SO LOVELY TO MEET YOU

I AM MARIA

A maternity, newborn, and family photographer and filmmaker based in the cozy town of Ligonier and proudly serving families across Pittsburgh, the Laurel Highlands, and nearby towns.


My work is rooted in the heart of family, with a strong emphasis on connection, tenderness, and warmth.


Family has always been at the center of my world. I believe it is the most important work we will ever do.


When I became a mother, I quickly realized how fleeting the seasons of life truly are. Time moves faster than we think, and I found myself wanting to hold onto every detail — every laugh, every curl, every little hand reaching for mine. That love for my own family became the heartbeat of my business.



From bump to baby and every chapter that follows, my passion is to create photographs and films that feel like love letters — tender reminders of the connection you share, the belly laughs and tickle fights, the soft newborn snuggles, and the quiet in-between moments that tell the truest story of your family. These are more than images; they are heirlooms to be held close for years to come — treasures that will bring you back to exactly how it felt to be here, in this season of your life.

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

MY FAVORITE PEOPLE

My husband, daughter, & two sons

LATE NIGHT EDITING SNACK

Ice cream with a scoop of peanut butter

MY GO TO COFFEE ORDER

Caramel Macchiato

I DREAM OF

Someday living near the beach

LITTLE BIT OF THIS, LITTLE BUT OF THAT

Painting, journaling, reading, and thrift shopping

FAVORITE VERSE

Proverbs 3:5–6

STEP 01

 

INQUIRE

Send a note with your vision and preferred timeframe, and I’ll respond promptly with my availability, collections, and the next steps. We’ll make sure I’m the perfect fit for your family’s story.

STEP 02

VISION & PLANNING

Every story deserves the right setting. From the comfort of home, to golden fields, to a rented studio for a timeless touch — we’ll choose the backdrop that tells your story best. With styling guidance and a simple prep guide, you’ll feel fully prepared for a meaningful, stress-free session.

STEP 03

SESSION DAY

When the day arrives, my only ask is that you simply be together. I’ll gently guide with prompts that spark natural connection — the snuggles, the giggles, the exploring, and yes, even the chaos. These are the moments that tell the truest story of your family, preserved for you to return to again and again.

STEP 04

DELIVERY

Your full gallery arrives within 2–3 weeks — each image hand-edited to preserve the tenderness and connection of your story. From there, your photographs can become heirloom albums, framed artwork, or keepsakes: love letters made tangible, ready to be held by your hands and theirs for generations to come.

"Every season of motherhood is a chapter in the longest love letter we’ll ever write — one that time cannot erase.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

evelyn hart

MY PHILOSOPHY

I BELIEVE EVERY PHOTOGRAPH IS A LOVE LETTER.

Every photograph is a love letter — a way of whispering to time, please stay just a little longer. It’s how we hold onto the beauty of now before it slips quietly into yesterday.


Growing up in the Laurel Highlands taught me to notice the poetry in the ordinary — golden light weaving through the trees, the hush between seasons, the fleeting moments that so often go unseen. As a wife and mama to three little ones, I feel that same poetry in my own home: the weight of a tiny hand curled in mine, the echo of laughter long after bedtime, the tender chaos that makes these days both wild and holy.


This is why I do what I do. To gather the stillness and the noise, the soft and the untamed, the in-between moments that tell the truest story of your life. So that years from now, when memories blur and life has shifted, you’ll have something beautiful — a love letter in light — waiting to bring you home again.

Testimonials

Maria was so great with my high energy kids and created such a fun and relaxed environment for us to enjoy our shoot in the midst of the chaos that is taking photos with kids. I loved how engaging she was, and that she made sure she got every shot she wanted to ensure we would be thrilled with the results. I love the style and aesthetic of Maria's work, I cannot wait to hang these beautiful family pictures up in our house.

the l family

Could not have asked for a more perfect newborn session! Maria was so kind and patient during the whole photo shoot, even during hunger melt downs and diaper changes. Such a talented photographer, we travelled over an hour to be able to have her capture our newest addition. Received our photos quickly after the shoot and they were absolutely stunning!

the c family

Maria was extremely kind, helpful, and patient with us as she worked to capture such special moments for our family, even though we had to pause a few times to feed, change, and calm our son. The photos she took turned out to be absolutely beautiful. I would recommend Maria to anyone looking for family or newborn photos and will be sure to suggest her to all friends and family looking for a similar experience. Her talent and care are worth every penny!

the h family

 

BEGIN YOUR LOVE LETTER

 

Because these days don’t last forever, but the love within them does. Let’s create something you can hold onto — a reminder of the beauty you’re living right now.