Rising Stars: Meet Lori Marquez of Mesa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Marquez.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
⸻
Hi, I’m Lori — mom to four amazing boys, wife to my husband of 23 years, and the heart behind Lori Marquez Photography. I’m a photographer with a deep love for capturing life’s most meaningful moments.

I started my photography journey five years ago, inspired by the desire to freeze time and preserve memories that would be cherished for generations. My children were my greatest inspiration — it was through them that I began to see the beauty in everyday moments, the magic in the details, and the emotion in both candid and posed shots.

I began my journey diving head first into learning studio lighting and Photoshop, building a strong technical foundation before discovering the creativity and beauty of natural light photography. That shift changed everything for me — and I haven’t looked back. I love that my work is so versatile and I can offer both options to my clients.

Photography is more than a job for me; it’s a lifelong passion. I’m constantly learning, growing, and falling in love with this art form over and over again. My mission is to keep evolving in my craft while creating images that are timeless, meaningful, and full of heart.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Behind the scenes, my journey hasn’t always been easy. Starting a photography business from the ground up came with more challenges than I could’ve imagined — from learning how to use lighting and editing tools, to figuring out how to run a business, market myself, and build real connections with clients. Learning to manage my time being a full time mom and creating the time and space to also create art for others has definitely been an on going struggle.

There were times I doubted myself, wondering if I was good enough, or if I’d ever “make it.” I poured hours into learning, experimenting, making mistakes, and starting over — sometimes with no guarantee that it would pay off. Balancing creativity with the realities of running a business hasn’t always been smooth, and there have been moments of burnout, comparison, and feeling unseen.

But through every struggle, I kept going — because deep down, I knew my purpose was bigger than the hard days. I knew that creating meaningful, lasting memories for people mattered. And that passion kept me grounded.

I still face struggles, but I’ve learned that growth often comes from the uncomfortable. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m even more excited about where I’m headed.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I can’t say I specialize in just one type of photography, because the truth is, I love it all. From maternity to milestones, outdoor golden hour shoots to in-studio portraits — I find joy in every story I get to tell. I’ve become known for my moody natural light edits and my studio work, I’ve been described as warm, silky, sharp photos and what I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come all on my own.

What sets me apart is the intention behind everything I do. I pay attention to every detail, and I pour so much time and love into each edit. I want every client to feel seen, every image to feel personal, and every gallery to feel like art.

I’m still learning, still growing, and still falling in love with this craft every single day.

What makes you happy?
What makes me happy is knowing that every gallery I send out will be loved and cherished by my clients. It’s the messages I get afterward — the joy, the gratitude, the way the images make them feel — that remind me why I do this. What also makes me happy is continuing to learn and grow in my craft. Discovering new techniques, pushing myself creatively, and never staying stagnant — that’s what keeps the fire going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.Lorimarquezphotography.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/lorimarquezphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ExAqy1VLA/?mibextid=wwXIfr