Today we’d like to introduce you to Maya Cramer.
Hi Maya, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I played soccer for most of my life and competed collegiately at Young Harris College from 2022 to 2024. When I stepped away from the sport, I suddenly found myself searching for something to fill the space it had always occupied. I’ve always thrived in seasons of busyness, and without soccer, I felt the need to channel my energy into something meaningful.
In March 2024, my boyfriend’s mom lent me her old camera—a Nikon D5500. I began taking sports photos for teams at my college, simply as a creative outlet. At the time, I had no idea how to deliver photos to athletes, so I created an Instagram account, @mcphotos24 (a name that still makes me laugh). To my surprise, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Friends and athletes began sharing and praising my work, and I quickly realized I wanted to improve. I dove into learning how to edit and refine my style.
The affirmation I received from photography felt strikingly similar to the feeling of scoring a game-winning goal. It reignited something competitive and fulfilling in me—an “itch” I hadn’t realized I needed to scratch. That feeling pushed me to pursue photography more seriously.
I began asking friends—and even their boyfriends—to model for me for free so I could practice. In June 2024, a college friend was getting married, and although she already had a photographer, I asked if I could photograph her rehearsal dinner. It was the closest opportunity I could find to experience a wedding environment.
I used those rehearsal dinner images to begin marketing myself and reached out to numerous wedding photographers, offering to shadow them for free. I received no responses—but I refused to give up. I joined several Atlanta-based photography Facebook groups, hoping for just one opportunity.
A few weeks later, I saw an urgent post from a photographer seeking a second shooter for a wedding the very next day in Athens, Georgia. I immediately reached out. She mentioned she preferred someone shooting on Canon. After quickly researching industry standards, I discovered the Canon R6 Mark II was highly regarded among wedding photographers. Using money I had saved during college, I purchased the camera that same day. My mom had older EF lenses, so I bought an adapter to make them compatible. When the photographer asked if I owned a 50mm prime lens, I said yes—then immediately drove to a camera store to purchase one. I was determined not to miss the opportunity.
I shot that wedding the next day. The night before, I stayed up assembling my camera, studying wedding photography techniques, adjusting settings, and scrolling through Pinterest to memorize poses.
After that wedding, I cried—not from exhaustion, but from clarity. I realized how rewarding this career could be. What captivated me most wasn’t just the artistry, but the people—the cultures, personalities, and stories. That human connection is what truly drew me in.
From there, I fully committed. Between classes and waitressing part-time, I spent countless hours building a website, studying the industry, and marketing my services. I leaned heavily on my professors at Young Harris College. My business law professor helped me draft and refine my contract. My marketing professor guided me on positioning and outreach. My consumer behavior professor taught me how to communicate effectively with clients and problem-solve with empathy. Their mentorship was invaluable, and I remain incredibly grateful.
I rebranded my business to MayaCPhotography, creating a clean, cohesive online presence. I began offering affordable senior sessions to students and photographed a student-athlete seminar, as well as headshots for a political candidate that were later used on a billboard. That summer, I hosted model calls and asked anyone willing to step in front of my camera so I could continue refining my posing and editing skills.
In mid-September, I saw another Facebook post—this time from a bride searching for a photographer. Although she had already booked someone, I offered to second shoot for free and provide her with a full additional gallery. That’s how I connected with Josh, the lead photographer. On the wedding day, he generously mentored me—answering questions, allowing me to take the lead at times, and offering insight into running a successful photography business. I still work with him occasionally today.
Soon after, I officially formed my LLC and began expanding my network across North Georgia. One photographer in particular provided numerous opportunities to second shoot and associate shoot weddings. Through those experiences, I gained confidence in leading wedding days and refining my editing style.
By the end of 2024, I had second shot three weddings, associate shot three weddings, participated in a styled shoot, built meaningful vendor relationships, and completed ten portrait sessions ranging from seniors to couples.
