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I'm MARI
Your Photographer &
New Best Friend
I was 16 years old, when my dad gifted me first camera- a Canon Rebel T6i. Along with my mom's film photography kit from 1985- I had everything I needed to start learning all that I could about digital & film photography. I started photography as a high schooler, making it my weekend hobby. It is still a dream come true that I get to do my dream job every single day. I feel like I was truly made to document life.
THE STORY
why i love what i do
The art of portrait photography is something that I will never stop loving. I love watching the trends in photography (low shutter speed is back now? I'm not mad about it.) During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, I was inspired more than ever to create art that I was passionate about. I used that time locked inside to explore the editorial side of portraits. It took me back to when I was younger and used to obsess over the incredible photoshoots that were shown in magazine pages. After deciding to take photography seriously in 2018, I had the pleasure of photographing multiple runways in the Kansas City Fashion Week Spring Show.
I love to say that portrait photography captures behavior, more than moments. A good photographer should capture the essence of who you are. Of course, there are special moments to be captured. But it is within the unposed moments, that you get to truly see who people are. My senior shoots capture the story of growth. My couples/engagement shoots capture the story of love. My weddings capture the story of starting a new family. Documentation and story telling- that is everything I am about.
Away from the camera...
Dance
I have been a dancer for 22 years and a dance teacher for 7 years! I teach ballet, contemporary, hip hop, and jazz to ages 11-18! I was on my high school and college dance team. Dance is my first love, and I truly can't imagine my world without dance.
If you're a dancer, PLEASE let me capture you! I promise I won't let you have sickled feet and bent knees ;)
luna
At least once (more like 10 times) at our shoot, i'll talk about my dog! This is my daughter, Luna Grace! She's a 5 year old black lab beagle and is the love of my life!! I adopted her when i was 19 years old and she is truly my best friend.
Please come to your shoot ready to show me photos of your pets too!
modeling
Even away from shooting, I still enjoy being in front of the camera! Since starting my business, I have taken a hobby in modeling and exploring how to push my photos to the next level.
I always say that the best way to learn how to pose someone, is to really understand how to model yourself!
Photos by James Montero (left) and Tucker Evans (right)
1400+
Sessions
900+
Clients
780k+
Edited Photos
THE basic PROCESS
01
I will receive your booking form in my inbox where I will email you about your session 24-48 hours after your inquiry. Over email, we will find a date and time to do your photoshoot. We will also take care of your down payment and contract for the photoshoot.
02
On the day of our photoshoot, we have a blast together taking photos! I get to know you and capture all of the beauty! You pay the remainder of your balance on the day of your photoshoot. After the photoshoot is over, I will go home and put all of your photos on a hard drive so that they are safely saved until it is time to edit.
03
Once it is time to edit and your name is next on my list, I will dedicate my time in the office to editing all of your photos! My photo return rate is 2 weeks for every photoshoot (except 3-4 weeks for wedding photos). You will receive your photos via an online gallery (Pixieset) texted and emailed to you. This is when we cry and scream over how much you love your photos ;)
04
We share our photos with everyone! I do not do printing- so you are free to print your photos however you please with a print release from me.
KIND WORDS
"Mari is the loveliest human being you will ever meet. Her photography skills are amazing, of course, but so is her ability to make you feel like her most special client she’s ever had. She will make you feel so special and beautiful and you will leave feeling like you have a new best friend. She makes your session so unique all while giving you exactly what you want. And when your photos are ready, nobody is more excited about them than Mari. She works so hard to make them perfect and you will LOVE every single picture she sends you so much that you won’t be able to choose a favorite. She is both a fantastic photographer and person and there is nobody I recommend more than Mari."
Emily R
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