Documentary Wedding Photographer based in Whitby, Yorkshire and across the North East.
Capturing Moments since 2020
Hi, I’m Mary – a proud mum of four, living on the stunning North Yorkshire coast! I’m a professional photographer with a big love for capturing real, honest moments – and I mean real. Whether it’s empowering confidence shoots, relaxed documentary-style wedding photography, natural family and maternity sessions, or creative commercial photography for small businesses, I’m all about telling your story through beautiful, authentic images. I’ve had a camera in my hand since I was little (and spent years snapping events for free!), but in 2020 I finally took the plunge and turned my passion into a full photography business. I absolutely love what I do – creating photos that make people smile, feel confident, and remember the best bits of life. Based near Whitby, I work across North Yorkshire and beyond, and I’m always up for meeting new people and exploring new places. I’ve got a dry sense of humour and a healthy dose of sarcasm – it tends to help people relax in front of the camera! I truly believe laughter is a great icebreaker, and capturing those natural, joyful times is what lights me up.
Let me tell you about my photographer journey..
My love for documentary photography started when I was little – the kind of child who’d burn through rolls of film like they were going out of fashion. I’d take endless photos of absolutely everything – family, pets, plants, you name it – much to the despair of my parents, who ended up paying the developing bills. Our house was full of those slide-in photo albums, the ones bursting at the seams with slightly blurry memories and the occasional thumb over the lens. But I loved it – even back then, I was hooked on freezing little seconds in time. That early obsession never really left me. Life had other plans for a while – kids, adventures, different jobs. But the love for capturing real, meaningful moments never went away. In 2020, I finally decided to take the leap and turn that passion into something more – and I’ve not looked back since.
Now, I get to do what I love: telling people’s stories through relaxed, natural documentary photography. Nothing forced, nothing overly posed – just real life, with its character and charm. And yes, I still take far too many photos!!!
For me, it’s never only about taking a nice photo. It’s about telling a story – your story – with its quirks, chaos, and character. And if we can have a laugh along the way (which we will) and a boost of confidence even better.
From Mum to the Camera Life
I am a mum of 4, I had my first child when I turned 19 and my last at 37 so big gap. I took a different direction when I had my first child, the plans of heading off to uni and getting a degree were gone and i was doing lots of courses at the local college instead. I did Indian head massage, reflexology, accounting… hahaha a right mixture but anything to keep the mind busy. I am always wanting to try and learn new things, hence my love now for Paddle boarding, surfing and Martial arts. I started Martial Arts the first night the club began in Whitby, me and my friend went along and worked up a sweat, i was wanting it purely for fitness but amazingly a crazy amount of years later I am a 3rd Dan black belt.
Documentary Photography became a huge to me when I started taking the phone to the beach most days, getting images of the kids having a great day in the sea on boards or playing around. Then i got a camera and started taking images of seascapes, stunning sunsets and landscapes.
I learnt the different techniques and to really get to know how to use a it properly, it was the most wonderful feeling moving the setting off auto onto M. That was that, i got asked one day to take images at a friends wedding as a favour. I am not going to lie, I was super excited to being asked but also super nervous incase i missed something like the first kiss .. i did ask them to get a “real” photographer and I would just grab bonus shots. Anyway they didn’t, I did it and that was when I found a love for being a part of such a special day. The emotions, love, laughter it was so brilliant to be a part of. That was the start of my documentary photographer career and it has been the best move ever.
Living in Wonderful Whitby, Yorkshire
It’s the best…… Sea, Sand, Stunning backdrops. what more could i want ……. ok maybe a bit more sunshine.. or is it less northerly winds I need.
My Kind of Photography
Documentary - It’s real, its that moment at that time captured, sometimes its because i think its hilarious, sometimes it’s simply beautiful.
I'm about the outdoors. Everyday I need some outdoor moments
- Paddle boarding on the sea (only falling in occasionally)
- Catching waves (or trying to – the North Sea keeps us humble!)
- Walking along the coastal paths (always ready to take photos of the beautiful views)
- I use the outdoors to keep me sane and my kids calm.
I also love to travel
Because who doesn't want to take photos in new places? I love seeing new places, buildings, views, and I have to take photos of them. Though I've got to say, there's something special about coming home to Whitby's sunrises – even if they do mean getting up at ridiculous o'clock!
Want to Know the Best Part?
So here I am, living my best life with a camera in hand, usually with sand in my shoes and salt water in my hair. Whether I'm photographing a gorgeous wedding filled with love and laughter, a family in a gorgeous field, a personal brand shoot, or capturing our gorgeous Yorkshire coast, I bring all of me to every shoot – the mum who knows how to make kids giggle, and the outdoor lover who's always up for an adventure.
And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way!
Want to join me on this crazy, beautiful journey? Drop me a message – especially if you're up for a sunrise shoot (I know the best coffee spots to warm up afterwards, promise! 😉)