Mary Rice Photography

If the client is interested in my services but their budget is less than what's listed, please contact me anyway and I'll see if there's not a smaller package I can offer and still accomplish your interests/needs. We may just end up being a perfect match.

We exchange texts or emails or phone calls re your interests and budget and once we settle on what it is we'll do, we schedule the session. I'm happy to offer tips on wardrobe or locations or backdrops. I make every effort to make the client comfortable and at ease. Often showing them the photos right out of the camera is a good way to do this.

I have an Associate's degree in Visual Communication with a Concentration in Photography from Nashville State. I have assisted Rachel Paul in commercial photography and receive ongoing education through the professional organizations to which I belong: the Professional Photographers of America, the Professional Photographers of Middle Tennessee, and the American Society of Media Photographers. My work has been published in many publications and juried into gallery exhibits all over the country.

I have always enjoyed photography yet my first career was as an attorney. After my husband and I started raising kids, I left my law job to concentrate on being a mom. It was during this time when taking lots of photos of my kids that digital photography replaced film and I went to Nashville State to learn Photoshop. One class led to another and after 5-6 years, I had earned a degree in Visual Communications. I have assisted other wedding and portrait photographers as well as commercial photographers. I have also worked for other photography companies such as Bella Baby Photography and Grad Images. I now am concentrating on building my own photography business, and would love to add you on as a client!

All types. I have photographed newborns and a good friend of mine in her 90's. I have photographed people who are rich, poor, and everywhere in between. I have photographed celebrities and the homeless. I have photographed people who were dragged into photo sessions unwillingly and people who were exuberant about having their photos taken. I have photographed kids with tremendous athletic abilities and I have photographed kids with disabilities. I think there's a commonality in all of us. One of my favorite songs is Melissa Etheridge's "There's a little bit of me in a little bit of you." It's so true.

I love pets and so asked a neighbor friend of mine if I could photograph Winston Churchill, her new bulldog. She said yes and then sent Winston and her husband over for the photography session. We had the best time. The photography only lasted about 1/2 an hour but we got some great photographs. In time I plan to add a cigar in Winston's mouth and a top hat to his head, so the project is still ongoing. I also think Winston would look terrific at a card table playing a hand of cards. :)

Ask the photographer what his or her experience is and how they handle lighting. Ask the photographer whether he/she belongs to any professional photography organizations. Ask the photographer about their turn around time and how you will receive your images. I have found that a lot of customers do not know what they are paying for. I am now bringing professional lighting equipment to all sessions (the days of the flash and reflector are gone) and you will see that difference in your photographs. What most people also don't know is that it's that professional lighting equipment which produces the most beautiful "natural light." I'm not kidding.

When you see homes destroyed by natural disasters, what do you most often see the owners looking for in the rubble? It is the family photographs. Do not make the mistake of undervaluing a professional photographer's services. They are professional photographers because they can provide you with images you cannot get on your own and/or on a consistent basis. Professional photographers provide you with memories you will cherish for the rest of your life. Ask the photographer how he/she would work with you to accomplish your project goals. I know I go to great lengths to deliver great photography to my clients. I'm all about getting it right for you.