Category: Uncategorized

Getting ready for Spring! (and beyond!)

So for now, I am going to keep this update relatively short, because A LOT is going on. But I know that with the way I am, if I kept waiting to write a proper post, then it would have taken me forever to get that done. So here are the cliff notes as to what has been going on:

1-I am booked for a speaking engagement next month in Harlem to discuss historical costuming, the roles and contributions of Black dressmakers (particularly Elizabeth Keckley) in historical fashion, and showcasing some of my ensembles! When I say that my flabbers were gasted when I received the call about it! I am so excited for this!!! And of course, VERY very nervous. I hope I don’t curse or babble on stage! When I have the official promotional material and such, I will share.

2-THIS upcoming weekend, I will be heading to Albany, NY to attend the Crown Tournament of Ryouko’jin and Indrakshi (who are AWESOME people, and this will be their second reign in the SCA), but I will also be officially taken on as an apprentice to my longtime friend, Duchess Isabella, who has reigned as Queen of the East Kingdom twice thus far. I have admired and respected her since I first joined the SCA, which was something like 13 years ago. She has always encouraged me and pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and expand my skills when it comes to costuming and service to the Kingdom. I will readily admit that I was speechless when she presented this opportunity to me. She has not taken on an apprentice in upwards of 20-something years, so this is a BIG DEAL for me, and I hope that I do her and my apprentice-siblings proud.

Over the next couple of days, I will be working on finishing my ensemble (16th c. Persian-which my persona is based on), and I cannot wait to share the process and the final look with you.

3-Since coming back from France and with the new opportunities and events that are unfolding in my lap, I had quite a few friends convince me to start another GoFundMe to help contribute and offset the costs that go along with my historical costuming journey. Things such as travel/accommodations for events, fabrics & materials, and the tools/equipment to document and share my projects and research will benefit from this new GoFundMe.

Support my GoFundMe here!

As some of you know, although I am a professional photographer who has had my business for 16 years – Marisa Taylor Photography, I am also disabled due to multiple chronic illnesses. So I have had to scale back how much physical work I do when it comes to photography (weddings being the main aspect), because I just can’t physically hold up to doing them longer than 2-4 hours. And then the recovery time after has gotten days longer compared to how it was before. For me, being down for the count for so long doesn’t do anyone any good, especially my family. It is a really hard thing to grow your business and watch it blossom, while knowing that you’ve already reached your peak and have to withdraw from it little by little. But that does not mean I am giving up photography forever, NOR does it mean I am giving it up at all. I am focusing my business on smaller, intimate weddings & elopements, along with my normal portrait photography, as well as my fine art print site!

You can check my site out here: https://www.marisataylorphotography.com/PrintSite/

I do think that that is all for now, or until I remember that I need to come back and update this with something else!

OH WAIT! (see, my brain loves to do the “OH SQUIRREL!” thing). Although I have had my youtube channel for YEARS now, I only recently started uploading more content to it, and try to do so on a consistent basis. If you are a Youtube user, I would greatly appreciate it if you could give my page a follow! Youtube – TheMarisaZimmerman

Until next time my friends!

Back from France!

And oh my god, I don’t even have the words other than “freaking amazing!” I’ve been back a week now, and today is the first day where I feel that I have enough energy to dive back into my normal routine, in addition to cleaning and organizing the chaos that was caused during the reconstruction process, when a second pipe not only bursts when the heat was turned back on, 8 other cracks were found in the piping. PLUS, having to purchase a completely new furnace. It was A LOT. And thankfully my husband, who knows me so well, decided it was best not to tell me while I was away because I would have freaked out, my anxiety would be through the roof, so yeah…he was right!

There is so much to share about the trip, and about the project that I worked on while at the residency. Which means of course there are tons of pictures and videos that I need to edit and share. I’ve already started sharing some photo posts & reels over on my Instagram, if you want to take a look.

I am also getting back to doing the wax-sealed letters. I know that some of you have been expecting your packages, and believe me when I saw that between being overwhelmed and trying to prepare for the trip while living out of a suitcase in a hotel, coupled with executive dysfunction: it all kicked my ass, and I dropped the ball. So I deeply apologize for that. So some of you will be receiving letters and others, depending on your tier, a package or two with gifts along with the letters.

But check out this photo of me in front of the glass pyramids at The Louvre! A street photographer came up to me asking to take a couple of photos, and I was honored!!!

Countdown to France! It’s SO CLOSE!

I leave in just TWO DAYS! Two freaking days, and I still can’t believe it. So while getting things prepared, you may or may not have seen that we had two pipes burst in our back room /my husband’s office…AGAIN. The first time was 12/23, and we started the restoration process; in which they came and packed everything up and put it in a storage pod, and did a dry-out. Just to have another pipe crack in the ceiling on 1/10. Since then, we have been in a hotel the second time around, the plumber/HVAC company could not get the furnace to kick back in gear, along with a random pipe that’s not even connected along the floorboard (I seriously have no clue what that is about!). Thankfully, we are just down the road from our house, and I am so thankful that our homeowners’ insurance is covering everything.

