Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie O’Neill.
Hi Maggie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When I was in high school, I used to borrow my mom’s DSLR when we went on vacation. Eventually I got tired of sharing it and saved up for my own. We went on vacation the summer before my older sister’s senior year of high school and I offered to take her senior photos. I took the photos using auto mode and didn’t know how to edit. I took photos every so often, not of people, until my younger sister graduated high school and I took her senior photos as well. I still didn’t know how to use my camera in a mode other than auto. 3 years later I got engaged and had engagement photos taken. That engagement session reminded me how much I loved taking photos and I finally learned to use my camera in manual. I started offering free sessions to family and friends and decided I wanted to get into wedding photography. I second shot my first wedding in early 2025 and my first wedding as lead in June. I love photographing weddings and cannot wait for future weddings!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve struggled a lot with imposter syndrome. It can be hard to feel proud of my work, put it out into the world, and then not always get the response or validation I secretly hoped for — even when I try not to let it affect me. It has taken me some time but I’m learning to focus more on the joy I get from creating and the stories I’m telling, rather than comparing myself to others. It’s still a work in progress, but it’s made me appreciate how far I’ve come.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I started with senior sessions, then I started doing couples sessions and weddings. Weddings and couples are my favorite to photograph and my specialty, but I do love my seniors.
I am really proud of myself for how far my work has come and for not giving up when I didn’t feel like I would ever be good at it.
I have been told by several clients that I am the only person that has ever made them feel comfortable having their picture taken.
What does success mean to you?
Success is when I’m happy with my work, regardless of what other people think of it (although it’s always nice when others take notice of it).
I consider myself successful when I can make someone see themselves the way other people see them. If I can make someone happy by giving them even one photo of themselves that makes them smile, I consider that success.
Pricing:
- Seniors and couples $200 for a 1 hour session
- 6 hour wedding coverage -$1500
- 8 hour wedding coverage -$1800
- 10 hour wedding coverage -$2000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maggieoneillphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggieoneillphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ApndZXgPc/
- Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yxxwCcq7hym4eowr8
Image Credits
The image of myself was taken by Soliana Cortez and edited by me.
