LUMA Photography & Boudoir

A Chicago-based artist specializing in Lifestyle, Creative, Family, Editorial Portraiture, Events, Social Media Content, Branding and Boudoir Photography.

Time has a beautiful way of showing us how we evolve—while still holding onto who we’ve always been.

Hi, I’m Maria—photographer, artist, and the heart behind LUMA Photography.

Based in Chicago, I specialize in lifestyle, editorial portraiture, family, events, social media content, and boudoir photography—each session designed to feel intentional, elevated, and uniquely you.

The name LUMA was inspired by my two greatest loves—my children, Luca and Emma. They are the reason I turned a passion into a purpose… and a dream into something real.

As a licensed cosmetologist since 2001, creativity has always been at the core of who I am. Whether behind the chair or behind the lens, I’ve always been drawn to beauty in all forms—vintage details, meaningful moments, music, movement, and the stories that live in between. My journey into photography didn’t begin with formal training—it began with a feeling. A vision. And a camera in my hands.

When Luca was almost two, I set out to create something special for his rockstar-themed birthday. No plan, no experience—just intuition. We found ourselves on a quiet industrial road, where a worn fence and a large American flag became the perfect backdrop. A kind stranger paused his work day to let me create, saying, “I have grandkids of my own… I think it’s great what you’re doing.” That moment stayed with me.

By 2012, that spark had grown into something undeniable—what started as curiosity became a calling, and eventually, a career. Today, photography is more than what I do—it’s how I connect, create, and capture the confidence and beauty I see in others.

Thank you for being here, for your continued support, and for allowing me to do what I love every single day. You truly make my heart smile.

With love, Maria 🤍