Mother and son sharing a quiet moment outdoors, West Virginia family photography
Couple embracing at intimate backyard wedding, West Virginia wedding photography

documenting the story of family

Film-inspired. Unhurried. Real.

Newborn baby with older sisters in mother's embrace, in-home newborn photography, West Virginia

West Virginia and wherever life is happening.

A joyful man is holding a young girl and a young boy in a field with trees and hills in the background, all smiling and enjoying a sunny day. Family photography, in-home family photography, West Virginia
Bride and groom, intentional, non-traditional wedding, West Virginia

The beauty's already there — in your people, in your rhythm, in the life you're living. I'm here to witness it.

Marlyn McClendon wedding, family and motherhood photographer in West Virginia

Hi, I’m Marlyn

I'm a mother of three living in the mountains of West Virginia. I photograph families the way I see my own — layered, a little chaotic, and worth paying attention to.

At the center of all of it is love — the way it looks in your family, your relationship, your ordinary Tuesday. Couples, mothers, families. Every one of them a different kind of beautiful.

A bride in a white wedding dress and veil holding a bouquet of flowers walking with a groom in a black suit on a dirt road during sunset, with trees and mountains in the background. Snowshoe, West Virginia

In their words.

“Sometimes those little moments slip by, but she found them and made them last forever.”

“She didn’t just take pictures—she noticed us.”

“Marlyn has photographed all of my best times… my engagement, my pregnancies, my wedding. I absolutely love her soul and her work.”

“At the end, we left with full hearts, a new friend, and a new favorite day trip location.”

“The photos felt like us—messy, beautiful, completely real.”

A young girl with curly blonde hair sitting outside on a wooden chair, holding a turtle in her hands, with sunlight and a blue building in the background. West Virginia
In-home session, family session, West Virginia

Offerings

Family, Maternity, Couple and Newborn Portraits

  • An unhurried session, for the ones who want to remember it all.
    $1600 +tax

    We’ll spend up to three hours together, with space for coffee on the porch, kids running free, and the quiet pauses in between. Nothing rushed, nothing staged — just the fullness of your day, held with care.

    Up to 3 hours (morning or evening)
    Option to include a second nearby location
    120+ edited images in a private gallery

    Payment plan available.

  • A little more time, a deeper story. $750 +tax

    This is the session with room to breathe — where personalities unfold and moments string together into something lasting.

    • 90 minutes at home or a meaningful location

    • ~50 edited images in a private gallery

    • 10 fine art prints mailed to you

  • A simple pause, a handful of memories. $495 +tax

    One hour together, just enough to hold onto the beauty of this season without overthinking it. Perfect for when you want something heartfelt but simple.

    • 1 hour at home or outdoors

    • ~30 edited images in a private online gallery

  • In-home newborn photography · $650 +tax

    The days right after are soft and slow and a little overwhelming. Your session should feel the same way. We start easy. We talk — about motherhood, about how you're doing, about all of it. If the baby needs to nurse we make space for it. If they're fussy we wait. If they fall asleep in your arms we stay right there. I know what I'm looking for. You don't have to.

    · 90 minutes
    · your home
    · 50 edited images

  • Honest, emotion-filled storytelling for the big days and the in-betweens.

    [Learn more about weddings →]

A large group of people in colorful and formal attire celebrating on the balconies of a yellow house with white trim, surrounded by green trees and bushes.
West Virginia State Forest, outdoor family photography, Droop Mountain
Pregnant mother and family on front porch, West Virginia family photography, in-home photography

I want to photograph you,

being fully yourselves.

The most meaningful images happen when everyone feels at ease, cared for, and seen.

When kids are given space to lead, they light up. When they’re happy, you can exhale. And when you’re relaxed, everyone settles into the moment.

My role is to guide gently and hold the rhythm—so you don’t have to think about the camera, just the people you love.

The magic? Presence, connection, and the unscripted moments that follow.

Let’s work together.

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly! We can't wait to hear from you!