crafted by photobiz

Meet MAD (Maya Ayanna Darasaw)

  

 

Maya Darasaw is devoted to answering her purposed assignment of creating smiles and timestamping moments by serving as your go-to photographer. Founder and CEO of the double entendre, MAD Works Photography, Maya Ayana Darasaw, is "mad," passionate, and "mad" skilled in connecting with her clients to make the women feel beautiful and the men feel cool with every shot. Capturing the essence of people and making them feel seen brings her great joy.

Her passion for photography was unveiled in high school when her dad purchased her first camera. In the darkroom, she fell in love. Developing film and feeling like the creator of a moment was magical. In undergrad at Florida A&M University, Maya continued perfecting her craft by steadily snapping photos of loved ones, which helped develop a keen perspective where her eyes became her voice. Photos were her safe way of expressing thoughts, feelings, and opinions using imagery. 

Throughout her career, Maya has gained recognition as an elite photographer during high-profile events with heavy-hitter corporations including BET Networks, Essence, Hilton, Netflix, McDonald's, and Walmart. C-Suites consisting of Bozoma St. John, CMO at Netflix, Louis Carr, President of Media Sales at BET Networks, and Michele Ghee, CEO at Ebony Magazine, have entrusted her with photoshoots and headshots used as marketing tools for press releases, speaking engagements, and published articles. She has also photographed exclusive talent, athletes, influencers, and entertainers such as Serena Williams, DJ D-Nice, Wale, June Ambrose, Raheem DeVaughn, and John Wall. 

Proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and certified as an influencer of excellence, Maya goes the extra mile to ensure every client's happiness. As a student of her craft, she stays abreast of new technology and consults with her community of photographers to bounce ideas and enhance new practices. Inspired by the beauty of the world and a lover of travel, she keeps an eye out for potential backdrops for new subjects no matter where she may be. 

Authentic, relatable, and intentional, Maya successfully accentuates the inner and outer beauty of others. Born in Washington, DC and raised in Silver Spring, MD, Maya is bi-coastal between Los Angeles and Baltimore. Thrilled to gain more clientele, she will travel to you.