In 2025, I began booking and leading my own weddings while learning the realities of entrepreneurship. Early that year, my mom asked if she could join me. She has been a teacher for nearly 30 years—a devoted single mother and one of the most selfless people I know. Photography had always been a dream of hers, but she consistently put others first.
When she saw how serious I was about this career, she began shadowing me whenever possible and invested in her own equipment. She has since become the backbone of MayaCPhotography—supporting me financially, creatively, and emotionally. She has worked nearly every wedding alongside me, and when she isn’t by my side, she is often shooting weddings independently. Her dedication and talent continue to inspire me.
In July 2025, I invited one of my closest friends, Macie, to join the team as our wedding videographer. Macie and I share a similar drive and entrepreneurial spirit. She previously ran her own business and managed social media accounts for small businesses, bringing both creativity and strategy to our growing company.
By the end of 2025, I had led and booked seven weddings, photographed ten engagement sessions, captured seven proposals, completed ten senior sessions, three maternity sessions, and seven family portraits. As a team, we traveled for weddings in St. Louis, Missouri, and along the Georgia coast in Tybee Island and Savannah. Along with that, I also had the privilege of photographing an influencer party for social media influencer Ansley Spinks, who celebrated reaching 5 million followers on TikTok!
Nearly two years after picking up that Nikon for the first time, I graduated from Young Harris College in just three and a half years with a Bachelor of Science in Management and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. Today, I run MayaCPhotography full-time, with 2026 wedding bookings across Georgia and destination weddings scheduled in Arizona, South Carolina, and Michigan.
Our dream is to take this business international—capturing destination weddings abroad and continuing to grow MayaCPhotography into a thriving, full-time creative legacy built on family, connection, and storytelling. My instagram can be found @mayacphotographyy and my website is mayacweddings.com
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road—but I truly believe the challenges shaped both me and my business in the best way.
Starting photography with no formal training was overwhelming. I went from being a collegiate athlete with a structured schedule to building something entirely on my own. There was no clear roadmap. I had to teach myself everything—camera settings, lighting, editing, posing, contracts, pricing, marketing, taxes, client communication—you name it. There were many late nights filled with YouTube tutorials, online forums, and trial and error. I made mistakes. I underpriced myself at first. I questioned whether I was “good enough” to be in rooms with experienced professionals. Imposter syndrome was very real.
Financially, it was also a leap. Investing in professional equipment before I had steady bookings was intimidating. I used money I had saved during college to purchase my Canon R6 Mark II and additional lenses, not knowing when—or if—it would pay off. There were moments where I wondered if I was being irresponsible or overly ambitious.
Rejection was another hurdle. When I first reached out to photographers asking to shadow them, I received no responses. That silence was discouraging. There were inquiries that didn’t convert, weddings I didn’t book, and opportunities that didn’t work out. Each one felt personal at the time. Over time, I learned that rejection is simply redirection—and part of entrepreneurship.
Balancing everything was also challenging. I was finishing two degrees, working part-time, building a website, studying business strategy, and shooting sessions—all at once. Burnout was something I had to learn to manage. I had to become disciplined with my time and intentional about rest.
As the business grew, new challenges emerged: setting boundaries, raising prices confidently, leading wedding days with authority, and managing a team. Stepping into a leadership role—especially at a young age—required growth in confidence and communication. My mom and I had to learn how to maintain our relationship, but respect our professional careers.
But every obstacle forced me to level up. The hard seasons taught me resilience, adaptability, and faith in myself. Looking back, I’m grateful it wasn’t smooth. The struggles made the victories that much sweeter, and they built a foundation that feels strong, sustainable, and earned.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At MayaCPhotography, we specialize in wedding and engagement photography, with a growing branch of wedding videography. While we serve a variety of portrait clients—seniors, families, couples, and proposals—weddings are truly the heart of what we do. There is something incredibly meaningful about being trusted to document one of the most important days in someone’s life. That responsibility is something I never take lightly.
