We recently had the chance to connect with Marisa Colon and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Marisa, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: When was the last time you felt true joy?
My trip to Disney World with my best friends of 35 years brought me true joy. We were like kids again—matching Minnie ears, too many snacks, and way too many “wait, one more picture” moments (mostly from me, of course). I swear, I can’t turn off my photographer brain even at Disney. I was out there chasing the perfect castle light like it was golden hour at a wedding.
But between the laughs, the Mickey ice cream, and the nostalgia, it hit me—this is what pure joy feels like. It reminded me exactly why I love photography: capturing moments that feel like that.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Marisa Colón, the heart behind FBM Studios, a wedding and event photography studio based in South Florida. I’ve been capturing love stories, celebrations, and all the beautiful chaos in between for over a decade. My brand is all about storytelling with style—mixing those magazine-worthy shots with real, unfiltered emotion.
I started FBM Studios because I wanted people to feel their photos, not just scroll past them. What makes it special? Every session is personal. I laugh with my clients, dance at their weddings, and sometimes even tear up behind the camera. I mean, if I don’t cry during your vows, did I even shoot your wedding?
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
That would be my mentor and best friend, Dr. Mazzara. For almost 20 years, he’s been my voice of reason, my reality check, and sometimes my unofficial therapist. He’s seen me through every high and low—from navigating lift to chasing my dream with FBM Studios—and he always believed I could do more, even when I doubted myself.
Without his friendship and constant encouragement, I probably wouldn’t have had the courage to turn my passion for photography into a full-blown business. Everyone needs that one person who sees the masterpiece before it’s framed—that’s him.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
When I moved from New York City to South Florida, I basically had to start my photography business from scratch. No clients, no connections, just me, my camera, and a whole lot of faith. I remember thinking, “What did I just do?” while sweating through my first outdoor shoot because, you know, Florida heat is not for the weak.
I hustled, networked, showed up at every event I could, and little by little, it started to grow. Looking back, that leap of faith was the best thing I’ve ever done. It reminded me that sometimes the hardest resets lead to the most beautiful new chapters—kind of like the perfect photo after a hundred takes.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Being Latina is in everything I do. The warmth, the energy, the family-first mentality—it all shows up in my work. I bring that same love and connection into my photography because, honestly, we don’t just take pictures, we celebrate life.
Whether it’s hyping up a bride like she’s my cousin getting married or feeding everyone before a shoot (because no one smiles hungry), that’s the Latina in me. It’s about making people feel seen, loved, and part of something bigger—just like family.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
When I’m laying on my couch in my South Florida apartment, wrapped in a blanket, pretending I don’t have 1,000 photos to edit. The sun’s setting, my phone’s on silent, and for a few minutes, I convince myself I’m living my soft-life era.
It’s my reset button. No clients, no cameras, just me, my thoughts, and the occasional “should I order takeout?” moment. That’s when I remember peace doesn’t always mean quiet beaches or fancy spas—sometimes it’s just your couch, good vibes, and ignoring your to-do list like a pro.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fbmstudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fbm_studios
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-colon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fbmstudios
