Photography Through Your Eyes

Welcoming the holidays with the Hites / Family holiday portraiture, Tampa, FL

2012-01-12T06:10:00.000-08:00

Bippity Boppity Boo! :-) It's Miss J again! And she's getting lovelier and lovelier every year. Articulate, smart, and oh, so funny! Thank you guys! I had another AMAZING afternoon with the three of you! xoxo M

A session of two lovelies / Engagement photography; Tampa, FL

2012-01-12T06:05:00.000-08:00

Spent a blissful afternoon with this gorgeous couple. Potentially the easiest and DEFINITELY one of the most enjoyable sessions I have ever had the pleasure of shooting. Thank you, Danny and Lindsey, for coming out to play and for allowing me to document this transition into a new phase in your life! xoxo Maria

itty bitty boy blue :-) - Newborn photography, Tampa, FL

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Sarah Miller for being the link between this lovely trio and I. Mr. P is adorable! xoxo M

Out of a fairytale/ Children Photography, Brandon, FL

2012-01-12T05:57:00.000-08:00

If I could find fairies on earth, these two little beings would definitely fit the bill. An afternoon with vintage costumes, dreamy light, and GORGEOUS children gave way to an inspirational afternoon! Thanks to R and her gorgeous two girls for inviting me over for a playdate. xoxo Maria

Welcoming the Holiday Season with Miss G - Family and Children Holiday Portraiture- Tampa, FL

2012-01-12T05:49:00.000-08:00

I'm so behind in posting photos from recent holiday sessions!!! here's Miss G, who is growing more and more beautiful every year.... Thank you, L, L, and G! I had such a blast with you guys!
Maria

The S family -- Family Holiday Portraiture; Tampa, FL

2012-01-12T05:38:00.000-08:00

Had the sheer pleasure of spending an afternoon with one of my most favorite families ever. Cannot believe how big miss A is!!! Loved her big blue eyes and Mr. C's delicious smiles. It's such a gift to have wonderful clients return! Thank you Nicole and Jeff for a wonderful afternoon! Hope the holidays were filled with smiles! xoxo Maria

Loving these outtakes :-D!

Newborn Bliss :-)

2012-01-12T05:29:00.000-08:00

This little person was amongst the most gorgeous of babes I've EVER seen. I am only posting a couple of photographs from this session, because I am sure mommy and daddy are still in the fog of having little to no sleep and they are working hard at sending out their announcements. Thank you, 'little' mama for your patience and company during this session. I send kisses to the cutest two Vs in my world!

hey, we've all had these moments. :-) One must keep one's sense of humor....

xoxo Maria

Brothers and a Red Truck/ Sunset Chase with the Lister Boys - San Antonio, FL

2011-11-22T13:34:00.000-08:00

Had a blast in an all-boy session... These two are not only great-looking, but they were as goofy as they come. :-) I was reminded of the importance of letting my inner child come out and run barefoot, of the indescribably delicious 'crunch-crunch' of autumn leaves on the ground, of the intimate bond between siblings...

Thank you, boys, for putting up with my silly camera and for posing nicely for me (in between the silly faces!). Kudos to daddy for having the brilliant idea of using his red truck as a prop! Love to all!

Maria

Four Pairs of Baby Blues/ Sunset Chase with the Buzards, Wesley Chapel, FL

2011-11-22T13:23:00.000-08:00

Yep. You might recognize them...I closed the year 2010 with their gorgeous smiling faces. They are back this year with a new addition, little Mr. C, who also sports the family trait: a set of stunning baby blue eyes. Thanks to the Buzards for inviting me to chase the sunset on an afternoon that was made even more glorious by your presence! BIG hugs!
xoxo Maria

Lollipopped :-)/ Sunset Chase with the Santana Family

2011-11-22T13:08:00.000-08:00

I had the sheer pleasure of spending an afternoon with the Santana Family, a group of people who are more than special in my life. Gabriela is not only a zumba sister, but she has become an essential presence in my everyday. Thanks to you, Gabby, and that beautiful family of yours for an unforgettable session. You know you are appreciated and admired! xoxo!

Here's to lollipopping the little one into smiles. :-D!

