Tutorials + Education

Woman leans on counter of a coffee shop with a cup in hand as she looks thoughtfully into the camera

Branding | Tutorials + Education

How Do You find the Right Branding Photographer for You?

Searching for a photographer can be overwhelming and confusing, especially in a city like Chicago, where so many talented photographers call home.

This guide is here to help you find the perfect photographer for your personal and business branding needs, ensuring you feel confident and empowered throughout the process.

There is a lot of information here. However, I always prefer to err on the side of giving you too much information. Knowledge is power. Power will make you confident. And confidence is beautiful.

Woman rolls cart filled with diapers at a diaper distribution event for Share Our Spare

Branding | Personal + Reflections | Tutorials + Education

DOING GOOD ~ SHARE OUR SPARE DIAPER DRIVE

Did you know that Diaper Need… …has increased sharply. 47% (almost half) of families reported diaper need in 2023. In the first diaper need investigation in 2010 and in several subsequent studies, approximately 33% or 1/3 of families reported diaper…

Barefoot woman sitting in grass stretches legs in front of her with ankles crossed and looks over shoulder toward camera and laughs

Branding | Family | Tutorials + Education

Strike an (Un)Pose – Maija’s top 3 rules for making beautiful photos of people

(Un)posing is my term for how I work. I call it this because it’s a bit of a hybrid of me telling you exactly how to position your body and leaving you to your own devices. Keep reading for my top 3 (un)posing rules for portraiture.

Branding | Tutorials + Education

My Top 5 Posing Tips for Professional Portraits

Has anyone told you recently how beautiful you are? I sure think so. A huge part of my job as a photographer is guiding people through their photo sessions through my use of (un)posing. I like to call it this…

Photo of Anaeka Photography reading a Feng Shui book

Branding | Family | Tutorials + Education

Everyone is Photogenic – Tips for Acing Your Next Photo Session

I’m here to tell you that no matter what you’ve heard in your past, EVERYONE IS PHOTOGENIC. Truly. I mean that. We are so used to seeing ourselves in a mirror, in motion and as a reflected image. Or we…

Tips for Photographing Your Halloween Magic

Family | Personal + Reflections | Tutorials + Education

Tips for Photographing Your Halloween Magic

Halloween is a magical time for kids. When I was little, I planned my costume for weeks ahead of time. We carved a pumpkin all together. The face design was a collaboration of everyone’s ideas. Once carved, my dad would…

two women applying facial moisturizer while drinking mimosas in bathroom

Branding | Tutorials + Education

DIY vs Professional Branding Photography – There’s a place for both.

Marketing is A LOT about gaining the trust of others. Visuals, in the form of photos and videos, that demonstrate your products, process, personality, and so much more are a critical piece in elevating your personal or commercial brand. In…

Man walking black Newfoundland dog on beach runs to pregnant woman in pink dress hugging belly

Branding | Family | Tutorials + Education

May I Have the Raw Files? Short Answer: No.

And I say that with kindness. If I were a chef, I would not just give you the ingredients to cook it all yourself. I’d cut, chop, simmer, sauté, roast, and add plenty of love through spices. The cooking would…

View of a personal training session with David Burnett, personal trainer and owner of Finding Fitness in Chicago

Branding | Tutorials + Education

Wellness Resources in Chicago

Here’s a big shoutout to a few wellness resources in Chicago that I think you should check out. David Burnett – Finding Fitness Let me start off by saying, I personally find gyms intimidating. If you’re with me, David is…

Branding | Tutorials + Education

9 Tips for Preparing for your Next Headshot

Let’s face it. Most of us are not super models. Actually, most of us feel pretty awkward when there’s a big camera pointing in our direction. Never fear! That’s my job to help you through this process. In case you…