Client Testimonials

MVS is not an agent, nor is her advice generic. She’s the business manager every business needs. She’ll show you how to leverage your strengths, what conferences to go to, competitions to enter, how to present yourself on the web, and at portfolio reviews. She’ll open your eyes to approaches to advance your career you never would have known existed. She’ll push you as hard as she pushes herself. She knows good photography, nobody knows the business better, and she’s a delight to work with.

At each major intersection in my career, I turn to Swan. Our consultations have been invaluable. She is a beacon of information and inspiration. Each time we meet, I walk away not only with the guidance I was seeking, but a list of practical to do’s that help propel my work forward. (I’d love to keep her to myself, but the secret is out…)

Mary Virginia Swanson is a dynamo, an incredibly energetic source of enthusiastic, insightful, and inspiring ideas for photographers seeking guidance.  A session with her is is an amazing experience, packed full of helpful ideas and innovative suggestions, all relating specifically to one’s own situation.

I went to see Mary Virginia because I had a body of work I wanted to see published, a collection of personal photographs of New England Rural Churches taken over decades.  Swannee helped me find the perfect agent who embraced the project, resulting in a book that has met my highest expectations.  Given this impetus, this body of work has now taken on a life of its own in ways I could never have anticipated, resulting in speaking engagements and a traveling exhibition with many museum venues.  This project has truly been the highlight of my career, and none of it would have happened without Mary Virginia’s pivotal involvement.

The meetings I have had with Mary Virginia Swanson have been career-changing. She came to the table after taking the time to get to know me and my work. Her advice is always personalized, professionally sound and deeply motivating. This is a tricky path we have chosen; to be artists. MVS is an invaluable compass.

Mary Virginia Swanson generously shares her wealth of knowledge, insights and enthusiastic optimism with all she meets.  Grab on to ten percent of her ideas and you will be amazed how far you can go with your photography and career.  A trusted friend, MVS, is candid, honest and always supportive of your progress and success.

I am still in awe of the ENORMOUS and invaluable guidance I was given by Mary Virginia Swanson in preparing for my first portfolio review – which I wouldn’t have even known about except for her good advice!  Our early phone conversations helped me to identify and refine my strongest bodies of work.  From our first chat, Mary Virginia has been incredibly encouraging; her enthusiasm gave me the confidence to sign up for the event.  Her editorial eye is sharp and clear, her suggestions always strong without altering my own vision, and her insight into the professional realm of fine-art photography was essential to navigating my way.  By phone and email, we worked together on a new business card design, selected the highest priority reviewers for my work, and prepared promotional materials, all of which added up to a focused and successful review.  No matter where my photography career goes from here, Mary Virginia can claim the lion’s share of credit for helping to get my feet under me at the start, and I will always be grateful.

Mary Virginia Swanson is a coach. You can hire her to coach you for one inning, the whole game, the entire season or throughout your career. I initially came to Mary Virginia to help me package my work for a portfolio review competition. That single event planted the seed that matured into an entire forest of multiple projects, exhibitions and books. She taught me how to set and achieve goals, how to brand myself and how to market my work. When you invest in Mary Virginia Swanson, you invest in yourself.

A meeting with Mary Virginia Swanson is your moment to learn  what it is to be a successful photographer today and the chance to  ask all those questions brewing in your psyche. It is a  compassionate talk, rare in this business.   It is not only that she  knows everyone but she understands their hopes and dreams and helps them fulfill them. To my surprise Mary Virginia counseled that she wanted to streamline my promotion so I will have time to shoot. That demonstrated to me how much she respects photographers and her unique understanding of our natures.She sets you at ease and allows you to experience the true joy and  privilege of being able to take pictures that speak to our audiences. Unique in her overview, she is an ambassador for the photographer, comprehending our needs as well as those who curate. Her grace, civility and enthusiasm light up any room and she represents the best of who we are or can be.

After hearing great things about Mary Virginia Swanson for years, I finally decided to contact her for a consultation.  It was the best thing I ever did.  Her advice changed my life and for this, I am forever grateful.  On my own, I would never have known what steps to take to set my career into motion.  I am amazed by the range and depth of her knowledge and skills concerning all aspects of the business of photography.  She is THE world’s expert and I give her my highest recommendation!

Mary Virginia Swanson is the wisest investment I made in my  career. Under Mary Virginia’s guidance, the recognition of my work and the success of my art career has grown greatly and exceeded what I could have accomplished on my own.  Mary Virginia has helped me with the creation of my website, preparing for portfolio reviews, marketing my work and she always has a smile on her face.