xoxo, mary kate
I'm a wife, mama and family photographer based out of Birmingham, AL.
I am so excited that you have considered me to document your family! I believe in capturing real moments, in the kinds of images that take you right back to that moment in time. I believe in images that are itching to be printed, placed in beautiful frames around your home for years to come.
Whenever I pick up my camera, I strive to capture authentic and candid moments that tell a story of both the people in the images and the world around them.
I'm mary kate & I'm so glad you're here.
After photographing hundreds of portrait sessions over the years, I’ve found that it's easiest to answer questions, get to know each other and set expectations over a quick phone call.
We will discuss what you have in mind, set a date and start scheming up your magical session!
Once your date is reserved, we can pick a location! I recommend one location for multiple people. If it's for a senior, engagement or maternity session we can probably fit more than a single location in. If you're unsure of a location but you have a general idea of the "look" you have in mind, let me know and I will be happy to recommend a few locations!
I know, I know, this can be the most overwhelming part. But it is the most important part! I always recommend that mama finds something she loves, first.. THEN you can pick everyone else's outfits around yours. I will always recommend light, neutral and pastel colors. They are just my favorite. They're soft and dreamy and all the things I want my photographs to be. Does this mean that you have to wear them? Absolutely not! These are your photographs and these represent you and your family. Wear what tickles your fancy, I'm just here to guide you! If you're wanting to bust out the bright colors, I recommend the beach. Always the beach.. especially under bright green palm trees and dreamy white boardwalks.
On the day before your session, we'll run through the logistics of where we will meet, exact time, etc. We will also make sure the weather still looks cooperative. Please plan to arrive 5 minutes early for your session to ensure you're not running late and we're ready to get started at your scheduled time. Plan for your portrait session to take one hour from start to finish. Newborn sessions typically run 2+ hours.
After your session I will go through all of your images and throw out any duplicates, blinks, slouching images and pick out all the best ones. From there I will edit and deliver these to you in an online gallery via email. You will be able to instantly download and share from there. Turn around times are typically within about two weeks for portrait sessions and four weeks for newborn. However, during the busy seasons it can be longer. I will let you know exact turn around times at your session.
WHAT TO EXPECT –
Fine Art Prints $15+
Deckled Fine Art Prints $25+
Framing $25+
Album pricing upon request
Mary Kate is available for travel worldwide. Contact directly for travel pricing.
$2000 + tax ( $600 savings)
$300 deposit
$425 + tax due at each session
$1800 + tax ( $200 savings)
$300 deposit
$500 + tax due at each session
$3500 + tax ( $400 savings)
$500 deposit
payment plan set up upon booking.
MATERNITY NEWBORN 6 MONTH 1 YEAR
NEWBORN 6 MONTH 1 YEAR
MATERNITy birth fresh48 newborn
100+ Digitals
labor & delivery, in hospital,
online gallery & print release
$1800
THE birth
COLLECTION
30+ Digitals
on call time, 45 min session in hospital, online gallery & print release
$700
THE fresh 48
COLLECTION
50+ Digitals
2 hours, in home,
online gallery & print release
$800
THE newborn
COLLECTION
50+ Digitals
1 hour, location of choice,
online gallery & print release
$600
THE portrait
COLLECTION
MATERNITY, MOTHERHOOD, FAMILY, MILESTONES
Sessions Include:
style consulting, session time, editing, digital files, online gallery and print release
prints and products are purchased separately.
mini sessions offered seasonally
If you're wondering where my favorite place to photograph is, you guessed it, the beach. Surrounded by beauty, filled with sunshine and laughter, it's hard to not have a fun session here. It's my favorite place to be, it's my favorite place to work and it's the place where families come to enjoy each other. It's where happy moments are had and candid moments are captured.
30a
Where it's always warm! South Florida is a completely different world than North Florida. Growing up only an hour away from the beaches of North West Florida, we were completely spoiled. We still are by being only 4 hours away now. South Florida is like a whole other country though. I literally feel like we need a passport to be there. I love everything about it. From the beautiful people, to the blooming tropical flowers, where the grass is always green and the landscapes are pristine. You can't take an ugly picture there and I'd move there in a second!!
palm beach
location inspiration
The most magical place on earth. Need I say more?! I love our family trips to this place and always take never ending photos.
disney world
location inspiration
FIND INSPIRATION
If you're looking for a little more outfit inspiration, I recommend heading over to my instagram to browse outfit ideas for the entire family.
Keep it sweet and simple! I recommend choosing color families (neutrals, blues, etc) over perfectly matching outfits. Stay away from ruffles and anything busy. Also avoid collars on newborns. For newborn sessions, I recommend simple swaddles and gowns. I provide knitted swaddles for all of my newborn and milestone session.
I recommend choosing neutrals and pastels. Blues, tans, whites and a pop of pink are my favorites! If you're wanting to throw a pattern in the mix, I would choose only one person to wear a pattern with everyone else wearing solids. Maxi dresses and skirts are always a great pick for mama. They're soft and flowy which photography beautifully!
The sooner the better! In the photography world, we book our sessions far out in advance. I typically plan out my entire year in January so that I will know which months I will be traveling, etc.
To reserve your date, email me directly. The link is posted below and we will get your session scheduled. Contract and deposit required upon booking!
My goal is authentic! I photograph a combination of posed and candid images however my favorites are always the lifestyle and genuine moments. I will pose you in the beginning to get you comfortable but my aim is to get you and your family in your natural element. Let your children be children. It's usually pretty sweet through my lens!
We will reschedule! I promise nobody watches the weather on photoshoot days more than me. The crazy Alabama and Florida weather make it a common occurrence, especially during the summer months. If it's a pop up shower during the summer months, we are typically able to shoot shortly after.
I even reschedule my indoor newborn sessions on rainy days. Yes, we are inside but lighting is everything in my world!
Within a few weeks of your session, you'll receive a link to a digital gallery that will allow you to download high resolution images.
The gallery is also set up to make ordering prints and other keepsakes easy!
CONACT mary kate
I'm so excited to meet you and to capture your family. To officially reserve your date, please email Mary Kate below with your names, number of family members, ideal date and location. I can't wait to work with you!
CONTACT US TO RESERVE YOUR DATE