Maria Petrone was born near South Philadelphia's renowned Italian Market, and has lived in the area her entire life. Many of her photographs reflect her own Italian-American heritage as well as that of the neighborhood and its people.

Her series "La Famiglia" and other work have been exhibited at venues and events including The University of Pennsylvania; Southwark Gallery (Philadelphia); The Historical Society of Pennsylvania; World Language Dinner (Hammonton, N.J.); Showcase of Italian and Italian-American Heritage (Hammonton); Turnstyle (West Philly); and Santore Branch Library (South Philly).

Maria has done freelance work for The South Philadelphia Review, DiBruno Brothers and others. She also shoots weddings, and occasionally gives group tours of the Italian Market. Her current work-in-progress is titled "From South Philly to Sicily."

Maria Petrone can be contacted at: mariapetrone@philadelphiaphoto.net