Meet Marry Jordan | Branding Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marry Jordan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marry, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Over 15 years ago, I picked up a camera for the first time. What started as curiosity turned into a love affair and I couldn’t put my camera down. Once the dynamics of my family shifted with the adoption of our first son I shifted to being an associate photographer for several high end wedding photographers. Eventually, I set my camera down to focus on raising my six kids (I do have two sets of twins after all). Motherhood was my full-time calling, and I poured myself into it wholeheartedly.
Then life took an unexpected turn and was now facing divorce after 21 years of marriage. I found myself a single mom with all my kids full time, wondering how I was going to provide for them. I remember telling God all the things I was skilled at, all the things I was interested in and then, because I was too overwhelmed to figure it out, I simply decided to wait and see what doors would open. I knew one thing for certain: whatever I chose had to allow me to prioritize my kids and keep me emotionally strong so I could show up well for them. That’s when photography started calling me back but in a new way. Instead of returning to weddings, I pivoted to brand photography. It allows me to build something sustainable, create meaningful work, and still be home and present with my children. I get to support my family while helping other businesses show up confidently and authentically.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Photography found me more than I found it. Over 15 years ago I picked up a camera and started photographing weddings. What began as a creative outlet turned into a career that has allowed me to witness some of the most meaningful moments in people’s lives.

Over time my work has evolved into branding photography. What excites me most now is helping entrepreneurs and business owners show the real person behind their work. People don’t just buy products or services anymore, they buy trust, connection, and authenticity. My goal is to create images that help my clients be seen in a way that feels genuine, confident, and approachable.

What sets me apart is that I care deeply about the people I photograph. My mission is simple: your success is my success. When my clients show up online with images that help them get more views, more likes, and more real connection with their audience, that’s when I know the work is doing what it’s meant to do.

The road here hasn’t always been easy. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve had to grow not only professionally but personally. Building a business while raising a family as a single mom and learning to believe in my own value has been one of the biggest challenges. Over time I’ve learned that growth often comes through the uncomfortable moments. The ones where you have to trust yourself and keep going even when you’re unsure.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that authenticity matters more than perfection. People connect with honesty. They want to see the face behind the brand and know there’s a real person there who cares about their work.

What I want people to know about me and my brand is simple: I believe in people. I believe in the business owner who is working hard to build something meaningful. If I can help them show up more confidently in their business through the images we create together, then I’ve done my job.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were coming to visit for a week, the goal would be simple: adventure with beautiful desert views, great food, and relaxation.

Mornings would start with Yoga Nidra meditation because it just sets the mood for the day.

One day would be set aside for a beautiful hike. One of my favorites is EJ Loop. If we’re feeling ambitious, we could do the Wave Cave at Superstition Mountain or attempt the Ridge — any friend of mine loves a challenging hike. Desert hiking is something everyone should experience at least once. Another option would be planning a couple of days to hike the Grand Canyon! It’s breathtaking, and we would stay the night at Phantom Ranch, enjoying a homemade meal and a shower before heading out the next day. Definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

One day could be a desert day trip. Sedona is always worth the drive, with its incredible red rock views, little shops, and hiking trails. It’s one of those places that just feels special the moment you arrive.

Paddle boarding would for sure be on the to-do list at the Salt River. There is something so calming to the soul while coasting down with beautiful rocks and wild horses greeting you in the most surprising places.

After all the adventures, we’d check Groupon for a local massage or pedicure to pamper ourselves.

For food, I’d want them to experience Aburgine or Chop Shop — healthy and delicious. We’d definitely get epic nachos at The Porch, because… nachos! A real gem is Lujos Cocina Mexicana: excellent authentic Mexican food with an elevated experience. This little hidden spot has big portions and homemade everything — it will not disappoint! And of course, we’d get pho from AZ Pho, which is right next to Boca Taqueria, my favorite spot for happy hour nachos.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A huge influence in this season has been working with Erica and Jon. They are education photographers. They made the shift into brand photography and went on to build not only a successful branding company, but an education business as well.
Watching them do it and do it well expanded what felt possible for me. Their encouragement and support gave me the confidence to believe I could build something amazing too. Something that would allow me to provide for my family without sacrificing them in the process. Their confidence in me has meant the world. They modeled that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of presence. That you can grow a business and still be deeply rooted in what matters most.

Website: https://marryjordan.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marryjordanbranding/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-jordan-979922106/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.jordan.9822