Sometimes a Butterfly may flutter into your heart..../ Sunset Chase with Felix family

2011-11-22T10:49:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, we are gifted with the presence of special individuals at the most unexpected moments in our lives. Liza (AKA Butterfly) came into my life during a very peculiar time....My father was undergoing testing for what appeared to be a pancreatic tumor that resulted in pancreatitis. During the two months my dad underwent evaluations to determine his condition, and later, during the 21 days he spent in the ICU, there wasn't a day in which Liza didn't e-mail or texted me to tell me she was thinking of me, to sprinkle encouragement into what became the darkest time in my life. I lost my dad on October 11 as a result of complications related to the surgery to remove a pancreatic mass. It's the most profound of losses I've experienced this lifetime. I miss him daily. And yet, through this process, I've strengthened bonds with family and old loyal friends, and built new friendships, all of which are nothing but manifestations of my father's love that remains around me.

There is no way of saying 'Thank You' to you, Liza. But, I know that I am forever grateful for your thoughtfulness and presence in my life. Here are a few of the photographs from my sunset chase with Liza and her family, may they forever be a reminder of happy times in your life.

One 'Big' Little Mama and her growing family/ Sunset Chase in New Port Richey, FL

2011-11-22T10:27:00.000-08:00

She recently welcomed her littlest princess to the world....But, back a month and a half ago, we were out chasing a sunset and documenting her glowing beauty. Thanks to the Bocks for spending an afternoon with me, for adding light to my weekend, and for the privilege of standing on the other side of the lens as I captured a glimpse of your love. Smiles and much joy as little baby V makes her entrance into your lives!

xoxo Maria

Three Lovelies -- Family Portraiture/ Wesley Chapel, FL

2011-09-08T05:30:00.000-07:00

Had the sheer pleasure of spending an evening with these three lovelies recently. No question that they are physically beautiful. However, what struck me about this session was how naturally their relationship emerged in front of the lens. There was little need for direction on posing; rather, the focus became on my enjoyment being preview to a moment in their present. I have said before that the lens cannot capture what is not palpable in front of it. This session is a reminder of the beauty that lies within, the comfort in one's own skin, and some of the 'musts' in our everyday (i.e., love, family, and nature).

Thank you to Luz (as your name in Spanish) and your girls, for your light.

xoxo Maria

(my fave from the whole session :-D)

A sunset chase with Miss K. - Portraiture in Wesley Chapel, FL

2011-09-08T05:27:00.000-07:00

Had a blast chasing a sunset with this beautiful-to-the-core young woman. Thank you for giving me an evening of your time, Kimberly! :-) xoxo Maria

A Day's Hello/ Family Portraiture/ Tampa, FL

2011-08-19T09:51:00.000-07:00

To my dear, dear friend Lisi, thank you for your being in my life. While we've only met in person twice, I feel like you've always been by my side. I cannot express what a pleasure it was to meet your family and to enjoy capturing your inner and outer beauty with my lens, to welcome the sun on a warm Friday morning, and to be invited to enjoy a moment in your present.... you are appreciated, respected, and admired! xoxo Maria

Zumbeautiful/ Fitness photography for Zumba Master Cruise/Wesley Chapel, FL

2011-08-01T07:08:00.000-07:00

I had an awesome time shooting these absolutely stunning ladies a couple of weeks ago.

Don't be deceived by their gorgeous looks, they are strong, fierce women, who will give you the workout of your life! :-)

If you are curious and/or want to rock that boat with them, check out their Zumba Master Class Cruise, which will be departing Tampa to Grand Cayman and Cozumel in Feb. 2012. Contact A Go Travel to reserve your cabin: 813-504-0575.

Thanks to Helen, Larra, and Dayna for gifting me with your awesomeness!

xoxo Maria

Little Boy Blue/ Newborn Portraiture/ New Port Richey, FL

2011-07-25T08:51:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the P family for welcoming me into their home when this little man was merely 5 days old. The love was overflowing and the connection between this little boy blue and his mommy and daddy was astonishing! Here's wishing you a lifetime of dreams-come-true and smiles as you embark on the most exciting path you've ever taken in your lives, Heather and Pete!

