you have a
beautiful spark
They told you professional meant polished.
Except, polished became perfect. Perfect became safe.
Your spark became dim.
Time to reignite.
Brand photography + motion assets
for the humans of Chicago since 2015
Let me be blunt.
My filter is pure honesty and padded with love. Therefore, let’s cut to the chase. In a noisy world of trying to stand out, many people have become average. Maybe your beautiful spark has even become more dim along the way in your pursuit of perfection.
We’re often so busy being professional that we forget to be human. It’s not about having the perfect backdrop or the perfect wardrobe. It’s not about the carefully curated “authenticity.” That’s everywhere and it all blurs together. Does anyone really need to see another portrait of someone sitting at their laptop? And please don’t get me started on AI…
Do you know what actually makes people stop and notice you? It’s your sparkle. It’s your joy. Your weird. Your inner child who hasn’t forgotten how to take up space. It’s the version of you that shows up when you stop trying so hard.
That’s not unprofessional. That’s what draws people in and builds trust.
Self-trust is a radical act. Vulnerability is a superpower. Your humanity is not a liability.
The most magnetic thing about your brand isn’t your color palette or your carefully worded bio. It’s YOU – the real, complicated, sparkly, and sassy you.
If you’re not the type to wear makeup when you’re glitzing up for a night on the town, why should you do that for your photos?
Hi!
I’m Maija-
-brand photographer, lifelong artist, former high school art teacher, and the person who will absolutely notice the light hitting your face in exactly the right way. And if we don’t have the light, I’ll make it because I want everyone to see that twinkle in your eyes.
I’ve spent 20+ years working in art, education, counseling, and photography learning one thing: the most powerful images aren’t the most perfect ones. They’re the ones filled with heart and with honesty.
We can only do that when we work as a team.
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
Whether we’re building out your full visual marketing library or making a single magnetic headshot — the process is the same: we start with you, not a template.
Business Branding & Team Headshots
Your business has a personality. A voice. A way of doing things that’s completely its own.
Strategy-led brand photography, portraits, and motion assets to make showing up feel easy. It’s a visual library artfully designed for you.
Personal Brand Portraits & Headshots
You’ve outgrown the photo that no longer looks like you. You know the one.
This is for individuals wanting to show up fully human on their socials, on their dating profiles, or wherever you need your portraits to land.
…or go the diy route
Learn
Phone-tography
Good photos shouldn’t require a fancy camera or a big budget. They require knowing how to see and trust in your innate creativity.
Hands-on workshops that teach you the fundamentals: light, composition, and storytelling.
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: Networking and Community
This is networking that is focused on building community and not selling. As a bonus, there’s always a keynote speaker with something valuable to share. 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 the second Friday of each month from 9-10:30am at Grill on 21 (easily accessible on CTA. I’m a brown line girl myself.)
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.
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