters most to you? Why?
Community is by far the most important thing in my life. I’m so grateful for my family, friends, mentors, and my wonderful partner. They’re a constant source of encouragement and they inspire me daily. Truly nothing matters more in this world.
I also deeply value the Memphis community. I’ve called Memphis home for 11 years now, and I am so appreciative of the ways this community has embraced and poured into me. I want to pour that same love and energy back in return.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marygunning.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marygunning/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marygunning/