xxoo Maria

Talk about Family Love/ Sunset Chases and Family Portraiture Tampa, FL

2011-07-25T07:50:00.000-07:00

I had the sheer pleasure of spending a LOVELY evening with this group of beautiful people. The love between mom and dad is evident, the kids were not only adorable, but spunky! Thanks to Stacy Fisher who split this session with me and made it all it was! And to the G Family, what a lovely occurrence, that of meeting you! :-) xxoo Maria

Light, Bliss, and Beautiful People / Family portraiture Tampa, FL

2011-06-26T19:44:00.000-07:00

So, sometimes, you meet people and you feel as if you've known them from another plane of existence, as was the case when I met this absolutely amazing family for a sunset chase two weeks ago. They are not hard on the eyes AT ALL, are madly in love and it shows, and their little princess is stunning and spunky wrapped in one gorgeous package! Add to our time my favorite sunset light and the backdrop of natural settings and you get....a blissful afternoon!

Thanks to Aleidys and Marvin (and especially, to little G, who stole my heart from the moment I met her) for an absolutely unforgettable moment! xxoo Maria

Little Miss S/ Newborn Photography/ Tampa, FL

2011-06-10T05:43:00.000-07:00

So, as promised, here's the little miss S, who gifted me with three hours of uninterrupted sleep. :-) What a sweet princess! Alex and Anthony, may she bring you a lifetime of smiles! xxoo Maria

From Belly to Baby/ Tampa, FL

2011-06-10T05:37:00.000-07:00

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Alex and Anthony a week before they welcomed little baby S to their family. Of course, they are physically beautiful people, but that outer beauty is only a small glimpse of how absolutely breathtaking their hearts are. Baby S photos will follow in the next post. Thank you both for your patience and laid-back nature. You are going to be exceptional parents! xxoo Maria

Miss Dimply Smile/ Children Photography Tampa Bay

2011-04-09T20:35:00.000-07:00

O.K. so this is with whom I spent an absolutely LOVELY afternoon...Is she not to-die-for? One look with those gorgeous eyes, a face that breaks into two perfectly placed dimples when she smiles was all I needed to be in complete and utter love with this little Miss! Thank you to A for inviting me to play and chase butterflies and enjoy every one of those beautiful dimply smiles from Miss C! Many Smiles, XXs, and OOs Maria

Little Miss Pink /Tampa Bay Children's Portraiture

2011-03-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

We planned this session back in October. It was scheduled for either November or December at first, then January, then between one occurrence to the next, we saw ourselves in March! All worth it....talk about a girly-girl! We searched for Cinderella at the 'castle,' had a tea party with a gigantic bear, and enjoyed playing fairy all around the garden. Thanks to Luciano and Lisa for bringing Miss G out to play! xxoo, AND :-) to all, Maria

Little Miss Z

2011-03-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

Want the definition of a happy baby? How about I just give you an example? Meet little Miss Z. At mere 5 months of age, she has more expressions than I can count. I was fortunate enough to capture a few for mommy and daddy. Talk about one who is absolutely adorable to the core! Thanks to daddy for helping elicit some of those fantastic smiles and to mommy for being around and helping her keep her balance!

Thank you, Christi and Kris for your time and hospitality, as our family escaped for an overnight trip to enjoy the relaxation that only comfortable friendships and the ocean can provide. May the little Miss multiply the happy moments in your life together! BIG hugs, Maria

Back again -- The Whole Gang!

2011-03-06T19:38:00.000-08:00

I've had the pleasure of photographing many beautiful families, but this one, in addition to being gorgeous inside-and-out, is also very close and near to my heart. It is made-up of some of the best people in my life: family. Most of you may recognize the mother from that lovely photograph of her maternity session where she 'meditated on the tree.' The rest of those photographed are equally lovely and loved. :-) I had a blast sharing an afternoon and a sunset with them. xxoo Maria

Sunset Chases - Minis - On-going

2011-01-28T19:26:00.000-08:00

Yes! That great ball of fire is magnificent to watch. Let your worries melt as you chase the sunset with me! Check out the 'news' section of the website for information. :-)

Hope everyone is healthy and happy!

