Debra Maki Photography

06/08/2024

Good morning!!! I'm still here! Just wanted to update. For those of you waiting for your sneak peaks and galleries, they will be coming very soon. Unfortuantely, I just got over COVID and then with the storm/rain, I have had intermittent internet. Sneak peaks will be up today or tomorrow. I have a few older galleries which I hope to get sent out this week as well and the new galleries will go out next week!

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23/05/2024

Hello!! Its been a little quiet on social media but life has definitely not been quiet. In fact, its been crazy busy! I've been sending out galleries this week so if you are waiting for yours, it is coming. I PROMISE!

23/05/2024

"Hold him a little longer, rock him a little more, read him another story, you’ve only read him four, let him sleep on your shoulder, rejoice in his happy smile, he is only a little boy for such a little while." ~ Unknown

I think I say it every year but I love my annual visits from this family. They are the sweetest and boys always getting me laughing. They have such fun personalities. And, of course, we had a beautiful cool evening on Siesta Key!

Please feel free to tag and share but do not crop, edit or alter photos in any way. If you like what you see and would like to see more previews in your newsfeed, please LIKE Debra Maki Photography.

26/03/2024

"A good friend knows all of your best stories, but a best friend has lived them with you." ~ Anonymous

These two were a blast! It was so fun doing this best friend/5th grade graduation shoot. The silliness lasted the entire session although they were pretty done with me at the end. Miss Jocelyn's (pink shirt) mommy was my very first maternity session. I believe Jocelyn was my second newborn session. Hard to believe it was over 10 years ago.

Please feel free to tag and share but do not crop, edit or alter photos in any way. If you like what you see and would like to see more previews in your newsfeed, please LIKE Debra Maki Photography.

25/03/2024

"To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there." — Barbara Bush

Hello Wallace Family!! It is crazy to think how long I have been taking photos of this family as well as their extended family. I absolutely love watching all of the little ones grow! We had a great time on Boca Grande and once again, the sunset did not disappoint.

Please feel free to tag and share but do not crop, edit or alter photos in any way. If you like what you see and would like to see more previews in your newsfeed, please LIKE Debra Maki Photography.

18/03/2024

“There’s nothing and no one that can stop you from changing the world. I see you. You’re unstoppable.” ~ Alicia Keys

Nick - LBHS Class of 2023. Yes, 2023. Nick's mom contacted me quite some time ago about doing Nick's senior pictures. Nick didn't want them. Well, here we are and Nick decided to do things his way and do them in 2024! He wasn't too sure about it when we first started but at the end of the evening on Boca Grande, he thanked me and said that it was actually fun!

Please feel free to tag and share but do not crop, edit or alter photos in any way. If you like what you see and would like to see more previews in your newsfeed, please LIKE Debra Maki Photography.

18/03/2024

"Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale." ~ Unknown

Congratulations to Spero and Kate! This beautiful wedding took place at Mote Marine in the cutest little garden venue. I was honored to be part of their special day. Spero is one of my dive instructors and Kate was my CPR instructor. They are the absolute sweetest couple with the biggest hearts! They are always smiling! I wish them a lifetime of happiness.

Please feel to tag and share but do not crop, edit or alter photos in any way. If you like what you see and would like to see more previews in your news feed, please LIKE Debra Maki Photography.

18/03/2024

"In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony." - Friedrich Nietzche

Meet the Matthews family! We had a beautiful but windy and a week bit chilly evening at Stump Pass State Park. I love meeting new families and helping them create memories.

Please feel free to tag and share but do not crop, edit or alter photos in any way. If you like what you see and would like to see more previews in your newsfeed, please LIKE Debra Maki Photography.

17/03/2024

I’m back and healthy! We had a pretty rough week of sickness in my house but we are all good! After having to cancel and reschedule several sessions this past week, I was finally able to leave my house and head out to Boca Grande for an amazing sunset shoot and the sky did not disappoint. I have not had my computer on in over a week but will be turning it back on tomorrow to post lots previews and will be getting all of these galleries out to their owners as quickly as possible!

Stay safe! Stay healthy! And wash your hands!

09/03/2024

Good morning! I know I posted about sneak peeks and galleries going out and I’m still working on it. Unfortunately, a stomach bug has hit my house this week. Hoping to have sneak peeks up this weekend and then galleries going out after that. I will message you when your gallery is sent.

