you have
a beautiful spark.

Let me show you.

Relaxed, Personalized, & Authentically (Un)posed

Personal & Business Branding Photography

Serving Chicagoland since 2015

Shine brightly.

Everyone has A spark inside of them.

That spark is your authentic self.
It’s what makes you beautiful.

That spark is what I seek to discover
within everyone I photograph,
from the smallest humans to the wisest ones.

get in touch
3 year old boy in a green shirt is winking with a silly grin.
Woman laughs towards camera at sunset

“Maija immediately put me at ease with her wonderfully warm personality and relaxed approach.”

Kirsty H.

Hello, I’m maija.
you’re very welcome here.

Maybe you’re wondering, if I’m going to find your spark, what makes mine shine the most brightly? It’s a big question with no small answer, but right now, it would be when:

  • I’m connecting with others who are inspiring kindness big and small.
  • I’m learning about all the amazing talents that my clients bring to this world.
  • I’ve got my camera in hand. It is a powerful tool and it fills me with joy to capture the ordinary in a new way. (I’ve felt this way for a long time. That little girl with the blue Fisher Price camera is me.)
ABOUT ME

Out of respect for your time,

I have some
non-negotiable values.

Connection

I believe portrait photography is best when we connect and collaborate from planning to after your images have been delivered. From this point forward, I’m here for you.

Trust

It is a huge ask for someone to relax and be themselves unless there is mutual trust. That means any time uncertainty creeps in, talk to me. Trust is also believing that we all are doing the very best we can. I promise to give you my best.

Mixed-race siblings squeeze together in a hug on their kitchen counter in their Lakeview home.
Woman with teal hair plays violin during a personal branding photography session

Kindness

To yourself and others. We are all human beings with individual interests, beliefs, and dreams. All kind humans are welcome here. And please, try to extend that kindness to yourself as well. Life is hard enough.

Fun

True feelings are tough to hide on camera. Our faces have an exorbitant amount of micro expressions. Let’s have fun making photos together (even if making photos is not your favorite thing…Im pretty good at helping people pretend it is.) Let go and let your inner spark shine.

Personal & Business

Branding
FAMILY
Family hug as the dad kisses the mom on the cheek and the kids are in their arms in the middle of LaSalle Street in Chicago

it’s all done through

teamwork

Woman kneels in front of a graffiti wall during a Branding headshot photo session

Your photos will be unquestionably unique because they are created through strategic planning and teamwork.

I bring over 20 years of experience working and teaching within the arts and photography however, I still need you as my teammate. 

YOU BRING THE ENERGY AND THE PERSONALITY. No pressure. I fully realize you may feel awkward in front of a camera. That’s my specialty (because I can be a bit awkward too.)

From the moment you click that get in touch button, I am here to guide you through this experience. 

get in touch

Maija has done it again!!

I just had her do my daughter’s one year photos and I’m completely blown away.

 ~Christy P.

Maija was fantastic at understanding and validating what I wanted and the results were exceptional.

~Mark L.