Motherhood & Family Sessions

“Our family loved everything about working with Marlyn! Communication was effortless, and we loved her tips for preparing for our photographs. She found us a beautiful location, took us on a hike woven with stories and laughter, and made us feel at ease. At the end, we left with full hearts, a new friend, and a new favorite day trip location. We hope to work with Marlyn for many years to come.” - Katherine

A family of three celebrating a new baby's arrival. The father is holding the newborn wrapped in a blue blanket, and both parents are smiling and showing affection. A dog is also closely snuggling with the mother.

Sometimes you can't see your own days from the inside.

You're too busy living them.

So let’s spend some time together, at home and just as you are. You live your day, and I’ll hold the camera. Later, you get to see yourself in it

A young boy kneeling on the grass offering a green apple to a baby girl sitting on the ground, with a tree and greenery in the background.
Father holding a sleeping baby close to his chest. In-Home family photography, in-home newborn photography session
Mother and father with newborn baby boy, in-home session, newborn session, family session, marlyn Mcclendon photography, West Virginia

Hi, I’m Marlyn

Motherhood keeps teaching me to slow down.

Life is easy to measure in goals and to-do lists. But most days, it’s made of smaller things: a book on the couch, a dream told over breakfast, a hug when things get hard.

Those small ways we show up for the people we love are what a life is made of. They’re what I come to photograph.

What it feels like to work together.

A happy older woman holding a sleeping baby, with an older man leaning over and smiling. They are indoors with a brick wall and decorative wreath in the background.

Like a friend coming over for coffee
We talk about life, the kids warm up, and everyone settles. I’ll nudge you closer together now and then. The rest happens on its own.

The house as it is
Your home is where your kids are growing up: the kitchen table, the hallway, the couch where everyone ends up. Leave the dishes. It already looks like your family.

Everyone, and everything, belongs
Spilled snacks, the dog, the baby on your hip, a nap that won’t happen. There’s room for all of it, including you. The beauty is always tucked inside.

Someone who knows where to look
I’ve spent eight years in other people’s homes. I know where the light falls, when to step back, and which small moment is about to matter.

What you take home
A gallery you’ll open after bedtime, on the couch, phone too close to your face. There’s your hallway, the afternoon coming through the window, and you, in the middle of it with them.

Your sessions

  • The Slow Day · $1,600 + tax Three unhurried hours. Long enough for breakfast, a walk to the creek, a meltdown, and the quiet after.

    Why three hours: it takes a while for everyone to settle. The longer we have, the more of your real day ends up in the photographs.

    • Up to 3 hours, morning or evening

    • Option to add a second nearby location

    • All the best images in a private gallery

    • Payment plan available

  • A Chapter · $750 + tax Ninety minutes, long enough for everyone to forget I'm there.

    Why prints are included: photographs on a phone get scrolled past. Photographs on the fridge get looked at every day, and kids grow up seeing them.

    • 90 minutes at home or a place that matters

    • All the best images in a private gallery

    • 10 fine art prints, mailed to you

  • Short & Sweet · $495 + tax One hour, one place, this season of you, just as it is.

    • 1 hour at home or outdoors

    • All the best images in a private gallery

Book as Session
A happy man lifting a smiling young girl in a park setting with autumn leaves and sunlight filtering through trees.

  • Absolutely! I understand that photography is an investment, and I want to make it as accessible as possible. Payment plans are available for all my packages—let’s chat and find an option that works for you so you can focus on what matters: creating meaningful memories.

    1. Connect & Intros: Head over to the contact page, fill out the from & I'll be in touch within 24-hours. Then I’ll reach out to introduce myself & ask for more info on the type of session you ‘re interested in.

    2. Select Session & Retainer: I’ll respond with available times & ask for a $100 retainer to secure your date.

    3. Planning Your Session: Let’s touch base by phone to iron out the details of your session.

    4. Your Session: Celebrate you and don’t worry about the photos. I’ll be there to capture all the sentimental connections, feelings & moments. It will be un-posed, gentle direction in the most relaxed, fun way.

    5. Teasers + Delivery of Photos + Prints: I'll have teaser photos to you within 72-hours, Edited photographs will be delivered within 2-3 weeks.

  • No stress! Kids being kids is part of the magic. I’ll follow their lead, work with their energy, and capture the genuine moments that make your family unique. Some of the most beautiful images come from the unexpected!

  • West Virginia weather can be unpredictable, but I always have a backup plan. Whether we reschedule, dance in the rain, or pivot to an in-home session, we'll make it work—and create something beautiful, no matter what.

  • I know you’re excited to see your images! You can expect your fully edited gallery within 4-6 weeks of your session.

  • Yes! I love exploring new places and capturing stories in unique locations. Travel within 1.5 hours of Lewisburg is included in my packages, and I’m happy to go further for an additional travel fee. Let’s dream up something special!

A man and woman sit on a large rock outdoors during sunset, surrounded by trees with fall foliage, looking at each other and smiling.
A man and woman standing on a staircase, smiling and facing each other, inside a house with wooden floors and patterned wallpaper.

Let’s work together

A woman in a white dress with a back cutout and bow detail stands outdoors on a stone pathway surrounded by fallen autumn leaves, with trees and string lights in the background during late afternoon or early evening light.
A woman and man stand close together in front of a large, vibrant bush of pink flowers, both wearing sunglasses and enjoying an outdoor setting on a sunny day.