marsha mcneely photography | southern california photographer

samples of pretty pictures and such

"When I say I want to photograph someone, what it really means is that I'd like to know them."
Annie Leibovitz

Confession: I get attached to my clients and their families. I enjoy getting to know people so that I can find that way to represent their true nature through a tangible photograph is one of my greatest joys. So let's grab some coffee and tell me about how you met, or the latest thing your kids are doing that is driving you crazy. Let me capture today so you can remember it tomorrow.

I think the best way to sum up my motivation behind what I do is explained here: why

And when I am not behind the camera, you might find sneaking a piece of chocolate after I finish a three mile run, or refinishing/recreating an old piece of furniture to make it shiny and new.

4.25.13

Pointe shoes | Riverside Ballet Arts

She’s been working for this day for six years. That’s 60% of her life, she’s been putting in the hours and the training to achieve this: pointe shoes. At the request of her mama, we were able to secure time in the studio at Riverside Ballet Arts where she studies so that I could photograph this tiny dancer’s milestone.

The studio was breath-taking. Everything that you imagine a New York ballet studio would look and feel like. There was something magical about it. Tall windows and reflective flooring provided a stunning backdrop for her beauty and poise.

She’s not going to be this tiny much longer, but I’m sure she will retain her grace forever.

2013Reagan{pointe}-1790bw copy

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4.8.13

Misty and Dreamy | Huntington Beach Session

Detailed questionnaire, shared pinterest board, thoughtful questions about wardrobe and flow of the session, my client was engaged and invested in the session from the very beginning. I cannot tell you how useful this is from my end to collaborate so closely with a client. If my client has a vision, I want to know what it is. And through this collaboration, I earned a Client for Life and it will be a great joy to work with them over and over again.

{I secretly wish these were images of my family. Oh well, I do have an office to decorate.}

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3.29.13

Emma in the field | Corona Children’s Photographer

When Emma’s mom contacted me about doing portraits for her 10th birthday, she immediately told me, “I want the field.” She also informed me that any time, any day, she would make it work. She understood that the field could be mowed at any time, so when it is looking good THAT is the time to go. {Can you say dream client?}That is why the field sessions are under my Limited Edition Session offerings.

So field it is! We planned to shoot at 7:30 in the morning, hoping to catch the clouds that typically sit on those mountains in the early morning. When I left my house, it was complete white-out fog. I could only see about 100 meters in front of my car. As I was driving, I was running through backup dates/scenarios just in case you couldn’t see anything at the field.

And then it happened. Two exits from the field and the sky opened up with bright morning sun and crisp air. When I arrived at the field, it was perfect. The yellow flowers had even grown up a few inches since my previous visit. And even crazier were the white-out conditions on my way home, two exits up and all the way home. It’s like a little piece of heaven opened up for us so we could create these beautiful images of this sweet girl. Enjoy!

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3.29.13

My angel in the field | Corona Children’s Photographer

This is the third year that we have done her photos in this field. Although the condition of the field has changed each year, there is something magical about the vast expanse that is framed and contained by the beautiful mountains behind it.

There’s not much else I can say about these other than I already have a 20×30 on my wall and that I just love her to pieces.

Parasols from Luna Bazaar. Dress made by grandma. Hat from Target. Bench from craigslist…three years ago.

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3.9.13

LIMITED EDITION SESSION {Muse in the Field} | Corona Children’s Photographer

$180 for 1/2 hour session + 16×24 block Canvas with your princess in the field.
These are early morning sessions (7-8:30 am) or late afternoon (6-7 pm) in South Corona.

Sessions are limited now (March 12- ?) thru the mowing of the field.

Call or email now to reserve your spot.
949-290-0688 marsha@marshamcneely.com
Other products also available for additional cost.

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SESSION TODAY.