About the Artist

My father gave me a Brownie camera when I was about ten years old, along with a book called, How to Take Pictures. I read the entire book several times and followed many of the lessons. A few years later, I received Dad's enlarger and developing trays. It compelled me to hang out in our cellar, developing and printing 4x4 photos. For me, it was more interesting than flirting with boys, as my friends were doing. (You could say I was a late bloomer -- didn't get my first kiss until I was almost 17!)

So, you'd think that I'd become a professional photographer as a natural progression. Nope. Instead, I married into the military life, became a mother, and uprooted my home too many times. By the time I was 30, I was divorced and finally enrolled in college, dragging my two kids along for the (very bumpy) ride. I majored in photography, but my community college instructor in Florida told me to give it up. I'd never become any good. Well, hold my beer! After switching to the University of California, I majored in photography, graduating with honors and delivering the commencement address. 

But still, my early photography didn't offer me a sustainable way to support two growing children. So, I built a profitable career in Silicon Valley corporate communications. After I left that life, I picked up my camera and returned to my true love. This is my Third Act -- my next phase of productivity. We all should have one, don't you think?

Thank you for visiting my art website. Please also visit my Instagram site at donnamaurillophotography. I also distribute an interesting and informative newsletter every few weeks. If you'd like to be on the mailing list, sign up on the "Contact" tab. I promise not to share your information or to spam your mailbox. (Don't we all hate that?) Contact me directly at [email protected]