Smiles, XXs, and OOs
Maria

Lovely as lovely can be

2011-01-20T22:58:00.000-08:00

V-Day is around the corner! Are you ready for it? If you happen to be interested, Maria will be taking appointments for some mini sessions on the following dates:
Jan. 28 - 1 spot
Jan. 29 - 1 spots
Jan. 30 - 1 spot
Feb. 4 - 1 spot

What you get:
1 hour session at one location (TBD by you - not including indoor photography - not exceeding 60 mile radius)
10 edited jpeg files on a CD
Prints: 16 wallets, two 5x7s, two 4x6s (two poses maximum to be featured in prints)

$150.00 * (50% must be paid to secure the spot). The rest is due at the time of service. You will receive your order within 7 days of the session.

Sweet Wishes to All!

xoxo Maria

Btw - if you are wondering about the cute hat pictured above, send me a message, I'll tell you about her! :-)

Team Work

2011-01-13T07:51:00.000-08:00

I'm so very proud to announce that my friend and sister in life, Stacy Fisher, is joining the Photography Through Your Eyes team!

Stacy and I have more than our share of special memories together. I had the privilege of being present as she enjoyed an initial ultrasound preview of her oldest daughter and as she experienced the joy of witnessing the first breath of her second little one. She has loved my daughter as one of her own and has exhibited more than loyalty and support in the years that followed our initial motherhood jitters: We've laughed, whined, zumbaed, and cried together (not necessarily after zumba - ha!)... I couldn't think of a better person with whom to share my artistic vision of photography than Stacy! So, let's welcome her to PTYE!

Be on the lookout for her talented work on the website in the next few days. I'm working on reorganizing galleries! Our styles are similar; however, style in photography resembles fingerprints. Therefore, you will notice that there are certainly unique aspects to our composition and post-processing techniques. What we want to do by joining forces is to allow you to have the opportunity to select the style that may best suit your desires. Thus, it is unlikely that you will be booking the two of us for family/maternity/newborn photography. You will get us as a team for other events (more news to come soon!)

WELCOME, STACY!!!

A New Year - New Paths

2011-01-05T08:51:00.000-08:00

What do YOU want in 2011? I know what I want. I want more balance, more inner peace, and focus on what is essential in life.

I've begun the year with the inclusion of a lifestyle transition into a path of health, enjoyment of existence in a moment-to-moment basis, and celebration of my being. It all may sound a tad self-centered, but it is not. Love for others, after all, resides within us first. If we do not have respect for our essence, sincere admiration is unable to emerge for those around us.

In 2011, I want to:
-bask in the sunrise and sunset of moments, not days
-giggle at my great and insignificant insecurities
-embrace my imperfections, which are perfect
- be rigorously attentive
- feel joy 'from my liver-outwards' (from Eat, Pray, Love)
- listen to the music in the breeze, in my loved ones' laughter, in silence
- find a quiet space in my mind
- abandon unneeded noise in my material surroundings
- awaken my passions
- learn from everything and everyone
- love and support family, friends, the earth
- witness and be able to capture with my lens the indescribable beauty that lies within human beings

This list grows and morphs as days go by.... I made it a point to get out and see the sunset the last day of 2010. And in that moment, I blew my troubles, insecurities, fears into the sky in a kiss. If you did not do so, here's your chance:

I kiss you good-bye, 2010. Thank you for the transitions and lessons you brought. Thank you for paving the path for 2011, a year of great discoveries and great stories. Much love and acceptance to all! xxoo

Maria

It's a Wrap!/ Family & Maternity Photography/Tampa, FL

2010-12-27T06:08:00.000-08:00

Here's to the last session of 2010! No better way to close the year than with a loving family. The weather did not cooperate entirely, but I will remember this as one of the brightest sessions of the year! They made it super easy to do my job! Their little person surely stole my heart. :-) To Nicole and Luke, may the welcoming of your little boy into our world happens without challenges and may the transition of only child to only princess in the house is smooth and comfortable for Miss A. Very best of wishes for a joyful and healthy 2011! xxoo M

Two beauties/ Family Portraiture/ Tampa, FL

2010-12-15T03:00:00.000-08:00

Had a great fun afternoon with these two beauties! Thank you for sharing a special time with me. xxoo Maria

Sunset Walk/ Tampa, FL

2010-12-12T18:39:00.000-08:00

The sun, and its daily emergence and goodbye, in particular, nourish my soul. No other process in nature elicits more excitement than witnessing the first rays of the day burn off the fog as I take a short jog in the mornings or seeing the last glimmer of light touch the leaves of the trees as the evening dark blanket covers the skies. I took a break a few days ago to enjoy a bit of the ritual with my one and only, my muse, the one who lights and warms up my heart: My daughter.

