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A lovely evening spent with a lovely family. Four generations gathered at the grandparent’s house in the Berkeley Hills. They played Hawaiian music, sipped drinks, read books, played chase and blew bubbles as the sun turned into a golden yoke. Just perfect. Reading the book she just published to her great-granddaughters:You can see (& buy) the great-grandmother’s book here: http://www.amazon.com/Chinese-Fables-Dragon-Slayer-Timeless/dp/0804841527 So fun, so loving, so real. I met this couple at a wedding and was thrilled when they contacted me about doing a family session. We started at their house, walked around the park and came home in time for dinner and baths -just the right amount of activity for the ages of their children. When I photograph families, I shoot about 85% documentary stye and 15% posing for the camera. This seems like just the right balance… It’s 85% “what we are like” and 15% “what we look like.” I also find that documentary photography is easier and more fun for the parents and kids. They don’t have to perform, they can just BE -and the shots of tears and potty training are the ones that will pull at the heart strings, especially a few years from now. Thank you guys for being so open and fun to be with! I loved spending the afternoon with your sweet little family. If you’ve been thinking about having a family session and are interested in a documentary focus, I’d love to meet you and your clan.
I love your session! The thumb sucking photo made me sigh… so precious. These are so beautiful & real. Love the girl doing bend in the hallway (my kinda lady!), potty time, thumbsuckers, dad playing on the bed, the sweet look mom gives during breakdowns and of course your silhouette/highlight opening. Just an awesome session! Wow, these are so beautiful & fun. Thank you Shauna! xo I love this, 85-15% explanation, Mary. I find it hard to convince people of the 85% sometimes but when they commit to it, they really love those photos the best. ahhhhh!! so, so great. You are amazing. Beautiful work. Kenny and Carla are such lovely people. We started the session in their home. They were moving out of a few days later so it was important to capture a bit of the space “where it all started”. Plus, of course we had to try and get some cat shots, although they kept darting away from us! (I’m guessing they smelled Chaco, my dog…) We then checked out a pretty public garden and a street fair in the Mission. Kenny and Carla are both so easy-going and friendly, it was a delight just strolling around the streets together. I can’t wait for their wedding at Cornerstone Gardens and seeing Carla in traditional Korean wedding attire! She is going to look so fabulous… In the midst of a kiss, a good friend walked by! I love your work Mary! Lauren and Phil are getting married back east this summer, but wanted to have their engagement photos set in their new hometown, San Francisco. I was so happy to meet this sweet pair and spend the afternoon together… Love that last shot. Nicely done! What a sweet couple I love how natural-looking these are. They don’t look posed at all – beautiful! Last June, Jenny Jimenez came and photographed our family. I’ve been meaning to post these pictures forever… but I think I also delayed it because I knew they were only going to get sweeter with age. That is exactly why I love documenting families -the stages you pass through as a mom/dad/child all change so quickly. In ten years, Jenny could still take a lovely photo of all of us smiling at the camera. But she won’t be able to take a picture of me consoling Will, who so quickly went to tears at this age. Or Skylar clinging to me and feeling shy at school. Or me, waiting by the toilet with just the right amount of toilet paper. (One of my specialties.) Jenny spent the night here, so she was able to wake up and go to school for drop-off. Our more “formal” session took place later that afternoon with Drew, a bus, and my favorite dress with the forgiving lines. Jenny also posted a bunch of my favorites on her blog, so I didn’t repeat any here. It was our first family session, which I realize is ridiculous, considering what I do for work. I have hoards of images of Drew and the kids but very few of me with my family. I know it’s important to have photos where I’m included -not for myself, or any sense of vanity, but for our children. And future grandchildren. Another friend & incredible photographer Anna Kuperberg came over last month and took a bunch of pictures and I’m giddy to see those too. Anyhow, I love all these pictures and just wanted to share. If you are in the Seattle area and have been thinking about doing a family shoot -call her! She is funny, kind, smart and everyone loves her. That’s the thing about Jenny -you’ll hire her for her talent and then just want to hang out with her for her friendship. Thank you Jenny -you know we are going to treasure these forever. xoxo
Jenny is a special one! I just love the candid school and home images. Your family is so cute! and your VW, so envy about it Your kids are so stinkin cute! And Jenny did a great job This reminds me of my childhood; first day at school! Beautifully captured by Jenny as always. Thanks for sharing your beautiful family. Jenny rocks! These photos are amazing. So sweet–what a beautiful family. And that BUS! I need to talk vw shop with your husband. Wonderful pictures! Met Jenny for the first time at Chris and Dianna’s wedding! She was a wonderful friendly person and a GREAT photographer! Love her work! What a beautiful family you have, Ms. Mary.. I never tire of stalking y’all.. thanks Jenny for the little window. You’re brilliant. [...] posted last year with one of my favorite Bay Area family photographers, Mary McHenry? Well, today Mary blogged some of her dearest images that I hadn’t included in my post. Truth be told they’re some of my favorites too. I [...] This is so awesome Mary!! Amazing job Jenny! ohcomeon. these are equisite. my.my. goodness. beautiful work Jenny and beautiful family and, well, that’s a beautiful mom. toilet paper and all! [...] can view more images from this session on Mary’s blog. POSTED IN [...] |
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Morgan Lynn - I love how you see!! Such a wonderful session, Mary, killer job! xo
KK - Oh Mary! These are marvelous. The two sister hugs, the cartwheel, backlit bubbles, and leg pile are my favs. Pristine.
rebecca caban - Mary, these are out of this world! You captured so much love and joy. I know this family will treasure these forever.
kari - Mary, these are gorgeous. What a beautiful family!