We know there is nothing more powerful than a mom-to-mom recommendation! We are so excited to spotlight Meri Hannon of Meri Lee Photography, LCC, and we are grateful for local mom Marykelly and her willingness to share about her photography experience!
A note from the photographer: Marykelly first reached out to me through a model call I posted. She was expecting her third baby — a little boy. Marykelly wanted to capture some special memories of her bump before her son’s arrival. I was excited for the chance to work with Marykelly and her family for an in-home session. She wanted lots of candids and to capture them naturally as a family. In this interview, Marykelly shares her experience of working with me and her thoughts on the importance of photography.
Q: Hi, Marykelly! Can you tell us a little bit about why you wanted to have professional photos taken?
A: I wanted professional photos taken to capture my pregnancy; however, I was hesitant to be in front the camera during such a vulnerable time. It was something that kept coming to mind — when l saw a model call by Meri I took it as a sign to go for it! I was so happy with the finished product and experience as a whole, so when it came time to schedule our newborn photos, booking with Meri again was a no-brainer.
Q: What were some of your concerns or worries when preparing for your session? How did Meri address them?
A: I was nervous about my body language and being awkward in front of the camera. Immediately upon walking in to the studio, she made me feel at home. We chatted about our kids, families, careers, and goals as mothers, and I soon felt like I was hanging out with a friend. Meri has a very “go with the flow” and patient demeanor, which I knew would be the most important thing for our newborn photos with my high-energy 3- and 5-year-olds.
Q: How did you choose your photographer, and what were you looking for in a photographer?
A: I met Meri through a model call she posted on social media. She was everything my family needed in a photographer — patient, calm, creative, and open to incorporating our ideas (even if I had trouble explaining them exactly as I was picturing).
Q: What was your experience like working with Meri?
A: It was excellent! Meri has a warmth about her that is equal to her professionalism.
Q: What do you think is important for people to know about Meri that made your experience special or memorable?
A: Meri was out-of-this-world patient with my children. Taking certain photos upon request, showing them the camera lens and exciting buttons, allowing them to help pack her bag up — these were just a few things that got us through the photo session with smiles intact. The comfort and ease of the session shows in the photos — we all appear as relaxed and comfortable as we felt.
Q: What do you think are the benefits of having professional photos taken?
A: I take photos on my phone all day long, but none of them are particularly high quality or frame worthy, and I am featured in none of them! I am so happy to have documentation of such a happy time for my family. I will look back on these photos and (hopefully) will not remember the stress I felt beforehand of getting everyone ready. Rather, I’ll remember the excitement and ease of the moments captured.
Q: Do you have tips for others who are considering having professional photos taken?
A: Don’t put it off! You will be so happy with your investment.
Q: Finally, how would you describe your overall experience working with Meri? Would you recommend her to a friend?
A: I have already recommended her! For me, the actual day usually feels stressful (something always goes wrong — a wardrobe malfunction, a poorly timed boo-boo, or a diaper blow-out), but Meri puts those worries behind you once she is taking photos. Meri makes the session a warm and stress-free family experience. In meeting Meri, I feel like I have gained not only a go-to resource for our family’s photography needs but also a friend!
