For 28 years I worked as a pediatric pharmacist at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta — one of the top children's hospitals in the country. For the last 10 of those years I was also building this photography business, photographing newborns and expecting mothers on weekends and evenings.
In March 2026, I made a decision I had been working toward for a long time.
I left pharmacy to pursue photography full time.
I know what it means to spend years building something with intention and then step into a new chapter. That is exactly what my clients are doing when they walk into my studio — stepping into one of the most significant chapters of their lives. I do not take that lightly.
I am a mom of three boys, married to my best friend, and lucky enough to have five sisters who keep life full and loud. I am a travel enthusiast, a morning coffee non-negotiable, and someone who genuinely loves what she does every single day.
A little bit about me
I'm mariela
My style is a blend of directed posing and natural interaction. I am not a point-and-shoot photographer, every setup, every pose, and every detail is intentional.
For newborn sessions I work slowly and patiently, always prioritizing your baby's safety and comfort above everything else.
My background in pediatrics means I understand newborn behavior in a way that directly translates to how I handle babies in the studio, calmly, carefully, and with a lot of experience behind me.
For maternity sessions my goal is simple, I want you to be seen. Not just photographed, but truly seen, for the strength it takes to grow a life, the intention you brought to this chapter, and the woman you are right now. I will make sure you feel confident and at ease in front of the camera, and deliver portraits that honestly reflect all of that.
"Had the most wonderful experience with Mariela. We got to know her through a friend so we already knew the photos were going to be amazing. But it is her service, friendliness and professionalism that made me give her 5 stars!. She was very patient and made the baby very comfortable. We had several reasonable special requests, and she accommodated them all. She went above and beyond to make it special for us. Highly recommended!" - Sachith D
Once you reach out we will schedule a phone call. I will walk you through my process, learn about your vision, and answer any questions you have. This is also a chance for us to make sure we are a good fit before you commit to anything.
Step 1 — Phone Consultation
Step 2 — Your Session
On the day of your session, arrive at my Sandy Springs studio at your scheduled time. For newborn sessions I will have all the setups ready based on your color palette — everything for baby is provided, just bring milk and diapers.
For maternity sessions, arrive with your hair and makeup done and I will have your chosen wardrobe ready. Plan for 2 to 4 hours for newborns and 1 to 2 hours for maternity. I will guide every pose and make sure you feel comfortable and at ease from start to finish. Beverages and snacks are available in the studio.
Approximately 3 to 7 days after your session I will send you a link to your proofs.
You can review them on your own or we can go through them together online or in person.
Once you place your order your finished products are delivered within 1 to 3 weeks.
