what story will you tell about your brand?
The days of overwhelm and frustration around planning for photos are over!
let's focus on the realness rather than posed perfection
Reach out and let’s get a call or video call scheduled! We’ll chat about your vision and what type of imagery needs you have.
After our conversation, you'll receive a proposal to review. Once your proposal is approved, we can book your session and hold your place on my calendar!
In-person planning meet up to go over all the little details to ensure we make magic together the day of your session.
working together is as simple as 1, 2, 3
working together is simple
“Working with Maria West is like experiencing a breath of fresh air combined with a burst of sunshine all in one beautifully wrapped package. Her friendly calm nature can put even the most anxious of photo subjects at ease. She has been given the gift of seeing everyone in the very best of light and she conveys that when she is at work; sharing genuine and kind comments to help put her clients at ease and make them feel beautiful.”
“Maria is an absolute pleasure to work with. I have worked with Maria on many photo sessions for multiple clients and her vision and talent come to life in her photography. Every photo session we do together, Maria goes above and beyond and the photos are exactly what my vision is at each photoshoot. Maria is amazing to work with and she has a fun, friendly and overall amazing personality. Working with Maria is always a joy! She is passionate about photography and it shines through every picture she takes.”
“Working with Maria is such a delightful experience. Beyond the incredible photographic talents that she brings to the table, she has an intuitiveness in capturing interior spaces in a way that brings to life all of the intentional design details of our projects. Maria always brings positive creative energy to every photo shoot. I am in awe of her talent!”“Working with Maria is such a delightful experience. Beyond the incredible photographic talents that she brings to the table, she has an intuitiveness in capturing interior spaces in a way that brings to life all of the intentional design details of our projects. Maria always brings positive creative energy to every photo shoot. I am in awe of her talent!”
Legacy sessions are quoted individually based upon the session location, duration of time and content.
read my story here
Read My Story
I grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I am half Mexican and half Dutch. I started riding horses when I was 7 and at home always had a paintbrush in my hand. Horses and art were my life.
When I was 17, I met a horse photographer while I was competing with my horse at a show. He offered me a job, and that is how I began down the photography road. Horses + Photography? How could it get any better?
I attended Kendall College of Art & Design in Grand Rapids, MI from 2001-2005. I met my husband Taylor there. Being a furniture design major, he fascinated me. I graduated with a BFA specializing in Painting. It was amazing being a part of the art world and learning new mediums within my creativity.
After moving to NC in late 2005, I worked as an illustrator for a furniture designer in High Point. I loved all of the details of working in the design world and learning about a new avenue for creativity. I kept my love for photography alive by always toting my camera along on our travel adventures, and then working with clients locally. Eventually the creative scales were tipped in the career of photography, and I have never looked back.
In 2011 we were married and I also jumped back headfirst into the horse world. I realized how much I had missed this big part of me. My Dad always joked with my husband that once we were married, my horse habit was his problem! I am so thankful he has always embraced it and supported me.
We had our first child, Ryder, in 2015. I left my work as an illustrator in 2016 to pursue photography solely. Our joyful boy River was born in 2018. And, the icing on the cake, we added again to our family with our sweet girl Banks in 2021. The Lord has truly blessed us beyond measure with our family.
In February 2018 the High Point Discovered team was formed and I was honored to be a part of it. So many of my passions have come together in such a unique way. Combining my love for community with my passion for storytelling through beautiful imagery has been so meaningful.
Currently, in 2022, I am booking limited clients, with a focus on interiors, lifestyle branding and seniors. My family is so important to me and these years, while they are so little, have so much value and being present is my top priority.
Thank you for following along on my journey! I look forward to connecting and you can always find me on instagram as well!
XO, Maria
I grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I am half Mexican and half Dutch. As a child I was an artist and an equestrian. I started riding when I was 7. Horses and art consumed my life and I loved every moment of it.
When I was 17, I met a horse photographer while I was competing at a horse show. He offered me a job, and that is how I began down the road in photography. Horses + Photography? How could it get any better?
I attended Kendall College of Art & Design in Grand Rapids, MI from 2001-2005. I met my husband Taylor there. Being a furniture design major, he fascinated me. I graduated with a BFA specializing in Painting. It was amazing being a part of the art world and learning new mediums within my creativity.
After moving to NC in late 2005, I worked as an illustrator for a furniture designer. I loved all of the details of working in the design world and learning about a new avenue for my creativity. I kept my love for photography alive by always taking my camera on our travel adventures, and then working with clients locally. Eventually the creative scales were tipped in the career of photography, and I have never looked back.
In 2011 we were married and I also jumped back headfirst into the horse world. I realized how much I had missed this big part of me. My Dad always joked with my husband that once we were married, my horse habit was his problem now!
We had our first child, Ryder, in 2015. I left my work as an illustrator in 2016 to pursue photography solely. River came in 2018. And, the icing on the cake, we added our sweet girl Banks in 2021.
In February 2018 the High Point Discovered team was formed and I was honored to be a part of it.. So many of my passions have come together in such a unique way. Combining my love for community with my passion for storytelling through beautiful imagery has been so meaningful.
Currently, in 2022, I am booking limited clients, with a focus on interiors, lifestyle branding and seniors. My family is so important to me and these years, while they are so little, have so much value and being present is my top priority.
Thank you for following along on my journey! I look forward to connecting and you can always find me on instagram as well!
XO, Maria
Branding + Website by AC&Co.