San Diego girlie, born + raised. I literally went to the snow and the beach for sessions in the same day. How could I ever leave - Have you seen this place? I live in a cute little home with my boyfriend Tanner and our dog son Kodah ( AKA Tootie, Kody, Mr.Boy, Dakota Lynne), he’s also a great assistant. They’re the best, and when I’m not photographing my time is usually spent with them, family, and friends.
Meet Mariah
my inspiration comes from your intention with me
I’ve been photographing for 7 years, and I think what truly made me fall in love was creating art out of connection. My creativity thrives off of raw, intentional, and carefree lovers because storytelling the in-between moments matter. I want you to enjoy your experience and also deliver a gallery that you can feel. A gallery that takes you back to the exact season you were in while I was photographing you.
my inspiration comes from your intention with me
I’ve been photographing for 7 years, and I think what truly made me fall in love was creating art out of connection. My creativity thrives off of raw, intentional, and carefree lovers because storytelling the in-between moments matter. I want you to enjoy your experience and also deliver a gallery that you can feel. A gallery that takes you back to the exact season you were in while I was photographing you.
2017
2018
2020
2022
TODAY
I picked up a camera
I picked up a camera 6 years ago and truly the rest is history. I started with the Costco DSLR starter pack (my Dad literally works for Canon and Costco had the better value lol). It didn't matter where I was, that camera was with me at all times from that day moving forward. I started out by going down to the beach, taking photos of really anything that caught my eye, but then started having my friends come model for me and that's really when I started getting excited and knew I found my craft.
MY JOURNEY
as a photographer
2017
2018
2020
2022
TODAY
I shot my very first wedding!
I remember this day like it was yesterday because this is when I finally felt in my heart that I was exactly where i was supposed to be. This wedding really awakened something inside of me. Prior to this, I spent years in college, trying to decide on a major and didn't know exactly what I wanted to do for a career. When I finally shot my my first wedding, I knew that the rest was going to be history and then I wanted to pour my entire heart and soul into becoming a full-time wedding and portrait photographer.
MY JOURNEY
as a photographer
2017
2018
2020
2022
TODAY
I went full time in photography
March 1, 2020, I took a leap of faith and decided to go full time in photography. It had been a goal of mine the previous year to make this happen. I had originally went into 2020 with 33 weddings.... it was supposed to be my greatest year for business growth. Days later, we were in a worldwide pandemic. I had 25 postponed weddings, and more to come. This was absolutely terrifying. I remember thinking to myself "WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?!?!?" I felt every single emotion that all of my 33 couples felt. Learning new guidelines, make the adjustments, the cancellations, the postponements and the reschedules, just to then be forced to cancel again. It was incredibly difficult to pick up the pieces for all of my couples who were so deserving. BUT it feels weird, contradicting and confusing to say that 2020 was still the best year yet with Mariah Fortune Photography. But it truly was. I took a leaf of faith, trusted in myself and in my business. I'll never forget the exact moment I knew that I was to give all my time, effort and energy into photography and from that day,, it hasn't changed.
MY JOURNEY
as a photographer
2017
2018
2020
2022
TODAY
I shot my 100th wedding!
2021 was full of COVID reschedules and all of the guidelines began to open back up which meant it was the busiest wedding year, and a lot of couples were ready to finally celebrate and picked me to capture it. My love for wedding photography really formed this year because I finally had my first full-time experience wedding photography experience, and I was able to connect with so many different people. It was this year that I truly understood the investment that my couples were making into me and that I was able to make back into them. I constantly found myself asking "How is this my job?".
MY JOURNEY
as a photographer
2017
2018
2020
2022
TODAY
I'm Honored to capture your Moments!
I have been a full-time professional wedding and portrait photographer for three years and have wholeheartedly enjoyed every single second that I get to spend with my clients. Like how cool is it that I get to capture such important seasons in their lives? Whether it's their wedding day, baby announcements, maternity, their baby's newborn photos, family photos, or even all of those events - they chose me to capture such an important time in their life, and I am forever grateful for each and every single person that has supported my journey and allowed me to be a part of theirs. It's truly the greatest honor and encourages me every single day to be a better version of myself than I was the day before.
