Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Dunlop.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always loved photography. There is something special about capturing a moment in time and preserving it for years to come. Photographs have a way of bringing us back to a feeling, a season of life, or a person we love in a way that memories alone sometimes can’t.
What started as a love for documenting everyday moments eventually grew into a passion for telling other people’s stories. I realized that photography isn’t just about creating beautiful images—it’s about preserving relationships, milestones, and the little moments that often become the most meaningful over time.
Today, I specialize in natural light family, senior, branding, and headshot photography. My goal is to create a relaxed experience where people can simply be themselves, resulting in images that feel authentic, timeless, and full of genuine connection.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s true for most small business owners. One of the biggest challenges was leaving the stability of my corporate career to pursue photography full-time. It was exciting, but also incredibly intimidating. Suddenly, I wasn’t just the photographer—I was also the marketer, accountant, scheduler, editor, social media manager, and customer service representative.
There have been seasons where bookings were slower than I hoped, moments when I questioned myself, and plenty of times I had to learn new skills on the fly. Building a business takes patience, consistency, and a willingness to keep showing up even when the results aren’t immediate.
Looking back, those challenges have made me a better business owner and a better photographer. They’ve taught me to focus on building genuine relationships, creating an exceptional client experience, and staying true to my style instead of chasing every trend. Those lessons have shaped not only my business, but who I am as a person.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in natural light photography for families, high school seniors, branding, and professional headshots. While each type of session is different, they all have one thing in common—I want the images to feel authentic. My goal isn’t to create perfectly posed photographs; it’s to capture genuine personalities, real connections, and the little moments that often become the most treasured memories.
One of the things I enjoy most is getting to know my clients. Whether I’m photographing a family, celebrating a senior’s accomplishments, or helping a small business owner tell their brand story, I want people to feel comfortable enough to simply be themselves. In fact, when I begin many of my family sessions, I often say, “Come take a walk with me.” We stroll through a park or garden together, talking, laughing, and exploring along the way. Before long, people stop thinking about the camera and start enjoying time with the people they love. That’s when the most meaningful photographs happen.
I’m especially proud of the relationships I’ve built through my business. Many of my clients return year after year, allowing me to document their families as they grow, celebrate new milestones, and preserve memories they’ll look back on for decades. It’s an incredible privilege to be invited into those moments.
I also love supporting fellow small businesses and organizations in my community through branding photography and volunteer work. Helping someone share their story—whether it’s through family portraits, professional images, or community involvement—is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
At the end of the day, I hope my clients leave with more than beautiful photographs. I hope they leave with an enjoyable experience and images that remind them exactly how this season of life felt whenever they look back years from now.
Any big plans?
I’m excited about continuing to grow my photography business while staying true to the reasons I started it in the first place—creating meaningful experiences and preserving memories that families will treasure for generations.
As my business grows, I’d love to expand my branding photography work and continue partnering with small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits to help tell their stories through authentic imagery. Supporting my local community has always been important to me, and I hope to do even more of that in the years ahead.
Long term, I have a dream of creating a space where creativity and community come together. I envision a welcoming studio and gallery where people can gather for photography, art, workshops, and community events. I’d love it to be a place that showcases local artists and makers while giving people opportunities to learn, connect, and be inspired.
No matter where that journey leads, my goal is simple: to build businesses that make people feel seen, valued, and connected. Whether it’s preserving a family’s memories through photography, helping a small business tell its story, supporting educational opportunities through the Cerutti Family Foundation, or creating experiences that bring people together, I want my work to have a positive impact on the people and communities around me. If I can do that, I’ll consider it a life well lived.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.maggieceruttiphotography.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiecerutti
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maggieceruttiphotography
