Helping senior photographers elevate their client experience
GROWTH-FOCUSED
Education & COACHing
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Are you ready to take action?
How I can actually help YOU!
Intention, Purpose & Passion are my drivers as an artist, a creative, and a mentor to other empowered photographers.
Hi! I'm Maria and my goal is to meet you where you're at. I'm here to provide insight into your current business model, give you actionable advice, make your processes more manageable & sustainable and finally, infuse confidence in YOU to help you achieve your goals and grow a business you love. But first, my friend, you have to believe it is possible for you! If you're ready to GROW & finally step up no matter what...I can help!
Hi! I'm Maria and my goal is to meet you where you're at. I'm here to provide insight into your current business model, give you actionable advice, make your processes more manageable & sustainable and finally, infuse confidence in YOU to help you achieve your goals and grow a business you love. But first, my friend, you have to believe it is possible for you! If you're ready to GROW & finally step up no matter what...I can help!
There's no right or wrong way—just what works for YOU, your business and the life you envision living.
schedule your free consult call
My purpose is to help you identify why you do what you do. Understanding the purpose behind the work that you do, as well as your core values as a business owner is what ultimately determines your unique approach, your business model and the systems you implement to run your business.
I have created my business with a lifestyle-first approach. This is why I offer truly personalized coaching. The right way to run your business is really what works for YOU and the life you want to live while doing what you absolutely love — by doing it with purpose.
I have created my business with a lifestyle-first approach. This is why I offer truly personalized coaching. The right way to run your business is really what works for YOU and the life you want to live while doing what you absolutely love — by doing it with purpose.
I am passionate about helping women feel confident about themselves and their business.
actionable client-centered strategies to scale, attract & serve your dream clients
- liliana chavez
Maria is unlike anyone else I have ever mentored with before - she is seriously one of a kind! Her approach completely shifted how I see my work and gave me the confidence to value it more. Thanks to her guidance, I was able to raise my prices and actually book more clients—it's been amazing! She walked me through how to create a luxury experience that makes my clients feel special and sets me apart in my area. Honestly, working with Maria has totally transformed how I run my business, and I’m so grateful for everything she’s taught me. If you’re thinking about stepping up your game, you have to work with her!
"Working with Maria
changed everything! "
changed everything! "
LILIANA CHAVEZ PHOTOGRAPHY
Sometimes it's surreal! I know you have big goals! I once dreamt of being exactly where I am now, but had no clue how to get here. One thing was true though, I lacked confidence and the knowledge to attract and book my dream clients & provide the most memorable and impactful experience for them.
Starting with $250 sessions & unsure of how to charge more, to providing a multiple four figure client-centered LUXURY experience is as possible for you, as it was for me! If you're here, I know you're ready for a change and I promise I can help!
Starting with $250 sessions & unsure of how to charge more, to providing a multiple four figure client-centered LUXURY experience is as possible for you, as it was for me! If you're here, I know you're ready for a change and I promise I can help!
Let's Work Together!
anything and everything is possible for you, but you have to believe in yourself! Let's do this! i'm here to help.
My caring and creative hand-held approach to coaching is designed specifically for senior photographers who are stuck and seeking mindful, client-centered strategies that will truly elevate and scale their business model to a premium experience created with purpose, allowing them to provide value, charge their worth, and in turn increase their average sale per client!
I offer a safe and non-judgmental space where you can ask ANYTHING my friend!
Being an empath is my super-power!
As a portrait photographer, mentor, and coach, my mission is simple: to create an empowering, confidence-boosting experience for every client. Whether it’s helping them see their true beauty or, as a business owner, giving them the confidence to take the next big step, I’m here to support them every step of the way!
The key is in the empathy we have for our clients, the relationships we create based on a deep and trust-worthy connection from the beginning. In turn, my clients feel valued, seen and heard. This is the approach I teach.
With over 20 years of experience as a photographer and over 5 years specializing in luxury senior photography, I have learned that in order to be an unmatched photographer, you need to be the trust-worthy expert they are looking for, have confidence in yourself and not be afraid to take the risks that will catapult you to the next level.
The key is in the empathy we have for our clients, the relationships we create based on a deep and trust-worthy connection from the beginning. In turn, my clients feel valued, seen and heard. This is the approach I teach.
With over 20 years of experience as a photographer and over 5 years specializing in luxury senior photography, I have learned that in order to be an unmatched photographer, you need to be the trust-worthy expert they are looking for, have confidence in yourself and not be afraid to take the risks that will catapult you to the next level.
hey there!
