Daniela Garza Maldonado | Editorial & Lifestyle Photographer

When I’m photographing, I pay close attention to how people move, interact, and respond to one another. I’m less interested in perfect poses and more interested in what happens naturally when people feel comfortable and seen. My work focuses on small, often overlooked moments that reveal who people really are and how they relate to the ones they love.

I’ve spent over 15 years photographing weddings, families, and portraits throughout New York City and the Tri-State area, Mexico, and beyond. Over time, I’ve learned that the best photographs come from trust and connection. My approach to documentary wedding photography is centered on presence and observation. I keep my process simple and unobtrusive, working with natural light and allowing situations to unfold without interruption, gently guiding when necessary. When people relax and forget about the camera, something honest begins to surface.

Weddings and family gatherings move quickly and carry a lot of emotion. There is beauty and celebration throughout the day, alongside anticipation, vulnerability, and reflection. I pay close attention to the moments that unfold in between, as well as the big and bold ones. These moments are often subtle and short-lived, yet they carry the emotional weight of the day and give the photographs both their beauty and depth.

I see each wedding or family session as its own story, shaped by the people involved and the energy they bring into the space. Whether I’m photographing an intimate Manhattan elopement, a wedding in the Hamptons, or a quiet afternoon at home, my intention is always the same: to create images that feel true to the experience, not manufactured for the camera.

As a New York–based documentary wedding, portrait, and family photographer with an editorial background, my goal is to create photographs that don’t just show what happened, but help people remember how it felt. The result is a collection of images that value connection, honesty, and presence—photographs meant to last long after the moment has passed.