MY JOURNEY
as a photographer
MY JOURNEY
as a photographer
2017
2018
2020
2022
TODAY
I picked up a camera
I picked up a camera 6 years ago and truly the rest is history. I started with the Costco DSLR starter pack (my Dad literally works for Canon and Costco had the better value lol). It didn't matter where I was, that camera was with me at all times from that day moving forward. I started out by going down to the beach, taking photos of really anything that caught my eye, but then started having my friends come model for me and that's really when I started getting excited and knew I found my craft.
MY JOURNEY
as a photographer
2017
2018
2020
2022
TODAY
I shot my very first wedding
I remember this day like it was yesterday because this is when I finally felt in my heart that I was exactly where i was supposed to be. This wedding really awakened something inside of me. Prior to this, I spent years in college, trying to decide on a major and didn't know exactly what I wanted to do for a career. When I finally shot my my first wedding, I knew that the rest was going to be history and then I wanted to pour my entire heart and soul into becoming a full-time wedding and portrait photographer.
MY JOURNEY
as a photographer
2017
2018
2020
2022
TODAY
I went full time in photography
March 1, 2020, I took a leap of faith and decided to go full time in photography. It had been a goal of mine the previous year to make this happen. I had originally went into 2020 with 33 weddings.... it was supposed to be my greatest year for business growth. Days later, we were in a worldwide pandemic. I had 25 postponed weddings, and more to come. This was absolutely terrifying. I remember thinking to myself "WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?!?!?" I felt every single emotion that all of my 33 couples felt. Learning new guidelines, make the adjustments, the cancellations, the postponements and the reschedules, just to then be forced to cancel again. It was incredibly difficult to pick up the pieces for all of my couples who were so deserving. BUT it feels weird, contradicting and confusing to say that 2020 was still the best year yet with Mariah Fortune Photography. But it truly was. I took a leaf of faith, trusted in myself and in my business. I'll never forget the exact moment I knew that I was to give all my time, effort and energy into photography and from that day,, it hasn't changed.
MY JOURNEY
as a photographer
2017
2018
2020
2022
TODAY
I shot my 100th wedding!
2021 was full of COVID reschedules and all of the guidelines began to open back up which meant it was the busiest wedding year, and a lot of couples were ready to finally celebrate and picked me to capture it. My love for wedding photography really formed this year because I finally had my first full-time experience wedding photography experience, and I was able to connect with so many different people. It was this year that I truly understood the investment that my couples were making into me and that I was able to make back into them. I constantly found myself asking "How is this my job?".
MY JOURNEY
as a photographer
2017
2018
2020
2022
TODAY
I'm honored to capture your moments!
I have been a full-time professional wedding and portrait photographer for three years and have wholeheartedly enjoyed every single second that I get to spend with my clients. Like how cool is it that I get to capture such important seasons in their lives? Whether it's their wedding day, baby announcements, maternity, their baby's newborn photos, family photos, or even all of those events - they chose me to capture such an important time in their life, and I am forever grateful for each and every single person that has supported my journey and allowed me to be a part of theirs. It's truly the greatest honor and encourages me every single day to be a better version of myself than I was the day before.
"I could not recommend Mariah more! I have been getting my photography done by Mariah since 2016, and I can honestly say she gets better and better at each shoot! Her attention to detail, and master-craft of capturing the beauty of a couple’s chemistry is unmatched by any other photographer I’ve ever been to. Mariah has a special talent when it comes to snapping the energy of her subjects, and it shows in her photography. She will never make you feel uncomfortable or awkward, and makes the experience fun even for the men that don’t exactly love the idea of smiling for more than one picture! She is so passionate about her work, and she will make the experience overall incredible. I’m so thankful for a friend like Mariah, and will continue to have her as my go-to photographer for any occasion!"
