Meet Maria Swartz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Swartz.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’ve always loved photography since a young age. As a child, one of my house chores was to periodically switch out the pictures from our frames and let’s just say, that was my favorite chore! I was that girl in college that carried a point and shoot camera in her bag and I would take pictures of everything. But it wasn’t until I had my kids a few years ago, when I got my first DSLR, that I discovered the beauty in the art of photography. I was determined to learn the skills so I practiced and practiced and started improving.

This last year has been by far the most exciting year for me as an artist because I launched my photography business and now I get to do what I love and capture all those raw and beautiful moments for someone else.
I am always looking to grow as an artist and give it my all!

Please tell us about your art.
I am a professional photographer who specializes in lifestyle and portrait photography. My favorite however, is to photograph children. My photography journey started with my little ones, they were my inspiration to grab a camera in the first place and they are what keep me going now! As a parent myself, I know how important it is to capture all of those important milestones, but I also know how stressing it can be. That is one of the reasons I started this business. Whether I am shooting a family session, a children session, or even an engagement, I want to take the stress away from the clients so all they need to focus on is each other. I want them to have fun during their session, making them comfortable to be in front of the camera is a top priority for me. We might play games or tell jokes, and just go with the flow. I strive to treat each person like VIPs (which they are!), showing them how beautiful candid moments can be and serving them in any way that I can.

What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
I believe that the rise of social media has provided a platform for artists to showcase their talent and it helps get more exposure. There are so many resources that are available to us to be able to promote our work. It doesn’t only make it easier for us the artists, but also for our clients.

Social media has also made it easier to meet other people who share your same passions and it allows us to be able to collaborate and work with each other. I am a strong believer of collaboration over competition! Supporting other artists. and sharing your success and struggles with each other it’s such an amazing thing to be part of. Most of my photography training also came from in front of a screen. I am able to follow and learn from more experienced photographers through webinars, online courses, and even Facebook groups. As long as our city keeps believing in supporting each other and our art, I know that we can all thrive. Phoenix is such a beautiful city and what makes it special it is its people.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can find my work on my website, www.theoandbelle.com. For most recent work you can follow Theo and Belle Photography on Facebook and Instagram.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.theoandbelle.com
• Phone: 954.630.6786
• Email: theoandbellephotography@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theoandbellephotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theoandbelle

Image Credit:
Theo and Belle Photography

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