This week’s ambassador spotlight shines a light on Maryam Salassi of Hi + Hello Photography. Read on to find out more about Maryam, see some of her work, and find out which bluebird chic strap is her personal favorite!
Maryam Salassi of Hi + Hello Photography is an in-home family lifestyle photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is super chill and tends to choose sneakers over heels. When she’s not photographing fun families, she loves experimenting with film cameras, spending time with her own awesome family, hiking, reading, or just generally being supercool.
How long have you been a photographer?
I received my BFA in photography back in 2005 (holy moly!), and did photography on the side for years, but I’ve been full time for about 2.5!
What made you decide to pursue photography?
I’ve always loved photography but when we moved to the Bay Area 3.5 years ago I decided to give it a real shot as a business. It has been an amazing journey and self-employment is not for the faint of heart, but I love every minute of it (even figuring out taxes!).
How has your photography evolved over the years?
My goal is to give each family photographs that they can look at in 20 years and be instantly be transported back in time. When I first started, I was just handing over digital files, now I educate my clients on printing their images and offer heirloom quality prints and albums that they will be able to pass down through generations.
What is the best part of being a photographer?
I get to give people tangible versions of their memories. Pieces of their lives in print that they can keep and look back on for the rest of their lives. It’s a huge honor to be chosen by families to do this.
Which of your business achievements are you most proud of and why?
This past summer I became a finalist in the Click Magazine Voice Competition. My image was printed in their magazine and it kind of made me ridiculously proud! It is easy to get imposter syndrome in this field so having that validation really meant a lot.
What kind of camera(s) do you own and what role does it play in your life?
I currently shoot with a Canon 5D Mark IV with a Mark III as backup. I mostly use a 24-70mm lens for family sessions with a 100mm macro for newborns, and when I travel I usually only take my 50mm 1.4. I also have several different film cameras that I love to shoot with for fun. I generally always have a camera with me at all times!
What’s your favorite thing about your bluebird chic strap?
I wear a lot of black when I’m shooting so I absolutely love the pop of color this gives! And even with my heaviest lens, the wide strap keeps thing comfortable around my neck. The soft fabric is light enough that even when I inevitably start sweating, it’s never uncomfortable!
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Maryam’s ambassador pick, the all-new “Plum Birch Bark Floral,” will be in shops soon!
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Thanks for sharing with us today Maryam and for supporting the bluebird chic brand!
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