Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

  • Mary Gorry Photography serves Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Morrisville, Wake Forest, Chapel Hill, Garner, Knightdale, Wendell, Zebulon, Clayton, Durham, Fuquay-Varina, Spring Hope, Bunn, Louisburg, Rocky Mount, and surrounding areas throughout central North Carolina. Travel outside these areas is also available.

  • Photo sessions are available by appointment seven days a week. My schedule fills quickly, so advance booking is recommended.

  • I specialize in family photography, newborn photography, maternity, milestone sessions, cake smashes, children, couples, engagements, proposals, senior portraits, branding, headshots, select weddings, and seasonal mini sessions. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply want updated family photos, I'd love to help.

  • Booking is easy! Email me at hello@marygorryphotography.com with the type of session you're interested in, your preferred timeframe, and any location ideas. I'll help you choose the perfect package, answer any questions, and get your session scheduled.

  • My calendar opens each January for the entire year, so you're welcome to book months in advance. While many clients reserve dates early, I can often accommodate sessions within one to two weeks depending on availability.

  • Sessions can take place at one of my favorite outdoor locations, in your home, at my indoor studio, or at my outdoor greenhouse studio in Spring Hope. If you have a meaningful location in mind, I'm always happy to consider new locations.

  • Yes! I travel throughout the Raleigh area and beyond. Sessions outside my standard service area may include a small travel fee based on distance.

  • I've been photographing families throughout the Triangle for nearly 10 years. After earning my Commercial Photography degree from Appalachian State University, I turned my passion into a full-time career helping families preserve life's biggest moments.

  • My sessions are relaxed, fun, and designed to capture both genuine moments and beautifully posed portraits. I'll guide you through posing every step of the way, so you never have to wonder what to do. We also move throughout the location to create a gallery with a wide variety of backgrounds and images.

  • Yes! I offer outdoor sessions, in-home lifestyle sessions, studio photography, and sessions at my indoor/outdoor greenhouse studio. Together, we'll choose the setting that best fits your style and the look you're hoping to achieve.

Getting Started

  • Booking is easy! Simply email hello@marygorryphotography.com with the type of session you're interested in, your preferred timeframe, and any location ideas. I'll help you choose the best package, answer your questions, and get your session scheduled.

  • I typically respond within 24–48 hours. We'll discuss your session details, choose a date, time, and location, and once your non-refundable deposit is paid, your photography session is officially reserved.

  • My calendar opens each January for the entire year, so you're welcome to book months in advance. While many clients reserve dates early, I can often accommodate sessions within one to two weeks, depending on availability and the type of session you're booking.

  • To get started, I'll need to know the type of photography session you're looking for, your preferred timeframe, approximate session length, and any location ideas you have. From there, we'll finalize the details and reserve your date.

  • Every family and every milestone is different. If you're unsure which session is the best fit, I'll gladly help you choose the option that matches your vision, budget, and the number of people being photographed.

  • Absolutely! I have a variety of favorite outdoor, studio, and in-home photography locations throughout the Raleigh area and surrounding communities. Based on the style you're looking for, I'll recommend locations that best fit your session.

  • The best outfits are ones that reflect your personality while coordinating with everyone in your group. Your clothing should complement the location and season while helping you feel comfortable and confident. I'm always happy to provide recommendations based on your session style.

  • Yes! I'm happy to review outfit options before your session. Feel free to send photos of your ideas, and I'll help you coordinate colors, patterns, and styles that photograph beautifully together.

  • Yes! Extended families and multiple households are always welcome. We'll simply choose a session length that allows enough time to capture a variety of groupings, individual families, and candid moments without feeling rushed.

Photography Sessions

  • I offer a wide variety of photography services, including family, newborn, maternity, milestone, cake smash and birthday, children, couples, engagements, surprise proposals, senior portraits, branding, headshots, select weddings, and seasonal mini sessions. Whether you're celebrating a major milestone or simply want updated photos, I'd love to help.

