Northwest Indiana Family Photographer

At Mary Beth Photography, family photography is so much more than just smiling faces in matching outfits. It’s about capturing the real, the raw, and the beautifully unscripted moments that make your family unique. Based in Valparaiso, Indiana, and serving families across Northwest Indiana, our storytelling family sessions are designed to preserve the heart of your home—your connection, your laughter, your love.

Why Storytelling Matters

Time moves fast—kids grow, seasons change, and moments we thought we’d never forget start to blur. That’s why I’ve built my photography sessions around storytelling. These aren’t stiff, posed portraits. Instead, they’re an invitation to relax, play, snuggle, and just be with the people you love most.

Whether it’s a tickle fight in your backyard, a golden-hour stroll through one of Valparaiso’s beautiful parks, or cozy cuddles in your living room, each session is crafted to reflect your family’s unique rhythm.

What to Expect in a Storytelling Session

From the moment you book, we’ll start dreaming up the perfect setting that feels right for your family. I’ll guide you through outfit choices, location ideas (think: wildflower fields, downtown charm, or the shores of Lake Michigan), and help your crew feel comfortable in front of the camera. My goal? To capture you just as you are—perfect in your own wonderfully imperfect way.

A storytelling session often includes:

• Gentle prompts to encourage natural interaction

• A mix of candid and lightly posed moments

• Playful direction to keep little ones engaged

• A relaxed pace with time to breathe, snack, and reset as needed

Rooted in Valparaiso, Inspired by Northwest Indiana

As a Valparaiso-based photographer, I feel deeply connected to the community and landscape of Northwest Indiana. I know the hidden gems, the golden fields, the quiet woodlands, and the best times to catch that dreamy light. These elements, paired with your family’s dynamic, help me create timeless, emotional images you’ll treasure forever.

Let’s Tell Your Story

Every family has a story worth telling. From the chaos of toddlerhood to the quiet pride of raising teens, I want to help you pause time—even just for a moment—and capture it beautifully.

So if you’re in Valparaiso or anywhere in Northwest Indiana, and you’re looking for a family session that feels more like you, let’s make it happen. I promise we’ll laugh, we might cry (in the best way), and you’ll walk away with a gallery that tells your family’s story—one chapter at a time.