If traditional photo sessions have ever felt a little too posed—or not quite you—you’re in the right place. My approach is relaxed and intentional, designed for families who want to see themselves as they really are: connected, present, and full of love.
From helping you choose what to wear to helping everyone feel at ease, I’ll guide you through the entire experience.
The result? Family photographs that feel like home.
The Experience
Where Real Moments Become Beautiful Photographs
How This Works: Step by Step
Show up relaxed and connected. I'll guide you through effortless moments that feel natural to you.
Photo Day
FINALLY
We’ll plan timing, location, and outfits, and I can share my stylist if you’d like help coordinating looks.
Schedule a Quick Chat
NEXT
Start by choosing how much time you'd like. Every session can be at the beach, in studio, or at home.
Choose Your Session
FIRST
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens After we Book Our Session?
What Happens After we Book Our Session?
You will receive a confirmation booking email from me with your scheduled date and time. My email will include a contract, and a helpful What To Wear guide, as well as my contact information. You will then receive a family questionnaire that will help me get to know you a little better. I'm always available for a quick scheduled chat if you need further help planning your family outfits.
Do you welcome all types of families?
Do you welcome all types of families?
I work with families who genuinely enjoy being with their kids, who laugh together, play together, and embrace the beautiful chaos that comes with real family life. I'm proud to serve families with neurodivergent children and those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. As a Latin-American woman and small business owner, creating a welcoming, inclusive space for all kinds of families isn’t just important to me, it’s part of why I do what I do.
What does the payment schedule and deposit info include?
What does the payment schedule and deposit info include?
Your session is officially booked with a $100 deposit, submitted securely through my online booking system. The remaining balance of $725 for my Storyteller session is due seven days before your scheduled family photoshoot. Payment plans are automatically available for both my one-hour and two-hour packages.
How many edited photos are included in a family photography session?
How many edited photos are included in a family photography session?
You’ll receive a minimum of 40 hand-edited images delivered via a private online gallery, sent straight to your inbox. From there, you can easily download, print, and share your photos with family and friends. Every image is edited in true-to-color hues and natural skin tones, so they feel just like you remember them.
Do you help with posing during family sessions?
Do you help with posing during family sessions?
Yes! I always tell my long-time clients, I won’t leave you wondering what to do next (or what to do with your hands!). I’ll gently guide you throughout the session with playful prompts, easygoing direction, and relaxed posing tips for both you and the kids.
That said, I also love giving your family space to simply be yourselves. Some of the best sessions happen when families show up ready to play, connect, and just enjoy time together, always the best case scenario.
Do you offer styling help for family photo sessions?
Do you offer styling help for family photo sessions?
Absolutely. I offer one-on-one styling tailored to your specific location and your family’s personality. It’s included with every session, and honestly, it’s one of my favorite parts of the process. Styling is how I help moms and families feel confident and show up fully for their photos. I photograph families in every setting—sunset beaches, cozy homes, open fields, and modern studios—so your portraits reflect your life in Orange County in a way that feels true to you.
We start by locking in a location, then work together to choose colors and clothing styles that complement the setting. My preferred way to chat through styling is a scheduled 20–30 minute FaceTime, but I’m always happy to text if that’s easier for you.
Will the session still work if my kids are shy or wild?
Will the session still work if my kids are shy or wild?
I never expect kids to smile on command because I’m more focused on helping your family engage naturally through play, snuggles, and easy connection time. That’s when the good photos happen, when families feel most like themselves, and kids feel seen, heard, and safe in the presence of their parents. This is the heart of how I approach every session. I meet kids where they are by getting down to their level, introducing myself, and asking if they’re ready to have some fun with their family. Sometimes I even invite them to decide where we head next, it gives them a sense of ownership and turns the session into a game. And if your kiddo is extra wild or full of energy? Perfect. I’ll roll with it, keep up, and find ways to channel that energy into joyful, movement-filled photos that capture their personality.
Throughout it all, I gently guide the flow in collaboration with you, offering simple cues to keep things light, comfortable, and real. This candid, connection-first process is one I’ve trusted for years, and it works every time.
My husband isn't into family photos. Will that be a problem?
My husband isn't into family photos. Will that be a problem?
Honestly, I get it, not everyone feels comfortable in front of the camera. Maybe you’ve had an awkward experience in the past with a photographer who used stiff poses or cheesy prompts. That’s not my style.
Before every session, I take time to connect with everyone. We’ll chat for a few minutes, set some expectations, and ease into things, whether we’re walking to a location or moving through your home. In my experience, people feel more at ease when they’re simply being seen and heard.
Past clients have told me that their partners, especially the hesitant ones, ended up feeling relaxed and even had fun. Some have said they only want to work with me in the future. That kind of ease and connection is exactly why I do this. I want every session to feel calm, comfortable, and true to your family, not staged or stressful.
How long will it take for us to receive our final, edited photos?
How long will it take for us to receive our final, edited photos?
Turnaround time is typically 1–2 weeks, depending on how full my schedule is. Spring and summer tend to be a bit lighter, while fall fills up quickly, especially around the holidays. If you're hoping to use your photos for cards or gifts, I recommend booking well in advance to secure a spot and allow plenty of time for delivery. If you’re working with a specific deadline, I also offer rush editing for an additional $100, which you can add on during the booking process.
What's your cancellation/reschedule policy?
What's your cancellation/reschedule policy?
Deposits are non-refundable but can be applied toward a future or rescheduled session. I don’t charge cancellation fees, though I kindly ask that we keep reschedules to just once whenever possible.
–Lindsay P.
"Experience was more like a 10/10. Maria took her time with us and made us feel like we were hanging out with a friend. We flew out of state from California for our anniversary and wanted to commemorate the time with photos. Since this was our first wedding anniversary Maria was the first to capture this and she superseded all of our expectations!"
–Kelsey W.
"My family had a truly wonderful experience with Maria. She is warm, patient and easy going which allowed us to be natural and present in the moment; playing, chatting and acting as we normally do. The outcome of course is magical photographs that capture this precious time in life with young children. I know I will forever look at these pictures with so much love. Looking forward to many more sessions with Maria."
–June L.
"Maria’s work is simply magic! She makes it so easy to just have fun and be yourself, while bringing out and capturing candid and beautiful moments. Would work with her again in a heartbeat and highly recommend Maria for anyone."
