Art & Life with Mary Satterthwaite

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Satterthwaite.

Mary, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I first started my love affair with photography when my husband, David, bought me my first DSLR for my birthday about 8 years ago. I started shooting anything from flowers to pets…and everything in between! After I graduated college, I planned on continuing my education and becoming a professor of gender studies- which was my major, but I found that my real calling was in the creative realm. As much as I loved being in the collegiate atmosphere, I just knew there would be a huge piece of ME missing from that occupational path. So, I went back to school and got a second degree in digital photography. One of my classmates loved my work so much that she hired me for my very first wedding! I was so incredibly humbled (and honestly a little scared to death) to take that first step but I’m so glad I did! I absolutely fell in love with shooting weddings and documenting love stories- I changed my path and never looked back! I’ve been photographing weddings and engagements now, full time for about 6 years and I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love my job so much, it’s not just what I do, but it’s who I am.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a photographer telling love stories through my lens. I try to make my clients feel comfortable and have the best time on our shoots. I know first-hand how awkward it is to have your photo taken- I seriously turn into a huge ball of nerves as soon as someone holds up a camera. I think that being able to empathize with uncomfortable clients is a huge strength to have in this industry. Anyone can take great photos of models who shine in front of a lens but being able to pull out genuine giggles from someone who is terribly nervous takes real skill- real connection. I LOVE working with people- I have met some of the most wonderful people on the planet through my work. That’s what this job is really about, making connections and being able to see someone bloom in front of my camera. It gives me purpose and makes me the happiest! The words that describe my work are “fun, fresh, and romantic” I keep these words in my head whenever I’m on a shoot, whether an engagement session or wedding. I like to keep things light, natural and happy. I will show you how beautiful you really are- no photoshop required! I believe in keeping things fun and so do my clients. I take my job very seriously, but I don’t take myself too seriously 🙂 keeping clients relaxed and having fun is my number one goal!

Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
I think that it’s the best time ever to emerge as a new artist. With the internet and all of the social media outlets available to show yourself off, we are lucky to live in a time where art and artists are very accessible to everyone. That being said, it’s tough to make a living as an artist in San Diego because every market is so saturated with new life, that standing out in a crowd of your peers gets tougher every year. I think lowering cost of living out here would really help to keep art and artists local to San Diego. If we can’t afford to live here, the city is actually stripping away what makes it so wonderful. Every time I see a mom and pops shop close and a new huge chain open, I see SD lose a little of it’s magic…

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can see a huge portfolio of my work on my website at www.mklimages.com.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mklimages.com
• Email: mary@mklimages.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/mkl_images
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/mklimages

Image Credit:
Mary Satterthwaite, MKL Images

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