-Kacey & Sam
Notes
Love
"As a fellow photographer I am VERY picky about who I choose to help me capture MY big moments. Mariah is the one person I am willing to give up creative control to because she is AMAZING! My boyfriend and I have gone to her twice now for photos and have walked away every time so satisfied and genuinely thankful. She is kind and energetic and makes you feel SO comfortable and confident! We were so happy and impressed with the way she authentically captured our love and our personalities, while still preserving her own creative style. If you are looking to get couples or engagement photos done, take the step and go with Mariah! She will exceed your expectations and you will walk away satisfied and with photos that you will cherish forever. We can hardly wait until our next session!"
-Jordan & John
Notes
Love
"When looking for a wedding photographer, I was searching for someone that shared my vision and overall style but also someone I could see photographing multiple momentous moments in my life moving forward. When I came across Mariah and had our initial call I immediately felt comfortable and like she was a friend. That same feeling and energy carried over into our engagement and wedding photos. She understood my vision and made it a reality. I look back at our wedding photos on a regular basis and am constantly referring her to anyone that is looking. She is such a shining light and is passionate about her career. I am looking forward to the many photoshoots to come."
-Alyssa & Eric
Notes
Love
"We took our first ever professional photos as a couple for our baby announcement and Mariah far exceeded all expectations! The whole process from scheduling the shoot, talking ideas/location, etc. to the actual shoot was seamless and amazing! Chris hates taking pictures but the second we met up with Mariah at our location he was completely comfortable, laughing and willing to try different poses, locations, etc. because Mariah has a way to make you feel completely comfortable and at ease while in front of the camera. She is sweet, personable, understanding, flexible and just so much fun. We got our photos within days and we absolutely fell in LOVE! We cannot wait to capture so many more memories with Mariah. I cannot emphasize enough how great of an experience and the quality of the photos you get with Mariah."
_Gee & Chris
Notes
Love
'Mariah did a great job of taking our family photos! She really focused on capturing us naturally in our element. I loved her vibe and the shoot was very natural and relaxed. She had great patience with my kiddos who are three and five and was very caring and sweet. You could tell she really loves what she does and it shows through her work. I truly loved all the photos she took and I will cherish them forever. She was again super sweet and I would definitely hire her again. Thank you Mariah for capturing my family so beautifully."
-Krystal
Notes
Love
"One of the most common compliments we get from our wedding day from all of our wedding guests is how much they loved our photographer! She was easy to be around, made taking photos fun (not a chore), knew how to prompt everyone for different poses that didn’t feel awkward, but most importantly captured the most stunning photos of our wedding day! We knew we would be having photos of our day printed and framed, but even wedding guests have done the same of them and their loved ones. If you are looking for a photographer who you can fully trust, who is there for you in every way possible (and then some), who makes taking photos fun, embraces the emotion of your day, who will twirl you on the dance floor, who delivers what she promises, and who captures absolutely gorgeous photos, Mariah is all of that & more!"
-Bren & Mark
Notes
Love
"Mariah did an absolute impeccable job at capturing both our big day & the memories of my dreams. I couldn’t even imagine my photos to the degree she delivered them. Her passion and skill speaks volumes. If I could do it again I would chose her over and over. She made me feel so comfortable in front of the camera. 20 out of 10 in my book! Thank you so much Mariah. You fulfilled something for us that we will carry forever."
-Krustina & Chris
Notes
Love
"We absolutely loved all the photos, and I can’t believe they’re OUR wedding day. They look so dreamy, and better than I could have ever imagined! You made it so easy to get through all the family group photos, which is not an easy task with how large our families are. And we’ve had so many compliments about how the photos turned out and how talented you are! Just so thrilled to have worked with you! I don’t even remember seeing you during most of the moments you captured and they’re all great details we will want to remember for the rest of our lives together. Thank you so so much! We will be recommending you to our friends and family for future sessions! And we will definitely have to book another session in the future!"
-Alyssa & Eric
Notes
Love