Our style is rooted in storytelling. I focus on capturing genuine, unscripted moments—the in-between glances, the quiet tears from a parent, the laughter during toasts, the chaos on the dance floor. While I absolutely guide couples through natural posing when needed, I prioritize creating space for authenticity. I want my couples to feel like themselves in front of my camera, not overly staged or stiff. My background as an athlete heavily influences how I shoot—I anticipate moments before they happen. Just like reading a play on the field, I’m constantly scanning a wedding day, watching for emotion, movement, and light to align.
Over time, I’ve become known for my calm, organized presence on wedding days. I thrive in high-energy environments, and weddings can be beautifully chaotic. Whether a timeline shifts or weather changes unexpectedly, I pride myself on being adaptable and solution-oriented. My couples often tell me they feel less stressed simply because I’m there guiding them. That, to me, is just as important as delivering beautiful images.
What sets us apart is the heart behind the business. MayaCPhotography is deeply personal—it’s not just a brand, it’s my family and closest friends building something together. My mom works alongside me at most weddings, and her nurturing, steady presence brings so much warmth to our clients’ experience. Our videographer, Macie, shares the same drive and attention to detail, which allows us to create a cohesive photo and video experience. Clients aren’t just booking a vendor; they’re stepping into a team that genuinely cares about their story.
I’m most proud of how quickly this business has grown with intention. From picking up a borrowed camera in 2024 to booking travel weddings across the U.S., every step has been built on relationships, hard work, and a willingness to say yes to opportunities that stretched me. I’m proud that we’ve built a business that values professionalism and preparedness just as much as creativity. I’m proud that my degree in Management and Marketing directly impacts how I serve my clients. And most of all, I’m proud that couples trust us—not just with photos, but with moments they can never recreate.
At the end of the day, what makes us different isn’t just our editing style or gear. It’s the experience. We lead with organization, communicate clearly, show up early, stay late, and celebrate right alongside our couples. We care deeply, and that care is woven into every gallery we deliver.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is connection.
Weddings are obviously beautiful—the details, the florals, the venues—but what truly fills me is the human side of it all. I love watching a groom’s expression when he sees his bride for the first time. I love the quiet hug between a bride and her mom before she walks down the aisle. I love grandparents on the dance floor, college friends reunited, and families from different backgrounds coming together in one space. Being trusted to witness and preserve those moments is something I will never take for granted.
Photography also makes me happy because it gives me purpose. As a former athlete, I was used to chasing growth, discipline, and measurable progress. Building this business gives me that same drive—but now it’s creative and relational. Every wedding is different. Every couple has a unique story. I’m constantly learning, adapting, and improving. That challenge excites me.
Working alongside my mom and one of my closest friends brings me a different kind of joy. There’s something incredibly special about building a dream with people you love. Seeing my mom step into something she always wanted to do, and watching her thrive, makes all the long hours worth it.
Most of all, I’m happiest when clients tell me, “These feel like us.” When they cry looking through their gallery. When they say they felt calm, confident, and cared for on their wedding day. Knowing that something I created will hang on their walls, sit in heirloom albums, and be passed down for generations—that’s what fulfills me.
It’s not just about taking pictures. It’s about preserving memories, honoring relationships, and being part of moments that matter. That’s what makes me happy.
Pricing:
- $3900 – Diamond Package (10 hours, 800+ edited pictures, complimentary second-shooter & engagement or bridal session)
- $3500 – Silver Package (8 hours, 600+ edited pictures)
- $2800 – Silver Package (6 hours, 400+ edited pictures)
- Free With All Bookings: 1. Custom Timeline Creation 2. MayaCPhotography custom made 100+ page wedding planner + checklist 3. Complimentary consultation call & unlimited support/planning 4. Online digital gallery & Digital print release 5. Small Gallery of sneak peeks within 72 hours
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mayacweddings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayacphotographyy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maya.cramer/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mayacphotography
- Other: https://share.google/jIyNzEnCYuTXSQ8mM
Image Credits
Maya Cramer, MayaCPhotography, @mayacphotographyy
