About Me

FN0A0678.jpg

WEIRD, RANDOM & FUN FACTS about me
IMG_3886.HEIC

TOP 3 WAYS TO SPEND THE DAY OFF?

Cozy up on the couch, with my pitty-lab, some hot tea and binge on Korean romance dramas.

Date night exploring new cocktail and dinner spots. Though it's a bit of a drive for me, I love DTLV arts district for a fun night out.

Strap on some hiking boots and head to the mountains for a good dose of fresh air-that's where true happiness lies.

FAVORITE FOOD?

I love a quality Japanese Omakase menu. When you go to a good one and it's like dinner and a show. Art that you can eat.

MY FIRST WEDDING 

The very first wedding I shot, I did for free-it was for a co-worker and she was having a small backyard wedding. We wrote out a small timeline, photos she wanted, etc..Seemed easy enough, get some exposure, right?!

Lol! Wrong- it was the most terrifying experience that almost led me to not photography weddings. I was scared for years before I actually accepted another job.

Turns out the backyard was small but the joint families were massive and no one spoke English.

Here I am a small 4'11", timid new photographer trying to bust my way through the crowds. Thankfully another co-worker who attended the wedding saw this and spoke the native tongue and help me usher the guest away from the couple.

I went home and cried that night lol.

DSC_4764.jpg

IF YOU COULD TRAVEL ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD TOMORROW, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? 

Honestly I've always wanted to spend a good amount of time in Japan exploring the different islands but more immediate I would want to travel to somewhere that might soon not exist like Venice or the Maldives. 

Paris, Iceland, Greece and Morocco are some of my to die for wishful wedding photography destinations.

@Ladera_Photography-4799.jpg

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

My first job was working for Warner Brothers Studio Store in Ala Moana Center, Hawai'i. I was a store greeter. Thankfully I was too little to fit in the tweety bird costume, so I mainly folded clothes and put things back where they belonged. 

I knew that wasn't the life for me, my time in retail was short lived.

IF I COULD SPEND ONE HOUR WITH SOMEONE THAT'S DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD IT BE?

I would have to say my grandma Margaret and my grandpa Pablo. They both passed away when I was very little so I have barely any memories of them or me with them. I would be cool to ask them about their lives growing up.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN?

I was born and raised on the island of Kaua'i, HI and of the eight islands, seven of which you can actually visit, I've only been to two others.

I've been to 10 out of the 50 states.

FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?

Ever After 1998: An updated adaptation of the classic cinderella story featuring Drew Barrymore, Anjelica Huston, and Dougray Scott.I still watch it today for a good cry session, it's so good! Close runner up is The Story of Us 1999: A romantic comedy-drama about a couple who has be married for 15 years starring Bruce Willis and Michelle Pfeiffer. If you ever need a heart tugging session, this is a good one.

IMG_9975.HEIC

PROUD ACCOMPLISHMENT

January 2024 I did a big thing I never thought would happen- I purchased my first home, right here in Las Vegas.

An accomplishment that makes me feel really proud of the hard work I've put in all these years to be able to have something of my own.

IMG_0623.JPG

FIRST INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL DESTINATION?

I traveled through Thailand for my 30th birthday. Although this wasn't the greatest timing as they were experiencing the most severe flood in their history.

Through it all, my time there has shaped the way I crave to experience other cultures. The people there were so generous and kind.


#ExplorerPhotography

Follow me on Instagram @explorerPhotography

All content copyright © 2025 Marissa Ladera Photography
USER AGREEMENTCOOKIE SETTINGS

Change Block Layout

LAYOUT
D
Using Zenfolio