  • Yes! I photograph newborns from just a few days old through the first few weeks of life. Newborn sessions are available in your home, at my studio, or at an outdoor location, depending on the style and experience you're looking for.

  • Absolutely! I typically recommend scheduling maternity photos between 32 and 37 weeks, depending on your pregnancy and comfort level. Maternity sessions can include just the expecting mom, couples, siblings, or the entire family.

  • Yes! Family photography is one of my specialties. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, welcoming a new baby, updating your annual family portraits, or simply documenting this season of life, I photograph families year-round.

  • Of course! I photograph children of all ages—from newborns to teenagers. Whether it's a milestone session, birthday, cake smash, graduation, or simply updated portraits, I love capturing each stage as your family grows.

  • Yes! I photograph preschool, kindergarten, high school, college, and graduate school seniors. Senior sessions are personalized to showcase your personality, interests, and accomplishments while celebrating this exciting milestone.

  • I do! Couple sessions are perfect for anniversaries, engagements, date nights, "just because," or simply capturing your relationship. Every session is customized to reflect your personalities and connection.

  • Yes! I love engagement sessions and surprise proposals. Whether you need me to discreetly capture the proposal itself or celebrate afterward with a full engagement session, I'll help plan every detail to make the experience stress-free.

  • Absolutely! Pets are part of the family and are always welcome to join your session. Dogs are the most common, but I'm happy to photograph other furry family members too. The only exception? Snakes—they'll have to sit this one out!

  • Definitely! Every session is tailored to you. Whether you have a specific location, theme, inspiration photos, or creative vision, I'll work with you to create a personalized photography experience that feels authentic and uniquely yours.

Scheduling

  • I offer several session lengths to fit different needs and budgets. Choose from 10-minute mini sessions (both themed and seasonal), 20-minute, 30-minute, 45-minute, or 60-minute sessions. If you're planning an extended family session or have something unique in mind, I'm happy to discuss a longer session.

  • Thanks to natural light and professional off-camera flash equipment, I can create beautiful images throughout the day. The best session time often depends on your location, the season, and the style of photos you're hoping to achieve, and I'm happy to recommend the ideal time for your session.

  • North Carolina weather can change quickly, so I usually make a final weather decision on the day of your session. If rain or unsafe weather affects your session, we'll reschedule to another available date and time that works for both of us.

  • Yes! If you need to reschedule, I'll work with you to find another available date. Because your deposit reserves a specific day and time on my calendar, deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. A new deposit is required to reserve your new session date.

  • If someone in your family isn't feeling well, please use your best judgment. I'd much rather photograph everyone when they're healthy and feeling their best. If needed, we can reschedule your session for another available date. I don't charge a same-day cancellation fee due to illness.

  • I recommend arriving about 15 minutes before your scheduled session time. This gives everyone time to get settled, make any last-minute outfit adjustments, and ensure we're ready to begin on time. Planning for traffic and unexpected delays helps maximize your session time.

  • Absolutely! I offer in-home lifestyle sessions, outdoor sessions at your home, or a combination of both. A small travel fee may apply depending on your location.

  • Yes! If your session length allows, we can absolutely incorporate multiple nearby locations. Let me know your vision, and I'll help plan a timeline that makes the most of your session.

  • Yes! Most of my photography sessions take place on weekends, making it easy for families and working professionals to schedule a convenient time.

  • Of course! You're welcome to request any available date. I typically schedule sessions Thursday through Sunday, but I can occasionally accommodate other days when my schedule allows.

Preparing for Your Session

  • The most important thing is to wear something that feels comfortable and true to your style. Every session has a different look and feel, so there isn't one "right" outfit. I'll gladly help you choose clothing that fits your location, season, and the overall vibe you're hoping to achieve.

  • I recommend coordinating rather than matching exactly. Choose colors that complement one another instead of everyone wearing the same outfit. Coordinated outfits create a timeless, polished look while allowing everyone's personality to shine through.

