Meet Maricela Lucero | Luxury Maternity and Newborn Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maricela Lucero and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maricela, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve always loved capturing beautiful moments for families, especially during the life-changing transition of pregnancy and parenthood. This phase of life is fleeting, and I want to help preserve those precious moments. Opening my photography studio has allowed me to create timeless, high-end images that beautifully document this journey.

As a mom that homeschools, I needed a career that provided the flexibility to balance my time with my children while also pursuing something fulfilling. Running my own business allows me to do both.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My photography is deeply rooted in capturing the beauty of life’s most transformative moments. Pregnancy, newborn days, and family connections. What sets my work apart is my commitment to creating elegant, timeless images that feel both luxurious and emotionally rich. I want every photograph to tell a story, evoking the deep love and anticipation that come with motherhood and parenthood.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the ability to make my clients feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. Many new moms can feel vulnerable during this phase of life, and I strive to provide a calming, supportive experience that allows them to see their own beauty and the magic of their growing family.

Getting to where I am today professionally hasn’t been easy. Building a business from the ground up while homeschooling my children and balancing family life has been challenging. There were moments of self-doubt, financial uncertainty, and learning curves in both photography and entrepreneurship. But I’ve learned that perseverance, continuous education, and believing in my vision are key. Seeking mentorship, investing in my skills, and pushing myself beyond my comfort zone have helped me grow.

Through this journey, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about dedication, consistency, and the ability to connect with people. I want the world to know that Maricela Lucero Photography is about more than just taking pictures; it’s about preserving fleeting moments in a way that feels artful, intimate, and timeless. My goal is to create heirloom-quality images that families will treasure for generations

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being in the South Bay, I’d absolutely keep it local while also showcasing some of my favorite spots in Southern California. We’d start with breakfast at Crème de la Crepe in Hermosa Beach before heading to the Bluff Top Trail at the Palos Verdes Estates Shoreline Preserve for a scenic coastal hike. Hiking always works up an appetite, and anyone visiting SoCal deserves to experience a Double-Double and Animal Style fries with a vanilla shake from In-N-Out. In the evening, we’d watch the sunset at Point Vicente, one of the most breathtaking spots in the area, before wrapping up the day with Tacos Dorados de Birria and margaritas at Tacos El Goloso Cantina.

A beach day in Huntington Beach would be a must, starting with breakfast burritos before soaking up the sun on the shore. We’d explore the pier and Main Street before treating ourselves to homemade ice cream at Handel’s Ice Creamery. To end the day, we’d have a classic California beach bonfire, roasting marshmallows as the waves crash in the background. On the way back to Torrance, we’d stop by Naples Rib Company in Long Beach for some of the best BBQ ribs around.

No trip to SoCal would be complete without a day on Catalina Island. We’d take the ferry over and start with a glass-bottom boat tour, then walk past the iconic Catalina Casino on our way to lunch at Descanso Beach Club. Exploring Avalon’s charming streets and renting a golf cart to cruise the island would be a fun way to experience its laid-back vibe. After taking the ferry back, we’d stop at Mandarin Kitchen for incredible Chinese takeout.

For a true escape into nature, we’d take a multi-day road trip north, starting with Sequoia National Park to see the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world. From there, we’d continue to Yosemite National Park, spending the day hiking and exploring its breathtaking panoramic views before staying overnight in a cozy cabin. The next day, we’d take in more of Yosemite’s incredible scenery before heading back.

To round out the trip, we’d spend a day exploring Los Angeles’ must-see sights, including the Hollywood Sign, a stroll through Rodeo Drive, and catching the sunset at Griffith Observatory for a classic LA skyline experience. We’d end the night with dinner at one of LA’s top fine-dining restaurants.

For the final day, we’d keep it low-key with breakfast at The Original Pancake House in Redondo Beach, then head to the Manhattan Beach Pier for some last-minute photos. To end this amazing SoCal adventure, we’d enjoy a banana split from Handel’s while sitting on the Esplanade overlooking RAT Beach, soaking in the final moments of the trip.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to thank my mentor, Ana Brandt, a renowned celebrity newborn and maternity photographer. I first discovered her over 10 years ago through her YouTube videos, where I began learning the art of newborn photography. Two years ago, I had the incredible opportunity for Ana to photograph my youngest as a newborn. Watching her work firsthand, and seeing her workflow and how she trained another photographer deeply inspired me to pursue training with her through her photography education program.

Learning from Ana’s 25 years of industry experience has helped me refine my skills and create magazine-worthy images. To this day, she continues to inspire me, pushing me to grow in my craft and believe in myself.

Website: https://www.maricelalucerophotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maricelalucerophotography/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maricela-lucero-3b148929a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaricelaLuceroPhotography

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/maricela-lucero-photography-torrance

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MaricelaLuceroPhotography

Image Credits
Maricela Lucero