Although her passion with the camera began in her teens, it wasn't until several decades later that Maria McCay began to photograph on a professional level. In 1996 Maria McCay opened a residential gallery and within two short years became certified by the Professional Photographers of America, an international organization for continuing advancement in the art of photography. In 2003 Maria McCay received the Master of Photography degree.

Specializing in on-location photography, Maria continues to advance her reputation with a sensitive approach to working with people. Focusing on capturing the emotion of relationships, she has a talent that brings out the inner spirit of individuals who come before her camera. Patient, creative, and fun to work with, Maria says that her goal as your personal photographer is "…to create beautiful images that will be cherished and enjoyed for a lifetime…It's not enough to create a physical likeness of a subject, but to capture the spirit in a way that will touch the heart."

Professionally, Maria McCay has served on the PPPA (Phoenix Professional Photographers Association) board and on the board of the APPA (Arizona Professional Photographers Association) where she volunteered her time and energy in the advancement of the photography profession.

Awards and Accomplishments:
Maria McCay has been the recipient of numerous awards that include: Two-time winner of Phoenix Portrait Photographer of the Year (PPPA), Arizona Illustrative Photographer of the Year (APPA), and Arizona State Best of Show (APPA). She has been awarded the People's Choice Award in California by her peers, has been a Kodak Gallery Award winner and a three-time recipient of the Fuji Masterpiece award for excellence in photography. In addition, some of her award-winning images have appeared in various industry journals along with being published in the PPA Loan Collection Books of outstanding images. Some of Maria's award-winning images have been on display at Walt Disney's Epcot Center and at annual International Print Competitions for the PPA.