Rejuvenate in the sunlight and receive the best of peaceful wishes from me. xxoo Maria

Blue-eyed Boy/ Family Portraiture/ Safety Harbor, FL

2010-12-11T05:49:00.000-08:00

I have had the pleasure and good fortune to photograph absolutely stunning children. This little boy is NO exception. In fact, his eyes are among the most beautiful I have ever seen. Thank you to the Polens for coming out to play! Happy Holidays! Maria

'Hmm, I know!' / Family Photography/ Safety Harbor, FL

2010-12-11T05:45:00.000-08:00

Hmmm, I know what I want to share! Most of you know that I have a little girl, the muse who inspired my photography. Well, when my little Miss L was about this age, she was about as energetic and delicious as this little Miss J. Thank you to the Hite Family for joining me in what was amongst the most enjoyable of family sessions I have ever had the pleasure of shooting. Hugs all around!

'Hmmm, I know!'

Itty Faces/ Newborn Photography Tampa, FL

2010-12-11T05:40:00.000-08:00

This sweet boy stole my heart with his smiles. His mommy's bump was photographed a mere two months ago. At the time, we thought he'd make it to his due date. He surprised everyone with his arrival three weeks prior to his deadline. :-) Nothing like an early holiday gift! :-)

Of course, we had to capture him sporting Gator and Nole attire. :-) Team spirit is serious business in this household!

I finally had the opportunity to use a few adorable props!

And the shot of them together...anyone who's photographed both a newborn and a toddler know how hard it is to get two still and happy for a bit of time.

Best wishes to the Snyders! Mr. C and Miss A are ADORABLE!

xxoo Maria

Family Portraiture/ Tampa, FL

2010-11-30T18:04:00.000-08:00

Had the great pleasure of spending an afternoon with four wonderful individuals! Beautiful eyes, beautiful people, and such fun personalities! Thank you, D and family for sharing your moment with me!
xxoo
Maria

Fun Times/ Tampa, FL

2010-11-07T18:44:00.000-08:00

Having fun with mine and others who are as if they were mine (at least in my heart) :-)

Birthday/Special Event Photography

2010-11-07T16:06:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for ideas for birthday parties, look no further! These two moms are more than crafty! Check out their amazing creations! Everything from banners to cakes made from

scratch :-)

I had too many favorites to select just a few! So this is a long post.

P.S. -- Happy birthday to L and E! It was your auntie's pleasure to capture in images what your parents carefully prepared.

1. 3rd Birthday in Phoenix, AZ -- Circus Theme

Complete with Special Appearances!

2) 1st Birthday in Tampa, FL: Cupcake Theme

Wedding Photography/ Port St. Lucie, FL

2010-10-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

One of my sisters in life got married two weeks ago. I attended the wedding, but this time, I was given the role of photographer for the first time ever. Here are some of the captures from the day. Congrats to Yi-Tent and Joe! Special thanks to my other sister, Stacy Fisher, for her willingness to give me a weekend of her time, for her flexibility and keen memory for details, and for being there with me because I could not have done it without her. Thanks to my hubby for taking care of our five-year-old. Mommy returned late that Sunday night, but was so ecstatic to see happy faces the next day.

Enjoy!

xxoo
Maria

Maternity/Family Photography/ Tampa, FL

2010-10-08T23:51:00.000-07:00

With whom I spent my Friday afternoon :-) So much fun! These are the sneak peeks!

Fairytales and Spookies Mini Session

2010-10-05T20:26:00.000-07:00

Book your Halloween mini-session today!
Includes:
30 minute session at 1 desired location
10 edited jpeg files

Prints (only 2 poses allowed):
1 8x10
3 4x6s
8 wallets
Total: $50.00

If interested, you have the option to purchase 10 high resolution jpegs on CD for $50.00 (usually $75.00)

Boo Time is Almost Here!

2010-10-05T19:07:00.000-07:00

Contact Me to set up your appointment today!