I started Jennica Elise Maes / aMaes Photography because I've always been drawn to the stories behind things—the people behind the business, the families around the table, and the fleeting seasons we wish we could hold onto a little longer. Today, that vision lives through photographs, content, and brands thoughtfully crafted to be remembered.

A Decade worth of Photos & Brands

Fun little fact: it’s pronounced like “amaze” — Maes is my last name. And in many ways, that’s what this journey has been: a little bit of hard work, a little bit of luck, and a lot of extraordinary moments falling into place. I’ve been fortunate to tell stories for clients across radio, television, sports, and right here in my hometown — each one a new chapter, each one a new seat at the table.

I’m a local photographer and designer, but more than that, I’m a storyteller. I believe in choosing self-love over society’s filters, and I’m passionate about capturing people as they are — real, radiant, and true. For me, the magic lives in the in-between moments: the feel-good pauses, the fleeting glances, the little sparks that often go unnoticed but mean the most.

Inspiration finds me everywhere — in nature, architecture, music, and the hum of everyday life. I’ve always believed music is the language that binds us, making us laugh, cry, smile, and feel those little butterflies. That same rhythm guides my work, whether through photos, branding, social media, or words. Life gives us the power to shape how we’re seen. My choice? To embrace authenticity, peel back the veneer of perfection, and create space for genuine connection — with myself, with you, and with the art we make together

the real story was the most powerful one

the In-Between lies The Heart of Amaes

I'm based in Phoenix & Denver, and I'd love to work with you.

I'm Jennica Elise — a storyteller at heart with a love for good books, strong coffee, and the people who make a house feel like home. Most days you'll find me dreaming up the next project with my husband Anthony nearby and our pup never far behind.

Born on Mother's Day in the '80s, I've always been drawn to the beauty of things that feel both fleeting and timeless — sunflowers in bloom, butterflies in flight, old photographs, favorite songs, and the seasons we wish would stay a little longer. Arizona is home, but Colorado's mountains and the pull of the ocean will forever have a piece of my heart.

A hopeless romantic, a chronic early arriver, and someone who still believes the best stories are the ones worth revisiting.

"You always had the power, my dear. You just had to learn it for yourself."

meet the storyteller & founder