How you felt while running across the beach with your dog….
Your extended family wrapped in a hug at that one special birthday celebration…
This day with your family is a once-in-a-lifetime gift. It’s not always perfect, but it’s always worth it. You want photos that bring out the genuine connection and real-life love story you share.So you can always look back and smile on these days to remember.
Hello and welcome! I’m Maria Velasquez.
It reminds me that….
Underneath the tired eyes and sometimes cranky afternoons, there’s a family to treasure, and a real-life love story happening right in front of me.
And I don’t want to miss it. I don’t want another year to go by without capturing those smiles, that love, those people who mean so much to me. That’s why I became a photographer.
So I could provide an experience your family will never forget, and deliver photos that perfectly capture this season of life.
I’m a military spouse, mom of two, and family photographer + educator living in beautiful San Diego, CA.
Like most moms, I first became interested in photography because I wanted to capture my childrens’ milestones as they grew up.
But it quickly turned into so much more than that.
Because my family can be having the most challenging, hectic day ever! But when we come home and the first thing we see on our wall is a portrait of us holding hands, dancing, and laughing in each other’s arms? It takes my breath away.
Here’s how we can work together
For families
A red-carpet photography experience where everyone in your family feels so comfortable and loved. Cherish your time together and keep your favorite memories close with beautiful artwork prints.
family photographer Serving families in San Diego, Escondido, Poway, and Oceanside.
For photographers
Dreaming of starting or growing a successful family photography business? I’ll guide you through the exact steps I took to do just that in 6 months or less in this motivating group coaching program.
Prop & Wardrobe Rentals + Wall Decor
Family photographers and moms: Are you planning a photography shoot? The Maria V. Photography Shop has prop and wardrobe rentals plus fine-art wall decor prints!
Meet your photographer
What else do we have in common?
the number of times we’ve moved over the past 6 years. The life of a military family! My husband is an active Officer in the Navy, and our most recent relocation was from Florida to California in 2019.
The number of years I worked as an interior designer. This *might* be where I get my total love for portrait art and creating mood boards for my photography clients!
The number of years I worked as a nurse before becoming a family photographer.
The number of families I photograph every year, on average.
The number of times I’ve not completed something I’ve set my mind to. My first-generation Filipino family always instilled in me the value of never giving up.
The number of pokemon cards in my collection! (I might be obsessed!)
Maria is a phenomenal photographer and my pictures far exceeded my expectations. I am so happy to have found Maria and I highly recommend her photography services. I have booked with her twice in the last 2 months and plan to book another session in the spring. Her photo session locations are the best in San Diego. If you are looking to support a local small business and want impeccable photos and top-notch service, Maria V Photography is the way to go. Thank you so much for capturing such special family moments. I will forever cherish my photos
Linda Ibarra
"Her photo session locations are the best in San Diego"
Choosing a photographer involves more than just scrolling through yelp, closing your eyes, and picking anyone at random. Choosing a photographer involves opening the front door to your private life...to your family. Giving someone the honor of seeing you and your loved ones at your most vulnerable...capturing the moments that are rarely seen by the public...and immortalizing the poetry of those moments on film...and in our hearts. Maria was able to do that for us. She listened to our needs, and really truly connected to who we are as a family, and as individuals. The beauty and art she sees through her lens translate into captivating poetry through her photos. Maria’s talent is incredible.
Louise Edu
“The beauty and art she sees through her lens translate into captivating poetry through her photos. Maria’s talent is incredible."
Maria was amazing. She was on time and even delivered our pictures early! The photos she took of our family are perfect and I love them all. I cried when I saw the shots she took of us! Love it!!!
Melita
“I cried when I saw the shots she took of our family!"
Stop what you're doing and book her immediately. Maria went above and beyond my expectations. The portraits were amazing; My family and I loved the photo reveal and gallery presentation. Maria has a remarkable ability to capture the perfect photos that have great depth & meaning. Her personal touch and care to every detail was impeccable. She was professional, patient, and flexible. My family and I will cherish these photos forever.
Rudy Sanchez
“Look no further… Maria V Photography is by far the best photographer in San Diego."
