Mary Barella Photography

If you’re looking for family photography in Durham that feels friendly, relaxed and genuinely you, Mary Barella is a specialist you can trust. As a mum and former primary school teacher, Mary knows how to work with children of all ages — helping shy little ones warm up, encouraging natural interaction, and capturing the small, honest moments that mean the most. Mary’s approach is informal and playful rather than stiff or posed. She believes the best images come when everyone feels comfortable, so she spends time before the shoot finding out what matters to your family — favourite locations around Durham, outfit ideas, and simple ways to keep children engaged. Whether you’d prefer the ease of a session at home or the open spaces of a favourite local park or coastline, Mary focuses on creating an atmosphere where laughter and connection come easily. What sets Mary apart is a blend of patience, craft and attention to detail. Years of practice and a love of storytelling mean she sees moments other people miss: the way a toddler concentrates, the small gestures between siblings, or a parent’s quiet smile. Her editing is subtle and tasteful — enhancing light and colour while keeping images true to life. Mary also values printed photographs and tangible keepsakes, helping clients choose images that will look great on the wall or in a family album. Working with Mary is simple and collaborative. She offers a relaxed pre-shoot conversation to plan the session, gently guides everyone on the day so shoots feel fun rather than forced, and delivers a carefully edited gallery for you to review. As a Durham-based photographer serving the wider North East, she brings local knowledge of seasonal light and locations that make your photos sing. If you want family portraits that reflect your real life — full of warmth, personality and memory — Mary Barella specialises in creating those images with care. Her priority is helping families feel at ease in front of the camera and delivering photographs you’ll return to for years to come. For a friendly, professional family photoshoot in Durham and the North East, Mary makes the whole experience enjoyable and memorable.