If you've ever scrolled past a photo and felt something stop you – a genuine laugh, a quiet look, a moment that feels true – there's a good chance someone like Maria Traversa was behind the camera.

Maria, Tony and children have called South Elgin home since 2021. In that time, Thornwood neighbors may have gotten to know her through simple conversation at a neighborhood gathering or perhaps through a family session, a holiday card shoot, or now through Stroll. What they've likely discovered is that she brings the same warmth to her work that she brings to everything else.

Her business, LUMA Photography, wasn't born in a classroom or a studio—it was born out of love. When her son Luca was turning two, Maria wanted to create something special for his rockstar-themed birthday. With no formal training, she grabbed her camera, found a worn fence and a waving American flag on a quiet industrial road, and created something she'll never forget. That session, that feeling, became the spark.

LUMA—named for her two children, Luca and Emma—has been growing ever since. But the path here wasn't a straight line. Maria spent 14 years learning, rebuilding, rebranding, and finding her spark again. As a single mom for many years, she balanced client sessions with late-night editing sessions, building her brand after the kids were in bed and the house finally went quiet. “Little sleep and lots of coffee” is how she describes it, and she sure made it work!

Today, Maria specializes in lifestyle portraiture, family sessions, editorial work, events, social media content, and boudoir photography. She spent decades as a licensed cosmetologist—following in her mom's footsteps from the time she was shampooing hair at 13, certified in balayage at the L'Oréal Soho Academy and trained in hair extensions. Her creative eye, it turns out, was always there.

What makes Maria's approach stand out isn't just technique—it's her ability to make people feel at ease.

Her clients agree. Long-time clients describe her as endlessly patient, talented, and gifted at capturing kids at their most natural and joyful.

Whether you're looking for a family session, a creative portrait, or something entirely your own, Maria's advice is simple:

With LUMA, you just might find that person right here in the neighborhood.

LUMA Photography • LumaPhotog@yahoo.com • @Luma_photog

A South Elgin, IL photographer and founder of LUMA Photography, specializing in lifestyle portraiture, family sessions, editorial work, and events.

Lifestyle portraiture, family sessions, editorial work, events, social media content, and boudoir photography.

Email LumaPhotog@yahoo.com or follow @Luma_photog on Instagram.

Jennifer helps local businesses grow through community-driven marketing that actually feels like community — not just another ad. Based in the Fox River Valley after being born and raised in Chicago, she specializes in print-based advertising, neighborhood magazines, and alternative marketing strategies designed for business owners who want real relationships with their customers, not just impressions.

Through printed features, networking events, and community-driven storytelling, Jennifer connects Northern Illinois businesses to the neighbors right down the street — building trust the old-fashioned way, with a modern approach.

Know a business with a story worth telling, or curious about print-based and community-driven marketing for your own business? Contact Jennifer at Jennifer.Abbatacola@N2co.com