03/03/2024

Good morning to all of my amazing Followers. I have had a busy February! I am working on about 8 galleries and will post an order tomorrow so you know where your gallery stands. I will also be posting A LOT of sneak peeks!

I have a HUGE request! When sharing your images (especially the ones with my watermark, but applies to all images) on social media, using them as a profile picture, etc., I ask that you do not apply filters to them. These filtered images are no longer a product of my work. I take pride in my work and style of photography and when you add Facebook, Instagram and Snap Chat filters, it takes that away. It also gives potential future clients a false example of what they will receive. I appreciate your understanding! You are all amazing and are a part of “my family”. Each family I encounter is just as special as the the next. Thank you!

02/03/2024

Today’s wedding venue. Congratulations Spero and Kate. They even had very special wedding guests. 🐢 🐢

01/03/2024

My scheduled session tonight had to cancel due to illness so I grabbed my grandson and camera and headed out to Stump Pass. I haven’t taken pictures of him since he was a newborn. It was a beautiful night. *cellphone pic.

28/02/2024

Working on a project for Peace River K9 Search and Rescue showing the emotional bond with our animal counterparts. I was assigned the horse team. These are just a few of what I captured. What do you think?

Please feel free to tag and share but do not crop, edit or alter photos in any way. If you like what you see and would like to see more previews in your newsfeed, please LIKE Debra Maki Photography.

28/02/2024

I had a session last week on Stump Pass with an amazing family referred to me by another client. The evening ended up being a lot colder than we thought it would be. Little Ms. Emma was not into it and wouldn't really warm up to me. She was cold and crying. I decided to let her take some pictures if she would let me take her picture. These are our "compromise photos". I did finally end up getting some smiles out of her but boy did she make me work for them. I let her take more pictures later on in the session as well. By the end, she was sticking her tongue out at me and laughing. Patience is everything. I will pull out all of the tricks and never rush a session. Most of the time, I will eventually get the smiles.

Please feel free to tag and share but do not crop, edit or alter photos in any way. If you like what you see and would like to see more previews in your newsfeed, please "LIKE" Debra Maki Photography.

22/02/2024

"Being a family means you are a part of something very wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life.” – Lisa W**d

Love watching this family grow. We had a great evening at Stump Pass. Big brother was a wee little guy in the Little Mr. Englewood Pageant playing his piano on stage and winning over everyone's heart with his perfect little smile and fedora. He is quite the young man now. It won't be long before I'm doing his graduation pictures!

Please feel free to tag and share but do not crop, edit or alter photos in any way. If you like what you see and would like to see more previews in your news feed, please like Debra Maki Photography.

18/02/2024

I'm back!! My husband and I won a free Valentine's Day cruise so we got to get away and relax without computers for a week. I'm well rested and ready to jump into a very busy next couple of weeks with sessions, weddings, and lots of editing and sending out gallery links.

Here is a little sneak peek of some sneak peeks to come. The evening before I left on vacation, I had a super fun sunset session with an awesome little family at Stump Pass. When the fully dressed kids jump in the water, you know you're going to get some great shots! What's the best way to get great shots of your kids? Let them be kids and have fun!! Of course, we got all of the formal shots first.

Please feel free to tag and share but do not crop, edit or alter photos in any way. If you would like to see more previews in your newsfeed, please like Debra Maki Photography.

08/02/2024

I will be out of the office and unavailable to take calls February 11-18. Please leave an Instant message, voice mail, text or email and I will get back to you on Monday, February 19. (941) 815-2207 or [email protected].

06/02/2024

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone that reached out to me about making your deposits. If you booked with me prior to 02/03/2024, a deposit is not required except for weddings/events

If you want to make a deposit, please feel free. The preferred payment is Venmo; -Maki-1 (last four 2207). I also have Zelle and PayPal, please message me if one If these work better for you. I truly appreciate everyone’s understanding with this change.

03/02/2024

Due to some recent circumstances over the last couple of months, I have found it necessary to change my booking policy. Starting today, 02/03/2024, all standard bookings will require a $50 non-refundable deposit to hold your date, due within 48 hours of booking with the remainder due 24 hours prior to your session.

For events (weddings, party’s, etc), l will now require a $250 non-refundable deposit due at booking with the balance due 30 days prior to the event.

