Experience | Service | Heart
creating simple, organic, timeless photographs as souvenirs of our time together
Hi! I'm Margaret McCanna. You can call me Maggie.
I've been a photographer for... well... decades, professionally since May 2010, moving my studio to beautiful Amherst County, Virginia, in December 2017.
My forté is in creating images that capture your personality in a relaxed and carefree session, from beauty and boudoir to business and branding. You can read more about me, my vision, and why I do what I do in the FAQs below.
I’m a full-service boutique photographer, working with you at every step to create a luxurious experience.
Every woman’s story holds depth, grace, and strength — qualities that deserve to be seen and celebrated. My portrait experience is designed to honor that truth. Each step is intentional, creating a journey that is as personal and meaningful as the finished artwork itself. From our first conversation to the final installation, you are cared for with the attention and artistry of a truly bespoke experience.
My approach is calm, intentional, and deeply collaborative. I take time to listen—to understand not only how you want to look, but how you want to feel when you see your portraits on the wall or share them with the world. Clients often tell me they feel taken care of from the very first conversation. That is by design.
With a background in professional portrait and branding photography, I work primarily with women over 40 who value quality, discretion, and a refined experience. Sessions are fully guided and designed to be as effortless as they are transformative.
This is portraiture for women who have lived, learned, and are ready to be beautifully visible.
How do you want to be photographed?
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired you to start your business?
We always took lots of pictures as I was growing up. Every family gathering. Every state or attraction “welcome” sign on summer road trips (with us standing next to it, of course). Posing next to pretty flowers or interesting trees…. While a lot of these pictures stayed in their envelopes (the kind you got back from the film developer/printer), many were put in photo albums. Those albums weren’t exactly photo-friendly, however. I took up scrapbooking and taught “creative” photo preservation for over 10 years.
During these classes and workshops, I noticed that a lot of the women making their family scrapbooks were not in very many of the pictures. They were usually the ones taking the photos, and they didn’t like the less-than-flattering pictures that others had taken of them. After more than a few people asked if I were a professional photographer – and the gift of my first “nice” digital camera from my brother – I determined that all the mother/family photo historians needed a beautiful photograph of themselves that they love.
I want to deliver photos worthy of framing and hanging on the wall or sitting on the mantle or at least placing in a scrapbook along with all the other images deemed special enough to print and preserve.
What makes your business unique?
Maggie Takes Pix specializes in women’s portraits. Women tend to be critical of their appearance, so I’ve made a point of studying flattering poses and using kind lighting to help you look your best, providing clean, classic imagery.
Yes, I photograph families, men, and some weddings… but my focus is on women, from young middle schoolers who could use a self-esteem boost, to high school seniors about to fly the nest, to brides glowing in anticipation of their big day, to mothers (of all ages) who perhaps need to be reminded how beautiful and appreciated they really are, and especially grandmothers who are ready to share their stories and celebrate their life and legacy.
I believe that all women deserve to exist in photos.
Once the kids leave home, those few photographs that mothers appear in become even fewer. For many I've worked with, their youngest child’s wedding was the last time they had a professional portrait taken. I want women’s lives and stories to be documented and celebrated at every age and stage.
Biography
Margaret "Maggie" McCanna, MBA, is an award-winning photographer specializing in women's personal and professional portraits: business, beauty, and boudoir. Since May 2010, she's helped hundreds of multi-faceted women feel authentic, beautiful, and confident in their photographs.
Maggie also has years of experience as a business manager. Especially familiar with local non-profits and small businesses, she has taken care of the "behind-the-scenes" of multiple entities so that their owners and directors can focus on their core organizational missions, in industries ranging from human services to the arts and education, military, and medical facilities to restaurants. Her work in the aging service community led her to become a Certified Dementia Practitioner with a heart for intergenerational storytelling, especially when it comes to legacy portraits.
Maggie is married to Steve, who built their home (and her studio) about 10 minutes west of Amherst, Virginia, relocating from Hampton Roads to their slice of paradise in October 2017. She's Mom to one daughter, Caitlin Angulo, a visual artist who lives in Virginia Beach, and caretaker for one chill cat and one hot mess of a dog. A true dairy aficionado, Maggie believes there is no such thing as too much cheese, and she is easily bribed with ice cream.
"I recently got the courage to have some headshots taken. I was so nervous. Margaret McCanna from Maggie Takes Pix did an incredible job!
I could tell you a long list of things I don’t like about myself - especially when it comes to a picture. Maggie was so encouraging and positive, she really made me feel at ease!I highly recommend her for all your photography needs!"