"From the initial booking, consultation, and last minute wardrobe ideas - she was invested in our experience, and was such a pleasure to work with! We took family photos with our nearly 1 year old daughter, and she gave us direction on what we needed to do - and how to entertain our daughter. We are so happy with the photos, and can't wait to work with her in the future!"

location IDEAS //

+ A city neighborhood
+ Baking with the kids
+ Outdoor scenic spot
+ Your favorite eatery
+ An ice cream shop
+ Architectural city spot
+ Your home (favorite)
+ A private photo studio

what to expect  //

+ One-hour relaxed lifestyle session.
+ Gentle posing direction for ease.
+ Location options: home to outdoors.
+ Helpful prep guide included.
+ Online gallery with high-res images.
+ Authentic, candid family portraits.

- vanna s.

"We loved our family session with Maria!
We were able to just have fun as a family, and she captured it so well."

- lauren t.

Hi, i'm maria, a family photographer based in south orange county, ca, and your personal guide to stress-free, beautiful photos.

Welcome to my One-Hour Storyteller session — designed for busy families who want real, joyful, connection-filled images without the overwhelm.

Not sure what to wear? I’ve got you. I’ll help you style your whole crew with outfit ideas that photograph beautifully and feel like you. Unsure where to go? I’ll recommend location options that match your vibe — whether it's beachy, at-home, or something in between.

From prep to shoot day, I guide you every step of the way so you can show up relaxed, have fun, and walk away with photos that feel effortless and true to your family.

You focus on loving your family — I’ll help you decide what to wear, where to go, and how to capture it all naturally.

"We recently had an in-home newborn session with Maria, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. The photos are absolutely stunning — documentary-style images that feel genuine and timeless. She didn’t just take pictures; she told a story, and we will treasure these memories forever. We would recommend Maria to anyone looking for authentic, heartfelt photography. As long as she’s in Orange County, she’ll be our go-to photographer! We are obsessed with her work.

- emily g., orange county, ca

"if your last family photos didn't feel like you,
let's try something different."

If you've ever walked away from a photo session thinking, "That didn’t feel like us," you're not alone. So many families come
to me after feeling unseen or overly posed in past sessions. My approach is different—more natural, more editorial, and built around the real moments that make your family yours. We’ll focus less on looking at the camera and more on creating space for connection, comfort, and beauty to come through honestly.
Don't worry, I only deliver the good stuff.