family & life
in a way that tells the stories of your real life and the connections between your family or you to cherish forever.
let's capture your
what story will you tell about your FAMILY + life?
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Maternity & Babies
family & four Legs
high school seniors
THE PORTFOLIO
Time is a thief. One minute you are in the delivery room and the next I swear they are going to kindergarten. There are these everyday moments of joy you see as a momma. You notice them, you wish you could keep them in the front of your mind forever, but life happens and it keeps moving. I love capturing your real life story for you.
MY TOP TIPS FOR A
SUCCESSFUL PHOTO SESSION
The days of overwhelm and frustration around planning for photos are over!
DOWNLOAD THE TIPS
my signature process is
Natural & effective
It all starts with a genuine desire to develop a real connection so I can capture your true authentic story.
let's focus on the realness rather than posed perfection
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step-by-step process
Step Number One
Reach out and let’s get a call scheduled. We’ll chat all about you and your family and what type of session you are looking for.
THE step-by-step process
Step Number Two
Let’s set the tone! We’ll meet in person to go over all your special details and get your session scheduled.
Step Number Three
After a magical session together, we’ll meet again to reveal, review and select the perfect images to curate a beautiful gallery wall or custom designed album.
working together is as simple as 1, 2, 3
working together is simple
“Working with Maria was such a professional and lovely experience! She made sure that she knew the atmosphere she would be shooting in before hand, and came prepared! Enter four crazy children! She was so calm and patient with all of us, and captured magical shots of our family that I will cherish forever. We could not be more happy with our photos.”
KATIE warner
“There is something special about Maria West. She puts you at ease, making a photo shoot feel like a typical day at the park. Her work does more than reflect a moment. She has a unique ability able to capture personality and emotion and context. We treasure our family photographs and look forward to someday looking back and watching our children grow, through Maria’s work, all over again.”
justin hardy
the INVESTMENT
Included in each session is a fine art print of your choice from your curated gallery. Custom wall art, such as fine art prints, gallery canvas, wood prints and stunning metals begin at 65. Custom designed albums begin at 250. There is no minimum order at your gallery review - My goal is for you to have everything that you want and nothing that you don’t!
submit an inquiry
investment beginS at $250
MARIA WEST
Wife to Taylor. Mom to Ryder, River + Banks.
Fur mom to Crew.
Lover of: Jesus, Ice Cream, Decaf Coffee, Tulips, Homeschooling, Lake Michigan, Hiking + Exploring the World with My Children, Gardening, Dogs and Horses.
Meet YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
read my story here
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Read My Story
keep reading
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
<< BACK
keep reading
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
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get in touch
all rights reserved maria west photography 2020 //
all rights reserved
maria west photography 2020
Branding + Website by AC&Co
