Meet Maria Swartz: Lifestyle and Family Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Swartz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
When you first launch your own business, you have a lot of insecurities! I personally believe that a lot of those insecurities come from comparing yourself to others in your field. It is hard to see your own value when you are focusing on the person in front of you. Since I started my business, I have learned to appreciate myself and my work. I have also learned to value the importance of community! It is so important to connect with others who you can learn from and with whom you can share your wins and struggles with. I have learned so much from other experienced photographers and I am inspired by them, all while still respecting myself and my work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My photography journey started almost seven years ago when I became a mom to a beautiful baby boy. My father-in-law gave me my first DSLR camera so I could capture the many everyday adventures with our little boy. I watched a lot of classes and taught myself how to use it. Fast forward four years, our family grew by one more, and when we moved to Arizona I decided to give this business a try! I invested in myself and in my education and launched my business in February 2018. Since then, I have done a little bit of everything- seniors, families, maternity, many different types of events, and weddings! Those experiences helped me realize that my heart is the fullest when I have families and little ones in front of my camera. As a mother of two, I know how precious every little moment with our children is and how a picture can capture that memory. As a daughter, I am thankful for those captured memories of my parents that are framed on our wall.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When you come to Arizona, you have so much to see and do!! There are so many places to go on hikes. My favorites are close to home- the Sonoran Preserve and the Apache Wash Trailhead. When in town you should also visit Downtown Phoenix for some fun wall arts by amazing local artists and museums for all ages.

You can enjoy an evening out in Old Town Scottsdale! Postinos in Scottsdale is my favorite- they have some delicious bruschettas and wines that are to die for! Scottsdale also has the amazing Sugar Bowl. It is the cutest ice-cream parlor in the area. One of my top favorites spots, however, is in Mesa, AZ. There you can find Que Chevere, it is an amazing little Latin American restaurant that sells authentic Venezuelan dishes (yes please!!). When you come to town, why not also enjoy a road trip to Sedona or even the Grand Canyon! There are so many beautiful things to see on the way there. I absolutely love how versatile Arizona can be!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I love all my social media groups! Amy and Jordan Demos education and groups have helped me so much!! As well if you love a good laugh and getting amazing resources from other photographers, the House of Flynn- Photographers + Creatives Community Facebook group is the place to be!

Website: https://mswartzphotography.com/
Instagram: @mswartzphotography
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariaswartzphotography