Hello! I’m so happy you are here.

Welcome — I’m María, and photography is one of the ways I slow down, create, and celebrate the beauty of being human.

I create documentary-style photography in Chicago for intimate weddings, portraits, and meaningful seasons of life. Photography is an art form I deeply enjoy — a way of paying attention, creating, and preserving the little moments, emotions, and connections that make our lives meaningful.

I believe a photograph becomes special when people feel comfortable enough to be present. My gift is creating a space where you can relax, feel at ease, and enjoy the experience of being seen. I love continuing to grow as an artist while sharing this form of expression with others.

Here you can explore my photography work, services, and the stories I have the privilege of documenting.

Would you like some background story?

My name is María Rivera, a Guatemala-born photographer based in Chicago. I was raised surrounded by warmth, color, and a deep appreciation for family, community, and the stories that shape us. Before photography, I was an elementary teacher. At nineteen, I discovered my love for children and human connection through education. At twenty-one, I left Guatemala to work with a nonprofit supporting schools and refugee communities around the world. Living in Jordan, Mexico, and India transformed the way I see life, beauty, and the sacredness of everyday moments.

My journey with photography began in 2017, when my son was born in Richmond, Virginia. He became my first muse and the reason I began documenting the fleeting, honest moments of life.

Since then, photography has become more than a profession — it has become a way of expressing what I see and care about. Through documentary and storytelling photography, I explore connection, emotion, and the quiet beauty found in real human experiences.

Now based in Chicago, I continue to deepen my craft through intimate weddings, meaningful celebrations, and personal artistic exploration, creating images that feel timeless, soulful, and true.

GLIMPSES

Three people sitting around a campfire on green grass, wearing warm clothing, with a basket of blankets nearby.
A woman practicing yoga indoors, seated on a purple yoga mat in a cross-legged position, with hands in prayer pose, smiling and looking to her right.
A woman and a young girl sitting on the grass, engaging in an outdoor activity together, nearby a black backpack.
Two smiling people outdoors, a man with sunglasses and a bandana and a woman with glitter on her face, in a campsite with tents and trees in the background.
A young woman with long dark hair, sitting by a tree near a river, is looking at her phone while outdoors in a green, natural setting.
Group of six people, four adults and two children, taking a selfie together in a warm, lively setting with wooden walls, smiling and posing for the camera.
Woman standing outdoors under a large tree near a creek, wearing a denim jacket and black outfit.