My name is Maria and I am the eyes behind the lens of Zen Photography, a brand I have cultivated for the past 12 years. I specialise in wedding and lifestyle photography that is emotive, timeless and natural for the modern couples, families, and creative entrepreneurs who seek meaningful photographs to preserve important moments in their lives.

I took a roundabout way to arrive at this medium of creative expression. Almost 20 years ago now I studied psychology and creative writing in Canada, then went on to teach English and attempt writing my first book in Japan. After a few years I went back home to study journalism and worked in public broadcasting before realising that photography was still my biggest passion and my chosen medium to tell a story. A nomad at heart but I ended up calling Australia my home where I now live a full and beautiful life with my partner, our sons and our dog.

I established Zen Photography 12 years ago in Cairns to fill a gap in the market for authentic and natural light photography that places emphasis on connection rather than poses. After a decade of living in beautiful tropical Far North Queensland, we recently moved to the Sunshine Coast to embrace the incredible beaches and chase the occasional city vibe that Brisbane has to offer. I am so blessed to be able to continue offering my photography service to clients in the Cairns region while re-establishing my brand here in South East Queensland.

The passion I put into documenting key moments in my own life is the same passion that I put into documenting the lives of my clients. I have gone through all the milestones myself and understand the importance of having beautiful photographs to preserve our personal history. Good photographs should connect us to the heart of the moment, to our own hearts. Good photographs are more than just about how they look; it’s also about how they feel.

I’m a firm believer of thoughtfully captured imagery and genuine storytelling and I apply this belief by combining my photojournalistic style of photography with classic portraiture to tell the best visual story possible.

My approach to photography is low key and unobtrusive, giving you space and freedom to be yourselves while I do the hard work of capturing your story from the best angles.

If all this resonates with you and you love the work I’ve shown so far, then I’d love the chance to work with you.

Looking forward to connect with you! x

Maria