testimonials <3

book a session with mara

Have an idea for working together (photo session, custom design, or a piece you’re looking to create) or just want to say hi? Reach out below or shoot an email to zalimar.studio@gmail.com. Let’s work together to create…. well, anything.

Mara Zalite is a Sunset Park, Brooklyn-based photographer and hobby hopper whose Latvian roots run through most of what she creates (stamps, block printing, cards, digital designs, graphic design, embroidery, beadwork, and so on, and on, and on. No knitting, though. Really not into knitting).

When not creating things and moments, Mara leads the New York Latvian folk dancing group “Jumalīte” after founding it with her cousin in 2021 and plans events within the New York Latvian community. As a Tulane University cum laude graduate, Mara worked as a data analyst at an investment bank for 5 years and ran all sides of the business of an art studio in Dumbo, Brooklyn for 4 years.


We had a wonderful experience working with Mara, she was professional and responsive to all of my inquiries. She was warm, patient, and incredibly attentive to detail, capturing each special moment with care and artistry. Mara has a natural ability to make children feel comfortable in front of the camera, which truly brought out their personalities in every shot. All the photos were beautifully composed and thoughtfully edited, preserving the spirit and joy of the day. We're so grateful for her work and we will have her to capture our future events. I am highly recommend her to anyone looking for a talented and kind photographer!

May 2025 | 5-star Google review (piano recital)

I used Mara for my bridal shower and wow- she was incredible! Super easy to work with, personable, reliable, and captured the day beautifully through her photos. She documented every detail perfectly including awesome candid shots of my guests and myself, detail shots, and group photos. She made sure I got any photo I wanted. She delivered the photos to me digitally just two days later which was so appreciated. I highly recommend Mara for your future photography needs!

May 2025 | 5-star Google review (bridal shower)

Needed a photographer in a hurry for a last-minute job and I am absolutely thrilled with Zalimar’s results! As a longtime PR professional, I can recommend Mara's work as being of the highest quality. She understood exactly what I was looking for – compelling action shots of people having fun while playing pickleball. Her results were fantastic; both the venue and the group playing were delighted with her images. She delivered lots of choices, in focus, on time. I couldn't be happier with the outcome. Highly recommend!

April 2025 | 5-star Google review (pickleball)

Mara is insanely talented. At the last minute I wanted to create a headshot that felt fun, and relaxed. With just one inspo photo, Mara came to my apartment with suggestions, full layouts, kindly adjusting set up to make sure we reached a photo that felt fun for my business. We started with a chill exercise and she started the whole process with saying "we can take as many as you need." It made me feel immediately at ease. I am 100% working with her in the future and highly recommend! Life saver.

March 2025 | 5-star Google review (headshots)

so what’s photography pricing like?

  • Person sitting on a chair in a bright room with sunlight casting shadows. The background features a side table with a decorative flower arrangement and a copper-colored lamp.

    headshots.

    I don’t believe in limiting time or in limiting the number of images I deliver. You’ll have the pictures back within 48 hours as an online gallery.

    Let’s work together to create professional, unprofessional, casual, fun headshots for a corporate environment, for your website, for your instagram.

    Starting at $200/hour, though travel time from sunset park, brooklyn may affect total price. Suggested time: 1 hour.

  • Happy family sitting on living room floor; mother and father hugging and playing with young child, couch and cushions in background.

    family sessions.

    I don’t believe in limiting time or in limiting the number of images I deliver. You’ll have the pictures back within 48 hours as an online gallery.

    Kids’ birthdays, spring photos, a regular Tuesday? Whatever you need, no matter how formal or casual, I’m there for you.

    Starting at $300/hour, though travel time from Sunset Park, Brooklyn may affect total price. Reach out and let’s come to an agreement. Suggested time: 1.5 hours.

  • A choir of men and women singing, with men wearing black suits and women in red dresses, holding black folders, in what appears to be a formal indoor setting.

    events.

    I don’t believe in limiting time or in limiting the number of images I deliver. You’ll have the pictures back within 48 hours as an online gallery.

    Concerts, recitals, kids’ and adults’ birthday parties, small business photos, bridal showers, baby showers, etc. Whatever you need, we’ll make happen.

    Starting at $200/hour, though travel time from sunset park, brooklyn may affect total price.