Mr. & Mrs. ~ The Anonymous Couple

When I first decided to do photography, I purchased a D70s and went down to Vizcaya in Miami. I happened to run into a beautiful couple who were having their photographs taken and I figured I'd take a few shots myself.

I'm sad to say I never got their names, but I did get some fabulous shots. I only wish I could have found a way to share these with them. I guess I was too chicken to ask. Here I am, don't really know how to work my camera and yes, I dropped my lens. I about died right then and there. Who was I to offer my photos when obviously they were already going to get amazing photos from their photographer?? It's been almost 4 years since I took these, but they still make me smile. In any case, I thank them for allowing me to capture their love. They really inspired me to keep at it.

I wish the Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. all the best, wherever they might be.

Jasmine Star & CreativeLIVE

I know it sounds cheesy, but Jasmine Star changed by life..and she doesn't even know it! Although, I know she gets that a lot. Everyone that follows her work becomes an immediate fan. I just love her spunk and her photos are to die for.

Just a few weeks ago, I attempted to be part of her CreativeLIVE workshop. I've been wanting to meet her for a long time and when the opportunity finally arose, I couldn't say no. I had to AT LEAST try. Photographers all over the world submitted videos to be one of the lucky six to be chosen to join her in Seattle.

Needless to say, I didn't win. Maybe it's because I didn't have a sexy British accent like Sachin Khona. Man! I should have used my Argentinean accent. I don't think it's sexy, but that's what people tell me. She did pick some great photographers and I'm happy for them. Of course, I would have loved to have been in their shoes, but thanks to CreativeLIVE, I'm able to watch the videos at home.

I've only been able to watch bits and pieces but I've already learned so much. Because I'm on the east coast, the times don't really work out for me. I'm either at work or sleeping. After the first night, they were re-airing the show and I set my alarm for 2:45 a.m. Just picture me in bed, watching the stream on my iPhone, under the covers with my headphones. Yup, no lie. My hubby thought I was nuts of course and I'll admit, maybe it was a little over the top. But that's how much I admire her and she just gives me such a jumpstart when it comes to photography - like a pair of jumper cables.

I just want to learn. Get out there. Shoot.

So today, when I couldn't watch the live feed from work, I asked my hubby to watch it for me and let me know what happened. Now, let me just say, I talk about Jasmine all time but he didn't get it until today. After watching her, he immediately told me how good it was and that I needed to buy the courses. How lucky am I? I wouldn't have bought it without his blessing and here he was ordering me to get it. Why? Because he knows how much I love photography; how much I love Jasmine; and he knew how much I'd get out of it in the end. He's my rock and biggest fan. My personal JD :D

For those of you don't know Jasmine, you must be wondering what exactly makes her so special. There are plenty of other super talented photographers but I just connected with her. Maybe it was the fact that we both share the same faith. Or that both got married in 2005. Or that we both started photographing in 2006. Or the fact that we both shoot with our husbands. She's Puerto Rican. Well, I'm married to a Puerto Rican. That counts, right?

Whatever it was, I've found her to be inspiring and while I haven't had the same success as her in the past 4 years, I won't give up. I plan to attend one of her workshops someday and I can't wait to one day thank her in person for changing my outlook on photography.

Here is my video entry. It wasn't a winner, but I hope it makes you laugh.

Bride. Wife. Mom. Photographer.

Hello world! We may be total strangers now but I hope that through this blog, we'll learn new things together, develop relationships and get to know each other a little better.

Those closest to me call me Mavi - short for Maria Victoria. A little about me? I'm a Christ-follower, a dedicated wife, a loving mom, a loyal friend, and a writer... but through all these milestones I've always considered myself a photographer at heart.

I started my professional journey in photography in September 2006 with the help of my husband, who isn't just my partner in life but in business too (I hate calling him my assistant!). We were newlyweds at the time and after having a great experience with our personal wedding photographer, Jamie May, I decided to give photography a shot (pun intended!). My hubby pushes me to do better and I love him for that. I photograph part-time since I have a full-time job as a writer and media relations coordinator and in June 2009, we had our first baby boy, Luca! To say the least, I've had my hands full, but I decided to create this blog and share some of my photos with the world.

I didn't major in photography but I took photography classes along the way while getting my bachelors in journalism. I've learned to develop my style on my own and I'm proud of that. I still have lots to learn but I have a huge desire and I like to think that comes across in my photos.

I shoot pretty much everything but I absolutely love to shoot weddings and families. There is just something about seeing a bride radiate as she walks down the aisle and her groom waiting for her. It's a huge honor for me to also capture those special moments when a couple grows as a family. Having a child of my own, I get great pleasure if making little ones laugh and just snapping those real moments.

I'm located in South Florida but am open to travel for shoots. Please feel free to email me any questions at mavi@photosbymavi.com. You can also follow me on Twitter and on Facebook.

So whether you share a passion for photography or are looking for a photographer to capture your special day, thank you for stopping by. Photos to come soon. Promise.

P.S. I want to thank my friend, Liz, for taking this photo. She's got great talent and we have so much fun photographing together. I'm all about learning and sharing and I'm so glad I get to do that with her!