Meet Maribeth Richards | Family and Newborn Photographer

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

Hi Maribeth, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I worked in the corporate world since graduating college in 2016, but everything shifted after the birth of my first daughter in 2022. It made me reassess how I spent my time and what truly mattered. I realized that if I was going to spend time away from my kids, it had to be for something I was deeply passionate about. Photography had always fascinated me, so one day I told my husband I was going to invest in a camera and dive into learning everything I could—lighting, posing, camera settings—and he couldn’t have been more supportive.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is the way I approach both my sessions and my business. Families are taking time out of their busy lives to capture these precious moments, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of that. My goal is to create a fun, relaxed environment where kids can play and parents can truly enjoy their time together. I focus on capturing what makes each family authentically them.

As a mom, I know how special every photo can be, which is why I don’t limit the number of images I provide. If it’s a good shot, my clients will get it because these moments are priceless, and I want them to have it all.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
What a fun question! Let’s imagine it’s summertime! On Friday night, we’d start with dinner downtown, probably somewhere on East Fourth, and then walk over to catch a Guardians game. Saturday would begin with coffee at Emilie’s in Avon Lake, followed by some shopping at Crocker Park and a walk through the Cleveland Metroparks. For dinner, we’d head to Momocho in Ohio City, then catch a show at Jacobs Pavilion. To wrap up the weekend, we’d enjoy Sunday brunch at Astoria. It would be the perfect mix of good food, great company, and some of the best spots in Cleveland!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Wow, where do I even start? I’m incredibly grateful for the amazing support system around me, and I can confidently say that I wouldn’t have made it this far without them. First and foremost, I have to thank my husband, Dan. He has believed in me every step of the way, and his unwavering support is the reason I’m here today. I also want to thank my parents and sisters, who have sat as model families to help me practice taking pictures. They’ve brainstormed business ideas with me and even learned a few things about the industry as we’ve gone through this journey.

In the photography world, I owe so much to Rachel Vanoven. She’s an incredibly talented photographer who has dedicated a lot of her time to teaching others. I was lucky enough to have some one-on-one time with her, and her energy is infectious. She genuinely wants you to be your best and keep pushing yourself. Everything I know about photography, I learned from her.

Website: https://maribethrichardsphotography.com

Instagram: @MRichardsphotography

Facebook: Maribeth Richards Photography