  • Neutral tones, earthy colors, and solid fabrics tend to photograph beautifully. I usually recommend a color palette with mostly solids and adding one subtle pattern for visual interest without distracting from your family.

  • Absolutely! Feel free to send me photos of your outfit ideas before your session. I'm happy to offer suggestions on colors, patterns, and styles to help everyone coordinate beautifully.

  • If your session length allows, you're welcome to bring one or two outfit changes. Outfit changes are completely optional and can add variety to your gallery, but many clients are perfectly happy with a single outfit.

  • The only thing you truly need to bring is yourselves! If you'd like to include sentimental items, blankets, heirlooms, sports equipment, musical instruments, or other meaningful props, you're more than welcome to bring them along.

  • Of course! Favorite toys, stuffed animals, or comfort items can help children feel more relaxed and often lead to genuine smiles. They're also wonderful keepsakes that capture this stage of your child's life.

  • Keep the experience positive and fun. Instead of making it feel like a chore, talk about it as an exciting family activity. Many parents find that planning a fun outing afterward or bringing a favorite snack or small treat helps keep little ones motivated. During the session, I'll use games, prompts, and movement to keep children engaged and smiling naturally.

  • Try to feed your baby shortly before the session so they're comfortable and content. Dress them in something easy to remove, bring extra bottles or feeding supplies if needed, and don't worry if they need breaks for feeding, rocking, or cuddling. I've photographed thousands of newborns over the years, so I understand that babies work on their own schedule. My sessions are relaxed, patient, and always centered around your baby's comfort and safety.

  • Don't worry—kids are wonderfully unpredictable, and that's completely normal! As an experienced family photographer, I've seen every personality and every mood imaginable. I'll adapt the session to your child's energy level with playful prompts, breaks when needed, and plenty of patience. The best photos often come from genuine moments, so there's no need to stress if everything doesn't go exactly as planned.

During the Session

  • Every session begins with getting to know you and your vision. Before your session, I'll learn more about your family and the style of photos you're hoping to capture. During the session, I'll guide you through natural poses, offer plenty of encouragement, and show you previews on the back of my camera so we can make adjustments if needed. My goal is to create a relaxed, enjoyable experience where everyone feels comfortable.

  • That's completely okay! Children have their own personalities and moods, and I never expect perfection. I'll use games, movement, silly noises, and plenty of patience to encourage genuine smiles. Even if your child isn't smiling, we can still capture beautiful, authentic moments you'll treasure.

  • Yes! I'll guide you through every pose so you never have to wonder what to do. I also love incorporating natural interactions and movement to create candid moments. If you have inspiration photos or specific poses in mind, I'm always happy to include them.

  • Absolutely! Before and during your session, you're welcome to share any must-have shots or inspiration. I'll make every effort to include those while also capturing a variety of posed and candid images.

  • Yes! Every gallery includes a blend of naturally posed portraits and genuine candid moments. My goal is to tell your family's story while also capturing beautiful portraits you'll proudly display.

  • Of course! Extended family members are always welcome. We'll simply choose a session length that gives us enough time to photograph everyone individually, in smaller groups, and together.

  • Absolutely! Pets are family too and are always welcome. Because photographing pets can take a little extra time, including them may slightly reduce the total number of poses we capture—but it's always worth it!

  • Most sessions take place at one location, but we move throughout the area to create a variety of backgrounds and looks. If you'd like multiple nearby locations, we can discuss that when planning your session.

  • Definitely! Meaningful items such as blankets, heirlooms, sports equipment, books, flowers, or other personal props are always welcome. We'll capture a combination of photos both with and without them.

  • You'll typically be outdoors for the length of your scheduled session. We begin on time and make the most of every minute while still keeping the experience relaxed and enjoyable.

Image Delivery

  • Your fully edited online gallery is typically delivered within two weeks of your session. If you need your images sooner, I offer a Rush Edit option for $50 + tax, which delivers your gallery within 2–3 days.

