A photography hobby slowly turned into a full-time business for Mary Beth Cooper.
She was always interested in photography and often took portraits of her own family, including her three children.
About two years ago, a friend asked her to take portraits of her children. Then a co-worker of her husband's asked for portraits.
"It turned into a business," she said.
Though she began earnestly pursuing photography as a hobby two years ago, it's harder to pinpoint exactly when it became a business, she said.
A former elementary school teacher, Cooper said photography offers a way to continue to work with children while providing her with the flexibility to care for her own children.
Her teaching background serves her well in photography.
"Children are unpredictable," she said.
Because of this, Cooper allows ample time -- an hour to an hour and a half -- for each session. It gives her time to capture just the right image.
"I like that wow factor when they see their portraits," she said.
She likes to photograph her subjects in as natural a setting as possible, so many of her photographs are shot outdoors.
"I do a lot of on-location (sessions) with natural light," she said.
The small studio in her home features a large window to allow natural light to flood the room.
However, her subdivision, Lakes and Streams, offers plenty of natural scenic backdrops for portraits.
Cooper specializes in portraits of children and families. She has recently started branching out into wedding and event photography.
She described her style as "artistic" and "in-the-moment." Many of her photographs prominently feature faces.
"I think the eyes have a story to tell," she said.
Cooper offers a 5x7 portrait of the client's choice with each session, which is included in the session fee.
Reach Lisa Kaylor at lisa.kaylor@northaugustatoday.com.
Mary Beth's Photography
PHONE: (803) 634-0596
WEB SITE: marybethsphotography.info
HOURS: By appointment