I'M MARIA
- shawna tomren
“Maria helped me gain so much clarity around my business goals. Truthfully, I didn’t even realize how stuck I was until she started asking the right questions. She’s the perfect blend of strategy, support, and that 'let’s get this done' energy. I left every session feeling focused, fired up, and ready to take action with a solid plan. Since working together, I’ve raised my prices, increased my bookings, and feel more confident in my vision. If you need someone to help you cut through the noise, remind you who the heck you are, and actually get things moving, Maria is your girl.” 💗
“She’s the perfect blend of strategy, support, and that ‘let’s get this done’ energy.”
shawna tomren photography
LIKE YOU?
do these sound
OMG, you read my mind! Help!
"I'm stuck. I feel like I keep attracting the wrong people. Clients just don't seem to value what I offer".
"I wish I could charge more, but I am so afraid of raising my prices or evolving my collections. What if I loose clients?"
Ugh...I'm spending so much time emailing clients but I still deal with confused clients everyday. What am I doing wrong?
"I struggle to find a consistent editing style and create a portfolio I am actually proud of that will attract my dream clients."
Feeling overwhelmed and stuck? The key to attracting and booking dream clients is shifting your mindset to create a clear and purposeful process that clients value. A confused mind says “no,” and trust is built through clarity and connection.
let's work together to refine your client experience.
- alejandra escalante
Working with Maria completely changed my photography game. She has this amazing way of teaching that feels so natural and easy to follow. I learned how to connect with my clients, make shoots fun, and create a more personal, comfortable experience. Once I implemented her advice, word of mouth referrals increased and I was able to confidently raise my prices! Her tips on workflow, branding, and client interactions helped me take my business to a whole new level. Maria isn’t just a teacher, she’s a mentor who truly cares. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her guidance.
"Maria Made All the Difference in My Business! "
ALEJANDRA ESCALANTE PHOTOGRAPHY
IMAGINE THE FEELING...
You're no longer stuck. What if you could confidently wake up each day knowing your business is aligned perfectly with where you are NOW and where you want to go—not where you started."
Free weekends. When you charge your worth and work with ideal clients, you free up time to shoot less and earn more! No more fear of raising prices! Let's double triple of 10x those prices!
Freedom from overwhelm & self-doubt! Bliss! Your Client Journey workflow is a personalized automated system that impresses clients and allows you to focus on your creativity. Know what to say and when to say it.
No more self-doubt! Your website, and socials showcase a portfolio that attracts dream clients who hit that inquiry button with confidence."
Free weekends. When you charge your worth and work with ideal clients, you free up time to shoot less and earn more! No more fear of raising prices! Let's double triple of 10x those prices!
Freedom from overwhelm & self-doubt! Bliss! Your Client Journey workflow is a personalized automated system that impresses clients and allows you to focus on your creativity. Know what to say and when to say it.
No more self-doubt! Your website, and socials showcase a portfolio that attracts dream clients who hit that inquiry button with confidence."
Yes! i'm so ready maria!
$475
Actionable steps that you can implement today! Let's dive into 1-2 topics! Past client are interested in:
- Client communication strategies
- Pricing your collections
- Implementing & offering unique products
- Client management systems & workflows
- Website critique/review
- Editing, retouching & workflow in Lightroom
- Shooting, lighting, gear & software
- Craft a styled shoot (mood board, sourcing props, connecting with boutiques, etc.)
- Anything else you need help with!
The Strategy Call
— 90 minutES
COACHING & Mentoring
Strategic 3-month Coaching to redirect and scale your business. 100% tailored to your goals. In 3 months, we'll transform the key aspects of your business that need the most growth.
- Mindset Strategies to overcome challenges
- Website & email workflow audit
- Setting up your CRM (Honeybook)
- Design client journey templates
- Complete overhaul of your pricing structure
- Crafting high-converting collections
- Defining your why & core values
- Anything else you need to scale!
- + In person VIP day includes headshots!
2 bi-monthly session for 3 months
+ 30 MIN ZOOM ONBOARDING CALL INCLUDED!
Quarterly Coaching
$1495
Payment plan available
VIP day
1 full day experience or 2 half-days
+ 30 MIN ZOOM ONBOARDING CALL INCLUDED!