  • Rather than guaranteeing a specific number of images, I deliver every photo that meets my quality standards. The final gallery size depends on your session length, the number of people, and the variety we capture during your session.

  • Yes! Every image in your gallery receives professional color correction, exposure adjustments, and basic editing. Additional retouching, such as blemish removal or more detailed edits, is available for an additional fee.

  • No. Unlike many photographers, I deliver all of the final edited images from your session, so you don't have to narrow your favorites down.

  • Basic editing does not include blemish removal. However, I'm happy to provide additional retouching, including temporary blemishes and other cosmetic edits, for a small retouching fee.

  • Whenever possible, I compose images to avoid distractions before taking the photo. If something distracting remains, I can often remove it during editing or by special request.

  • The images included in your gallery are your complete collection of final edited photographs, so there typically aren't additional images available for purchase beyond what's delivered.

  • Your images are delivered through a private online gallery where you can easily view, download, and share your photos.

  • Yes. Full sessions include high-resolution digital images with your gallery. For mini sessions, high-resolution images are available for purchase if they aren't already included in your package.

  • Your online gallery will remain active for several months after delivery, giving you plenty of time to download and back up your images. I always recommend downloading your gallery as soon as you receive it for safekeeping.

Prints & Products

  • Yes! Your online gallery includes access to a professional print lab where you can order high-quality prints directly. Ordering through the gallery ensures your photos are printed with accurate colors and excellent quality.

  • Yes! Custom photo albums are available directly through your online gallery, making it easy to preserve your favorite memories in a professionally printed keepsake.

  • While I don't personally design or sell custom wall art collections, your high-resolution images are perfect for creating framed prints, canvas prints, metal prints, and other home décor. I'm also happy to recommend sizes and layouts.

  • Your high-resolution images can be printed in a wide range of sizes—from wallet prints to large wall displays. If you're unsure which size is best for your space, I'm happy to help.

  • Absolutely! Canvas prints are available and look beautiful with your high-resolution images. They make wonderful statement pieces for your home or office.

  • Yes! Your high-resolution images can be used to create holiday cards, birth announcements, graduation announcements, and other personalized cards through the printing company of your choice.

  • Yes. Depending on the type of session you book, you can purchase digital images, professional prints, or both. I'll help you choose the option that best fits your needs.

  • Professional print labs use higher-quality paper, more accurate color calibration, and longer-lasting materials than most consumer printing services. This helps ensure your photographs look the way they were intended and remain beautiful for years to come.

  • Absolutely! Anyone with access to your online gallery can order prints and products directly, making it easy for grandparents and other family members to purchase their favorites.

  • Yes! I'd be happy to help you choose image sizes and layouts that create a beautiful gallery wall for your home.

Pricing & Booking

  • Photography session pricing varies based on the session type, length, and location. Whether you're looking for a mini session, family session, newborn photography, or another type of session, I'll help you choose the package that best fits your needs.

  • Your session fee includes your photography session, professional editing, a private online gallery, and the digital images or print options included with your selected package. Package details vary by session type.

  • Yes. A non-refundable and non-transferable deposit is required to reserve your session date and time. Your booking is officially confirmed once the deposit has been received.

  • The remaining balance is due on the day of your session. I accept cash, checks, and major credit or debit cards for your convenience.

  • Yes! Payment plans are available as long as your session is paid in full before your scheduled session date.

  • Absolutely! Photography gift certificates make wonderful gifts for birthdays, baby showers, holidays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. Gift certificates are valid for one year from the purchase date.

  • Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable because they reserve a specific date and time on my calendar. If you choose to cancel your session, a new deposit is required to reserve a future date.

  • Yes, you're welcome to reschedule based on availability. Because your original date was reserved exclusively for you, the original deposit is forfeited and a new deposit is required to book your new session date.

  • Travel within my standard service area is included. Sessions outside that area may require a small mileage fee based on the location.

  • No. My pricing is the same regardless of whether your session takes place on a weekday or weekend.