Mary Kate McKenna Photography photographs clients following their family stories throughout life. Not only is MK's work the highest professional quality, her enthusiasm for photography and easy going demeanor make her a joy to work with. From weddings to newborns, commercial work or head shots, she does it all beautifully!
Mary Kate McKenna Photography is located in Downtown Frederick, Maryland. MK specializes in documenting families, business and events. This could mean a lifestyle session with your newborn, documenting a birthday party, or editorial photos of your business, including custom stock imagery or headshots.
Mary Kate McKenna Photography is located in Downtown Frederick, Maryland. MK specializes in documenting families, business and events. This could mean a lifestyle session with your newborn, documenting a birthday party, or editorial photos of your business, including custom stock imagery or headshots.
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In a high school darkroom in small-town Indiana, I found my first true love- photography. I furthered my interest in photojournalism when I studied International Relations at American University in DC. I didn't become a Japanese translator as I had planned, but I did get to travel the world and experience some amazing things.
My idea of the perfect newborn photo is to keep the focus on the baby and the new parents. No props, no elaborate posing. Just a squishy new baby and the people who love them. The style of newborn photography I practice is not for everyone. Families who hire me to document the first days of their child's life are looking for a session in their home, where I can photograph the baby in the nursery, with their siblings and even your furry friends.
I enjoy working with couples that are focused on their relationships- with their partner as well as the friends and family around them. While we'll definitely capture formal shots, my eyes are always searching for those sentimental connections between people when they think no one is looking. Natural, loving moments make for the best images.
About 10 years ago, I attended a funeral of a client. As we all walked out of the church, guests grabbed a (eco-friendly) balloon the family prepared for a release. I ran to my car and rummaged through my camera bag to get a camera and lens. I only had a small backup camera, but it would have to do.
Reviews (14)
Deanna Davis
Dec 02, 2021
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I'm so glad we chose Mary Kate for our newborn photography session. Scheduling with her was so easy, and it was great that she was able to come to our home. She was very kind, professional, and easy to work with. We love all the beautiful pictures she took of our new baby and of our family! She also made us a gorgeous coffee table book with many of the photos. I would definitely recommend her and look forward to hiring her again for any photography needs we have in the future! :)
Chris Cocca
Aug 01, 2021
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Grace Dobson
Jan 24, 2021
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Mary Kate is very professional and considerate of your time and making the most of your session. She consults with you prior to setting up your session to ensure the best product for you. Her ability to capture impromptu moments and adorable moments is extraordinary. She doesn't take stock photos, she captures the essence of your personality and your family. I would encourage any one looking for a professional photographer to use Mary Kate McKenna Photography.
Sue Leveille
Dec 22, 2020
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I followed Mary Kate on Instagram to see the beautiful pictures she took for a friend's wedding. Gorgeous pictures! Fast forward 4 or 5 years and I reached out for a branding photoshoot.
Welcoming, honest, focused were my first impressions. Then came the support, enthusiasm and compassion towards my mission and me as a small business owner.
She is a connector, talented photographer, professional business owner, kind and is a strong support in our Frederick community.
Headshots, branding, family shoots and anything else you need - she will share her talents with care for lasting memories and
Welcoming, honest, focused were my first impressions. Then came the support, enthusiasm and compassion towards my mission and me as a small business owner.
She is a connector, talented photographer, professional business owner, kind and is a strong support in our Frederick community.
Headshots, branding, family shoots and anything else you need - she will share her talents with care for lasting memories and
Laura Wallace
Oct 14, 2020
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MK is the best! I love working with her not only to take photos of my family but for our business. I recommend her to our business clients, friends, and anyone that is looking for an honest, down to earth, talented photographer. Her style is clean and she always follows through. She’s the real deal!!
Laura Dayton
Aug 24, 2020
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Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value
I can't say enough positive things about MK. Her photos are one of my most cherished possessions and I am so glad she was there to witness and record my wedding day. She has an uncanny ability to capture the essence of people, even if she has only just met you! Would highly recommend for any project or event!
