JOAN MACHLIS

I am a widow who decided to try dating. I hired a matchmaker who asked me to get professional photos. After searching the Internet I decided to go with Mayumi because she sounded top notch. Since I was investing both financially and emotionally in reaching out in the dating world I decided it was a good idea to look my best. Mayumi did a great job--photographing me in a variety of outfits and poses and in every way made me feel comfortable with her relaxed, fun and totally professional approach. Her hair make-up assistant was amazing. And, the results of this experience went beyond the photographs themselves. I had never been photographed professionally and was uncomfortable with the idea. Yet, the more I worked with Mayumi I became intrigued with how someone with a keen eye and a reputation for finding the essence of the person would bring me out. I am so glad I invested in this experience. The results have given me a new perception of myself and people who know me best are uniformly impressed with the results.

TESSA TAYLOR

I turned 51 this year and have spent the last couple of years really focusing on healing, growth, and self acceptance. The more healed and self accepting I am, the more I have to give to others. I decided to hire my first professional photographer to help me with this aspect. I searched through many local photographer's work looking for something special. I wanted to be seen, to be comfortable, to trust the one controlling the image. Once I found Mayumi, I did not need to seek further. It was evident immediately that she was seeing beyond the surface. While beautiful pictures are wonderful to have, I wanted something more. I wanted my true self to shine. I wanted to show my strengths and my kindness. I often want to control things because I don't trust others to do as I wish but that was not true the day of the shoot. I trusted Mayumi completely. I listened and did as she instructed and felt a little silly sometimes because I found it difficult. Yesterday I got to see the results. As I watched the video, tears streamed down my cheeks. She captured things I didn't know were there. Of course she made me look my best but more importantly, she made me look like me; the best of me. I will be doing other shoots with Mayumi. I can't wait”.

KELLY REGAN

Mayumi is simply amazing! I decided to gift myself with professional pictures for my 30th birthday this year and was overwhelmed with how the pictures turned out! The whole experience from beginning to end was a gift in itself. From getting my hair and make up done to the photoshoot itself was a real treat. Mayumi is so thoughtful and warm. She has an incredible eye and knows exactly how to pose you to accentuate your best features. I struggle with body positivity, being a larger woman, but looking at the pictures Mayumi took I was able to see how beautiful I am not only inside but outside as well! If you're looking for a photographer for any reason look no further. There's no way you'll be disappointed.

JENNIFER POPE

I have not been spending much time in front of a camera, or even a mirror in a long time. Life gets busy. Gravity does it work. I took photos of everyone else, but when it came time to share the albums of our times together I was half hidden behind a potted plant or peaking over the shoulders while standing behind others! People lived, people died, but mostly I was invisible! Then I needed a profile shot for a book about to be published. Yikes! It was time for a make over. Someone who knew how to do magic! Someone who could make me feel comfortable in my own skin and then quick capture the moment! I picked the right person. She made me visible before I could hide. She made me laugh through metamorphosis. She was kind and fun to be with, and knew what she was doing when I didn't have a clue! I am thankful I took the time and the chance to take a look at myself through her compassionate eyes. She is truly an amazing artist, and I'm so happy I talked myself into this!

ANNE LOWE

Words cannot describe how amazing my experience was. I have been going through a funk, just feeling gross and not pretty. I regret not appreciating my youth when I was in my 20s, and I was thinking that I'll probably feel exactly the same way 10 years from now about my 30s. As much as I don't like looking at myself, I figured I should get some professional photos done now so I can avoid that regret later. Mayumi's portfolio was by far the best out of the photographers I looked at, so I decided to book with her. The photoshoot takes about half the day--first you get your makeup and hair done, which is awesome by itself, and then she takes photos of you in several outfits (she has a wardrobe that is filled with beautiful dresses). The studio itself is very nice, with a lobby area where you prepare, then an area with several backdrops, lights and props that she will use to set the mood. I felt really comfortable and a little like a movie star. I was really impressed with her attention to detail too! Every pose was well planned out, and she would move my hair around depending on the effect she was going for. I am a pretty awkward person, but she managed to make me look so glamorous and confident in my photos. My photo shoot was so much more than I imagined it would be. I feel much better about myself, now that I have seen myself looking like a celebrity in a magazine. I never imagined this would end up being such a positive thing in my life, but it really has. Thank you SO MUCH!

MACY YANG

Mayumi is SO amazing! She captured a side of me that I never really knew existed. I was uncomfortable, nervous, and scared at first. I came in with a bad cold sore and felt so ugly. Thanks to makeup done by Amanda, I felt so much better.I never really thought I was pretty. I always thought of myself as a weird and awkward workaholic, but Mayumi was so kind and patient with showing and teaching me. With Mayumi's directions and help, I became more comfortable and confident in my skin. I am very happy to have chosen Mayumi to do this photoshoot. She is very creative and has a gift for photography. I loved how all the pictures came out, I had such a hard time choosing which portraits to take home with me. Thank you so much, Mayumi! I was able to see myself differently and appreciate myself a little bit more.

ADESUWA HAASTRUP

One word...Majestic! Mayumi brought me out of my shell. It was nostalgic and exciting. Elegance personified. Every session was a story told. I will definitely do this again. I'm beautiful but Mayumi added fabulosity with this piece of art. Thank you Mayumi!

JANE RESNETKIN

I had a such an amazing experience being photographed by Mayumi Acosta! I felt very confident, grounded, and comfortable being visible to the camera. It was very exciting for me because I've never been photographed before and after having my Glamour Session with Mayumi Acosta, I've realized that there is so much creativity involved. I was able to embrace my body and my beauty the way I wanted to, which made me smile through out the whole session. I was then thrilled to see my photos and they came out to be gorgeous! Now after having this session, I feel even more confident in myself, and I learned how to position my body for any photo I need to take