Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariam Shah.
Hi Mariam, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always been drawn to emotion — the way a small glance, a laugh, or a serious, deep look can tell a story on its own. Photography became my way of capturing those fleeting, heartfelt moments — a joyful look of a mother holding her child, a child’s innocent giggle, a newborn’s tiny yawn, a groom’s glowing smile as he sees his bride, or a musician completely lost in their song.
I love photographing families, children, musicians, and weddings, focusing on the real, unscripted moments that make each story unique. I especially love capturing the real and innocent moments of children and the passion and energy of musicians as they perform. I aim to capture the moments when musicians are fully immersed in their art — eyes closed, fingers dancing across strings or keys, faces showing the depth of emotion in every note. One of my favorite experiences was photographing harpist Hannah Kuipers, capturing the movement, focus, and feeling behind her performance. For weddings, I strive to preserve the love, joy, and small details that can’t be recreated, so couples can relive those moments forever.
Nature also inspires my work — the golden light of sunset, gentle rustling leaves, and quiet outdoor moments often find their way into my portraits. For me, photography is all about connection — between people, between art, and with the world around us. I’m excited to keep growing, expand into videography, and continue telling stories that capture the real, heartfelt moments of life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like many creatives, I’ve faced moments of uncertainty — wondering if I was on the right path or if my work was good enough. Starting my own photography business came with challenges, from learning the business side to balancing creativity with consistency. There were times I had to rebuild from the ground up, especially after taking breaks for family or life changes.
But every challenge helped me grow. Each session — whether with a family, a newborn, or a wedding couple — reminded me why I started in the first place. I learned to trust my vision, to connect more deeply with people, and to let authenticity guide me instead of perfection. Looking back, I’m grateful for the ups and downs, because they shaped the way I see and capture life today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a photographer, I see my work as a way to tell stories of emotion and connection through light and timing. My journey began years ago at JCPenney Studio, where I first discovered how a single image can hold an entire feeling. Over time, I developed my own style — focusing on the real, unscripted moments that reveal love, joy, and truth. Whether it’s a mother’s joyful look as she holds her child, a musician lost in their song, or the laughter of a family, I’m always drawn to the beauty of authenticity.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something that often surprises people is that I have a background in computer science. Before photography, I spent years immersed in code and logic — a world very different from capturing moments through a lens. Yet both taught me patience, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving. Photography gave me the freedom to follow my heart, to see the beauty in fleeting glances, joyful smiles, and quiet moments. Today, I love how my two worlds come together, blending precision with emotion in every image I create.
Pricing:
- Mini Sessions (10 images)-$185+Tax
- Medium Family/Portrait (1 hr, 25 images)-$350+Tax
- Maternity+Newborn (2 sessions, 50 images)-$700+Tax
- Long Family Session (2 hr, 50 images)-$700+Tax
- Weddings(8 hr coverage)- $2500+Tax
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @PaarsPhotography
