Business Details
11 Years
experience
Your Story Joyfully Told by Marisa McDonald Photography
Marisa McDonald Photography was founded on the belief that authentic moments deserve to be preserved with joy and artistry. With a background in law and a passion for storytelling, Marisa transitioned from corporate life to photography after discovering her talent for capturing candid moments while raising her two sons. Specializing in weddings and family photography, the business emphasizes natural light, unposed interactions, and emotional connections. Marisas approach blends professionalism with warmth, ensuring clients feel comfortable while creating timeless images.The team prioritizes personalized service, offering wardrobe styling assistance, location scouting, and flexible session options. As a licensed member of Professional Photographers of America, Marisa combines technical expertise with a heartfelt commitment to documenting lifes milestones. The business serves clients in New Bern, NC, and surrounding areas, with travel options available for special projects.
Services
Wedding Photography
Family Sessions
Newborn Photography
Maternity Portraits
Engagement Sessions
Lifestyle Photography
Travel Photography
Art Gallery Prints
Online Galleries
Print Products
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We offer candid, natural photography rooted in over 10 years of experience.
- Our team provides personalized wardrobe styling and location assistance.
- We specialize in capturing authentic family connections and wedding milestones.
- Flexible travel options available for clients in Eastern North Carolina.
- Licensed and insured professional photographer with a focus on client comfort.
Associations and certifications
- Professional Photographers of America
What people say
Over the Moon Happy
Perfectly Imperfect
Unspeakable Joy
Natural Connections Captured
Stress-Free Experience
Services
Wedding Photography
Document your wedding day with joyful, candid storytelling. Marisa captures natural moments using available light, ensuring timeless images of your ceremony, reception, and intimate details. Services include timeline planning, two photographers for full coverage, and high-resolution digital files. Collections range from 4 to 8 hours of coverage, with options for albums and engagement sessions.
Family Sessions
Preserve your familys unique bond through relaxed, in-home or outdoor sessions. Marisa focuses on genuine interactions, offering wardrobe styling assistance and location guidance. Sessions last 90 minutes, with 100+ edited images delivered within two weeks. Packages include digital files and optional prints, with pricing based on session length and product selection.
Newborn Photography
Celebrate your newborns early days with natural, in-home sessions. Marisa captures candid moments with minimal props, emphasizing family connections. Includes swaddle wraps and a shallow wooden bowl for posed shots. Sessions are flexible around babys schedule, with digital galleries and print options available for lasting keepsakes.
Maternity Portraits
Highlight the beauty of pregnancy with guided outdoor or studio sessions. Marisa provides maternity gowns and styling advice to create elegant, emotive images. Sessions focus on natural light and authentic emotions, with digital files and print products available to showcase your journey.
Engagement Sessions
Build comfort with your photographer through pre-wedding sessions that capture your unique relationship. Marisa offers location suggestions and posing guidance to create relaxed, joyful images. Sessions include digital files and print options, with packages available as add-ons to wedding collections.
People
Marisa McDonald
Owner & Photographer
Former lawyer turned photographer, Marisa specializes in joyful family and wedding storytelling. With over a decade of experience, she focuses on candid moments and natural light. A Catholic mother of two, she infuses faith and warmth into her work while serving Eastern North Carolina clients.
Questions
What areas do you serve for photography sessions?
I primarily serve New Bern, NC, and surrounding areas including Jacksonville, Kinston, and Emerald Isle. Travel is available for weddings and special projects with additional fees.
Do you offer payment plans for your services?
Yes, I offer flexible payment options for wedding collections and family sessions. A retainer is required to secure your date, with the balance due before the event or session.
Can I print my photos at other labs?
Absolutely! All sessions include high-resolution digital files with print rights. While I offer professional lab services, you’re welcome to use any printing provider you prefer.
What if my children don’t cooperate during the session?
No problem! I specialize in capturing authentic moments, even if that means chasing kids around. My calm, patient approach ensures we still get beautiful images without stress or forced poses.
Do you offer mini sessions for smaller families?
Yes, I offer one-hour mini sessions in New Bern on weekday mornings for $99. These sessions are perfect for small families or those with time constraints, with print collections starting at $300.
What makes your photography style unique?
My background in law taught me to observe details others miss. I blend candid storytelling with natural light and minimal posing to create images that feel authentic, joyful, and deeply personal.
