Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Fernanda Suarez
Hi Maria Fernanda , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been drawn to telling stories, whether through words, images, or meaningful interactions. In college, I earned two degrees in Marketing and Broadcasting, which led me to work in the TV industry for four years and fueled my passion for media and communication. After my time in television, I moved into a corporate environment, balancing a demanding schedule while also juggling the dream of doing something more creative and personal. Once I became a mom, that desire for a fulfilling, flexible career intensified, and I realized I needed to bet on myself.
That’s how By Mafer Photos began. I started small, capturing everyday moments for friends and family, but quickly found that storytelling through photography and videography allowed me to connect with people on a deeper level. Seeing their reactions when they received a gallery, whether for a birthday, a business launch, or a milestone celebration, was truly inspiring. It fueled my drive to keep learning, improving, and offering more.
Eventually, I left the corporate world to focus on photography and content creation full time. It was a huge leap of faith, but the growth I experienced made it worth the risk. Over time, I expanded my offerings beyond photography to include content strategy and creation for local businesses. This approach has allowed me to not only capture visually appealing images but also help brands communicate their unique stories to the right audience.
Today, my work is twofold
Photography/Videography: From special family moments to brand shoots, I strive to create images that evoke emotion and highlight the beauty in everyday life.
Content Creatio/ Strategy: I help other businesses, showcase their value in a genuine, relatable way.
As a first time mom, I also create and share content that encourages fellow moms and women to find joy in the chaos, embrace gratitude, and believe in themselves. I learned that often we are the ones who put boundaries on our dreams. Once I allowed myself to imagine bigger and take action, doors opened. I will not pretend it has been easy, but the journey has been incredibly rewarding.
Through each challenge and triumph, I am continuously motivated by the belief that our stories are meant to be shared to uplift and inspire. This perspective keeps me going every day, reminding me why I took the leap in the first place, so I can encourage others to do the same.
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 has definitely not been a smooth road, but looking back, I can see how every bump taught me valuable lessons. The first challenge was taking that leap from a steady job in the corporate world to becoming an entrepreneur. It meant leaving behind the security of a consistent paycheck, health benefits, and a familiar routine. When you have a family, especially as a first time mom, that uncertainty can be intimidating.
Another big hurdle was learning the ins and outs of running a business on my own. While my degrees in Marketing and Broadcasting, as well as my four years in the TV industry, gave me a good foundation, building a brand from scratch involved countless new skills and a lot of trial and error. I had to figure out everything from budgeting and taxes to client management and marketing strategies.
Balancing motherhood with the demands of a growing business has also been challenging. There are many days when I am shooting content in the morning, editing in the afternoon, and then multitasking as a mom in the evening. I have learned to manage my time with a lot of discipline and create structures that help me stay focused and present in each role.
Looking back on these obstacles, though, I see them as the fuel for my growth. Each struggle has pushed me to refine my craft, streamline my processes, and become more resilient. While the path has been bumpy, overcoming each challenge has made the journey more rewarding.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in capturing genuine, meaningful moments through photography and videography and create impactful content for anyone who wants a digital memory, whether it’s a family celebration or a brand looking to connect with audiences online. My background in Marketing and Broadcasting, along with four years of experience in the TV industry, taught me how to craft compelling visuals and messages. As a result, I’ve been able to focus on modern advertising, particularly on social media platforms, where strategic storytelling and visually striking content make all the difference.
I’m proud that By Mafer Photos has evolved into a space where creativity meets purpose. When I work with families, I aim to capture memories they can cherish for a lifetime. When I collaborate with businesses, I combine my knowledge of corporate environments, television production, and social media trends to highlight their unique voice in a way that resonates with their target audience. This includes carefully planned photoshoots, branded visuals, and engaging content that reflects their core values.
What sets me apart is my commitment to authenticity and connection. Each client has a story worth telling, and my goal is to showcase that story in every photo or piece of content I produce. By blending artistry with strategy, I’m able to turn simple ideas into powerful visual narratives that not only look great but also leave a lasting impact.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is playing with my camera alongside my grandma, who also had a passion for photography. I would put her makeup on and dress her up for our little photoshoots, and she would patiently pose while I excitedly clicked away. Looking back, it was more than just a fun activity; those moments nurtured my creativity and sparked my love for capturing life’s stories through the lens.
Image Credits
Elizabeth Salazar