I can't say enough positive things about MK. Her photos are one of my most cherished possessions and I am so glad she was there to witness and record my wedding day. She has an uncanny ability to capture the essence of people, even if she has only just met you! Would highly recommend for any project or event!
Bailey Rankin
Aug 15, 2020
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MK is amazing to work with. She was punctual on arrival and flexible for the needs of our company, which were action shots, and headshots for employees. The turn around time to getting our photos was also very fast and she made them easily accessible to use with a password protected album on her website. The company still uses these photos on their website and were taken almost 3 years ago. Her photos are timeless!!
Marissa Flaxbart
Aug 09, 2020
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Mary Kate is not only an endlessly reliable, consummate professional, but she's also a really great artist. Anyone can snap a picture, but it takes a whole collection of gifts to be able to capture the essence of a person, place, or moment in a photograph. Mary Kate's well-honed journalistic style of photography has an honesty that's undeniable; that's the whole reason you hire a photographer, right? So you can look back at the moment and feel like you're there in it. Mary Kate's work takes you there.
Amy Power
Aug 07, 2020
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Mary Kate has been documenting the most important days in our lives for years. From engagement to wedding, and as our family welcomed both children - she has been there through it all. She is talented, efficient, and has a knack for catching beautiful moments all while making the session feel comfortable and fun. We always know that we are getting the best when we work with MK and highly recommend her to anyone.
Sarah Helinek
Nov 12, 2019
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Mary Kate is the best! I was shocked when she sent over our photos so quickly - not even three weeks after our wedding - but wasn’t surprised when I saw how beautifully she (and her awesome second shooter, Tim) captured both the big and the little moments of the day. People aren’t kidding when they say your wedding goes by in the blink of an eye, so we couldn’t be happier that we have so many amazing pictures to remember the day. Mary Kate’s penchant for capturing the small details and impromptu/candid moments is incredible, as is her ability to make everyone in a shot look good! On top
Tarah N.
Aug 25, 2017
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Mary Kate recently did two photo sessions for me. The first was of my whole family and Mary Kate did such a great job keeping everyone calm during the chaos of two small children while making sure we got incredible shots! I especially love how she captures light. She also did a session of my newborn and even though my baby slept the entire time, she got shots that we will cherish forever. I know there are a ton of newborn photographers in NOVA so I am so glad I found her work! We will absolutely use Mary Kate to photograph our family again.
Katelyn K.
Nov 10, 2014
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I like many women have some serious body image issues. I was worried about how I would look in my wedding photos, which was something I definitely had no need to worry about (cause what bride needs more to worry about). MaryKate put me at ease both during the engagement session and our big day. She went out of her way to give tips about "slimming" posing tricks to make everyone feel their best all day.
Her professionalism and photojournalist style made me fall in love with her and her work. We have only seen a view of the photos (we only got married yesterday) and we are already in love
Her professionalism and photojournalist style made me fall in love with her and her work. We have only seen a view of the photos (we only got married yesterday) and we are already in love
H. B.
Nov 11, 2013
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Mary Kate is a true professional. Her work is inspiring and contemporary and timeless. I have attended several weddings she has photographed and all of the photos have been truly amazing. She has a great eye and perfect timing. Mary Kate seems to capture all of the best moments- the sentimental, the joy and the hilarious silly times too. I highly recommend her.
Cheryl D.
Jan 28, 2011
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My husband and I had an in-town elopement at our church in December 2010. Since it was just the two of us and our pastor we wanted a photographer to capture the event so we could share it with our family and friends. Mary Kate was such a joy to deal with. Not only were the pictures BEAUTIFUL but she was truly excited to be a part of our day, and that meant a lot to us. As I looked through the photos I imagined my husband and I sharing them with our children and grandchildren some day. She even took the time to put together a slide show (with music) just a couple of days after our wedding (and just
