Hi, I'm Maria.
Originally from Chile and now based in Walyalup/Fremantle, photography has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.
Growing up as the second of seven siblings, I naturally became the family photographer. I was always the one reaching for the camera, documenting birthdays, holidays and the everyday moments I somehow knew we'd want to look back on one day.
Looking back, I don't think I ever chose photography. It quietly became part of who I was.
Finding film
Years later, while studying Fine Arts, I took a darkroom photography class that completely changed the course of my creative life.
We learnt to build pinhole cameras, develop our own negatives and print photographs by hand. Watching my first image slowly appear in the developer tray felt like magic, and I was hooked.
Film taught me patience. It taught me to trust my instincts, to slow down, and to pay close attention to light, emotion and the moments unfolding in front of me.
It felt less like discovering something new, and more like finding the medium that had been waiting for me all along.
As I continued my studies, I found myself returning to the idea of memory again and again, eventually dedicating my Fine Arts thesis to exploring memory, water and history through painting and photography. Looking back, I realise I wasn't choosing those themes at all.
They had been quietly shaping the way I saw the world for as long as I can remember.
That slower, more intentional way of working continues to shape every photograph I create today.
My approach
Most people tell me they're nervous before a session.
They worry they won't know how to pose, that they'll feel awkward in front of the camera, or that they simply aren't photogenic.
The truth is, you don't need to know any of that.
My role isn't to make you perform.
It's to create an environment where you feel comfortable enough to simply be yourself.
The photographs I love most aren't about perfect poses or polished moments. They're about connection, laughter, quiet moments, movement and the little things that often become the memories we treasure most.
My hope is that your photographs won't just remind you of how you looked.
They'll remind you of how this chapter of your life felt.
A little about me
Outside of photography, I'm happiest outdoors. I love hiking, camping, travelling and exploring new places, and if I'm home, you'll probably find me in the garden or surrounded by one of my 60+ indoor plants.
Family has always been at the centre of my life, and I think that's one of the reasons I'm so drawn to documenting connection. Whether it's the family we're born into, the one we build, or the people who simply make us feel at home, those relationships are what matter most.
I've always been fascinated by people and the stories that shape them. I'm endlessly curious about psychology, personal growth, and the many different ways we try to understand ourselves, and that curiosity continues to inspire every photograph I make.
My PRACTICE
Photography has been part of my life for over fifteen years, and my approach has been shaped through a Bachelor of Fine Arts, where I discovered my love for analogue photography.
Since then, my work has been exhibited internationally, recognised through photography awards, and featured in publications celebrating film photography.
While those milestones mean a great deal to me, what matters most is creating photographs that you'll treasure for decades to come.
Where it all began
My grandad shared that same love for photography.
Some of my favourite childhood memories are sitting beside him, asking him to pull out his old slide collection so we could look through them together. I was fascinated that a tiny piece of film could hold an entire moment, preserving people, places and memories long after they had passed.
He later gifted me my very first film camera. Sadly, it was stolen many years ago, but what it represented has stayed with me ever since.
I've also always been drawn to old family photo albums and forgotten archives. I love wondering about the people in those photographs. Who were they? What did they dream about? What kind of life did they live?
Some of those stories have been lost with the people who lived them.
I think that's why photography has always meant so much to me.
For me, photographs aren't just images. They're pieces of our history that help future generations understand where they came from and who they belong to.
Exhibitions
Seasons of Presence, October/November 2025, Kerfuffle on the corner, South Fremantle.
Reflections, Focus Pocus Collaborative Exhibition, August 14th 2025. The Neighborhood Sauna, Fremantle.
Not Dead Yet Too, April 17-27 2025, Early Work Gallery, South Fremantle.
Docu Group Exhibition, March 29th 2025 Ephmere Gallery, Tokyo, Japan.
Focus Pocus Double Exposure Collaborative Exhibition. October 26/2024 Best Wishes Cafe, Fremantle.
Focus Pocus Group Exhibition, July 20th 2023, Focus Pocus Lab, Fremantle.
The Art of Giving, July 7th 2022, Good Things Cafe, Fremantle.
Awards
Highly Commended, Australasia Top Emerging Photographers 2026
Bronze Winner, Double Exposure (Technique Category) Analog Awards 2025
Honorable mention Analog Awards 2024
Honorable mention Flow Trip Magazine 2024
Publications & Features
Maria Guzman: Exploring Earthly and Gentle Connections through Analogue Photography
Maria Guzman’s Lens: Celebrating Women’s Strength, Vulnerability, and Natural Beauty
FAQ
How do i book my session?
Please complete the booking form with as much detail as possible. I will reach out to you with my availability, and once we confirm a date that works, I will send you an invoice. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required upon receipt of the invoice to secure your booking, with the remaining 50% due the week before the session.
Do you offer payment plans?
Absolutely! I understand that photography is an investment, and I want to make it as accessible as possible. I offer flexible payment plans to suit your needs, so you can book your session without financial stress. Feel free to reach out, and we can find a plan that works for you!
Can I postpone my shoot?
The deposit which you pay is non-refundable, but you are able to postpone the date once, at least 3 days in advance. My outdoor shoots are weather dependant, and if it is raining, it automatically gets postponed to another day without it affecting you.
How long does it take to get my images back?
You will get your photos within 3 weeks of the shoot. The time it takes depends on Film Lab opening days and processing times.
Where are you based and do you travel?
Currently serving Perth, Fremantle and down to Margaret River, Western Australia, but I travel throughout the state and also Internationally once or twice a year. You are welcome to email me expressing interest in working with me, with your location and requested dates.
