The Unfiltered Rebirth: How Divorce, A Pandemic & A Fire Sparked a Photographer Rebrand

Rebranding as a photographer isn’t just about a new logo or color scheme—it’s about shedding layers of pretense and stepping into your true self. After 24 years of molding my photography to fit what I thought the world wanted, it’s time to break free and show up as my unfiltered, raw, and emotional self. Life has thrown some curveballs—divorce, the pandemic, and even the Lahaina fire—but these trials have been the catalysts for my transformation.

Inspired by Paulo Coelho’s wisdom, this journey is about unbecoming everything that isn’t me, so I can finally be the photographer who I was always meant to be. Get ready for a photography experience that’s artful, unashamed, emotional, and downright badass.

The Catalyst Moments

Divorce: A Fresh Start

Divorce isn’t just an ending; it’s a chance to redefine who you are. When my marriage ended, it felt like my world was crumbling. But from the rubble, I found a new beginning. This fresh start was a wake-up call, pushing me to strip away the facade I had built for years on social media. The experience taught me to embrace my true self. It was raw and painful, but it was also empowering. The end of my marriage wasn’t just a personal upheaval; it was the spark that ignited my personal journey, turning pain into a powerful, artistic vision.

A Pandemic & A Fire: Rebuilding

Raw vulnerability. Being on the island of Maui during the pandemic was quite an experience. The pandemic isolated us, stripping away our normal lives, and taking away our income, and made me get very creative in supporting my family. Just when things started to feel “normal” again, the Lahaina fire happened. While my home didn’t burn, life as I knew it turned to ashes. Both events forced me to pause and reflect on what truly matters. Rebuilding isn’t just about physical structures; it’s about reconstructing your soul. These moments made me realize that life is too short to be anything but authentic.

As a wedding photographer and portrait photographer, I now aim to capture the raw, unfiltered emotions that define us. My work has taken on a new depth, embracing the beauty in imperfection. Alternative Wedding Photography is more than just a style; it’s a philosophy that celebrates individuality and resilience. The fires and pandemics were harsh teachers, but they also clarified my vision and purpose.

I don’t see the point in driving through burnt Lahaina town in tears to show up to saying cheese and smiling at the camera. I want to see your love. I want to see your vulnerability and connection.

The Rebirth Begins

Embracing Authenticity

Embracing authenticity has been the cornerstone of this rebrand. For too long, I felt the pressure to conform to industry standards and societal expectations. As a wedding photographer and portrait photographer, my focus is on capturing the essence of real moments, unposed and unfiltered and made with art in mind. My aim is to connect with clients who seek more than just pretty pictures. They want a photography experience that is raw, emotional, and deeply personal. This shift towards authenticity has not only transformed my work but also my relationships with clients. By being unapologetically myself, I’ve opened the door to more meaningful and impactful connections. The rebirth of my brand is a celebration of this newfound authenticity, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Photography as Therapy

BARE – strip down to who you really are.

Photography has the power to be therapeutic. Capturing real emotions is at the core of this healing process. When I point my camera at someone, I’m not just taking a picture; I’m capturing a piece of their soul. I know that sounds cliche, but it’s an honor I don’t take lightly. The BARE division that’s coming is documenting your journey with yourself. It’s boudoir in a very different light. The result is a collection of images that are as healing as they are beautiful. You are the art, as you are. Whatever you’ve been through, you deserve to be seen, to be included, and to be celebrated.

BARE is for individuals and for couples.

EUPHORIA

Capturing the journey of my trans friends as they blossom into their true selves is one of the most beautiful parts of my work. There’s a certain magic that happens when someone steps in front of the camera, shedding layers of past constraints and embracing their authentic identity. It’s a journey filled with courage, strength, and ultimately, pure euphoria. Each click of the shutter is a celebration of their gender happiness, a testament to their resilience, and a moment frozen in time where they can see themselves as they truly are.

In these sessions, we laugh, we cry, and we capture the radiant joy that comes with living authentically. It’s an honor to document these moments and provide a safe, loving space where my trans friends can see their beauty and strength reflected back at them. This euphoria is not just about the photographs; it’s about the connection, the celebration, and the love that goes into every frame

What’s Next

Behind the Scenes

Behind the scenes, the magic of my rebrand is taking shape. While the page might be quiet, there’s a whirlwind of creativity and hard work happening in the background. I’m revamping my portfolio to reflect my new, unfiltered vision. Every shot, every edit, and every decision is made with the intention of showcasing authenticity and raw emotion. This process isn’t just about updating my website or social media; it’s about aligning my work with who I truly am. I’m experimenting with new techniques, scouting unique locations, and collaborating with like-minded creatives to bring this vision to life. This behind-the-scenes work is crucial for laying the foundation of my reborn brand. It’s about more than just aesthetics; it’s about creating a cohesive, genuine experience for my clients. Stay tuned, because what’s coming next will be a bold, artful, and emotional journey that you won’t want to miss.

Follow the Journey

I invite you to follow this transformative journey as I unveil my new, unfiltered brand. Every step, every challenge, and every triumph will be shared on my Instagram @mariahmilan. This platform will serve as a behind-the-scenes look into the creative process, offering glimpses into the raw and emotional moments that shape my work. From candid shots of upcoming projects to personal reflections on this journey of unbecoming, you’ll get an insider’s view. Following along means more than just liking photos; it’s about becoming part of a community that values authenticity and individuality.

Whether you’re planning a wedding, looking for a unique portrait session, or simply appreciate untraditional photography, there’s something here for you. Join me as I break away from the conventional and embrace a bold, artful, and emotional new chapter. Your support and engagement mean the world, and I can’t wait to share this journey with you.

Be Bold, Be You: Embrace Non-Traditional Portraits

Are you ready to defy the norm and embrace something truly unique? If you’re in Hawaii or the Pacific Northwest and want to capture your essence in a way that’s anything but ordinary, let’s create something magical together.

For a limited time, I’m offering discounted portrait sessions to those who dare to be different. This isn’t about stiff poses or forced smiles—it’s about capturing the raw, unfiltered YOU. Whether it’s a soul-searching solo session, an intimate couple’s shoot, or a full-on creative explosion, let’s make your vision come to life.

Reach out to me at mariah@mariahmilan.wpenginepowered.com and let’s get started on this badass journey.

Be bold. Be authentic. Be you.

Looking for Unconventional Wedding Couples in Love

Are you madly in love but envision your wedding day in a way that defies tradition? Maybe you dream of celebrating your union in the most unexpected places and ways, reflecting your unique bond. If this sounds like you, then you’re the kind of couple I’m passionate about photographing.

Whether it’s sharing a milkshake at In & Out Burger in your wedding attire, exchanging vows beneath a waterfall in Iceland, or savoring a slow, intimate morning together before eloping in your childhood backyard, I aim to capture the genuine, unfiltered essence of your love story.

My photography celebrates couples who embrace non-traditional moments, who aren’t afraid to break the mold and follow their own path. If your love story is unique, raw, and authentically you, then I can’t wait to help you document it in the most beautiful, artful, and emotional way possible.

If you’re ready to embark on an untraditional adventure that mirrors the depth and authenticity of your relationship, let’s make magic together. Embrace your love story as it is—unconventional, bold, and utterly real.