This means that I have of course brought my sewing machine and such with me, and have been working on two ensembles, and a couple of accessories. I will be finishing the wearable mock-up for the Amalia Jacket here and cutting the pieces so that I can finish the full silk version while I am in France. Along with a petticoat, a mantle, two fur muffs, a pair of mitts, and a shift. At least, for now. Tomorrow, I swing by my house to gather the rest of the clothing and accessories that I plan to wear while away. Now this is kind of a big deal because I am doing my personal project: 28 Days of Historical Dress during February, which I have been doing for 3 years now (I think? it may be 2). So while it is easy to pick out what to wear each day while I am at home, I now have to deliberately plan my outfits ahead and pack them without going overboard with my packing (which I am prone to do, but since I am limited on bag space, I *need* to plan what I am packing thoroughly). I’m thinking of keeping things relatively simple, and just going with some classic vintage from the 1920’s through the 1950’s. So a couple of different dresses, wide leg trousers, kimono sleeved cardigans, and the like. And of course, my historical stuff. 18th century, a regency gown or two, and an Edwardian ensemble. The Edwardian ensemble is for this years #BGGL (Black Gibson Girl Legacy), created by the amazing Jasmine Le Fleur, the creative genius behind Black Fae Day.

So with two more days left, I am still raising extra funds to help offset the cost of this trip (since I am on disability, and am not doing photography as much as I used to), and have extra for things like admission to two exhibits that I am looking forward to seeing, travel (since I won’t have a rental car), and supplies while there.

Now with all of that said, if you do have extra to help support this art residency, it will be greatly appreciated. After all, if it wasn’t for all of your support from the beginning, the first GoFundMe goal to get me to the residency wouldn’t have ever happened! So a big thank you to all of you! Here are the ways that you can help!

You can donate directly to my cashapp/venmo/paypal:

I also have my Print site, in which you can purchase prints and wall art of my photography. Even while in France, I will be able to place orders within 24 hours of receiving them.
https://www.marisataylorphotography.com/art-prints-for-sale/

And the original GoFundMe campaign, with the goal amount increased: https://www.gofundme.com/f/lets-get-marisa-to-france-for-art

And my Patreon, in which there are different tiers that you can subscribe to monthly, or just one time. I will be sending out the wax-sealed letters & packages for my current Patrons either tomorrow or Tuesday 1/28, which is when I leave: https://patreon.com/TheMarisaZimmerman1

I also have some digital portrait illustrations that I plan to offer while I am gone, and because they are digital-once purchased you will receive a link to download them immediately! So stay stuned for that!

Lastly, I know that there are so many different platforms for social media. I recently created a new public FB page that will basically mirror my TikTok account. So if you could give me a follow there, it would be so very much appreciated! Follow me at: The Marisa Zimmerman


And with that, I think that is a pretty good update if I do say so myself! Now back to sewing and packing!!!

Just 7 days until FRANCE!

Oh my GOSH! Today has been one heck of a day. Mental AND Emotionally. But your girl held it together and will keep on pushing. Especially when there is no other option, but to take every day one step at a time, and finish prepping for my trip to France. (Cue screaming!!!).

Thanks to my friend @thimbleraven who gifted me a gorgeous green taffeta gown, it was the #aidahgown by @scrooppatterns . (of course I will take some pictures!). I still have one full ensemble that I want to make for myself, which will be the #Amalia Jacket, a petticoat, and a couple of minor things like a new shift and such. I cannot tell you how excited I am. And when I say that I absolutely NEED this. I mean it!!! |

I still have my GoFundMe, and ways to donate up. As well as my print store and #patreon. I also (well I FINALLY! 🙃) created a FB page for my costuming/shenanigans. If you could give me a follow there (I understand if you don’t, with the whole meta thing), all the virtual hugs to you! Just look up: The Marisa Zimmerman on FB, and it should come up. Along with the sites to donate/purchase my art to help me offset the costs of this trip and have extra money while there. Being a disabled photographer is not as lucrative as some folks make it out to be 😅 

CashApp | Venmo | PayPal

Purchase prints & wall art of my photography! They ship out between 1-3 days after the order is placed, and will get to you in about 3 days.

You can also subscribe to one of the tiers on my Patreon! This is where you can get semi-monthly wax-sealed letters & small gifts! As well as a wax-sealed thank you note card. I promise, promise, PROMISE to properly keep that updated, as well as my blog!

And of course, the original GoFundMe set up by my husband, who believed in me and this trip more than I ever did!

As always, thank you so so so much for your support!

It’s time for a giveaway!

Hey everyone! It’s time for a giveaway!!! I haven’t done one in a while, and since I thought that I lost one of my earrings, just to find it when I ordered a replacement pair, that means you get a chance to win these! These are crescent moon pink druzy crystal earrings, and they are super cute. Entering is easy, just head on over to my Instagram: @LoveShutterbug and follow the rules below on the giveaway


1-Be sure to follow my page ❤️
2-Tag a friend in the comments. Each tag counts as 1 entry
3-Earn an extra entry by sharing this giveaway to your stories & tagging my page

My print site is live!

