Meet Marly Arturo Bagnano | Artist & Dreamer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marly Arturo Bagnano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marly, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I have been blessed with an unabashed confidence that everything will always work out. Some may say it’s impulsiveness because I tend to jump in first, ask questions later but I prefer to believe it was all meant to be. That does not mean that I don’t have bad day or cry at frustrations but it does mean each decision is either awesome or a lesson for the future.

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.
I don’t have an interesting story for where my love of photography started. Maybe it was my mom who always insisted on us taking pictures. Maybe it was becoming a mom myself. Maybe it was my childhood obsession with photos from National Geographic Magazine or Vogue. I’m not 100% sure.

What I can tell you is that when I upload a photo in to my computer and it’s a “good one”, the joy and accomplishment I feel is addictive. I joke that my goal is to make mamas cry, but I’ll confess on here that it is indeed NOT a joke. I aim to make you cry.

I am self taught and still carry a certain shame that goes with that. Although I don’t have traditional education in anything creative (my college years rendered degrees in Criminal Justice, and later, Science & Nursing), I do have a passion for learning, which balances out my shame with pride. I feel proud of where I am. I like the images I’m producing and feel I’m moving forward. I love a good chase so I’m not slowing down right now–I’m holding on for dear life! I’m finding this season of my business to very fast paced. The trouble with that is I’m seriously struggling to balance all the things. All the things. There is so many things to do when you work, have a business, and a family. I’m afraid my over-achieving tendencies will burn me out. Or worse, I will fail my family more than I’m comfortable with.

When I come out to photograph you, please know I am giving it my all. Please know I want to connect with you because the photos are ALWAYS better when we connect. It does not always happen, but I’m constantly aiming for it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would start with biking downtown so we can take in all the beauty that is Charleston. I like to park right on Murray Blvd. We would stop at Colonial Lake and sit for while to chat. After our bike ride, we would have breakfast at Grace & Grit. Come home and take a nap lol
Wake up fully rested. Snack on some charcuterie– the usual staples plus garlic olives to keep the vampires away lol and pate on crusty bread.
Get dolled up a bit–a dress as per usual, flats for the cobblestone streets, a hat made at Southern Ruetz, and earrings by The Kept Petal. Head to dinner at 167Raw and feast on the freshest, yummiest seafood. Then meet the best tour guides at Bulldog Tours for a walking ghost tour. Get spooked and fascinated at once. Head to the Citrus Club to take in the aerial view, sip on something cute while making cute conversation with people you vibe with. End the night by stopping at Ye Old Ice Cream for toasted coconut ice cream.

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?
To my little family. To my husband for being my number one fan. To my three boys for being my muses. They are the impetus behind my drive to document this beautiful life.

Website: https://www.marlyviviana.com

Instagram: marlyvivianaphotography

Facebook: marlyvivianaphotography

Image Credits
My headshot was by Emily Grace Photography. All other images are mine, Marly Viviana Photography.