Mary Kate McKenna Photography + The UnCorporate Headshot

🎃✨ Halloween has never been so out of this world! ✨🎃

Max is fully embracing the Force as a Jedi this Halloween and is on a mission to bring peace (and plenty of candy) to the galaxy! 🛸💫

Seeing him light up as he got into his costume reminds me of the magic Halloween brings to kids (and grown-ups too!). Here’s to a night of adventure, sweet treats, and maybe a few Jedi mind tricks. May your Halloween be as epic as his! 🍬🌌

🎉 Huge congratulations to Devin and Preston! 🎉 They had the most beautiful fall wedding day at Elk Run Vineyards on Saturday, and I'm still swooning! 🍁✨ Here’s a little sneak peek from their magical day! 📸💍

🎉 What a wild weekend! I had 10 mini sessions, and about six of them were with adorable 3-year-olds. 😅 Let me tell you, those little bundles of energy really kept me on my toes! I may have been sweating from every pore while chasing them around! 😂

And watch out—this little one might just be plotting to steal my clients! 🤭📸 Can’t wait to share all the fun moments!

Heading in to my busiest week of the year like... 🏃

Well, I wish I was like this. Mine will involve lots of coffee! ☕ ☕ ☕

Had six minis and a wedding this weekend which was a warm up for this coming week with 19(!) minis, 11 headshots, two events. Whewwwwww.

Weather, don't fail me!

And let's do this!

Congrats to Amanda + Edwin who won the weather lottery for their special day today! 🥰

What a show tonight! Amazing to see. Did you see it? I want to know! (and see your photos!)

🍎🍯 Shana Tova to those who celebrate.

Although I am not Jewish, I love the meaningfulness of Rosh Hashanah. It's the perfect time to reflect on the year gone by and look ahead with hope and positivity. Wishing everyone a sweet year filled with love and good health. ✨

Whether you're gathering with family, dipping apples in honey, or simply taking a moment to reflect, let's all embrace the opportunity for new beginnings and meaningful connections. 💛

🫶🏻 🎀 👭🏻 Sisters 👭🏻 🎀 🫶🏻

Which is your favorite, color or b&w?

Hello October!

September was nothing like I had hoped for (my husband in the hospital for a week + a lot of rain = so many reschedules!) but I am ready for October, my very favorite month of the year!

If you're still looking for a mini-fall session, I have good news! I added two new dates and added extra slots on a few other days!

10/13 (Alexandria) added morning spots!
10/19 (National Cathedral w/ permit) SOLD OUT
10/26 (Frederick) added morning spots!
11/2 (Alexandria) added morning spots!
11/16 (DC) added morning spots!
11/24 (Leesburg) Just added!
12/8 (Walkersville) Just added!

you can view + book your minis with this link: https://view.flodesk.com/emails/66fc6afe4e334ac6d9b7516f

These last two weeks have been a bit of a rollercoaster. It all started when Joe, not one to ask for help lightly, texted me saying he was really sick. When I got home, he was in serious pain, and we ended up at the ER. Turns out, his pancreas and gallbladder were staging a little rebellion. 🙈

After a tough surgery and a whole week in the hospital, we're finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Joe's recovering and back to working remotely (thank goodness), and I’m slowly catching up on work and emails. 💻

A huge thank you to everyone who reached out, sent kind words, or goodies our way. Your support made a world of difference during this crazy time. 🙏 I’m so grateful for my fantastic client base and your understanding while we navigated this rough patch.

Here’s to a fresh start and diving into my favorite season! 🍂

Thanks for sticking with us and for all your patience. Excited to get back into the swing of things!

Congrats to Ryan + Alexis, who had a beautiful little wedding yesterday!

🎉 🎂 Happy 6th Birthday to this amazing kid 🎂 🎉

Watching him grow, learn, and bring so much joy into the world has been the greatest adventure and honor of my life. From his endless curiosity to his boundless energy, Max makes every day brighter and more fun. (and louder. It's very loud in our house. 😅)

Happy Birthday, my sweet boy! 🎉💙

A + D are engaged!

Allison booked a mini session with me... little did she know that Drew had been texting me... and shared he was going to propose!

Fun side note- I did their high school senior photos, so this was even more exciting and sweet for me to document. Needless to say, I was nervous and I wanted it to be perfect!