My print site is finally live! It really shouldn’t have taken this long, but there is a lot going on. And about three times a day, it hits me that I will be going to France in less than three months. HOLY CRAP!

You can purchase prints of my photography here: https://marisataylorphotography.pixieset.com/artprints/store/. 

I have a couple of different offerings for prints and wall art. When you first enter the gallery, it will give you a quick tutorial on how to navigate it. When you click on “buy photo” on any image, a menu will pop up showing you the print products that you can purchase. I have standard prints, mounted prints, and more! All of the money made from the print sales will go directly to offsetting the cost of travel and other expenses.

If prints aren’t your thing, you can still donate directly, as well as the other methods below.

As always, thank you so much for your support! You rock!

It’s time for an update!!!

(Cross-posting from my GoFundMe update)

Hello hello everyone! (Marisa here!) It has been quite an interesting time since I last updated, which was FOUR MONTHS AGO! Yikes!!! That means the last time that I updated was just before school ended. And while I definitely could not believe that summer rolled up on me super fast, I am more baffled that my trip to France is coming up AT THE END OF JANUARY! cue internal and external screaming

This summer was filled with picnics, trips to the park, Pennsic (of course), birthday parties (my daughter officially became a teenager!), lots and LOTS of sewing, photography, and so much more. I am trying hard to fall back into a daily routine because, without it, I am wrecked! There is still so much to do to prepare for this trip, and to be honest, I am freaking out about it all! And I promise that I will do a much better job of keeping everyone updated! So here we go!

You will see that we updated the goal amount. The original goal was fully funded, and the way my heart will forever be appreciative is an understatement!!! So now, any additional donations will go straight to the travel costs, food (the residency provides a light lunch and dinner every day, but of course, you want to have your own food), money for incidentals, sewing supplies, print supplies, admission costs for attractions and exhibits, and things of that sort. Many of you know that I have NEVER traveled internationally, so this is a lot!!! Ahhhhh!!!! (sorry! Expect to read a lot of “screaming” and a ton of exclamation points over the next few months).

If you’ve been here from the beginning, or read the initial post, the main reason why my husband put this together is because he knows how I am about money and how I beat myself up for not being able to work as much thanks to having multiple chronic illnesses. He also knew that I would continuously kick myself if I didn’t at least try. So while this month has been my 16th year as a business owner of Marisa Taylor Photography, I have scaled back A LOT over the past year as to not over-exert myself and cause even MORE issues. And of course that bums me out, a lot actually, for multiple reasons…but I am going to keep on pushing on!

So, I have created a page on my website in which you can purchase some of my work as prints (printed on fine art luster-coated paper and mounted), or wall art (canvases, standout prints, metal /acrylic prints), and that site is: https://www.marisataylorphotography.com/art-prints-for-sale – It’s still under construction, but it will be finished VERY soon, and I of course will make another update here. I will also be working on wooden paint-dipped earrings, as well as pour art canvases to sell.

I still have my Patreon available, with different tiers that you can subscribe to. One of them even includes monthly and semi-monthly wax-sealed letters and gifts (which will be starting back up again for November): https://patreon.com/TheMarisaZimmerman1

As always, anything that you can give matters, but please do not feel forced to donate! Even if you share to spread the word around, that totally matters. Word of mouth is the best!

You can also donate directly using cashapp/venmo/paypal, which is pictured as well.

And I do believe that is about it! For now at least! I of course have like 100 things to tackle tonight, but this is one of the things that I have been pushing back for a while now.

As always, hugs and thank you!!!

Fall for Costume 2024-Day 1

Let’s see if I actually stick to posting each days prompt! 😂

So hi yall! I’m Marisa and if you are knew here, I am a professional walking hot mess 😂 I also refer to myself as three pandas in a trench coat masquerading as a human. As far as #costuming goes, I’ve been doing this since around 2005/2006. My husband took me to the Maryland Renaissance Fair for a date, and it was my first time ever seeing something like that, and I was HOOKED! I immediately borrowed a sewing machine, and three weeks later we went back in the new garb that I made ☺️

My favorite time periods to dress in are the Georgian Era and the 1920s. But I love anything vintage, and dabble in other fashion eras since I’m in the #SCA. I am a professional photographer as well! I’ve done shoots for @dames_a_la_mode and @redthreaded . I was also a brand ambassador for @stitchinaddiction . So yeah, that’s about it!!

16th Century Persian

Two weeks ago, my shire (#caeradamant) went down to compete in the kingdom of Atlantia’s #revengeofthestitch . It’s an event in which teams of 5 with the 6th person being Al the model create a historical ensemble within 24 hours. This year my daughter Charlotte was the model! Our team captain did an outstanding job with the research and documentation, and the planning of the entire ensemble. We chose 16th-century Persian. I had to step back for a moment because who told my baby she could grow up! We did not win, sadly-but it was still a great event. And my daughter absolutely loved being the model!