Today our first impression of someone many times is by their online photo, found in their about me section. Whether its  an executive team at the hottest start up,  that person who winked at you on an online dating sites, an old friend wanting to reconnect on facebook  or possibly the professional you are thinking about having shoot your family portraits.

Friend & fellow photographer, Michelle of Urban Shutter Bug photography recently asked me to help her update her profile portrait. We met in San Francisco and ventured to the Embarcadero. A location known for it’s breath taking view of the Bay Bridge and some very amazing cuisine! However our focus was Michelle She brought along a gorgeous vintage Kodak camera which was gifted to her by her grandfather.

Photographing another photographer is hard. They aren’t just your peer they also know all the in & outs, and lots of times are composing an image in their head as well. Photographing Michelle was so much fun I forgot it was work! Not to mention San Francisco gave us a beautiful evening!

Michelle, Thank you for calling upon me to update your profile portrait! I can’t wait to see it in your “about me” section.

If you haven’t updated your professional portrait and would like to do so contact me! It’s a great time to get a new awesome default picture that will make a great first impression!

Coco Chanel

That is exactly what Ms. D is! Classy & fabulous! You can see it in her smile, her glance and her walk.

When Ms. D contacted me I was excited to hear her request of a session. A boudoir session, yet nothing that required nudity. She wanted something classy & sexy and honestly it was all her that makes these images Fabulous! She is absolutely gorgeous! She was very relaxed during the session and great to work with.

I asked her to have some fun and flip around. These next two images are my favorites! They capture that giggling girl that we sometimes try and hide as we become adults and are asked by society to sit up straight and pay attention be responsible. What image is your favorite?

Ms. D thank you for opening up your beautiful home for this session. I had much fun doing this session as I did getting to know you a little bit.  I look forward to seeing you soon and maybe getting your kids in front of the camera too!

BIG Announcement coming regarding a Boudoir special! Stay tuned………

Last week I did some fun behind the scenes shooting at the Bill Wilson 4th Annual Fashion show & Art Auction. Everyone who participated was amazing. However the kids totally Rocked it! They’re volunteers doing community service, ranging from junior high throughout high school. They were energetic, fun & sassy ( in a good way) all while remaining professional, composed and relaxed.

The getting ready is always fun to document and the result GORGEOUS!

Watching the interaction between the kids I thought they had all been life long friends, and later realized most of them had just met. I think these kids could teach nations at war that life really shouldn’t be that hard and everyone should just get along.

I was introduced to this organization by my friend and all around amazing Kim Vu. She volunteers with The Bill Wilson Center and was the model co-ordinator for the fashion show. Kim had a team of helpers and they all did a great job! The kids loved them and listened, which normally would be hard to believe right? I mean teenagers listen??… but again these kids were the best.

Here are Kim and Maribel hard at work.

I caught Maribel in a pow wow with Kim sitting in PERFECT lighting and had to take advantage.

The runway show was as professional as can be. The kids all did a great job and had fun. Which is the most important thing!

C.A.T.T. (Community of Advocate Teens Today) also participated bringing topics to the runway which affect not only kids today but the communities they belong to. Such topics include,but aren’t limited to, teenage suicide & physical abuse.

The designers that contributed were Aronn Lira, Chris Millare “Halloway”, Christina Keelan, Datrice Burse, Douglas Burse, Lorawn Dupree & Shalinda Williams. The fashion as you can see ranged from graphic designed t-shirts, to Alice in Wonderland inspired fantasy costumes to day to day wear reconstructed from vintage pieces.

A slideshow of all the behind the scenes images can be seen here.

This is an annual show! Mark your calendar to attend next year!!

Oh and leave a comment if you have a minute. I love to hear from you!

I will be holding mini-portraits sessions on Sunday, March 7th in downtown San Jose. (Exact location will be given to you upon registration)  These very special sessions will last 30 minutes and include a $25 print credit for only $125.00.

Who’s eligible? Anyone.. Families, siblings, babies, couples. mothers & daughters, fathers & sons, mothers to be, newborns. ..including pets (dogs must be on leash).

I am only offering 8 thirty minute sessions. 4 in the morning and 4 in the late afternoon. This will enable everyone to get the best light as well as pick a  time that suits them best. I know not everyone functions well in the morning and vice versa.

Below you will find the list of available times (as they fill up I will update). If you are interested you must email me at info@marianamaya.com and let me know.   I will then call you back/email me (which ever you prefer) to chat about your session in detail. I ask that you be on time for your session and come ready to shoot. These sessions will be very fast paced!!

9:45 am Booked {ML}

10:30 am Booked ! {AJ}

11:15 am —Booked! {AH}

2:45 pm

3:30 pm

4:15 pm Booked! {JH}

5:15 pm — Booked! {RAJ}

please arrive 10 minutes early.

If it rains .. the alternate date is Sunday, March 14th. same time slots- if you cannot make that let me know at time of booking that if it rains the 14th doesn’t work for you.

the fine print:
-Each session is for up to 3 people. Unfortunately, anymore will take more time. If you are interested in a session with more people contact me for a private portrait session.
-This offer cannot be combined with any other offer.
- $50 non refundable deposit is due at time of booking to guarantee your time slot. This amount goes towards your session. The remainder is due in full at the beginning of  your session.
-Your proofs will be up within 10 business days  in a password protected gallery.

And since all posts are better with pictures here are a few from my mom’s garden taken with my iPhone.

According to their mother. I thought they were awesome fun!! Of course I gave them the go ahead to run amuck. SO I might be part monkey too!! For such a fun session I felt these images needed to be edited in a fun way to reflect the personality of the session.

This is such a teaser.. the full session to come in the next few days.

The weather is great the days are longer! If you want to do a weekday session after work it’s the perfect time! The sun is setting at about 7:30pmish. Contact me for availability & pricing.

No pun intended. The full blog will be up shortly. Hopefully before the baby is born. The due date is any day now.

So it will be a mad rush to see “who” gets here first. The full blog or the baby.