Life & Work with Mariela Duval of Atlanta (Sandy Springs)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariela Duval.

Hi Mariela, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I fell in love with photography at a young age. Long before it was a business, I was always the one documenting our family’s moments — first with a film camera and disposable cameras, capturing everyday life as it happened. Taking photos felt natural to me, and I loved creating the old fashion albums with the photos.

I went to college to study pharmacy and have spent my professional career working as a pediatric pharmacist. Caring for children and supporting families has always been a big part of my life and identity. As my own boys grew, I found myself constantly behind the camera — photographing their milestones and their sports — and my interest in photography continued to grow alongside my healthcare career.

More than a decade ago, I bought my first professional camera, and that decision changed everything. I began my journey into newborn and maternity photography while balancing family life and my work in pharmacy. In the beginning, I was learning not only photography skills but also how to run a small business. Over time, with experience and dedication, that passion grew into the photography business I have today, where I get to serve families during some of their most meaningful moments.

This year marks a new chapter for me: I am stepping away from my pharmacy career to dedicate myself to photography full time. It’s a big and meaningful transition, and I’m excited to continue serving families and capturing their most important moments in an even deeper way.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Building a photography business while raising a family and working full time in healthcare has been challenging. My career as a pediatric pharmacist is demanding, and balancing that with photography, serving clients, and running a small business required a lot of late nights, careful scheduling, and sacrifice.

There was also a steep learning curve on the business side — understanding marketing, client experience, pricing, and systems. I am a one person show, and the accountability stops with me. At times it felt overwhelming, but I stayed committed because I loved the work and the families I serve.

Looking back, those busy and at times difficult times helped shape how I run my business today — with more intention, structure, and appreciation for the journey.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an Atlanta-based newborn and maternity photographer specializing in refined, timeless portraiture for expecting mothers and families welcoming a new baby. I primarily serve professional women who have spent years building their careers and are now entering motherhood with intention and excitement. They value quality, expertise, and a personalized experience.

What sets my work apart is the level of care and expertise behind every session. With my lifelong background as a pediatric pharmacist, newborn safety and gentle handling are foundational to everything I do. Parents feel at ease knowing their baby is being cared for by someone deeply experienced with infants, not just posing them.

I’m known for offering a full-service, boutique experience designed for busy mothers who want beautiful results without added stress. From wardrobe and styling guidance to a calm, fully prepared studio environment, every detail is thoughtfully handled. My sessions are unhurried, baby-led, and carefully styled to create elegant images that will still feel beautiful decades from now.

My goal is not just to create photographs, but heirloom artwork that honors the journey of becoming a mother.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I love to read and I enjoy fiction as well as business books. Lately, I have enjoyed reading about self-preservation and how to stand out from the crowd. A book I read recently was “So good they can’t ignore you” by Cal Newport, others include The Gap and The Gain, The psychology of Money and of course the very popular “Profit First”.

Pricing:

• Newborn clients spend on average $1800
• Maternity clients spend on average $1200

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marieladuvalphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marieladuval/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marieladuvalphotography