It went off without a hitch- she said yes!

Congrats to these two special people. I'm so happy for you both. 💙

I love being a part of Rotary! If you'd ever like to be my guest at the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek, please reach out. I'd love to share this amazing club with you!

We continue Rotary's Membership Month Celebration with our next Member Spotlight- MK Battles.

MK has been a member since 2013 and serves the club in several capacities including as Chair of Membership, a new RCCC board member, as well as a member of Officer of the Month, Marketing/PR, and the DEI committee.

"Being a part of RCCC fills me with purpose and connection. It's my 'third place' and I truly enjoy the work we do together to make a positive impact in Frederick and beyond."

Once a photojournalist, always a photojournalist. This was an interesting way to finish up a photo session this morning! I wasn't expecting to contribute photos to The Frederick Scanner today.

I believe everyone is safe, although those folks who live in the apartment above will need some help and care. I'm so grateful for our top-notch fire and police departments in Frederick, which get the job done quickly.

Sometimes I go a little off-script.

Yesterday, I was out with Melissa Aellen at her family's winery, the beautiful Linganore Winecellars , capturing some UnCorporate Headshots for her newest endeavor, Simple Theory Wine Co (which you for sure should go follow!).

While heading up to the vineyards (in the coolest golf cart I've ever been in!), her pup Echo hitched a ride and came out with us.

It was not our our shot list, but it's one of my favorite shots.

Here's to a great weekend!

"Hope for the best, plan for the worst, and outwork everyone." -Stew Alcorn

There are few moments in life where news makes you fall to your knees.

Hearing that Stew had died was one of those moments. It simply didn't seem possible. The day before, he had just completed a triathlon. We had family photos scheduled.

There is no comparing Stew to anyone else.
Stew was Stew.

He was a fantastic dad.
(who didn't love doing family photos but was always glad to have them in the end)

He was the kind of police officer you want in your city—always calm and collected, serious about the work, and dedicated to serving the entire community. He made sure everyone, even those who society might not deem worthy, felt protected and respected. That is why my Rotary Club, the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek, named our Officer of the Year Award the Lieutenant Andrew "Stew" Alcorn, IV Officer of the Year Award.

I took this photo of the Alcorn Crew on Monday—now with an extra human (more on that another day—it's so exciting!). This family is so special to me. Jenn is one of my closest friends, and I have watched her navigate both widowhood and single motherhood with so much grace while also taking time to advocate for families in similar situations to her own. She does it because it's essential and makes a difference. I am in awe of her.

So today, on the anniversary of his passing, I encourage you to check out and follow What would Stew dew? and learn more about this amazing human who we lost far too soon.

We miss you, Stew.

...and just like that, we have a first-grader.

I have all the feelings this morning, but mostly I hope that this kid continues his love of learning new things, and, above all else, is kind.

Fall mini photo sessions are LIVE!

Some locations and dates will fill up quickly, so if you're interested, book now. See you this fall!

https://view.flodesk.com/emails/66bd6c33c1384852b48eb0af

Sometimes I forget to post things on social media that are kinda important 😅

I am doing some end-of-summer minis in Frederick on Saturday! My 8:30am is gone and all my afternoon spots are gone, but I still have plenty of good morning slots left!

Grab one and get something checked off your list early- yearly family portrait/holiday card photos- done and done!

This spot is a beauty and I love the variety of areas we can capture in a short amount of time.

Book now:
https://mk.hbportal.co/public/GambrillMill

Weekend vibes: cozying up with a good book and enjoying some well-deserved downtime. 📚☕ Nothing beats the simple pleasure of getting lost in a great story. I finished book number 58 this week and I'm hoping to get book 59 done this weekend. Cheers!

Tiny toes, big dreams. 👣 💕 Capturing the sweetness of these precious newborn feet. Welcome to the world, little one!

Celebrating a stunning pink-themed Bat Mitzvah in Washington, DC! 🎀✨

The day was filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. From the elegant decor to the heartwarming speeches everything was perfectly pink and beautiful. Mazel Tov, Talia!

Chris of Convoy Creatives looking cool in Downtown Frederick on a super hot day in July! Chris needed a few new images so we braved the heat after Rotary last week and got it done. I'm loving the city vibes and Chris's laid-back style.