Conversations with Maria Godinez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Godinez.

Hi Maria, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello, My name is Maria Carmen, wife, mom of two teens, designer-turned-photographer.

I finished school in Graphic Design during an especially busy season of life, when my now-teenagers were firmly in their T-rex years. How I survived that time is still a mystery, but tea, a few tears, and a generous amount of willpower definitely played supporting roles. During that period, my husband gifted me my first camera for Mother’s Day, and I began creating the imagery for my own design work. Being able to shape both the visuals and the final design myself was incredibly fulfilling! extremely satisfying, 10/10 would recommend!

It started with photographing my own family and friends, and I’ve now spent over five years as a Portrait, Boudoir, and wedding photography. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster: creative breakthroughs, imposter syndrome, meeting wonderful people, and occasionally questioning why Lightroom hates me.

On the more personal side and a more serious note. I’m also a mental health advocate. I have faced mental health challenges that have become part of my ongoing journey and I’ve learned my mind takes me on its own side quests. But I’ve come to terms with it; this is my lifelong battle, and I show up for it with honesty, a bit of humor, and a lot of self-awareness. (and a few tears)

And then there’s the wonderful plot twist: I’m also an Elementary School Librarian. I’ve been in the library world for four years now, and this is where all the parts of my life magically align. It’s the perfect blend of everything I love: storytelling, design, creativity, and trying to keep my students from taking seven bookmarks!

What began as a potential career shift has evolved into a dual path that enriches my professional life in ways I didn’t anticipate.

Together, these experiences, have shaped who I am today and continue to influence the work I create and the communities I serve.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has been meaningful, but smooth? No. Not quite. One of my biggest struggles has been imposter syndrome, which seems to enjoy following me around. I will jump straight into thinking no one is booking because of my own insecurities and… not, you know, the economy, timing, the fact that we forget to check our email or because I have ghosted my Social Media account for the thousandth time. (Social media, its own category of struggle because creating content consistently is a full-time job, a mental challenge, and a spiritual test and I’m working on it!)

From the outside, things can look very put-together, but behind the scenes I’m often running around like a headless chicken, trying to keep all my worlds from crashing into each other.

At the end of the day, my struggles are the same ones many creatives face: balancing passion with responsibility, managing a business while managing a household, remembering when I last mopped, and figuring out what exactly I’m supposed to make for dinner tonight. None of it is simple, and very little of it is linear, but it’s mine, and I’m learning to take it one day at a time.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an outdoor Portrait and Boudoir Photographer, and at the heart of what I do is the desire to make people feel seen. Intimate portraiture — the kind that isn’t just about posing for a camera, but about stepping into a version of yourself you might not always get to acknowledge.

To be a photographer has truly become one of the most meaningful parts of my work, especially Boudoir Portraits, is often misunderstood as “just photos,” but anyone who has experienced it knows it’s much deeper than that. It’s a moment of vulnerability, courage, and self-acceptance and quiet turning point for many. I’ve witnessed transformations, big and small, from clients learning to see themselves with softness, or strength, or beauty they didn’t think they had anymore. I’ve heard stories of resilience, and I’ve seen people walk out of sessions carrying themselves differently than when they walked in.

If there’s anything I’m proud of, it’s that, its not the images themselves, but what the experience gives. The confidence, the shift in posture, the spark that comes back into their eyes. That is what fills my heart.

As for what sets me apart… I’ll be honest: I’m not always sure. The creative world is big, and there are so many talented creatives out there. But if I had to guess, it’s the combination of things that make me; me, maybe my documentary-style approach, my love of intimate storytelling, my ability to make clients feel comfortable, and the intentional way I photograph people as they are, not as they think they “should” be.

I don’t strive to be better than anyone else; I strive to be true to my artistry, present with my clients, and proud of the moments I help them rediscover. And I think that honesty and connection might be what truly sets my work apart.

I am looking forward to see what 2026 has in store with me as I endeavor into intimate weddings!

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
It had taken me a long time to start networking. I was that photographer who stayed in her own little bubble admiring everyone from afar. (Woah, that sounds kinda creepy!) Well, one of my favorite early memories was actually booking my first real photoshoot for myself: a part birthday session, part branding. I didn’t know it then, but that one shoot would open the door to so much more.

Within a few months, that single connection branched into a “wine and meet”, and I remember being incredibly nervous, but I ended up meeting the most wonderful group of women. It was my first real experience of what “community over competition” truly feels like, and it completely changed the trajectory of my journey.

Over the years, the people I’ve met in this industry have become more than peers; they’ve become friends, supporters, collaborators, and yes, mentors. I’ve learned that sometimes the best mentors aren’t the ones with official titles or programs, but the people you grow alongside. The ones you message at midnight about editing struggles, the ones who lift you up when you’re doubting yourself, and the ones you can trust to give honest feedback.

If I had to give advice, it would be this:
• Say yes to showing up, even when you feel awkward or nervous.
• Find community spaces, local meetups, creative groups, workshops.
• Look for genuine connection, not just “networking.” “I always welcome a Coffee date!”
• And most importantly, let friendships form naturally.

My strongest mentors have come from friendships I didn’t expect. people who support me, challenge me, and understand this strange, beautiful creative world we’re all trying to navigate.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wildflowermoments.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildflower.moments
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildflowermoments/

Image Credits
Photography by: @wildflower.moments