We'll spend 1 or 2 days in-person or zoom to hone-in and on the areas of your business you need reform in order to scale. This coaching session is 100% tailored to your goals and is ideal for the photographer needing to dig deep in a specific area of their business. Examples are:
- Crafting a complete email workflow
- Setting up your CRM (Honeybook) from scratch
- Design your unique client journey templates
- Writing your website copy
- Complete redesign of your pricing structure and crafting high-converting collections
- Defining your why & core values and craft your new messaging
- + In person VIP day includes headshots!
$1695
Payment plan available
The Styled Shoot & Editing Day
- 30 min prep session (Zoom call)
- 2 hour styled model shoot
- Model will be styled in 3 unique outfits
- Model will have professional Hair & Makeup
- 1 hour culling & editing in-person session
- 30 min Clarity Session after the shoot
Time to reset your creativity and add images you're truly proud of to your portfolio! A personalized styled senior shoot crafted for YOU that reflects YOUR unique brand. I will help you direct the senior and walk you through my thought process on outfit selection, camera angles, lenses, lighting, location, and session posing flow.
$795
- full day IN-PERSON 1:1 experience
schedule your 15 min clarity call!
Styled shoot and VIP Experience clients must reside/practice at least 50 miles outside of the 21209 zip code.
*Inquire about PAYMENT PLANS
*Inquire about PAYMENT PLANS
I'm a former agricultural engineer turned professional photographer—a journey that's still a little surreal to me, even now! Life has a way of leading you down unexpected paths, doesn’t it? While my earliest memories are rooted in the arts, at 18, I found myself pursuing a degree in agriculture. Why? Honestly, I couldn’t tell you, but I know now that my heart wasn't really ever in it.
After four years of college and a decade working in the field (yes, literally—ugh, the sweat), I finally gave myself permission to follow my true passion: portrait photography. Agriculture, though, wasn’t wasted time. It taught me resilience, grit, and the value of hard work.
I spent ten beautiful years living in Costa Rica before life took me back to Ecuador, but not without a twist! In the whirlwind of moving back, I met my husband—ironically, back in Costa Rica! Talk about fate! 20 something years later, we’re proud parents to two incredible and confident guys who inspire us daily with their big hearts.
That’s the short version of my story! If you’re curious about the details, feel free to reach out! I’ll tell you more over coffee!
After four years of college and a decade working in the field (yes, literally—ugh, the sweat), I finally gave myself permission to follow my true passion: portrait photography. Agriculture, though, wasn’t wasted time. It taught me resilience, grit, and the value of hard work.
I spent ten beautiful years living in Costa Rica before life took me back to Ecuador, but not without a twist! In the whirlwind of moving back, I met my husband—ironically, back in Costa Rica! Talk about fate! 20 something years later, we’re proud parents to two incredible and confident guys who inspire us daily with their big hearts.
That’s the short version of my story! If you’re curious about the details, feel free to reach out! I’ll tell you more over coffee!
the informal intro
i''m an introvert-extrovert so it's just a matter of feel comfy!
_ christine ziff
Maria’s coaching was exactly what I needed at this stage in my business. She was honest, encouraging, and incredibly generous with her knowledge. What made the biggest impact for me was her help in shifting my mindset and taking a fresh look at my pricing—something I had been avoiding for too long.
"What made the biggest impact for me was her help in shifting my mindset"
christine ziff PHOTOGRAPHY
Launched my 1:1 mentoring services to help business owners grow & thrive. Began teaching at photography conferences around the country.
2023
Hosted my first photography workshop and grew my Senior Photography business exponentially!
2020
Made the decision to specialize in Highschool Senior Photography and never looked back!
2018
Graduated with a degree in Photography and started my business photographing every genre.
2009
I bought my dad's old Canon film camera and photographed anything beautiful!
2001
A brief look at where I started and the milestones I have hit along the way
from year to year
it doesn't matter where you started, what matters is where you're headed
Let's Connect!
MARCH 3-5 2025
USE CODE: ORTIZ100
OCTOBER 6-8, 2025
use code:
maria2025
I will be speaking at several photography conferences in 2025 and I'd love to hang out with you!
If you find yourself needing to CONNECT with other like-minded photographers in a group setting to network, learn and create, I've got you covered!
Click the links below to explore which conferences may be the best fit for you. You can book your spot for a conference directly on each website using my personal code!
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to shoot me an email or fill out the contact form below!
If you find yourself needing to CONNECT with other like-minded photographers in a group setting to network, learn and create, I've got you covered!
Click the links below to explore which conferences may be the best fit for you. You can book your spot for a conference directly on each website using my personal code!
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to shoot me an email or fill out the contact form below!
CEO
FeBRUARY 2025 (LIVE)
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