Your favorite family photographer who specializes in capturing all your candid moments

A lifetime of memories made tangible

Fleeting phases...moments of glee and joyous exploration...funny faces, raucous laughter, boisterous silliness...the hallmarks of a family life well-lived that we don't always think to capture. These are the profound in-between moments that I am dedicated to preserving. 

Here is how the process works:

01.

CONTACT & CONSULT

Whether you reach out via e-mail or phone I will be happy to share with you all that I offer to best suit your needs and what you’re looking for. If you have no idea what you’re looking for have no fear, we’ll have fun figuring it out together!

02.

SCHEDULING

Once we've had a chance to connect and you feel confident I am the right choice for your photo session we will identify a time on the calendar that works for everyone.

03.

pre-shoot details

Now here’s where the fun really starts rolling in. Depending on the shoot you’ve chosen this can vary slightly but we start to build a plan together for shoot location, any activities that might be involved as well as possible styling

04.

photoshoot day

Drum roll please….after all the hype and excitement leading up to our time together this is definitely the time to relax and take a deep breath. Consider all your hard work and efforts getting to this point DONE, the most direct path to amazing photos with your family in my opinion is to just relax

05.

PHOTOS

It’ll be about 3 weeks after our party time together that magic gets delivered straight to your inbox! Yes, 3 weeks because I am not just dumping my memory card and sending you every single file, there’s hours of thoughtful culling and editing that go into the gallery you are lovingly delivered. Unless

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03.

pre-shoot details

Now here’s where the fun really starts rolling in. Depending on the shoot you’ve chosen this can vary slightly but we start to build a plan together for shoot location, any activities that might be involved as well as possible styling suggestions; really anything you want to know from me so we can make this the most fun & successful you’ve ever had and will have you wanting to do it again and again. I’ve always found that the best shoots are the ones where the client and I have worked together as true partners to make sure everyone’s goals are met, which is definitely one of the main reasons why the questionnaires I send out during this time period are also super important, not only that but they allow me to learn more about you, your kids and your family as a whole in the event this is our first time meeting.

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04.

photoshoot day

Drum roll please….after all the hype and excitement leading up to our time together this is definitely the time to relax and take a deep breath. Consider all your hard work and efforts getting to this point DONE, the most direct path to amazing photos with your family in my opinion is to just relax and be yourself. Let the love you have for each and every individual person in your family shine through and their love for you and everyone else will reflect directly back on those people. Will someone possibly melt down because they missed breakfast? Probably! Guess what? They can have a snack! Might there be some sibling bickering? That’s a solid 50/50 chance, but hey that’s all part the story, am I right? At the end of the day we will all be thrilled if we can get that one nice family photo but I assure you, the ones you’ll want to print, stare at on your phone once they’ve long gone to sleep and the ones you’ll go back to time and time again as they get older are going to be the candid moments of tender kisses on the head or paint being splattered on someone’s face.

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05.

PHOTOS

It’ll be about 3 weeks after our party time together that magic gets delivered straight to your inbox! Yes, 3 weeks because I am not just dumping my memory card and sending you every single file, there’s hours of thoughtful culling and editing that go into the gallery you are lovingly delivered. Unless we’ve made a custom agreement together the full-res digital files will be all yours! In that same e-mail will be some helpful recommendations for third party printers that I have vetted and know will do a great job for you, you will also because to purchase prints through my professional lab within your gallery as well.

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I’m HERE AS MUCH AS YOU NEED TO CREATE YOUR DREAM DAY

Select the perfect package for you

Collections start AT $1275

Signature Session

This package is perfect if you’re interested in a more traditional portrait session, and can tailor your 1 hour session to suit your needs

· Private online gallery
· Edited digital images
· Print Release

BOOK NOW

If you’re looking for documentary-style photos to capture your family’s real life, this is the perfect session for you.

· Private online gallery
· Edited digital images
· Print Release
· Fine art album

BOOK NOW

Documentary Session

Underwater
Session

The most perfect way to document things a little differently. They can be fun, candid splashy sessions or a more creative curated style session, with our imaginations working together the sky's the limit.

· Private online gallery
· Edited digital images
· Print Release

BOOK NOW

INCLUDES:

Frequently Asked Questions

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

HOW LONG DOES A TYPICAL SESSION RUN?

WHERE DO FAMILY & MATERNITY SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?

WHERE DO NEWBORN SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?

I am currently located in the Almaden Valley area of San Jose, CA. Travel fees are imposed for sessions that take place more than 45 miles from San Jose. I also travel regularly to New York and Chicago. Join my newsletter to stay up to date on travel sessions.

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WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

HOW LONG DOES A TYPICAL SESSION RUN?

WHERE DO FAMILY & MATERNITY SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?

WHERE DO NEWBORN SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?