I have always been very lenient with cancellations as I understand things happen. I have had to cancel on clients as well and I do my best to rebook at the convenience of my client. I have amazing clients and I love working with each and everyone who be of you. You all have been the ones that make my success as a business. And I’ve made some amazing friends along the way as well. Many of you have been more than patient with me as 2023 was not a kind year to me personally. But in the end, I’m still running a business and I need to protect myself. I hope you all understand and I look forward to working with you in the future.

26/01/2024

Number Tieu ( #2)

I took on a little bit of a different project, stepping outside my box with some sports photography. Maddie is the last of four children, currently a sophomore, and mom wants to document her high school career. I will be following Maddie's high school sports activities including cross country, soccer and track until her graduation in 2026. Last night, her soccer team won the first round of districts with a score of 8-0.

Please feel free to tag and share but do not crop, edit or alter photos in any way. If you like what you see and would like to see more previews in your newsfeed, please LIKE Debra Maki Photography.

08/01/2024

“I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me. I love you for the part of me that you bring out.” —Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Ortner!!! Such a fun and laid back wedding in the cutest little location. This was also an extra special wedding as I graduated high school with the groom, Matt. I was so excited when Arin contacted me back in February! I wish them years of happiness.

Please feel free to tag and share but do not crop, edit or alter photos in any way. If you like what you see and would like to see more previews in your newsfeed, please LIKE Debra Maki Photography.

08/01/2024

"Peace is the beauty of life. It is sunshine, It is the smile of a child, the love of a mother, the joy of a father, the togetherness of a family, It is the advancement of man, the victory of just cause, the triumph of truth.” – Menachem Begin

What a wonderful family! We thought that we were going to get rained on and we had to work with and around a few other photographers but we ended up having a beautiful evening. It was such a pleasure to work with all of them.

Please feel free to tag and share but do not crop, edit or alter photos in any way. If you like what you see and would like to see more previews in your newsfeed, please LIKE Debra Maki Photography.

07/01/2024

Good morning! Happy Sunday, cloudy but nice and cool with a little breeze. I will be posting a few sneak peeks today but after that, I’m going to take the day off. I have been sitting in front of my computer for 8 days straight, 12+ hours a day, getting galleries finished and sent out. I need to rest my eyes, neck, and back, and just enjoy the day with my family. I will back at it tomorrow but just need to take a little break.

04/01/2024

In building my gallery and my new price sheet, I will be naming my packages after flowers. For example, my newborn session with be called “Baby’s breath”. What are your favorite flowers? Mine is the Peach Rose. Comment yours and it might make my list!

*not my photo

02/01/2024

UPDATE: Ava's gallery has been delivered and Buss Family is loading! Carfagno family and Ortner wedding sneak peeks tomorrow!!!

I am also working on special requests from older shoots for Greco Anniversary and Rafeld/Legg Family.

01/01/2024

Happy New Year! I’m ready for an exciting 2024. New pricing, new package deals, online a availability calendar/scheduling and the official launch of my website and much more.

I’ve been busy sending galleries the last couple days. I will be posting a list of gallery order and expected time frame later today for those who have not received theirs yet. Currently gallery is Ava, due out today.

30/12/2023

Family is family, whether it’s the one you start out with the one you end up with, or the family you gain along the way. –Unknown

We haven't had the bright colorful sunsets lately but the weather has been amazing. I had a great time with Bob and Linda's little family. The silly antics were plenty.

Please feel free to tag and share but do not crop, edit or alter photos in any way. If you like what you see and would like to see more previews in your newsfeed, please LIKE Debra Maki Photography.

30/12/2023

Tonight’s bride and groom! Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Ortner! I graduated high school with Matt almost 35 years ago! LBHS Class of 1989. I was honored when Arin contacted me to be part of their special day!

23/12/2023

Wow!!! I just want to thank all is my amazing clients. This last year has been full of ups and downs. Many of us rebuilding from Ian and many still fighting insurance companies. I started my year recovering from surgery, battling a 2 month bout with kidney stones, losing my daughter’s service dog and then a couple months later, losing my SAR K9. Then October came, things turned around and we welcomed our previous granddaughter. So, even with all of the challenges I’ve had, I’m focusing on the positive. That positive is YOU!!! Each and everyone of YOU! You all have been amazing and soooo patient with me. I’m working on getting all galleries out next week I’m also finishing this year busier than ever! I have five sessions AND a wedding!!! I have the honor of photographing a high school friend’s wedding and I am very excited!

Anyway, I just want to wish you all the happiest of holidays and a very happy New Year!! See you all soon!!!