Officially, I am the lead photographer, owner, and creative director of Vimana Photography. Unofficially, I am a spontaneous gypsy adventurer, a wife and mom to my husband of 9 years, and our four amazing, beautiful, mad-as-a-hatter kids!
I've worn a lot of unexpected hats over the last 16 years, including active duty soldier, veteran, law enforcement officer, traveler, model, photographer, business owner.
But the one thing that has always remained a constant for me, is finding and capturing The Magic.
From the moment we enter this realm until we leave it, we are always searching for love and happiness. Or, as Springsteen says, "a little of that human touch."
When we find both in The One, that is when The Magic happens. And that is what I LOVE to capture through my lens!
i'm maria.
Hey friend!
with my hunky husband!
adventures
Ok, they may drive me batty sometimes, but they ARE pretty awesome!
my kids
I make my own caramel macchiatos, and they are a staple of my day. Like seriously, I'm addicted.
homemade iced lattes
I enjoy playing piano, as well as listening to alternative and indie folk rock. I particularly enjoy David Gray and Mumford & Sons!
music
I grew up on a farm in Montana, where I had my very first horse. Someday, I hope to own horse property again!
Horse back riding
Six
I'm ALWAYS starting some new DIY project or home remodel, to my hubby's chagrin! (Sorry, babe.)
interior design
Seven
The scenery, the vortexes, the incredible energy that exists here is indescribable!
sedona, arizona
Eight
My home, website, and wardrobe are all FILLED with blue!
shades of GRAY & blue
Nine
I've been twice to this amazing, vibrant city. I just can't get enough!
NEW ORleANS
Ten
I go to the beach every chance I can get!
the ocean
I'm a small town girl with big dreams who became a soldier right out of high school so I could serve my country and see the world--little did I know, I would end up just two states away, and never even make it out of the country! Instead, I met the love of my life, we had four kids, and after our daughter was born with a disabling condition, I left my career in law enforcement to return to my first love - photography.
So, I picked up a camera, and the rest was history. (j.k. there's more...)
As I worked to develop my personal photography style, I took technical courses in photography and fashion photography at the University of Nevada Las Vegas and the Community College of Nevada.
i found the joy that only exists in bringing others happiness, when they see their images and say, "Oh, wow!"
In 2013, while still working full time in law enforcement, I was also running a maternity and newborn photography studio in Las Vegas.
And then...
Our first daughter, Ireland, was born, and even though the pregnancy was picture perfect, it was immediately apparent that something was terribly wrong.
After a long five months in the neonatal care unit, months more of appointments, surgeries, and therapies, I ultimately left my law enforcement career to focus on Ireland.
But, even though I'd had to take a break from my studio, before long, I picked up my camera again and returned to doing what I truly loved...
My Story
Visit Switzerland where my dad was born.
Finish the novel I've been writing for the last (well, my whole life!)
On My Bucket List...
My Timeline
where I've been
1992
My first camera! Was a gift from my dad, who was a nature photographer. Film, 35mm, totally basic.
2003
Joined the military with the goal of seeing the world...got stationed in Las Vegas, Nevada.
2006
Became a law enforcement officer. What a wild ride!
2007
Met my future hubby! It was love at first sight!
2009
CAREER GOALS SHIFT. As a Christmas gift, Donny gave me a Canon DLSR professional camera. I started my business and began photographing clients.
2011
Wedding bells! Donny & I got hitched on Coronado Island and honeymooned in the Bahamas!
2013
UNEXPECTED. Our first daughter, named Ireland, was born with a life threatening condition. I had to put the brakes on my business for a bit while we adjusted.
2015
I left law enforcement and focused full time on photography. I am blessed beyond measure to get to work everyday with fabulous clients like you!
Photo Sessions you've got to see...
Big projects are in the works!
equus inspired editorial
Heather and Jon married in a beautiful destination wedding in Purlear, North Carolina, at the Sky Retreat, an amazing Smoky Mountain lodge!
Heather + jon
wedding
Sher and Danny contacted me over the summer with an exciting idea--traveling to the Grand Canyon via helicopter, with a sunset landing for a far - away sweeping vista photo session! My heart soared at the thought and I helped them prep and plan leading up to the date.
Check out the blog post for peeks of this amazing adventure session!
more on the blog
sher + Danny
