Imagine - spotlight on photographer Maria Nissen

When my friend Maria Nissen returned home to Mesa Arizona after visiting New York, and I saw her photo of the famous tribute to the late John Lennon, something powerful stirred inside me and I knew that it was time to spotlight Maria. 

Maria. We have been friends for a long time - many years actually. We met when our boys who are now nearly grown, went to preschool together. Those were fun, busy, exhausting, sweet years. And even though I'll never get over her moving to Mesa six years ago, I am truly grateful we have remained friends. I have learned so much from Maria - much more than she knows.  
Ah, above is another of my favorites. Love, love, love this one. It tells it's own amazing story. As do most of Maria's photos. Such a gifted photographer. But first, a gifted person.

It's hard to describe someone like Maria. She's one of those people who sounds too good to be real. But you know, some people really have been given extraordinary gifts, and Maria is blessed to be one of those people. Aside from all her talents, she is first and foremost a genuine, friendly, lovely person. And she radiates it. She truly loves people and people of all walks of life are instantly drawn to her. I have never - and I mean never - seen Maria without a smile on her face. Case in point, catch her smiling on her blog with her beautiful family.

Ever since I have known Maria, she has been involved in many things. Not only is she a wife and a mother to five - yes, FIVE - wonderful children, she is constantly learning, growing, living. I have never known her not be taking at least one class. I have seen her build things, remodel things, embellish things, upholster furniture, sew quilts, garden, stain, paint, run - well. She serves her family, her community, her church, her neighbors. Everyone that knows Maria has been blessed by her in one way or another. 
And a constant thread running through all of this living Maria thrives on, is photography. At a young age she was deeply touched by a series of photos in a museum, and she knew that photography had to be part of her life. She called it "a connector - it has the potential to move people". So the uncanny gift she has for bringing out the very best in everyone and everything, is now documented through her talented lens. And now that her children are a bit older and a bit more independent, Maria is finally living her dream as a professional photographer. It has been a joy to see her take this journey. 
True to her nature, she still continues taking classes. For a recent final project she even had her own photography book published - a portfolio of sorts. To quote from her book, "I love to photograph people. If someone tells me they're not photogenic I don't believe them. Everyone has a good side". Ever the optimist :) Maria's goal is to put people at ease and make them feel special. It is evident in every photograph she takes. 
Oh just look at this sweet little piece of pumpkin pie! What a love!
Along with families and individuals, Maria is an amazing wedding photographer. From the most formal photo to catching the bride and groom running and jumping barefooted, Maria instantly picks up on the vibe of the couple and always hits the mark. She is especially talented with candid photos. Above is one of my favorites. 
And how she can get multiple young children at their best is incredible!

Oh Maria, I'm so happy we are friends :)