I have been in business since 2012 and what a wild and fun ride it has been! Some may wonder, is this my full time job and yes, indeed capturing beautiful images of children and families is my full time job and I am very lucky to love what I do.

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HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

HOW LONG DOES A TYPICAL SESSION RUN?

WHERE DO FAMILY & MATERNITY SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?

WHERE DO NEWBORN SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?

Being a lifestyle photographer and someone who truly prides myself on capturing authentic moments I try not to steer this question too much. The number one thing is that you and your family feel comfortable in what you are wearing, if you’re uncomfortable your images will represent that. However, there is a lot to be said for having a cohesive look and feel to your images. For further information check out my style guide!

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Being a lifestyle photographer and someone who truly prides myself on capturing authentic moments I try not to steer this question too much. The number one thing is that you and your family feel comfortable in what you are wearing, if you’re uncomfortable your images will represent that. For further information check out my style guide!

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

HOW LONG DOES A TYPICAL SESSION RUN?

WHERE DO FAMILY & MATERNITY SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?

WHERE DO NEWBORN SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?

Each session I offer has a specific time specified. That being said I will always shoot until I know we have a great collection of images for you. The best feedback I receive is how fun and painless my photography sessions are, so fear not, we will have tons of fun and you won’t be stuck with me all day, that is unless you opt for an awesome Day in the Life photo experience! For more info on those shoot me an e-mail.

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WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

HOW LONG DOES A TYPICAL SESSION RUN?

WHERE DO FAMILY & MATERNITY SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?

WHERE DO NEWBORN SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?

I often shoot family sessions both in-home and outdoors at various local parks of which I have many suggestions. That being said, I am always excited to learn about new spots too so if your family has a location that is close to your heart let’s chat so we can plan your best photo shoot!

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WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

HOW LONG DOES A TYPICAL SESSION RUN?

WHERE DO FAMILY & MATERNITY SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?

WHERE DO NEWBORN SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?

Newborn sessions take place within the comfort of your home. I recommend scheduling your newborn session within 7-10 days of your baby's arrival making capturing beautiful images of you and your growing family all the easier without having to load everyone into the car. To be clear though, it's never too late, so don't feel like you've missed the window if your baby is 15 days old or 3 months old.

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NEXT TESTIMONIAL

Nicole P. SAYS:

Mary is the best photographer I've ever worked with

She recently took our son's newborn photos which included a family photo shoot as well and the photos turned out better than I could have hoped. She was amazing not only with our newborn and placing him in different positions but also with our 18 month old and interacting with her. The best was when my newborn was starting to melt down Mary sat my toddler down and read her a book. I'll continue to use Mary as our family photographer and highly recommend her to anyone else looking for quality photos.

NEXT TESTIMONIAL

I would absolutely recommend Mary Bea Photography to families in the Bay Area who are looking to do something out of the ordinary.

Not only is Mary a spunky, energetic, and genuine human, but she is an exceptional photographer who helps make the “awkward camera shyness” fade away. My Christmas cards always get great feedback, asking how I was able to get such fun and great quality photos under water and my answer is always Mary!!

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Michael P. SAYS:

Mary made us feel completely comfortable as if she wasn't even there while taking the photos.

Mary recently took our newborn/family photos. She was able to really capture this special time in our lives and all of the chaos that goes with it.  The pictures turned out fantastic, I couldn't be happier with how they turned out! I'd recommend Mary to anyone looking for a photographer that takes their time to get to know her subjects, that makes you feel comfortable, that is great with children of all ages, and takes great quality photos. We'll definitely be using her again!

Mary Bea photography did an excellent job of taking pictures at our annual Rock Band event for our music school. She managed to achieve our goal of capturing 60 "in the moment" portraits of our students as they performed on stage. Not an easy task as the students move around the stage because you have to be careful not to block the audience or hinder the performers, but somehow she managed with grace. I will definitely be using her service for future events.

NEXT TESTIMONIAL

Lindsey B. SAYS:

I will recommend her over and over!

This review is long overdue. I have used Mary 3 times now and every time she has done an amazing job. From the first time I met her I could tell she was easy to work with and would make my kids feel comfortable. She has such a warm and friendly personality. She is super patient and silly with the kids while trying to get a good picture and in my case has always succeeded. She always captures beautiful pictures and her turn around time to get your images is super impressive. 

Mary Bea photography did an excellent job of taking pictures at our annual Rock Band event for our music school. She managed to achieve our goal of capturing 60 "in the moment" portraits of our students as they performed on stage. Not an easy task as the students move around the stage because you have to be careful not to block the audience or hinder the performers, but somehow she managed with grace. I will definitely be using her service for future events.

Let’s preserve your sweetest moments

Don’t wait for the time to pass you by

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