Story of Family: Beautiful and Real - Maija Martin Photography - Chicago, IL Photographer

Hello there! My name is Maija. (It's pronounced My-a. Many people have that same question.) That's a photo of me on the right at age six. My very first camera is hanging around my neck. Maybe you owned a similar one, if you are also a child of the 80s? I chose to begin with this photo, because it is a piece of my story.

Photo of Maija taken by her sisterWith each family that I get to photograph, I focus on the story of family. It is usually a very imperfect story, but it is always beautiful and it is always real.

For the maternity portion, we met at the Chicago History Museum. If you ever find yourself in Chicago, I highly recommend checking it out. The architecture is grandiose and the exhibits are always very well curated. The museum was the perfect backdrop for a glamorous family maternity session.

During every photo session, I am both a collaborator and an observer. I try to keep it as relaxed as possible, allowing people the space to be themselves, even when they are dressed to the nines. (Doesn't this family look amazing?)

Movement elicits the most genuine personalities. Movement can be found in something simple. It can be a family snuggling together or a mother embracing her child.

Sometimes an action is initiated by my client and sometimes I'll give a prompt or a job, such as "Scoop up your child and give her a kiss." In every case, the photos that result are far better than any I can dream up on my own. The moments captured are both beautiful and real. They become moments full of emotion, both serious and light-hearted.

My formula for every photo session is really quite simple. I am myself and treat all my clients, even my youngest ones, as my friends. Throughout the entire time we are taking pictures, I am working to get to know who they are.

As the collaborator and observer in a photo session, I vary my perspective. I alternate between capturing the smaller details, such as how a father held his newborn daughter.

And the larger details, such as a view of two sisters beginning their lifelong friendship.

Sisters Snuggling

There are so many voices and emotions in every family's story. It is my job as a photographer to make these voices and emotions heard.

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