you have a
beautiful spark
ignite it with the power
of strategic brand photography
creating visual marketing assets for
Chicago small business and creatives since 2015
You have a beautiful spark
You know the one. It’s what makes people lean in and say, “Tell me more.”
But if your photos don’t show it? You’re hiding exactly what people want to see.
That’s where I come in.
Hi!
I’m Maija
IF YOU’RE HERE, YOU’RE WEARING ALL THE HATS—CEO, marketer, content creator, and probably coffee runner, too. You’ve got the vision, the drive, and the spark. Between managing clients, building your brand, and keeping things moving, your visuals need to keep up and stand out.
You are what makes your brand unforgettable—the joy, the confidence, the quirks, the perfectly imperfect moments that set you apart.
I’m a brand photographer and visual storyteller with 20+ years of experience in the arts, education, and photography. I help business owners and creatives feel confident and natural in front of the camera—no forced smiles, no awkward posing. Together, we’ll create scroll-stopping photos, b-roll video, gifs, and subtle animations that show your brand with energy, personality, and purpose.
You bring the spark.
I’ll help you show the world.
Names are the first step to knowing someone.
That “J” is pronounced like a “Y.“
Maija immediately put me at ease with her wonderfully warm personality and relaxed approach.
Kirsty Hamilton ~ Kirsty Hamilton Photography
Maija is incredibly skilled at figuring out what works best – and most powerfully – -for each of her clients. Maija is a delightfully warm person and a dedicated artist.
Linda Holstein ~ Holstein Mediation
Services
Business Branding & Team Headshots
Strategy-led brand photography and motion for businesses ready to take up space.
Built to support your marketing now and grow with you over time.
Personal Brand Portraits & Headshots
Strategy-led brand photography and motion for businesses ready to take up space.
Built to support your marketing now and grow with you over time.
…or go the diy route
Learn
Phone-tography
Hands-on workshops that teach you how to use the camera you already have.
For people who want better photos without buying better gear.
You deserve so much more
than a stock photo and a stiff smile.
You’re invited!
Join me at an upcoming event in Chicago.
Phone-tography Walk in the city
Join us to talk lighting, phone technology, composition, posing, and whatever questions you might bring with you. Bring your sneakers, and get ready to use your new skills to document all the moments that make your heart smile.
EmPower Breakfast
This is networking that is focused on building community and not selling. The people that go are some of the coolest people I get to meet. It’s hands down my favorite networking event each month. If you buy a ticket, let me know! I’ll save a seat for you at my table. It’s always the second Friday of each month from 9-10:30am.
Maija was fantastic at understanding and validating what I wanted and the results were exceptional.
~Mark L.
Maija is a brilliant photographer.
She is amazing at branding and making sure you are true to yourself and your business image. Maija is so professional but she makes you feel so confident and comfortable in front of the camera. She shot a visual story for my salon. She’s very talented! I recommend her to everyone!
~Lisa Jindu ~ Streets of London Salon
All open hearts are welcome here.
I believe in kindness, collaboration, and the power of shared creativity. When we bring our unique talents together, we create something far greater than we could alone. By embracing our differences, we strengthen our connections and build a more compassionate & connected world.
Proud Member
